Eicon Secures Hi/fn Processor for DSL Modems-Hi/fn to
Supply Eicon with Integrated Security Chips for Remote
Access Devices
FEBRUARY 14, 2000
MONTREAL, CANADA/LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA--In response to market
demands for more advanced remote access security, Eicon Technology
Corporation and Hi/fn(R) Inc. (Nasdaq: HIFN) jointly announced
today that Eicon will use Hi/fn's integrated security processor,
the Hi/fn 7901, in its DSL products currently under development.
"By 2004, nearly 9 million US households will subscribe to cable
data services and nearly 7 million will subscribe to xDSL
services," said John Pescatore, research director for
GartnerGroup's network security services. "With approximately 16
million US households using these broadband technologies, it's
crucial that enterprises understand the threat broadband access
can have on their security systems. The cost of responding to
security incidents from Internet-based remote access via broadband
technology will be 200 percent more than that related to users
connecting over dial-up Internet access methods."
The Hi/fn 7901 will provide Eicon's DSL solutions with a highly
integrated solution for compression, encryption, authentication,
public key and random number generation. With this wide scope of
security options, Eicon's DSL devices will be able to offer secure
Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications for the small
office/home office (SOHO) and branch office environments.
"The Hi/fn processor will address critical communications security
performance requirements," said Maks Wulkan, Executive Vice
President, Eicon Technology. "With the 'always on' access
provided by DSL and other broadband technologies, we must ensure
that our customer's information is safe while still maintaining
the highest level of performance."
Using a dedicated chip to deal with computationally complex
security algorithms, such as triple-DES (Data Encryption Standard)
encryption, RSA public key and LZS(R) compression, Eicon's DSL
devices will be able to provide data throughput at wire speed.
The Hi/fn chip will be fully integrated with Eicon's VPN/IPSec
capabilities.
"The cost of broadband remote connections is coming down as usage
is increasing, making fast Internet access available to a larger
public," says Stefan Braken-Guelke, Hi/fn marketing and sales vice
president. "Eicon's product offerings will ensure that this
experience is enhanced by using the 7901 security processor to
implement a robust security infrastructure."
Hi/fn, Inc.
Hi/fn, Inc., of Los Gatos, California makes integrated circuits
and software for manufacturers of computer networking products.
Hi/fn's integrated compression-encryption technology is central to
the growth of the Internet, helping to make electronic mail, web
browsing and Internet shopping faster and more secure. Nearly all
network equipment manufacturers use Hi/fn's patented technology to
improve data packet processing. Hi/fn was founded in 1996 and
trades on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the HIFN symbol. For
more information, contact: Hi/fn, Inc., 750 University Avenue, Los
Gatos, CA 95032. Phone:408-399-3500. Fax:408-399-3501.
Web:http://www.hifn.com.
Eicon Technology Corporation
Eicon Technology Corporation is a worldwide provider of remote
access products for personal computers. The Company develops,
markets and supports hardware and software products for connecting
network servers and desktop and notebook PCs to corporate
networks, host computers and the Internet. Its products are sold
in more than 80 countries through a network of certified channel
partners and Original Equipment Manufacturers. Eicon Technology
shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol
"EIC." Information about Eicon and its products is available at
eicon.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT NOTICE
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are
subject to risk and uncertainties, including risks associated with
the success of the ongoing technology development efforts, the
ability to successfully integrate new technology into products in
a cost-effective manner, the timing of new product introductions,
intense competition in the network and storage equipment
industries and the significant uncertainty of market acceptance of
new products. These and other risks are detailed from time to
time in Hi/fn's SEC reports as well as in Hi/fn's registration
statement on Form S-3.
Eicon and DIVA are registered trademarks of Eicon Technology
Corporation. Hi/fn and LZS are registered trademarks of Hi/fn,
Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their owners.
SOURCE: GartnerGroup / John Pescatore / February 2000 |
