ROME, N.Y. (May 16, 2024) – The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate, in collaboration with multiple esteemed technology partners of the area including Assured Information Security, Quanterion Solutions, Griffiss Institute, NYSTEC, and Cisco, is proud to introduce ORION: a technology accelerator and innovation ecosystem that is revolutionizing military and cyber capabilities within the Internet of Things (IoT).
ORION, an acronym for Open-Architecture, Resilient loT for Operational Networks, brings together a team of technical experts with a broad range of capabilities that enable them to integrate and test nearly any IoT system, leveraging a collection of tools and resources that evaluate the underlying and enabling technologies (e.g., embedded systems, wireless communication technologies, cloud services, user applications, etc.). Through this assessment, ORION can offer a spectrum of support options customized for each client – whether they be government, industrial, academic, or individual – that will help them thrive in the ever-changing world of IoT.
IoT refers to the vast digital network that links modern technological devices and systems with the cloud as well as with each other. These devices can range from phones to power distribution systems to advanced military and civilian transport vehicles. Advances in IoT allow for advances in operational efficiency, quality of life, automation, and safety. However, as the number of IoT systems grows exponentially every year, it has become increasingly difficult for many of the companies that work within the expanding IoT landscape to traverse it effectively and securely.
“We recognized the urgent need for secure loT capabilities as the usage outpaces existing security standards,” said Anthony Macera, Senior Computer Engineer/Senior Program Manager at AFRL and Director of ORION. “ORION’s cyber assurance capabilities can help ensure the integrity and resilience of critical systems. Through customizable environments and cutting-edge tooling, we facilitate seamless testing and integration for both government and commercial organizations.”
ORION is capable of harnessing state-of-the-art security measures to understand the current needs and requirements of the modern digital age. Through this, ORION understands how to utilize the full power of loT without compromising data integrity, security, or privacy.
Assured Information Security (AIS) serves as the technical linchpin of ORION to help make its aspirations a reality. Charles Green, CEO of AIS, declared, “we’re privileged to serve as the prime technical leadership for ORION, in which each partner plays an indispensable role in revolutionizing cyber capabilities for customers. From flight lines and military vehicles to base infrastructure to personalized wearables, ORION leverages IoT data to forge a strategic edge like never before.”
Whatever challenges there are for a client’s IoT demands, ORION stands resolute and prepared to use the vast knowledge of its subject matter experts to help its clients tackle every immediate challenge and then guide them effectively into the future of IoT.
Quanterion Solutions, a software and data analysis solutions provider headquartered in Utica, N.Y., has played a crucial role in developing secure loT architecture. Alex MacDiarmid, Vice President of Quanterion Solutions, stated, “ORION is the result of a years-long undertaking to trailblaze cutting-edge loT solutions that solve a variety of DoD, industrial, and commercial challenges. We are thrilled to contribute our technical capabilities and collaborate with the ORION team to ensure a secure and innovative future for IoT.”
ORION is determined to stay vigilant and proactive when it comes to IoT advancements. Not only does it contribute to STEM initiatives that will foster innovation and open the doors to IoT progress, ORION is prepared to utilize emerging, cutting-edge IoT technology to help its clients stay ahead of IoT changes and developments. Including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), edge processing, cybersecurity red teaming/penetration testing, and beyond, the ORION team is resolute in staying ahead of each new IoT trend.
The headquarters of ORION, housed at the lnnovare Advancement Center in Rome, N.Y., is spearheaded by the Griffiss Institute, a STEM talent and technology accelerator. Heather Hage, President & CEO of Griffiss Institute, highlighted the commitment to advancing loT technology: “ORION is not just a collaboration; it’s a commitment to advancing the landscape of loT technology. We’re on a mission to secure modern applications, drive innovation, and open doors to loT opportunities for industry, government, and academia.”
As a part of its initiative, ORION is hosting multiple tech events in the coming months including an IoT 101 Workshop on May 8, a Defense Industrial Base 4.0 Workshop on June 21, and a UAS Hack event from August 19 to 23. These are all designed to help teach and develop the next generation of IoT innovators. For more information on all upcoming ORION events, visit https://www.ORIONassured.com.
Supporting ORION and helping expand its ecosystem is NYSTEC, a nonprofit technology consulting company based in Rome, N.Y. Its president and CEO, Kevin Owens, emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation of technical expertise for a sustainable future for loT: “ORION is integral to the advancement and development of the tech corridor being created in Rome, where NYSTEC is proud to be headquartered,” he said. “As a company dedicated to supporting clients with complex technology projects, we are thrilled to support this initiative and work alongside our community partners.”
ORION is offering tours of its facility at the lnnovare Advancement Center. Interested parties can request tours by contacting ORION at ORION@ORIONassured.com.
A public ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official launch of this innovative company is scheduled for August 23, 2024, with more details to be released closer to the date and published online at https://www.ORIONassured.com.
Join us on this journey of innovation. ORION is not just a name; it’s a promise – a promise to redefine connectivity, empower change, and shape a future where the possibilities of loT are limited only by imagination.
Welcome to ORION, where tomorrow’s connectivity is crafted today. Visit https://www.ORIONassured.com to learn more.
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ABOUT ORION:
Welcome to the heart of innovation-ORION, where the future unfolds seamlessly through the lens of Open Architecture, Resilient loT for Operational Networks. More than a research and development hub, ORION is a dynamic force propelling the frontiers of loT advancement. ORION empowers organizations to harness IoT technology for their benefit while ensuring the privacy and security of IoT implementations for vendors and end users.