Lockheed Martin today announced the opening of its NexGen Cyber Innovation and Technology Center, a world-class research and development center for customer and partner collaboration located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This cyber solution center is the newest addition to the Lockheed Martin portfolio of innovation, collaboration, and testing facilities. In support of the NexGen dedication ceremony, the Maryland Governor's office issued a proclamation declaring November 12th Cyber Security Awareness Day.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091112/PH10096 )

Speaking at the dedication ceremony today were Bob Stevens, Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer; Linda Gooden, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services; Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley; Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md); Art Coviello, Executive Vice President, EMC and President, RSA, the Security Division of EMC and other notable government officials and technology industry executives.

"Our new NexGen cyber center will foster innovation and collaboration to preserve our customers' missions and address the worldwide cyber security challenges," said Linda Gooden, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Services.

The 25,000 square foot facility is designed complete with a global cyber innovation range to solve technology challenges in real-time while simulating customer environments. NexGen leverages partner and Lockheed Martin technologies to create rapid prototypes to speed the innovation of solution delivery while providing seamless security. Features of the center include: seven collaboration areas, a green IT data center, cloud computing platforms, telepresence and high definition video teleconferencing, and site connectivity to other Lockheed Martin facilities around the globe.

"Threats such as identity theft, network viruses, loss of sensitive information and other malicious activity are part of the ever evolving world of cyber information and communications," said Governor O'Malley. "As public servants, our most solemn obligation is to protect the safety of the citizens we serve, and that includes protection from cyber threats. All Marylanders have an obligation to protect themselves as well, as we address this modern security threat as One Maryland."

"I am so proud that more than ever before, Maryland truly is home to America's cyber security efforts," said U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. "Cyber security is a growing national security threat, and one I take very seriously.

The NexGen Cyber Innovation and Technology Center will unite federal and private efforts to protect our nation from despicable and dangerous cyber criminals and spies. It also means new high-tech, high-paying jobs that will stay right here in Maryland."

"In this digital age, the strength of the country's cyber infrastructure is a matter of economic and national security. Any weak point in that security threatens the state of the entire system. The NexGen Cyber Innovation and Technology Center will help create cyber solutions for challenges we face both today and in the future," said Congressman Van Hollen (D-Md).

The newly constructed center will serve as a global security asset to protect Lockheed Martin customers' missions and address the greater cyber security challenges worldwide. Partnering to help customers meet their defining moments, the company has made significant progress to ensure delivery of the highest quality cyber security solutions and protection for its customers' most critical assets.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

  For additional information, visit our websites:
  http://www.lockheedmartin.com/
  http://www.lockheedmartin.com/isgs/capabilities/NexGen

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin