IRE's SafeNet Technology Drives E-Commerce On World's Largest Extranet
BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 1, 1999--
Revolutionary Dial Service Introduced by Ideal
Technology Solutions, U.S., Relies on Soft-PK Interoperable VPN Client to Secure Transactions on Automotive Network
Exchange
Information Resource Engineering, Inc. (IRE) (Nasdaq: IREG), a leading provider of Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology and solutions for secure business communications, announced today that its award-winning software client SafeNet/Soft-PK(TM) has been licensed by Ideal Technology Solutions, U.S. (ITS US) for an application that will accelerate the utlization of the Automotive Network eXchange(r) (ANX(r)). This strategic alliance between IRE and ITS US will make it possible for small and medium-sized auto suppliers to take advantage of the ANX by significantly reducing costs, while ensuring the high security and interoperability the automotive community demands.
The ANX is the world's largest extranet, connecting more than 10,000 global automobile makers and suppliers and allowing them to conduct business electronically. To date, participation has been limited to the largest industry players who can afford the dedicated connections and hardware necessary to access the network through one of the existing certified service providers. ITS US's Managed ANX Dial Service (MANX) is a cost-effective option that will allow suppliers of all sizes to exchange information securely with their original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and trading partners. IRE's industry leading VPN client SafeNet/Soft-PK makes this dial service possible by providing strong encryption and authentication while ensuring interoperability with the numerous hardware configurations used by industry participants.
"IRE's proven SafeNet technology allows us to provide high security, performance, and reliability demanded by the Automotive Industry Action Group in a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution," said Bob Skinner, Executive Vice President of ITS US. "We are excited about pooling our services expertise with IRE's best-of-breed technology to accelerate participation on this powerful extranet."
ITS US will make its MANX Dial Service available on a usage basis, replacing the need for dedicated links. ITS US will provide customers copies of SafeNet/Soft-PK and issue VeriSign Digital Certificates to authenticate users. The company will also provide support and management to help participants negotiate the technical problems that may arise from the wide variety of equipment used by ANX members.
"Low cost, secure communication and support is essential to ensure the industry-wide participation that will allow the ANX to fulfill its potential," said Phil Saunders, Vice President of Marketing for IRE. "IRE's ability to provide comprehensive, flexible solutions for a wide range of network environments is why SafeNet technology is quickly becoming the de facto standard for VPNs."
About SafeNet/Soft-PK
SafeNet/Soft-PK is an IPSec-certified, interoperable VPN software product that allows secure client-to-client or client-to-gateway communication over TCP/IP networks, including the Internet. The security services offered by SafeNet/Soft-PK include confidentiality via encryption, packet integrity and authentication via keyed hash, and identity authentication via Digital Signatures and X.509 certificates exchanged during key negotiation. SafeNet/Soft-PK version 2.0 features the CEP certificate management protocol jointly developed by Cisco Systems and VeriSign, which simplifies the handling of digital certificates. SafeNet/Soft-PK is one of only two client software products to be awarded IPSec certification from the International Computer Security Association (ICSA). It is approved for deployment by the AIAG ANX initiative and is being private-labeled by major communications vendors including Cisco Systems, Lucent Technologies, and Xedia Corporation. SafeNet/Soft-PK was recently named "Best Security Solution" by Solutions Integrator's SI Impact Awards.
About Ideal Technology Solutions, U.S.
Ideal Technology Solutions, U.S. is a premier E-Business Service Provider delivering connectivity, security, managed hosting, and an array of Applications Services. For more information, visit www.itsusnow.com or call 888-ITSUSNOW. |
