The Transglobal Secure Collaboration Program (TSCP) is opening up its membership to "niche" software vendors seeking to serve aerospace and defense contractors. Typically, that market is dominated by large companies with multi-million-dollar budgets for marketing and research and development, the organization said. In addition, customers can be reluctant to embrace the kinds of new technologies that emerge from smaller players. Now, TSCP hopes to expand the opportunity for emerging companies to develop and market their services. Involvement with TSCP gives members early access to information security specifications, as well as a cost-effective way to invest in R&D, since they start with inside knowledge of what industry leaders want, the group said. "Standards and specifications necessary to do business with government agencies are a costly investment that can box out mid-size companies," said Keith Ward, TSCP chairman as well as security director at Northrop Grumman. In line with the change, TSCP has named security veteran J.P. Calderon to head a new membership initiative focused on attracting best-of-breed vendors and consultancies. Previously with Family Dollar Stores, he has more than 16 years' experience in designing, implementing and managing security programs. Current TSCP members include the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. General Services Administration, U.K. Ministry of Defence, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Microsoft.
