Security Dynamics announces ACE/Server v2.0 for scalable, enterprise network security; Network managers can protect and easily administer security for global networks with tens of thousands of users

Business Wire, Sept 18, 1995

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 1995--Security Dynamics Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:SDTI), a leading provider of network and computer security solutions, today announced the ACE/Server version 2.0, providing corporations with the first true scalable, enterprise security solution.

ACE/Server v2.0 raises the standard for enterprise security, providing network managers with scalable performance to support the authentication needs of enterprise users, simplified security management through both intuitive interfaces and flexible administration tools and the seamless integration of security management with corporate information systems.

The sharp growth in remote and Internet access to electronic mail, computer files and databases has driven the need for security across the entire enterprise. This trend will continue as enterprises expand inter-company communications and electronic commerce transactions. Within this realm, the challenge remains for network security providers to create an architecture that accommodates an organization's existing infrastructure of networks, platforms and applications. Security Dynamics has designed ACE/Server v2.0 to answer this challenge with a security architecture unparalleled in the industry, meeting organizations' enterprise security needs of today and tomorrow.

"Corporations are increasingly recognizing that integrated security is a required component in their enterprise network strategy," said James M. Geary, vice president of marketing at Security Dynamics. "With ACE/Server v2.0's scalability and robust tools and interfaces, network managers can implement security as an integrated enterprise application."

Key ACE/Server v2.0 features include:

Improved Scalability and Performance

ACE/Server v2.0's improved scalability and performance extends SecurID two-factor user authentication to enterprise users. Significant increases in scalability and performance were achieved by migrating ACE/Server's database architecture to a relational database management system from Progress Software Corp. ACE/Server v2.0 supports:

o Authentication for enterprise network populations o Higher rates of authentication transactions o Faster administrative access to user profiles and administrative

reports o Multiple security administrators

Integration with Other Network Applications

ACE/Server v2.0 provides an extensive set of tools and interfaces for integrating security management with other network applications. Network managers can integrate security administration with corporate information systems and developed customized, comprehensive programs that simplify security management. ACE/Server v2.0 integration provides:

o A standard SQL interface to ACE/Server v2.0's security database o Quick application development using Progress or other industry

leading 4GLs o An API that extends SecurID authentication to other enterprise

applications o The ability to integrate ACE/Server security data with other

Oracle, Sybase and Microsoft ODBC-based applications.

Easy Security Administration

ACE/Server v2.0 provides an enhanced administrative GUI that includes ACE/Server's comprehensive administrative features in an intuitive and easy-to-use format. ACE/Server v2.0's new GUI is designed to minimize administrative overhead, free administrators to do other tasks, and lower training costs. ACE/Server v2.0 security administration includes.

o Motif browsers for easy "search and select" operations o Easy point-and-click interface, performing complex functions in a

single command o Templates for customizing instructions for SecurID end-users o Streamlined installation procedures

About SecurID "SmartCard" Technology

At the core of Security Dynamics' technology is the patented SecurID Card, a credit card-sized token which is carried by authorized users requiring computer or network access. The SecurID Card provides dynamic, two-factor authentication that combines something the user knows -- a memorized password or personal identification number (PIN) -- with something the user possesses -- a randomly generated access code that changes every 60 seconds. To access an ACE/Server protected network, the user enters a secret PIN followed by the current access code displayed on the card's LCD. This technology provides enhanced security for networks while affording maximum user convenience and cost effectiveness.

Security Dynamics has also established numerous strategic relationships with the industry-leading manufacturers of analog and ISDN remote access products, Internet firewalls and network management applications. Companies which have SecurID token support integrated into their products include, among others, IBM, Shiva, Microsoft Corp., Novell, Ascend Communications, Raptor and Oracle.

Pricing, Platforms and Availability

Security Dynamics' ACE/Server v2.0 pricing begins at $2,450. Free upgrades are available to customers under warranty and/or paid maintenance.

The initial ACE/Server v2.0 release will support SunOS, Solaris, AIX and HP-UX. ACE/Server v2.0 is currently in Beta testing, with shipment expected in the fourth quarter of 1995. SecurID tokens are available starting at $34.