NW_20010821_en_VASCO Introduces Digipass Security Software for Microsoft’s Pocket PC
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. and BRUSSELS, Belgium – August 21, 2001 – VASCO (Nasdaq NM & Nasdaq Europe: VDSI; www.vasco.com) announced today the general availability of Digipass strong authentication and digital signature security software for the Microsoft® Pocket PC platform. Now, millions of users of Pocket PC PDA’s and smart phones can benefit from secure access to corporate networks and e-business and e-commerce applications, with all the mobility and advantages of a Pocket PC device. According to IDC, over four million Pocket PC mobile devices have shipped to date, and more than six million devices will be sold into the enterprise in 2004. Today’s announcement follows VASCO’s announcement earlier this year of its partnership with Siemens to integrate Digipass security software into Siemens’ new SX45 wireless PDA for Pocket PC.
“The Microsoft Pocket PC platform is opening up new avenues of mobile access for thousands of businesses and millions of people around the globe,” observed Jan Valcke, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for VASCO. “But with increased mobile access comes an increased need for effective security to ensure that only authorized people can access information, and that mobile transactions are safe. VASCO is supporting the Microsoft Pocket PC platform with strong authentication and digital signature security that has been proven at hundreds of leading financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies worldwide, representing almost six million users.”
Companies that have introduced or have announced plans to introduce devices on the Pocket PC platform include Casio, Cesscom, Compal, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, HTC, HTW, Intermec Technologies, Legend, NEC, SAGEM, Siemens, Symbol Technologies, Toshiba, and Trium. There are thousands of Web-based, thin client, and client/server applications available for Pocket PC today. “We’re finding that the leading manufacturers of Pocket PC devices, as well as companies developing applications for the platform, are eager to explore the benefits of incorporating Digipass security,” added Valcke.
Digipass security software for Pocket PC provides end-to-end secure data exchange between the end-user and the m-commerce store or financial institution, without relying on the underlying wireless connectivity infrastructure. The software thus provides security for all present and future wireless networks, from GSM, GPRS, and UMTS to future 3G networks, including SMS functionality. Digipass Soft for Pocket PC can work on-line, off-line
or wirelessly, enabling secure access to mobile commerce or banking applications, traditional phone or fax banking, and remote access to corporate networks, extranets, and Intranets, and network resources such as e-mail and other applications.
About VASCO
VASCO secures the enterprise from the mainframe to the Internet with infrastructure solutions that enable secure e-business and e-commerce, protect sensitive information, and safeguard the identity of users. The Company's family of Digipass® and VACMAN® products offers end-to-end security through strong authentication and digital signature, true and secure Single Sign-On, access control, and web portal, LAN, and enterprise security, while sharply reducing the time and effort required to deploy and manage security. VASCO's customers include hundreds of financial institutions, blue-chip corporations, and government agencies in more than 50 countries. More information is available at www.vasco.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Statements made in this news release that relate to future plans, events or performances are forward-looking statements. Any statement containing words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” and similar words, is forward-looking, and these statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations. Consequently, actual results could differ materially from the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements.
Reference is made to the Company's public filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for further information regarding the Company and its operations.
For more information contact:
Americas:
Mike Lange, +1 630 932 8844, [email protected]
Worldwide Investor Relations:
Annemieke Blondeel, +1 800 238 2726 or +44 208 308 7080, [email protected]