Xcert To Sell Equifax SSL Digital Certificates Online; Assures that consumers conduct e-business transactions with trusted Web sites

Business Wire, Oct 19, 2000

Business Editors and Technology Writers

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 2000

Xcert(TM), a leading provider of software for securing business transactions and communications over the Internet, has announced an agreement to sell Equifax (NYSE:EFX) secure socket layer (SSL) digital certificates, also known as eBusinessID Web server certificates, through Xcert's growing field sales force and from Xcert's Web site.

Equifax eBusinessID Web server certificates help assure an e-commerce company's customers that they are making secure electronic transactions with a trusted site. Each Web server certificate is a digital document with a unique code that identifies the Web site on which it is placed as a server that supports SSL secure data transfer. When a customer accesses a Web server certificate-enabled site, the site sends a signal that triggers the customer's Web browser to send information securely on the SSL. Xcert's ASP customers can now leverage these certificates to provide seamless certificate enrollment for their web-based clients.

"Xcert's PKI customers have wanted to be able to seamlessly grant client certificates to their end-users over the web, without any warnings or dialog boxes. This relationship facilitates that, in addition to allowing Xcert to re-sell certificates directly to ASPs and AIPs for web-based e-commerce. This is part of our strategy to become a `one-stop-shop' for secure Internet solutions," said Tom Nolan, President and CEO for Xcert. "This direct and immediate linkage to Equifax enhances our industry-leading offering of rapidly deployable certificates for web applications."

"We're pleased to have Xcert sell our SSL certificates," said Rich Crutchfield, Executive Vice President and Group Executive of Equifax Internet Solutions. "The eBusinessID web server certificates are an excellent addition to Xcert's world class suite of secure Internet solutions."

Xcert's PKI software provides scalable, reliable business-to-business communications, using digital signatures for secure transactions and database access. Using Xcert's solutions, companies can develop trust with their partners and customers by safeguarding information security and privacy when conducting business over the Internet.

Equifax eBusinessID certificates will soon be available on Xcert's Web site at www.xcert.com. Each certificate will cost $79.

About Xcert

Xcert, based in Walnut Creek, Calif., is an innovator in developing software for conducting secure e-commerce and Internet transactions. Through the use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and digital certificates, Xcert enables companies to quickly and easily control online information security, including privacy, authentication, non-repudiation and access control. Xcert's scalable software suite allows companies to easily expand any user base to meet growing business requirements. Xcert also licenses its technology worldwide to selected service providers and third-party developers. For more information about Xcert, visit http://www.xcert.com.

About Equifax

Equifax Secure, the e-commerce division of Equifax Inc, provides security, privacy and transaction management solutions that protect consumers and enterprises from the risk of identity theft and fraudulent transactions. Equifax Secure authenticates online consumer identity, secures business applications and manages digital certificates and directories for highly secure, private e-commerce over the Internet and other networks.

Equifax (www.equifax.com), a worldwide leader in enabling and securing global commerce, brings buyers and sellers together through its information management, transaction processing, direct marketing, and customer relationship management businesses. Atlanta-based Equifax (NYSE:EFX) serves the financial services, retail, credit card, telecommunications/utilities, transportation, information technology and healthcare industries and government. Equifax adds knowledge, expertise, convenience and security to provide value-added solutions and processes for its customers wherever they do business, including the Internet and other networks. Equifax employs about 15,000 associates in 16 countries with sales in almost 50 and has $1.9 billion in revenue.