Apreo Announces ApreoFlex to Enforce Appropriate-Use Policies for Recreational Files; First and Only Desktop EIM Tool to Find Hidden Files.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 2003

Today, Apreo, Inc., announced the availability of ApreoFlex(TM) to implement and enforce Appropriate-Use policies for recreational files on a corporate network. ApreoFlex implements Appropriate-Use policies ranging from no-use to approved-use based on a variety of criteria. It enforces policies for game files, music files, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) sharing programs, instant messengers, and user-specified programs. ApreoFlex is the first and only desktop Employee Internet Management (EIM) tool to find recreational files even if they have been hidden, renamed, compressed, or launched from offline media.

File-level detection is a requirement for desktop EIM because it addresses the source of recreational computing on a workstation, which is files. For example, P2P programs install desktop client software that must be monitored or removed to effectively control music downloading. With its file focus, ApreoFlex complements URL-blocking EIM tools by finding programs that circumvent them.

"In the Internet-dominated world we operate in, organizations have increased demands placed on their computing resources, not to mention the growing number of risks associated with the employee computing environment," said Gerard Periolat, President of Apreo. "ApreoFlex provides organizations a flexible solution that operates in real-time and/or on a scheduled basis to help managers enforce their own appropriate-use policies and preserve corporate resources. Our solution adds a vital layer to existing EIM solutions by extending to the desktop because the desktop is a critical component in personal use of the corporate network."

Managers in the profit and not-for-profit sectors are increasingly searching for a solution to the problems presented by recreational computing in the workplace. New EIM requirements like file-detection for desktop and the corporate network will contribute to the growth of the EIM market, which IDC reports will increase from $62 million in 1999 to $655 million by 2005.

Rick Ricker, Chief Operating Officer of Enterprise Systems Consulting, Inc., plans to add ApreoFlex to his arsenal of tools to assist his client base, clients like Gap Inc., the Department of Justice, Fidelity Investments, Amgen and Qualcomm. "Every company is entitled to manage its assets and that includes its computing support environment," said Ricker.

"Currently, there are no other solutions on the market that can do what ApreoFlex does," said Ricker. "Many organizations already use products like SurfControl, or Websense that are very effective in providing URL blocking that keep users from downloading programs and files that violate appropriate-use policies. As effective as they are in external threats, this approach does little to address the indigenous violations that already reside in their computing infrastructures, or in the drawers of their personnel's desks in the form of removable media, i.e., floppies or disks, not to mention what is waiting in the mailbox in the form of a trial CD."

Organizations that permit recreational computing through an appropriate-use policy can employ ApreoFlex's comprehensive, layered approach to implement access policies for applications based on real-time or scheduled detection operations. If utilized, this approach could allow users to play games only during specified times. Conversely, organizations that do not allow recreational computing can delete programs by detecting unauthorized files where they are stored or by stopping the operation of the programs while in use.

Key ApreoFlex features include:

-- A combination of scheduled and real-time detection for network

efficiency and policy flexibility.

-- Content Signature data bases for game files, music files, P2P

programs, and instant messengers.

-- A database editor to detect user-defined files.

-- A "stealth mode" to completely hide ApreoFlex's operation from

end users.

-- Live-update for automatic data base updates over the internet.

-- Clientless installation for efficiency and easy maintenance

since ApreoFlex does not require any software to be installed

on workstations targeted for monitoring.

Apreo is offering a FREE 30-day trial of ApreoFlex. To try this unique solution, please send a request to [e-mail] or call [phone].

About Apreo

Founded in 1994, Apreo is a file-detection expert and veteran provider of policy-enforcement tools for appropriate file-use. In addition to ApreoFlex, Apreo develops, markets, and supports AntiGame Plus(TM) and SoundJudgment(TM). Apreo's products are part of the EIM market and complement network-based, URL-blocking solutions from Websense, SurfControl, and other vendors. The company's products have been installed in more than 1400 sites worldwide, including Fortune 500 organizations. Apreo is headquartered in Orange County, CA.

Apreo's Web site can be found at http://www.apreo.com

About ESC, Inc.

ESC, Inc. is a leading provider of adaptive network security solutions delivering enterprise-wide information protection solutions. ESC's family of products and services enables information risk vulnerability detection, encrypted messaging management within Inter/Intranet, Extranet and Wireless environments. By combining proactive and communication with real-time intrusion detection and response, ESC's adaptive security approach creates a comprehensive security solution promoting a secure e-business environment. For more information, call ESC at (949) 250-1ESC or; visit the ESC web site at http://www.1esc.com.