KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Feb. 23, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Thin client appliance computing, long recognized for its inherent security, now becomes even more convenient and secure with a co-marketing agreement between industry leaders ActivCard Corp. (Nasdaq:ACTI), a global provider of strong authentication and trusted digital identity, and Neoware Systems (Nasdaq:NWRE), the leading supplier of award-winning software, services and appliances for thin client computing. The two companies have undertaken joint development and testing for product interoperability, will target integrated solutions for vertical markets, and will jointly promote the solutions.
Organizations deploying Neoware's thin client software and appliances can now improve security with strong authentication solutions that confirm user identity and improve productivity. ActivCard digital identity software solutions for secure remote access, single sign-on and enterprise access can be deployed with smart cards, USB keys, or security token devices that enhance the intrinsic security of Neoware's centralized administration. The combination of Neoware's thin clients and ActivCard's digital identity solutions enables users to "hot desk", installing a smart card, USB key, or other security device into a Neoware thin client, gaining full access to their own files and applications, regardless of device or location.
By consolidating user credentials on a single, multi-function smart card or other security device, Neoware thin clients with ActivCard eliminate the security risks associated with constant internal and external threats from unauthorized access and identity theft. In addition to protecting the corporate assets from daily attacks, these solutions reduce the high administration costs associated with static passwords and deliver an accelerated return on investment-through significant and measurable gains in IT department efficiency and employee productivity with a single sign-on experience.
"Neoware and ActivCard have just raised thin client security and convenience to a new level," says Michael Kantrowitz, Chairman and CEO of Neoware Systems. "Neoware is committed to enhancing our customers' security, improving the reliability of their IT systems, improving manageability of their desktops, and lowering both up-front and total cost. By partnering with ActivCard, we can now offer our customers the most secure, most standards-based thin client solutions available -- Neoware thin clients with ActivCard digital identity solutions."
"Enterprises can make a tremendous gain in user productivity with convenient and easy to use authentication to thin client sessions," says Frank Bishop, ActivCard Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing. "A large percentage of all help desk calls are due to forgotten passwords and troubleshooting user login. Our solution simplifies the user experience of network access, at the same time creating a much more secure authentication approach."
In addition to providing benefits for virtually any organization, the new security and mobility features offered by the joint solution enable healthcare organizations to address many security requirements of HIPAA regulations, while at the same time address the productivity demands of healthcare environments. For example, healthcare professionals can securely and conveniently "hot desk", move from workstation to workstation without having to log out of their session. ActivCard software ensures that each user is strongly authenticated, and can also be configured to automatically log the user off the system when the smart card is removed.
Neoware thin clients with ActivCard software have been optimized for use with Microsoft and Citrix Systems server-based computing environments. The solution also integrates with the IBM Tivoli line of intelligent management products.
About ActivCard
ActivCard, www.activcard.com, is a global provider of strong authentication and trusted digital identity solutions for secure remote access, single sign-on and enterprise access cards. Our scalable systems and strong authentication solutions are trusted by organizations -- from enterprise to governments around the world. ActivCard delivers maximum Return On Identity(tm) (ROI) through increased security, reduced cost, and user convenience. The modular product design allows our customers to add capabilities as required, preserving their investment.
About Neoware
Neoware provides software, services, and solutions to enable Appliance Computing, a proven Internet-based computing architecture targeted at business customers that is designed to be simpler and easier than traditional PC-based computing. Neoware's software and management tools power and manage a new generation of smart computing appliances that utilize the benefits of open, industry-standard technologies to create new alternatives to personal computers used in business and a wide variety of proprietary business devices.
Neoware's products are designed to run local applications for specific vertical markets, plus allow access across a network to multi-user Windows servers, Linux servers, mainframes, minicomputers, and the Internet. Computing appliances that run and are managed by Neoware's software offer the cost benefits of industry-standard hardware and software, easier installation, and have lower up-front, maintenance, and administrative costs than proprietary or PC-based alternatives.
More information about Neoware can be found on the Web at http://www.neoware.com or via email at invest@neoware.com. Neoware is based in King of Prussia, PA.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding: ActivCard and Neoware's plans to jointly develop and test for product interoperability, target integrated solutions for vertical markets, and jointly promote the solutions, plans to deploy our thin client appliances; our position as the leading supplier of software, products, services and solutions for the Appliance Computing market; and the benefits of our software-focused business model allowing customers to lower ongoing costs of ownership and increase security. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in any such forward-looking statement include pricing pressures, rapid technological changes in the industry, growth of the Appliance Computing market, increased competition, our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, adverse changes in general economic conditions in the U.S. and internationally and political and economic uncertainties associated with current world events. These and other risks are detailed from time to time in Neoware's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
Neoware is a registered trademark of Neoware Systems, Inc. ActivCard is a registered trademark of ActivCard in the United States and other countries. Citrix(r), iForum(tm) and Citrix Business Alliance(tm) are registered trademarks or trademarks of Citrix Systems, Inc. in the US and other countries. All other names products and services are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.