VeriSign Working With Microsoft On Roaming
Wireless Security
Work Involves Wi-Fi Security Reference Architecture and Solution Based
on VeriSign Unified Authentication and Microsoft Network Access Protection
Technologies; VeriSign Also Endorses Microsoft and TCG Alignment
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – April 20, 2005 – VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq:
VRSN), the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for
the Internet and telecommunications networks, today announced it is
working with Microsoft to promote roaming wireless security for enterprises.
As part of the collaboration, the two companies intend to develop a
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) security reference architecture and solution
based on Microsoft Network Access Protection (NAP) and VeriSign Unified
Authentication technologies.
Enterprises everywhere are benefiting from the productivity
gains of a mobile workforce, but the need for security measures to protect
employees and networks is paramount. Users connecting laptops
directly to networks or through Wi-Fi hotspots present many challenges
for enterprises and highlights the need for a secure network health
solution based on industry standards. Microsoft’s Network Access
Protection technology is a comprehensive platform that allows system
administrators to monitor and control computer access to corporate networks
as well as update non-compliant computers.
VeriSign intends to address the needs of strong security
in the roaming wireless environment by integrating VeriSign Unified
Authentication and Microsoft Windows clients to provide the foundation
for strong user authentication in an enterprise Wi-Fi network.
VeriSign’s Unified Authentication platform will simplify management
of user and device credentials for X.509 certificates, smart cards and
One Time Password (OTP) tokens in the Window environment by tightly
integrating with Active Directory and Microsoft Internet Authentication
Servers.
In addition, VeriSign is also supporting Microsoft’s
alignment with the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) to create an all-inclusive,
multi-vendor, end-to-end solution that protects corporate assets.
“As the popularity of Wi-Fi roaming increases across
private and public networks, so does the potential threats posed to
corporate networks from unauthorized access, viruses, and information
theft,” said Steve Anderson, senior director in Windows Server Division
at Microsoft Corp. “Our collective work around the NAP initiative
and a wireless security architecture that integrates VeriSign Unified
Authentication with Windows Clients will provide Enterprises and their
users with a cost-effective, flexible and easy-to-deploy means to enable
a trusted, remote working environment.”
VeriSign support for NAP is anticipated to include
the issuance of System Health Certificates to Windows desktop clients,
enabling laptops and desktops to assert their integrity and compliance
prior to being granted network resource access. The use of VeriSign
Unified Authentication in the Windows environment will allow enterprises
to more easily issue NAP certificates across a mobile workforce that
includes employees, business partners and visiting guests.
“Through our work with Microsoft, VeriSign intends
to enable the deployment of strong security solutions for corporate
and public Wi-Fi networks,” said Nico Popp, vice president, Authentication
Services, VeriSign. “Network Access Protection technology enables
enterprises to open their networks to mobile workers, customers, partners
and others without sacrificing their security measures. VeriSign
strongly supports Microsoft’s efforts to align Network Access Protection
with standardization efforts already underway with TCG, which will lead
the way for a standards-based solution for interoperable end-point integrity.”
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 http://www.verisign.com/
For more information, contact:
VeriSign Media Relations: Brendan 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 risk that VeriSign's announced
strategic relationships, including the relationship described herein,
may not result in additional products, services, 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, 2004 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.
All product and company names herein may be trademarks
of their respective owners
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