(I-Newswire) February 15, 2005 - VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, today announced a series of next-generation tokens as well as new services and programs designed to further drive industry-wide adoption of strong authentication. Among the enhancements announced are:
Two new tokens that will be available shortly: A state-of-the-art One Time Password (OTP) device for a fraction of the price of current solutions, and a multi-purpose authentication device that contains up to 265MB of secure storage
A competitive upgrade program with an unprecedented total cost of operation of less than $10 per user
Tighter integration of VeriSign Unified Authentication with the Windows operating environment
An on-premise deployment option that brings the VeriSign worldwide infrastructure to the enterprise
A new channel-partner program that leverages the support of technology partners, Value Added Resellers, System Integrators and other distributors to meet the high demand for VeriSign Unified Authentication Solutions.
"VeriSign Unified Authentication has already provided customers with much needed choice and flexibility for their strong authentication needs and today, we are bringing significant new advancements to market that further increase functionality at a reduced cost," said Judy Lin, executive vice president and general manager, VeriSign Security Services. "The introduction of tokens with secure storage, a unique trade-in program that allows enterprises to deploy a more cost effective solution and tighter integration of VeriSign Unified Authentication with the Windows environment will push two-factor authentication past the tipping point into ubiquitous adoption."
Widely seen as a crucial step in ensuring the growth of e-commerce, combating malicious attacks on corporate networks and protecting employees, customers and partners from identity theft, the adoption of two-factor authentication has been stalled due to the high cost and complex challenges of deployment. To address these problems, the enhancements announced today enable enterprises to deploy solutions that provide more functionality in their IT environment at a significantly reduced cost.
Making Authentication More Flexible With New Token Choices
VeriSign will introduce a series of new tokens to increase the flexibility of the VeriSign Unified Authentication platform. This includes an enhanced multi-purpose USB hybrid token that combines OTP, PKI credentials and smartcard functionality with secure flash storage. These next-generation tokens will initially be offered in 128MB and 256MB versions, allowing enterprises to deliver data mobility to enterprise users while shielding access to sensitive corporate data.
"Enterprises are looking to increase the mobility of user data, but transferring corporate data to a USB storage device presents considerable risks," said Clare Hirst, principal analyst at Gartner. "Enterprises can mitigate this risk by combining two-factor authentication and secure storage into one single device. Combining a USB authentication token with mass storage can help to address this problem."
Additionally, VeriSign will introduce an OTP-only token to supplement its line of multi-purpose tokens. All the devices in the VeriSign token family will operate on the Hashed OTP (HOTP) algorithm introduced earlier this year by the Initiative for Open AuTHentication (OATH). OATH-compliant tokens have already been deployed by major United States-based financial institutions that need to support large numbers of users and require high levels of reliability.
Strong Authentication To Fit Any IT Budget
VeriSign is also introducing a Competitive Token Upgrade Program. This program will allow enterprises to trade in existing two-factor authentication systems for new tokens from VeriSign at a fraction of the cost, and realize immediate savings. This trade-in program will offer the unprecedented TCO of less than $10 per user, per year.
Under terms of the VeriSign Competitive Token Upgrade program, enterprises can deploy VeriSign Unified Authentication with contracts running up to five-years. For enterprises deploying a minimum of 500 seats, they will receive OTP tokens for $14.99 per token with a $4.99 per user, per year in 3- or 5-year subscription fees. All tokens are covered under a lifetime warranty. This program will be available directly from VeriSign beginning March 1st and through the company's channel program, also announced today, beginning in July.
More Power Leveraging Existing IT Investments: Tighter Windows Integration
Announced separately today, VeriSign significantly enhanced the integration of the VeriSign Unified Authentication platform with the Windows infrastructure. The integration will enable businesses to implement two-factor authentication within the Windows environment, including Windows log-on, Outlook Web access, Wi-Fi networks and remote access for Windows desktops. For more information on this integration, please refer to today's announcement at http://www.verisign.com/verisign-inc/news-and-events/news-archive/us-news-2005/page_028482.html
Additional Deployment Option: On-Premise
VeriSign Unified Authentication is now available in two operating models: "on-premise," in which all processing is performed by software residing on the customers' network, or "in-the-cloud" service, which is securely delivered over the Internet for fast and easy implementation without the purchase of additional software and hardware. Both models are based on VeriSign's highly reliable and scalable infrastructure, capable of Internet-level scalability.
Driving the Ubiquity: New Channel Program and Partners
Building on its numerous existing channel partnerships, VeriSign has established a formal channel program for VeriSign Unified Authentication to better serve market demand for strong authentication through technology partners, as well as resellers and systems integrators. Key new members of the VeriSign Unified Authentication channel program announced today include: Aventail, Citrix, Dewpoint, Fiberlink, IBM, RBTi, Secure Data Solutions, Set Solutions and Venafi, with additional partners to be announced in the coming months. For more information on the VeriSign Unified Authentication channel program, please visit http://www.verisign.com/verisign-inc/news-and-events/news-archive/us-news-2005/page_028484.html
"The increase in mobile workers has prompted the need for comprehensive security enhanced identity solutions," said Michel Bobillier, global offering executive, IBM Security and Privacy Services, IBM Global Services. "Customers can take advantage of VeriSign's Unified Authentication to help provide greater control over their authentication processes, and benefit from the convenience of two-factor protection without the burden of having to manage the system and from the integration with the Tivoli Identity Management suite."
The enhancements to VeriSign Unified Authentication announced today are being demonstrated at the RSA Conference 2005, Booth #704. For more information on VeriSign Unified Authentication devices and services, visit: http://www.verisign.com/products-services/security-services/unified-authentication/index.html
About VeriSign
VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable businesses and individuals to find, connect, secure, and transact across today's complex global networks. Additional news and information about the company is available at www.verisign.com.
For more information, contact:
VeriSign Media Relations: Brendan P. Lewis, brlewis@verisign.com, 650-426-4470
VeriSign Investor Relations: Tom McCallum, tmccallum@verisign.com, 650-426-3744
Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause VeriSign's actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the uncertainty of future revenue and profitability and potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results due to such factors as the inability of VeriSign to successfully develop and market new products and services and customer acceptance of any new products or services, including VeriSign Unified Authentication; the possibility that VeriSign's announced new services may not result in additional customers, profits or revenues; and increased competition and pricing pressures. More information about potential factors that could affect the company's business and financial results is included in VeriSign's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. VeriSign undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.
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