Phoenix Technologies' USBAccess Enables New iKey Authentication for Windows NT Systems

Business Wire, Nov 23, 1999

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 23, 1999--

USBAccess Enabled Rainbow Technologies to Quickly Implement

Advanced USB Security Functionality in Desktop Systems,

Servers and Portable PCs

Phoenix Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq:PTEC) -- the global leader in system-enabling software solutions for PCs and connected digital devices -- today announced that Rainbow Technologies, Inc., (Nasdaq:RNBO) has incorporated Phoenix's USBAccess software in Rainbow's new iKey authentication device for Windows NT systems.

The iKey, which fits on a keychain, plugs into any standard USB port to instantly provide an easy-to-use cryptographic token. The Windows NT 4.0 driver for iKey was developed using Phoenix's USBAccess for Windows NT 4.0 software, which allowed Rainbow to quickly design-in USB functionality while minimizing the development effort.

The iKey is a portable network authentication device that works in combination with a PIN to provide strong two-factor authentication in a cost-effective, easy-to-use technology. The iKey can be inserted directly into the USB port of a computer, and can secure against unauthorized access to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), intranets, extranets and the Internet.

"iKey's quick plug-and-play capability and Windows NT improved level of security for PCs, desktops, and servers is a natural for organizations that want to deploy a security solution quickly," said Shawn Abbott, chief technology officer, Rainbow Technologies. "Unfortunately, Windows NT 4.0 does not ship with USB capability. Phoenix's USBAccess and platinum-level support freed our system designers from the task of developing and verifying USB firmware, and instead, allowed us to focus on the designing and developing our product."

Phoenix's USBAccess software adds USB support to Windows NT Embedded 4.0 and Workstation operating systems, thus simplifying a wide range of innovative USB-based designs. Phoenix's USBAccess provides the software building blocks to add USB connectivity to host systems and peripheral devices. USBAccess, combined with Windows NT, allows system designers to quickly implement USB capability, including hot swap and plug-and-play functionality, at a fraction of the development time required for standard applications.

"USBAccess helps developers who are innovating business-critical products, such as Rainbow's iKey, to get their products to market in Internet time," said Wayne Cantwell, senior vice president and general manager, Semiconductor IP Division, Phoenix. "USBAccess allows system designers to quickly implement USB capability at a fraction of the development time required for Windows NT desktop, server and embedded applications."

Phoenix's Semiconductor Intellectual Property Cores

Phoenix, one of the original pioneers of standards-based semiconductor IP and is the leading independent developer of cores and system software for PCI, USB, IEEE 1394, Ethernet, AGP and IrDA. Phoenix's parameterized IP cores and test environments are licensed as source code RTL, which is architecture- and technology-independent, providing designers with maximum flexibility, while ensuring both compliance and compatibility. Phoenix's semiconductor IP cores and firmware can be found in over 500 innovative applications for the Internet, telecommunications, computer, consumer electronics, industrial and military/aerospace markets.

About Phoenix

The Company's BIOS software has been sold to more than 600 customers worldwide and is designed into more than 70 million PCs sold annually, as well as embedded systems and information appliances. Phoenix's Platform Enabling Division's products and services play a critical role in linking computing and communication technologies for OEMs, and for Internet service and content providers benefiting the information consumer.

Phoenix's Semiconductor IP Division is the recognized industry leader in connectivity and standards-based IP cores. Phoenix's ebetween Internet Division will provide products and services that extend the Company's reach to new partners and users, while enhancing our current customers' business products. Founded in 1979, the international company is headquartered in San Jose, California. Information about Phoenix and its products is available at http://www.phoenix.com.

Note to Editors: Phoenix Technologies and USBAccess are trademarks and Phoenix is a registered trademark of Phoenix Technologies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.