ATABOK Launches Secure Global Network; 'Virtual Communications Network' Provides Companies With Safest Environment to Transmit and Control Digital Information.

Business/Technology Editors

NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 21, 2001

ATABOK Inc., a leading provider of secure Internet communications and digital rights management services, today launched the ATABOK(TM) Virtual Communications Network(TM) (VCN). The VCN is the first global network that allows for the encrypted transmission of digital information along secure channels, while enabling users to also manage, track and control files after they have been sent. ATABOK will offer the VCN as a managed service to large and mid-size enterprises that deal with substantial quantities of digital assets.

Despite an increase in security breaches, companies today continue to transmit sensitive information to partners using unprotected e-mail and FTP delivery or EDI transmission. In addition, as more data is shared electronically, companies must contend with recipients who misuse proprietary information by making unauthorized copies of materials, or forwarding them to unauthorized parties. The ATABOK VCN is the first safe channel that addresses these problems under the umbrella of a single service offering and a standardized technology.

The VCN combines ATABOK's core services - secure transmission of digital information, digital rights management (DRM) and a managed infrastructure -- into an Internet-based communications network that links business partners and clients. The VCN integrates seamlessly with desktop and server-based applications, creating secure and controlled channels for communications, next-generation EDI and large file transmission. Using ATABOK's e-mail add-ins, APIs, or Comm Center, companies can quickly deploy comprehensive solutions that fit their business needs.

"The rate at which information moves from hand-to-hand over the Internet has made it next-to-impossible for large enterprises to protect and manage intellectual capital," said Hiroshi Kobata, president and CEO of ATABOK. "Ensuring safe passage for an e-mail or file is a critical first step. However, the real challenge is keeping track of that information once it arrives at its destination. The ATABOK VCN allows companies for the first time to combine both the secure file delivery and post delivery control aspects of the equation under a single, comprehensive service offering."

The typical e-mail network is inherently unsecured, leaving multiple copies of message text and attachments in servers at origin, destination, and potentially in-between, accessible by more readers than its intended recipient. The ATABOK VCN bypasses the e-mail network, streaming content through ATABOK's Virtual Warehouse and redirecting it to an authenticated recipient. Through state-of-the-art DRM, senders can fully manage how the recipient uses and distributes the sent content after delivery, including setting a limit on the amount of time the data can be viewed, and restricting the recipient's ability to forward or copy the information.

"Companies that electronically share large quantities of proprietary content with partners do not always have the internal IT resources to protect and manage their digital assets," said Chris Christiansen, Vice President of IDC's Internet Infrastructure and Security Software programs. "As a managed security service, ATABOK provides companies with the global infrastructure to handle secure channel distribution and DRM in one package."

About The ATABOK VCN(TM)

The VCN provides complete outsourced Internet-based communications management, eliminating the need for companies to integrate partial solutions from numerous providers. Internet communications require a fully integrated combination of communication and content delivery, digital rights management and global security management. In addition, VCN enables companies to establish global communications networks using software instead of traditional and expensive hardware-based solutions. Features include:

Security: VCN provides strong 256-bit encryption. Security is achieved through the use of digital certificates, encryption and authentication processes.

Capacity: Users can securely send or receive any type or size file. Atabok compresses and streams files of any size, allowing for interruptible transmission, and integration with recipient firewalls.

Control: Digital Rights Management allows senders to retain control over content usage, even after delivery to the desktop. The data is delivered encrypted and remains encrypted after delivery. Content owners can maintain visibility of content use as well as dynamically update and upgrade rights.

Specifications: VCN software is compatible with standard desktop e-mail systems including Microsoft Outlook(TM) and Lotus Notes(TM). ATABOK VCN solutions are interoperable across multiple platforms, integrating through e-mail add-ins, APIs, and the ATABOK Comm Center. Platform compatibility:

-- Windows 95/98/NT4.0/2000 on IBM compatible PC

-- Macintosh OS 7.6 or higher

-- Solaris 7 or higher

Pricing and Availability: The VCN is an outsourced service and is available through a subscription-based pricing model.

About ATABOK

ATABOK provides outsourced services for secure and controlled Internet communications, enabling clients to protect, control and manage digital assets more effectively than any other solution on the market. Breaches in security and control of these assets cannot only cost a company millions of dollars, but potentially its franchise and brand. As companies embrace the Internet to reduce costs, improve communications, and generate new revenue, they are exposing core digital assets and intellectual property to an increasingly unsecured channel. ATABOK assists its clients in developing secure, reliable and efficient logistics solutions for their digital content, such as confidential communications, large data transfer, and company workflow and supply chain operations. Atabok is a privately held company located in Newton, Mass. and on the Web at: www.atabok.com.