Andes Networks Unveils the World's Fastest RSA Exponentiation Chip.

Business/Technology Editors

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2001

The "Zoo" ASIC demonstrated as the highest-performing security

ASIC in the world for public-key cryptography operations

Andes Networks, a provider of next generation SSL acceleration platforms, today announced the world's highest-performing security ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for public-key cryptography operations. The "Zoo" ASIC powers the world's most challenging SSL applications, with design targets exceeding 15,000 1024-bit RSA operations per second. The unprecedented "Zoo" ASIC enables a tremendous performance leap toward the acceleration of secure data transmission on the Web.

Andes Networks' Packetized SSL(TM) technology is driving the convergence of Internet security and IP traffic management through revolutionary third-generation SSL accelerators. Packetized SSL is a breakthrough technology, supported by a suite of eight patents (pending), that removes the barriers to delivering secure web-enabled content at line speed.

As organizations are increasingly faced with the challenges of efficiently distributing confidential information over the Internet, network designers are forced to make a choice between optimizing Web site performance and securing systems data. Andes Networks' breakthrough Packetized SSL(TM) technology eliminates this trade-off by streamlining secure delivery of all Web site traffic at a fraction of the cost of current solutions. The Andes Networks solution manages risk and alleviates marketing problems resulting from poor Web site performance.

"Our success is a product of the strength of our internal team combined with our strategic associations with UMC, GlobalCAD and Virtual Silicon Technologies. Partnering with UMC and GlobalCAD gives us the best of both worlds," said Glen Anderson, Vice President of Engineering at Andes Networks. "We get immediate access to the best technologies in the world as they become available with the responsiveness of a start-up. We literally went form napkin to working chips for a structured-custom design in less than a year. For a design of this complexity, it exemplifies the power of working with leading vendors and tools."

"This dramatic breakthrough has the potential to change the landscape for PKI and SSL based applications," said Scott Schnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Programs at RSA. "The entire area of authentication and digital property rights management could be accelerated by Andes' high-speed RSA exponentiation chip."

Andes will begin beta testing in the second quarter of 2001, introducing a systems product line which utilizes the Zoo into the market in the third quarter.

About Andes Networks

Andes Networks, a provider of next generation SSL acceleration platforms, has introduced a dramatic set of breakthrough technologies for SSL-accelerated traffic on the Internet. Andes' patented Packetized SSL technology complements today's high-speed web switches, web servers, firewalls and cache systems to securely and cost-effectively manage IP traffic without compromise to network performance. The company is led by a management team hailing from blue-chip technology companies, who have leveraged their expertise in ASIC chip design, high-performance computing systems, security, and networking. The company is backed by VantagePoint Venture Partners; Sun Microsystems; Infinity Capital; PacRim Venture Partners, and a small group of private investors. With its breakthrough technology, seasoned executive team and blue-chip investors, Andes Networks is poised to set a new standard for the secure transmission of data over the Internet.

Andes Networks is based in Mountain View, Calif. More information on the company and its technology can be found at www.andesnetworks.com.