DISA Wireless E-Mail Trial.

Wireless e-mail techniques were investigated with the objective being remote e-mail access of a userevaluation group of 25 persons. Private, noncellular radio connection services were utilized including ARDIS wireless network and RAM mobile data network. Correspondingly unique wireless modems were obtained and mated to the PCMCIA slot of notebook computers in the userevaluation population, consisting of InfoTac and Mobedem wireless modems for use with ARDIS and RAM, respectively. Initially Secret Agent encryption software was utilized for data security but later FORTEZZA PCMCIA-type encryption cards were used to provide security for e-mail data up to confidential level. Various e-mail software packages were installed in and demonstrated via the notebook computers. A local area network which could access, bidirectionally, both the RAM and ARDIS networks and thus e-mail from users in the field using both radio mail systems, was installed at DISA and connected via an X.25 network. Late arrivals of FORTEZZA cards, high radio mail service rates and e-mail software difficulties have caused this effort to fall short of attaining all objectives.