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The National Security Agency has developed a hand-held communication device that will revolutionize secure, portable access to classified information. Its technical name is "Secure Mobile Environment Portable Electronic Device" (SME-PED) and it enables its users to send and receive both classified and unclassified telephone calls and to exchange classified and unclassified email. In addition, the SME-PED (pronounced "SMEE-PED") enables users to web browse on secure networks that are classified SECRET.

NSA was recently named a recipient of this year's prestigious Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Information Officer (CIO) Awards for its development of the SME-PED. The award was based on outstanding achievement in Information Assurance by NSA's Information Assurance Directorate (IAD).

A recent article on the SME-PED by Bob Brewin, published on govexec.com/nextgov.com, quoted a senior Defense Department Official referring to the device as a "transformational" product that provides top-level leaders with voice and data as well as access to the Defense Department's classified network, "all of which fits in the palm of your hand." The article also says that "between 30,000 to 100,000 smart phones could be delivered to the Defense, Homeland Security and State Departments and to every state governor as well."