First Access Announces Partnership with Vasco Data Security; Wireless Authentication Technology to Integrate with Vasco Digipass

Business Wire, March 1, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

SOMERSET, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 1, 2000

First Access, Inc. (www.access-1.com), the award winning developer of the VicinID wireless authentication technology, today announced it has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with VASCO Data Security, Inc. (www.vasco.com), a leading provider of Internet and enterprise security solutions. The partnership will marry wireless authentication capabilities with token functions, providing businesses with an enhanced level of data protection.

In a continuous quest to provide the next wave of authentication technology, the union between First Access and VASCO represents the dedication both companies share in the evolution of 'wireless' e-business solutions. Working together, the companies will embed VASCO's Digipass token technology into First Access' VicinID. With a single card, remote and mobile users can easily access corporate information without the hassle of entering passwords or logging on and off a computer.

"Our strategic partnership with VASCO will offer a compelling solution that will simplify network access for remote users. Gone will be the days where users are required to use passwords and pin numbers to gain access to their corporate networks," stated Noam Ziv, executive vice president of First Access. "Our ultimate goal is to become the standard in authentication solutions and we are pleased that VASCO shares this vision for uniting authentication technology for all access, including remote, network, and physical access."

The Digipass technology consists of a token that stores all pertinent user information. With this token embedded into VicinID, not only will remote and in-house users be easily authenticated, but network administrators will be able to see all user attempts to enter the network. VicinID uses a RF signal to "alert" a PC when a user is present. With the VicinID user nearby, access to the PC is permitted; when the cardholder steps away, workstation and network access is automatically locked.

For First Access, the MOU agreement will further extend its technology to comply with industry-standard remote access protocols, like network standard RADIUS. VASCO will benefit from First Access' Bluetooth compliant platform, which will enable VASCO functions to easily integrate with all Bluetooth compliant devices. As part of the alliance, First Access will benefit from VASCO's numerous strategic partnerships and comply with a variety of their solutions.

About First Access

First Access is the award-winning provider of practical security solutions and founder of the Vicinity Authentication(tm) market segment. First Access' patent-pending concept combines new hardware, software, and smart card technologies for easy-to-use, strong contactless authentication of users to corporate networks. First Access is a board member of the SC forum, an associate member of the PKI forum, and has joined twelve industry leaders in founding the OpenCard Consortium to develop smart card architectural standards. First Access employs a team of over 40 development and security experts and is headquartered in Somerset, NJ. For more information, visit the company web site at www.access-1.com.

About VASCO

VASCO designs, develops, markets and supports security products and services which manage and secure access to computer systems of corporate and governmental clients. Additionally, the Company enables secure financial transactions made over private enterprise networks and public networks, such as the Internet. VASCO believes that its software and hardware products provide organizations with strong, flexible, and effective Internet and enterprise security solutions. For more information, visit the company web site at www.vasco.com .