VeriSign Brings Security Expertise to Mobile
Devices
New Secure Mobile Management Service Features mFormation Software
and Can Help Reduce Costs and Increase Use of Next-Generation Services
3GSM Barcelona (15 February, 2006) – VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq:
VRSN), the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for
the Internet and telecommunications networks, and mFormation Technologies
Inc., a leading provider of mobile device management software, today
announced a strategic technology relationship and the launch of the
VeriSign Secure Mobile Device Management Service.
Available immediately for operators to trial, the
service combines VeriSign’s security expertise with mFormation’s mobile
device management platform to create a secure wireless environment,
and reduce the time and resources needed to manage devices. The fully
managed service can help drive adoption and delivery of next-generation
applications and enables operators to quickly add services that drive
usage and revenues.
“Wireless data services create new revenue streams
but need to be properly supported, secured and delivered,” said Ajay
Nigam, director, VeriSign Communications Services. “The VeriSign Secure
Mobile Device Management Service, built around the mFormation platform,
establishes a trusted environment for consumers and helps carriers streamline
device management and support.
“By combining mFormation’s mobile device management
expertise with VeriSign’s expertise in Internet security and wireless
communications, our integrated mobile device management and security
offering will enable mobile operators to quickly and securely deliver
next-generation services with a lower total cost of ownership,” said
Upal K. Basu, mFormation co-founder and vice president of marketing
and business development.
Addressing Security Concerns
The service features a VeriSign security framework of data services
protection that can help drive trust and adoption of wireless data services.
The framework covers authentication, privacy and self-care elements
that consumers and business users want.
Enterprises are increasingly investing in mobility
to gain efficiencies and cut costs, but are still concerned about circumvented
security measures and misappropriated proprietary information. Consumers,
concerned about online identity theft, are likely to buy mobile content
or conduct m-commerce transactions if they have confidence that appropriate
privacy and security measures are in place.
Meeting Device Management Needs
According to Gartner, smart phones will account for 280 million
units by 2009 and represent 26 percent of all new handsets sold in 2009.*
As 3G devices and applications merge, carriers can benefit from solutions
that efficiently provision, manage and support smart phones, ensure
applications are working optimally, improve the user experience and
speed availability of new services.
The VeriSign Secure Mobile Device Management service
features a centralized way for carriers to remotely manage and configure
devices, update firmware using over-the-air (OTA) technology that is
Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) compliant and monitor service quality.
With comprehensive security management and diagnostic
support, wireless providers can use this service to offer data protection,
backup and restore capabilities and privacy-compliant personalization.
VeriSign Communications Services offers telecommunications
infrastructure services that enable network operators, Internet portals,
media companies and retail brands to integrate communications, commerce
and content into a rich and seamless customer experience.
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About VeriSign
VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), operates intelligent infrastructure
services that enable and protect billions of interactions every day
across the world’s voice and data networks. Additional news and information
about the company is available at www.verisign.com.
About mFormation
mFormation Technologies Inc. is the leading provider of mobile
device management software, providing a complete solution that enables
mobile operators to rapidly accelerate data revenues, reduce support
costs and increase customer satisfaction. mFormation’s comprehensive
mobile device management platform includes products to configure, update,
diagnose, repair, secure, and monitor the quality of software, firmware,
settings, and services on mobile devices over their entire lifecycle.
More information is available at www.mformation.com.
Trademarks
VeriSign and other trademarks, service marks and logos are registered
or unregistered marks of VeriSign, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the
United States and in foreign countries. Copyright © 2006 VeriSign, Inc.
All rights reserved. mFormation and the mFormation logo are registered
trademarks of mFormation Technologies, Inc.
For More Information
VeriSign Media Relations: Lori Sinsley, lsinsley@verisign.com,
+ 1 650-799-3993
VeriSign Investor Relations: Tom McCallum, tmccallum@verisign.com,
+1 650-426-3744
mFormation: Stephanie Markham, stephanie@mformation.com,
+1 508-528-7416
mFormation PR: Susannah Evershed at Burson-Marsteller, susannah_evershed@uk.bm.com,
+44 20 7300 6233
Forward Looking Statements
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 the VeriSign Secure
Mobile Device Management service; 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, 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.
*Gartner, Market Focus: Smartphones, Worldwide
2005 (December 2005)