Calence Announces New Director of Security Solutions; Patrick Dirck To Lead Firm's Growing Security Practice.

Business & Technology Editors

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2001

Calence, a leader in building and managing networks, today announced the appointment of Patrick Dirck to director of Security Solutions.

In this new role, Mr. Dirck will lead Calence's growing security practice, which encompasses security operations, network security and business continuation planning services.

Mr. Dirck brings deep hands-on experience to Calence's security practice. Since joining the company more than five years ago, he has led teams that designed and engineered security architecture for Fortune 100 companies, including leading manufacturers, financial services firms, healthcare providers, insurance companies and government agencies. His expertise includes network security and vulnerability assessments, intrusion detection solutions, network firewall design and deployment and security incident response. Prior to joining Calence, Mr. Dirck served as a consultant at Accenture focusing in the financial and communication services industries.

According to Calence CEO and co-founder Mike Fong, Mr. Dirck's move into this new role supports the company's commitment to providing organizations with security services and management. "Patrick's expertise and leadership will be instrumental in helping us build this practice area to provide leading companies with the best technology and counsel in order to offer maximum network security," he said. "As recent global events have put security top-of-mind for many of our clients, and more and more companies seek our security expertise and solutions, Patrick is an invaluable asset in ensuring Calence continues to help organizations reduce risk, protect corporate assets and brand equity, and maximize the value of their security investments."

About Calence

Calence (www.calence.com) builds and manages customized, client-centric networks that are strategically tailored to meet an organization's specific business goals and requirements. Drawing upon both business and technical expertise and experience, Calence designs, implements and manages network solutions that reduce information technology costs, improve internal processes and increase operational efficiency. The company offers strategic services as well as expertise in a wide range of specialty areas, including voice, data, wireless and information security. Calence has earned designation as a Cisco Gold Partner, as well as one of a select group of Cisco AVVID Partners.

Recently named one of the fastest growing privately held companies in Arizona, Calence is headquartered in Tempe, with additional offices in Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis.