Adero Secures E-Commerce Transactions With nCipher nFast/CA Technology.

Business/Technology Editors

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 1999

Award-Winning nFast Security Solution Selected to Enhance Acceleration

and Security of Worldwide E-Commerce Transactions

Adero, Inc., the leader in global content and e-commerce distribution services, today announced an alliance with nCipher Corporation Ltd., the leading developer of electronic commerce security solutions, to bring the highest levels of security to Adero customers looking to conduct global e-commerce. The partnership will strengthen Adero's e-commerce solutions with the addition of nCipher's key management expertise for complete life-cycle management of digital certificates. A digital certificate is an electronic ID that is issued by a trusted third party for the purpose of verifying a user's identity. In addition, digital certificates contain software encryption keys that are used to send data securely across the Internet. As part of the agreement, Adero will roll out nCipher's nFast(R) technology across its worldwide network of Adero Intelligent Nodes (AINs). nCipher's technology provides several inter-related and critical components of secure e-commerce.

When combined with Adero's Intelligent Network, nCipher's technology will enable rapid and secure e-commerce by accelerating the performance of the certificate-based transactions. Adero's customers will not experience delays generally associated with secure e-commerce transactions because the heavy processing load will be distributed across Adero's network of Intelligent Nodes to the most available server.

nCipher's secure hardware-based technology allows an organization to own and operate its own digital certificate authority (CA) according to its existing business practices. nCipher's nFast/CA enables enterprises to exchange digital certificates with business partners and customers regardless of location. It is the only solution that inter-operates with all other standard PKI systems and extends PKI beyond the firewall.

"nCipher's name is synonymous with security," said Joe Bai, CTO of Adero. "By leveraging nFast/CA's secure key management technology and combining it with Adero's global network, Adero has created an environment for highly secure, rapid, private electronic commerce using an advanced, fast and highly scalable security system."

"The impact of corporations rapidly migrating to e-business makes developing an e-security strategy of paramount importance," said Alex van Someren, president and CEO of nCipher. "Every day corporations such as Adero are changing the way business is conducted as a result of their Internet and e-business initiatives. It is imperative that they be able to launch these e-business initiatives with the confidence that all their e-commerce transactions will be both fast and secure. nCipher is delighted to provide the security solution that allows Adero to achieve this goal cost-effectively. "

nFast/CA generates keys using hardware-based random number generation, and increases system security by splitting management responsibility among multiple security officers. For additional protection, keys are stored in a highly secure encrypted format within the nFast hardware device. Further protection is provided via smart card controlled access to key management functions.

About nCipher

Founded in 1996, nCipher is the leading provider of high performance security solutions specifically designed for e-commerce and Internet transactions. The company develops secure hardware solutions for server applications including Web sites, e-commerce and digital certification. nCipher's nFast crypto accelerators increase speed through secure transactions and provide a sophisticated and secure key management environment. With offices in Cambridge, UK; Hamburg, Germany; Boston, MA; New York, NY; and San Mateo, CA; nCipher serves customers and partners around the world. For more information on nCipher products and services, please visit our Website at http://www.ncipher.com. nFast is a registered trademark of nCipher Corporation Ltd.

About Adero, Inc.

Founded in 1998, Adero provides a global turnkey service that enables companies to create a rapid, consistent, and reliable Internet experience for online customers anywhere in the world. AderoWorld(TM) Service is a cost-effective solution for global e-Commerce companies, enabling rapid deployment of Web content, distributed applications and e-Commerce services, through the strategic placement of intelligent nodes in local markets around the world. Adero's network of intelligent nodes and patent-pending GeoTraffic(TM) Manager technology allow companies to overcome the complexities of building and managing infrastructures in foreign markets, as well as allow companies to reap the benefits of improved Web site performance and custom-tailored content. AderoWorld Service has over 40 strategically placed intelligent nodes in 28 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Adero, Inc., is a venture-funded company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA - www.adero.com.