TOKYO, Oct. 14, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Internet Initiative Japan, Inc. (IIJ), (Nasdaq:IIJI), (TSE1:3774), one of Japan's leading Internet access and comprehensive network solutions providers, today announced the conclusion of an agreement with Alcatel-Lucent Japan Ltd., a leader in the corporate mobile data communications field, to offer Alcatel-Lucent's products as part of the IIJ service lineup. The companies now plan to proceed to the product development phase.
Alcatel-Lucent was intending to introduce its OmniAccess3500 Nonstop Laptop Guardian (NLG) mobile PC security product into the Japanese market, and through this agreement, IIJ will develop a new solution that combines Alcatel-Lucent's product with IIJ's high-speed mobile data communications service, IIJ Mobile. This new service should be available within FY2008.
NLG is comprised of a 3G-compatible advanced data communications card and gateway server, and it creates a secure mobile environment to prevent virus infections and data leaks by remotely configuring and controlling a laptop computer's security settings. The most revolutionary aspect of NLG is the data communications card, which has its own onboard battery, memory, CPU, OS, and software, so that it can operate completely independent of the laptop even when the power is off. This allows system administrators to remotely monitor the laptop through the data communications card, and in the event that the computer is lost or stolen, the administrator can locate it through GPS, delete or backup data on the disk, authenticate users upon startup, or lock the system, thus preventing data leaks. The computer will not startup when the data communications card is removed, so the data is completely protected.
Since IIJ introduced IIJ Mobile in January 2008, the company has been answering the demand for security in mobile communications through solutions that combine remote access terminal authentication, destination IP address control, VPN connectivity, and thin client use, to provide one of the most advanced high-value-added MVNO services. Introducing new services using NLG will increase the range of solutions with IIJ Mobile, and we can create a ideal remote access environment configured to match the customer's security policy.
IIJ will start the service development process and will feature NLG at the IIJ booth at the ITpro EXPO 2008 Autumn (Wed. Oct. 15 to Fri. Oct. 17, 2008, at the Tokyo Big Sight).
IIJ will continue to meet our customers' needs with high value-added services and to support use of corporate networks that use mobile broadband.
About IIJ
Founded in 1992, Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (IIJ), (Nasdaq:IIJI), (Tokyo Stock Exchange TSE1: 3774) is one of Japan's leading Internet-access and comprehensive network solutions providers. IIJ and its group of companies provide total network solutions that mainly cater to high-end corporate customers. The company's services include high-quality systems integration and security services, Internet access, hosting/housing, and content design. Moreover, the company has built one of the largest Internet backbone networks in Japan, and between Japan and the United States. IIJ was listed on NASDAQ in 1999 and on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2006. For more information about IIJ, visit the IIJ Web site at http://www.iij.ad.jp/en/.
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The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about our future plans that involve risk and uncertainty. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents furnished by Internet Initiative Japan Inc. with the SEC, specifically the most recent reports on Forms 20-F and 6-K, which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.