AssureNet Pathways Joins with U.S. Robotics to provide integrated security system; AssureNet Pathways Joins the U.S. Robotics' EdgeWare ISV Program with Defender NT Security Server for U.S. Robotics' NT-Based EdgeServer Platform.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 1996-- AssureNet Pathways (formerly Digital Pathways), today joined with U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ: USRX) to offer the first-ever self-contained application server platform for NT with integrated security capabilities.

As a leader in remote and local LAN access security software with Defender Security Server for the NT platform (DSS NT), AssureNet now enables customers to integrate this security application directly into U.S. Robotics' EdgeServer platform, which merges computing, communications and security into a single platform solution.

EdgeServer and AssureNet Pair For Powerful Security Solution For the first time, companies can integrate best-of-breed security software directly into their remote access equipment. The powerful combination of the DSS NT and EdgeServer yield performance enhancements for remote access users, increase security and reduce overall network traffic.

By placing DSS NT into the EdgeServer, U.S. Robotics and AssureNet also simplify security software installation, reducing cabling by as much as 10 times, and as a result, increase security manageability and overall reliability of a remote access security solution.

"This kind of application can't be enabled with a traditional remote access server," said Bruce Johnson, vice president of business development at AssureNet. "U.S. Robotics has done a tremendous job of blending computing, communications and security - for the first time our customers can run DSS NT within their remote access servers.

U.S. Robotics and AssureNet's combined products give customers an integrated remote access and security solution."

EdgeWare ISV Program

The EdgeWare ISV Program is a program for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to enable new applications for U.S. Robotics' EdgeServer. By integrating products from third-party vendors into its remote access platform, U.S. Robotics and its software partners enable customers and resellers to create tailored, self-contained access solutions. Key applications include firewalling, security, caching/proxy services, collaborative computing, Internet, and Intranet access, using software that has been tested and certified by U.S. Robotics for use with EdgeServer.

The Defender Security Server For WinNT

The Defender Security Server for Windows NT (DSS NT), is the market's first security's server on the NT operating system. DSS NT is a software application that runs on standard Intel processors and provides authentication services to protect against unauthorized access. The Defender Security Server is the first of a suite of NT authentication and management applications to be announced by AssureNet that will provide a complete security solution on the NT operating system.

Performance And Recovery

DSS NT can also be set up for load sharing. With two active DSS NT servers on line, network administrators need not worry about traffic overload or delays in the authentication process. As an added advantage, the primary and alternate DSS NT server may be active at the same time, which prevents delays or lack of secure remote access in the event of a system or transport failure. The system automatically switches after a specific number of failed authentication "re-tries," without having to wait for time-based switching.

WinDMS Security Management

All of AssureNet's Defender products, including hardware servers and tokens, can be managed with AssureNet's Windows Defender Management Software (WinDMS). WinDMS allows IS administrators to manage all aspects of user access and authentication. With audit trail information and the user database, system supervisors have complete control over adding, deleting and updating Defender systems and user information.

About U.S. Robotics

U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, enterprise communications systems, desktop/mobile client products and modems and telephony products that connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include Internet service providers, regional Bell operating companies, inter-exchange carriers and a wide range of other large and small businesses, institutions and individuals. The company's fiscal 1995 sales were $889.3 million; sales for the first nine months of fiscal 1996 were $1.37 billion.

About AssureNet Pathways

AssureNet Pathways provides a broad range of network information security solutions that protect enterprise-wide networks from unauthorized entry, tampering and theft of information and services. AssureNet Pathways products are the most easy to use and manage, cost effective, standards-based security solutions available. Backed by more than a decade of expertise in network security, AssureNet Pathways customers include leading companies in the electronics, financial and health services and communications industries.

AssureNet Pathways is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., with regional offices throughout the US, and in Basingstoke, UK. The company's products are sold worldwide through a network of distributors, value-added resellers and systems integrators.

CONTACT: AssureNet Pathways, Inc.

Earle Speranza, 415/526-2231

[e-mail]

or

U.S. Robotics

Lauri Lentz, 847/982-5230

Jim Turano, 847/933-5988