SAN RAMON, Calif., March 8, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- PowerHouse Technologies Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets:PWHT), the developer of mobile computing solutions that enhance personal productivity, today announced that ORBID Corp. will incorporate its Digital Rights Management (DRM) security platform into PowerHouse's flagship Migo product, an award-winning revolutionary mobile computing system.
As part of a joint-marketing agreement between the two companies, ORBID will be PowerHouse's preferred vendor for DRM solutions and encryption services, and PowerHouse will serve as ORBID's preferred vendor for USB storage devices and synchronization, personalization software applications.
The Migo, launched in November 2003 by PowerHouse's Forward Solutions, Inc. subsidiary, is a sleek, key-sized USB-based flash memory device which enables computer users to easily transport and access their personalized desktop environment (complete with files, Microsoft(r) Outlook(r) e-mail, Internet Explorer, favorites, wallpaper, presentations, photos, and MP3 audio files) on any other computer wherever located.
ORBID's 4DRM technology creates secure platforms for two factor authentication, digital sign, data integrity, and file encryption in individual applications which are stored on the Migo device. 4DRM does not require the deployment of any public key infrastructure (PKI). The enhanced ability of the Migo to link together encrypted files, users, and devices creates new possibilities for use of Migo in environments where sensitive data and privacy requirements create the need for a CTO, CIO, system administrator or auditors to be able to secure and track a file's chain of ownership. Physicians using the Migo, for instance, would be able to take advantage of the increased flexibility that Migo offers while remaining in compliance with HIPAA rules concerning the privacy of patients' medical data.
"The Migo product range will have three major levels of security -- biometric thumb print identification, password protection and encryption -- and, if lost, no one else can access the data," stated Jay Elliot, Chairman of PowerHouse Technologies. "In this day and age of password and computer hacking, identity theft, and the piracy of information, we are taking the security of our product to an even higher level. After a thorough examination of available technologies, we found that ORBID's 4DRM software is one of the most secure platforms in the industry."
"The Migo enables portability of secure applications and information, a very powerful capability for users. With that capability comes the requirement for increased levels of authentication and an ability to tie together authorized users, data and devices," said ORBID CEO Michael J. Simmons. "We are excited about the integration of ORBID's 4DRM into the Migo because it creates a highly secure device that gives users extreme flexibility in personal computing and productivity."
Through a partnership between ORBID and Phoenix Technologies (NASDAQ: PTEC), which supplies the BIOS for hundreds of millions of PC systems and connected digital devices, any file can be tied to the system on which it resides by creating a unique ID for both content and system. This makes it possible to insure that the Migo is accessing only authorized files downloaded from a secure computer.
About ORBID Corporation
ORBID Corporation is a provider of marker solutions that secure, verify, and identify all forms of products and data. ORBID Corporation holds patents for two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital rights management marker technologies. ORBID's customers employ the 2DMI, 3DAS, and 4DRM systems for brand protection, anti-counterfeit, anti-diversion, and document, product and data security purposes. ORBID Corporation is a US-based company headquartered outside Miami in Tavernier, Fla. with sales offices in San Francisco, Paris, and The Netherlands. For more information, please visit www.orbidcorp.com.
About PowerHouse Technologies Group, Inc.
PowerHouse Technologies Group, Inc., (www.powerhousetechnologies.info), headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., acquires, develops and markets computing software and infrastructure technologies that improve the way mobile information is securely stored, carried and accessed. It's wholly owned Forward Solutions, Inc., subsidiary (www.forwardsolutions.info) delivers progressive, systems-based solutions that address the accessibility and mobility of information anytime, anywhere, with products such as the Migo, a revolutionary mobile computing system.
Safe Harbor Provision
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Additional information concerning forward-looking statements is contained under the heading of risk factors listed from time to time in PowerHouse Technologies Group, Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information.