Netscape and VeriSign Sign Major Agreement to Launch Internet Security Center On Netscape Netcenter
PR Newswire, Tuesday, February 23, 1999 at 09:19
VeriSign Also Designated as Premier Digital Certificate Services Provider For
Users of Netscape Products and Netscape Netcenter
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- VeriSign, Inc.
(NASDAQ:VRSN), the world's leading provider of Internet trust services, and
Netscape Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:NCSP), which operates one of the
world's largest web portals, today announced the signing of a comprehensive
multi-year agreement to promote secure electronic commerce and communications
solutions on corporate networks and the World Wide Web. The agreement covers a
wide range of joint initiatives including the launch of a new co-branded
Netcenter Security Center, the further integration of VeriSign digital
certificate services with Netscape client and server products, and the naming
of VeriSign as the premier provider of digital certificate and Internet trust
services for Netscape customers.
The agreement is the first of its kind to create a one-stop destination on
a major portal for secure e-commerce and communications solutions on the Web,
through a unique integration of Netscape products, the Netcenter portal and
VeriSign's global digital certificate services infrastructure.
"VeriSign is the clear leader in Internet trust services and we're pleased
to take our long-standing partnership to the next level with unparalleled
cooperation on specialized content development, product integration and
digital certificate service delivery for Internet businesses and consumers
worldwide," said Mike Homer, executive vice president and general manager of
Netscape's Netcenter division. "Together, we plan to deliver the best-of-breed
information and services that our customers need to securely conduct their
personal or business transactions over the Internet."
According to recent studies by Jupiter Research and others, security
remains the number one concern for conducting transactions over the Internet.
With the agreement announced today, Netscape and VeriSign intend to work
together to reduce this barrier, fueling the growth of global e-commerce by
offering the next generation of Internet security services through one of the
most highly trafficked and business-oriented sites on the Internet. The
companies expect the new initiatives to lead to faster development and
deployment of secure e-commerce applications in retailing, financial services,
virtual private networking, customer service and supply-chain management.
Highlights of the new agreement include:
* The Security Center by VeriSign. The new Netcenter Security Center by
Netscape and VeriSign will serve as a one-stop information and service
site for all Internet security needs. This new channel, targeted to
enterprises, websites and individuals, will provide comprehensive
product and service information on digital certificates and other
Internet security technologies; kits for developers to enable secure
e-commerce applications; and training and implementation services.
Sub-channels of the Security Center will make additional information
readily accessible on topics such as Building Secure Web Sites, Public
Key Infrastructure, Online Shopping, Developer Tools and Secure
Messaging.
* Enhanced Client and Server Product Integration. Expanding on their
existing technology partnership, Netscape and VeriSign enterprise
solutions will continue to be highly integrated and compatible. Key
areas for joint technology development include enhancement of the
protocols and process for acquiring VeriSign website digital
certificates for use with Netscape server products and the inclusion of
VeriSign-specific technology in Netscape client and server products to
simplify enterprise-wide digital certificate deployment and use. The
companies also plan to collaborate on the next generation of secure
e-commerce and communication products and services, including customized
portal services, secure messaging features, and AOL-compatible
e-commerce features.
* Premier Provider Relationship. As part of today's agreement, VeriSign
has also been named the Premier Provider of digital certificate services
for all Netscape products and services. VeriSign will have pre-eminent
positioning throughout Netscape's Netcenter, reaching a wide range of
target customers including enterprises, IT professionals, online
merchants, developers, power computer users and small businesses.
VeriSign will also be listed as the premier provider of digital
certificate services in all Netscape product configuration and
registration processes.
"Netscape Netcenter has become a premier destination for business-oriented
individuals looking to exploit the power of the Internet for commercial
purposes," said Stratton Sclavos, president and CEO of VeriSign. "Our new
agreement with Netscape will make it simple for any enterprise, website or
individual to reap the benefits of secure e-commerce and communications
through the use of our digital certificates and related trust services."
"Deploying secure e-commerce applications in a timely manner is becoming a
fundamental imperative for enterprises all over the world," said Tony Suarez,
director of First Union National Bank Certification Authority. "Netscape and
VeriSign are creating a valuable online resource and a set of interoperable
products and services that will ensure that companies and individuals have the
information and tools needed to interact safely and confidently online."
Availability
The debut of the Netcenter Security Center by VeriSign is currently
planned for end of March 1999. Product and service integration between the two
companies has begun and will be ongoing throughout the term of the agreement. |
