AppLabs Chosen as Software Testing Partner For TRUSTe'S Trusted Download Program; Record of Impartiality and Depth of Knowledge Cited as Determining Factors

Business Wire, Jan 10, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO -- TRUSTe, the leading independent trust authority, announced today that it has chosen AppLabs Technologies to test the technical operation of software applicants to the Trusted Download beta program launching early this year. This announcement marks the first time TRUSTe will include outside technology experts to qualify applicants for the company's privacy programs.

AppLabs currently manages over 20 certification programs based around technologies related to CISCO, Novell, SUN, Hitachi Data Systems, Microsoft, and Linux. The company has a long history of security services ranging from desktop/endpoint security, through every aspect of the network to server security. AppLabs also has experience with authentication providers, password management, anti-piracy, document protection, mail security, spyware/malware, Web filtering, intrusion detection and prevention, and enterprise incident reporting solutions.

"Software and disclosures can become complex and the combination of our understanding of privacy issues with AppLabs's technical expertise strengthens the Trusted Download program," said Fran Maier, president and executive director of TRUSTe. "AppLabs's achievements in engineer certification and its work history should send a clear message to the industry that we intend to strictly uphold the standards of this program."

AppLabs will be responsible for reviewing software submitted for a wide range of behaviors some of which include, confirming the absence of prohibited functionality, confirming that there are no "time bomb" components that become active after installation and that the uninstall function is complete. AppLabs will also monitor applications found through affiliate programs.

"This program can change the entire ecosystem of software on the Internet and create a healthier environment for honest software developers and users," said Mike McCormick, Assistant Vice President, Strategic Alliances. "Testing for this initiative is not only a great challenge, but a noble one and we look forward to beginning our work."

The Trusted Download program was announced in November of 2005. TRUSTe will begin accepting applications during the Beta period in the first quarter of 2006. Partners include Yahoo!, AOL, CA, CNET Networks, and Verizon.

About AppLabs Technologies

AppLabs Technologies is a global IT services company specializing in software testing and development, with an emphasis on quality assurance, performance, certification and hardware testing. Customers include American Airlines, InstallShield, HP, Novell and SAP. AppLabs is one of only a handful of software testing experts to have achieved SEI CMM Level 5, the highest quality standard attainable in software engineering. The company, backed by WestBridge Capital Partners, is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and maintains state-of-the-art testing centers in Lindon, Utah and Hyderabad, India. Recently, AppLabs has announced its merger with VisualSoft Technologies. For more information, visit www.applabs.com.

About TRUSTe

TRUSTe, the independent trust authority, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enabling individuals and organizations to establish trusting relationships based on respect for personal identity and information in the evolving networked world.

Founded in 1997, TRUSTe runs the largest privacy seal program certifying more than 1,500 Web sites throughout the world with support from its sponsors, Microsoft, AOL, DoubleClick and Intuit. TRUSTe also provides standards, certification and oversight into email accreditation with its Email Privacy Seal and the Bonded Sender Program. For more information on TRUSTe please visit www.truste.org.