Aplix and RSA Security Team-Up On Security Implementations for Java-Based Embedded Systems; Agreement to Provide Tools On JBlend for Implementing World-Standard Security Functions

Business Wire, June 15, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 15, 2001

Aplix Corporation (head office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryu Koriyama) and RSA Security Japan Ltd. (head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Osamu Yamano) today announced that the two companies are combining forces to provide strengthened security functions in Java-based embedded solutions.

Under the partnering agreement, Aplix will offer the RSA BSAFE SSL-C software developer kit as an optional component in the Aplix JBlend Java solution for embedded systems. RSA BSAFE SSL-C, with more shipments worldwide than any other such product, enables developers to integrate SSL security protocol in their applications. Vendors using JBlend to develop embedded system applications will be able to implement Internet security protocol, authentication, encryption and other security functions in their products easily, without the need for specialized training or staff.

Aplix JBlend is widely recognized as an industry-standard Java platform for embedded systems. Adopted in cell phones and a variety of other devices, it has won acclaim as a key technology for developing next-generation Java-based embedded systems. The RSA BSAFE Series offers a line of developer kits for various Internet security protocols. Boasting worldwide shipments of more than a billion licensed copies to date, it is the industry standard encryption toolkit.

With the growing demands for improved communications and network functions in next-generation Java-based information devices and digital appliances, stronger Internet security functions are becoming increasingly essential. For Aplix, enhancement of the development environment for JBlend-equipped systems should result in wider use of embedded Java. RSA, by supporting JBlend, a product fast becoming an industry standard, gains an opportunity for wide provision of an environment for efficiently developing products with secure communications and network functions, including the use of SSL for establishing secure communication links, and functions for authentication of servers and clients. The agreement to form a partnering relationship stems from the two companies' recognition of these and other mutual benefits. Together they are also planning to provide an embedded systems development environment in the wireless PKI field that will enable a higher level of security functions to be implemented with quick turn-around time.

Commenting on the partnering agreement, Aplix president Ryu Koriyama said, "We expect that the addition of RSA BSAFE SSL-C to JBlend will make it easy to realize highly secure communications, and will allow us to provide the embedded systems market with an even better development environment."

"As the Internet comes to be used increasingly in non-PC devices such as cell phones, mobile information devices and consumer electronics, security needs are going to become greater," said RSA Security Japan president Osamu Yamano. "Just as Aplix helps vendors develop new products quickly and get them onto the market in timely fashion, we at RSA Security can back up Aplix on the security front."

Aplix and RSA Security will carry on joint marketing of JBlend and RSA BSAFE.

About RSA BSAFE

RSA BSAFE is a security toolkit enabling developers to integrate encryption, authentication and other security functions in software and hardware. It is used in well-known Internet applications for implementing security protocol and developing PKI applications. These include Web servers and browsers, wireless devices, e-commerce servers, electronic mail systems, and VPN. Already approximately a billion licensed copies have been shipped. RSA BSAFE offers full support for SSL, S/MIME, WTLS, IPSec, PKCS and other emerging standards. It is enabling vendors to implement high-quality security functions and greatly shorten product development time.

About Aplix

Established in February 1986 in Tokyo, Japan by Ryu Koriyama, Aplix Corporation is the leading provider of embedded Java solutions. Aplix launched a host of multimedia-related products, including CDs, in 1989. The company has been highly successful in Japan's DVD and CD-ROM markets, garnering 45 percent market share. Leveraging its expertise in system device control, Aplix introduced its Java-enabled embedded software, JBlend in 1997. Today, Aplix sells its JBlend Java implementation to 60 percent of Japan's cell phone makers.

For more information about RSA BSAFE:

Developer Sales Division Telephone: (03)5222-5210 Fax: (03)5222-5271 E-mail: info-j@rsasecurity.com http://www.rsasecurity.co.jp