Quest Software Helps Tighten Windows and Active Directory Password Enforcement; Quest Password Reset Manager 3.0 Enhanced to Better Enforce Strong Password Policies

Business Wire, Sept 27, 2004

IRVINE, Calif. -- Quest Software Inc. (Nasdaq:QSFT), a leading provider of application, database and Windows management solutions, has released version 3.0 of its Quest Password Reset Manager. The new version provides additional password policy management capabilities to support stronger password enforcement across Active Directory and Windows NT 4.0 domains, while reducing the biggest source of calls to help desk personnel.

"Whether organizations use the native password management tools in Windows or Quest's self-service interface, Quest Password Reset Manager allows administrators to define very granular password policies and enforce them across the entire domain," explained Betsy Bender, director of Active Directory solutions, Quest Software. "This gives our customers the flexibility to define strong password policies, and the certainty that these policies are being uniformly followed."

Historically, administrators have been restricted to a limited number of generic security policies available natively in Windows. With Password Reset Manager 3.0, a rich set of additional password policies is enforceable. Examples of these password policies include:

--Forbidding particular combinations, such as those that are part of the user's name

--Checking proposed passwords against a dictionary of forbidden words and phrases

--Enforcing password history, whether the password is reset natively in Windows or through the self-service application

The new version of Quest Password Reset Manager makes it easier for users to create strong passwords by providing online help that explains password policies in force for that user. If a non-complying password is attempted, the user is given a detailed description of which rules were not met, and guidance on how to create an acceptable password. The user is also given the option to generate a random password that will automatically comply with all applicable policies.

"Automated password reset offers the clearest and most immediate return on investment for identity management projects," commented Ray Wagner, vice president and research director, Gartner. "A properly designed self-serve password reset capability can reduce help desk calls, decrease end-user downtime due to lost or expired passwords, and enforce consistent password policy for increased security."

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for Quest Password Reset Manager 3.0 starts at $7 per user account, with volume discounts available. To download the software, and for more information about Quest Software's industry-leading suite of management products for Active Directory, visit http://wm.quest.com/products/ActiveDirectory.> About Quest Windows Management

Quest Software, now including the people and products of Aelita Software, provides solutions that simplify, automate and secure Active Directory, Exchange and Windows environments. The Quest Windows Management group delivers comprehensive capabilities for secure Windows management and migration. Quest has been honored as Microsoft's FY04 Global Independent Software Vendor Partner of the Year. For more information on Quest Software's Windows Management group, please visit http://www.quest.com/microsoft.> About Quest Software Inc.

Quest Software Inc. provides software to simplify IT management for 18,000 customers worldwide, including 75 percent of the Fortune 500. Quest products for application, database and Windows management help customers develop, deploy, manage and maintain the IT enterprise without expensive downtime or business interruption. With headquarters in Irvine, Quest Software can be found in offices around the globe and at www.quest.com.

Note to Editors: Quest and Quest Software are registered trademarks of Quest Software Inc. The Quest Software logo and all other Quest Software product or service names and slogans are registered trademarks or trademarks of Quest Software Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Exchange and Active Directory are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.