Network Systems to begin shipping new Security Router(TM); Triple DES added as fourth encryption algorithm.

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 1995--Network Systems Corp. (NSC) this month will begin shipping production models of The Security Router(TM) with Data Privacy Facility (DPF). The Security Router is capable of encrypting information for secure transmission over any type of private or public-access network, including the Internet. Production models will feature a recently added fourth encryption algorithm -- Triple DES -- to give customers yet another powerful option for protection sensitive data.

Field tests since December have confirmed the strength and performance of the encryption capability of The Security Router with DPF, according to Thomas A. Gilbert, NSC director of marketing. "Our beta customers have validated that The Security Router is truly capable of exchanging confidential information over the Internet without loss of security," he said.

In addition to protecting confidential data, The Security Router also provides secure authentication and protection against IP spoofing attacks, a security problem recently reported on the Internet.

The Security Router with DPF addresses two critical needs faced by all network managers: data security and cost savings. By encrypting data on a packet-by-packet basis, it ensures that the information can be "read" only by the people for whom it is intended. This insurance opens up a new range of networking possibilities -- many of which cost dramatically less than secured point-to-point links. Among the money-saving options are multipoint links, such as Frame Relay; multi-access networks, including public internets, and high-capacity communications connections, the cost and capacity of which can be shared by two or more companies without concern for security. Plus, with The Security Router, even point-to-point lines are less expensive since no costly link encryptors are needed.

The Security Router's data compression capabilities also contribute to cost savings. By squeezing more data onto existing bandwidth - text throughput is almost doubled -- The Security Router improves efficiency and delays the need for costly upgrades.

The Security Router overcomes the limitations of other available hardware and software encryption technologies. None, for example, can match its ability to secure data on multi-access IP networks such as Frame Relay, ATM, X.25 or SMDS. Plus, with The Security Router, data protection is automatic and invisible. Its implementation requires no modification to existing host computers and internetworking devices; key management is handled automatically; and, if equipment fails, the router is capable of selecting backup devices to ensure the communications session continues.

Field test models of The Security Router featured three strong encryption algorithms: the International Data Encryption Algorithm, (IDEA), recognized as the world's strongest; the Data Encryption Standard (DES), a proven and widely accepted U.S. standard; and NSC1, a high speed, proprietary algorithm with performance suitable for Ethernet-based applications. "With the addition of Triple DES in production models, our customers gain a greater flexibility in choosing the level of data protection available with the Security Router," NSC's Gilbert said.

"For nearly two decades, NSC has been the industry leader in secure, high performance networking," said William R. Franta, NSC vice president, routers/switch business unit, and chief technical officer. "The Security Router with DPF builds on our pioneering efforts to address the critical need to secure data without jeopardizing network performance."

In addition to media support for Ethernet, FDDI and T1/E1 WANS, The Security Router provides protocol-independent bridging combined with IP, IPX, DECnet and AppleTalk routing. The Security Router directly supports Frame Relay, SMDS and X.25, and, through a cellifier, ATM.

Pricing for the Security Router with DPF begins at $11,995.

Minneapolis-based Network Systems Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Storage Technology Corp., provides comprehensive solutions for implementing high performance enterprise networks.

For more information, contact Network Systems at 612-424-4888 or via the Internet at www.network.com.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Security Router will be demonstrated in the Network Systems "Secure Networks on Demand" display at Networld+Interop '95 Booth No. 2424. Media, please call Paul Payack, 612/424-1555, or Mary Ellen Amodeo, 612/832-5000 x375.

CONTACT: Network Systems Corp., Minneapolis

Paul J.J. Payack, 612/424-1555

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or

Mona Meyer McGrath & Gavin

Mary Ellen Amodeo, 612/832-5000 x375

[e-mail]