OctetString Fortifies Virtual Directory Leadership with Upgrade, New Web Site.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- Software firm releases Virtual Directory Engine (VDE) 3.0.1 with enhanced compatibility for Sun One, Microsoft Active Directory and launches new Web site with detailed solution scenarios

OctetString, the leader in virtual directory technology, has fortified its leadership position with the release of the latest version of its flagship software product, Virtual Directory Engine (VDE) suite, and the launch of a new Web site with detailed capabilities and solution scenarios.

VDE 3.0.1 is the latest upgrade available to OctetString customers. This new version includes these enhancements:

--Greater cross-vendor compatibility and multi-directory support. VDE 3.0.1 enables compatibility in multi-vendor, multi-directory environments. For example, the software offers mapping templates and plug-in functions for creating cross-vendor interoperability between applications written for Sun One Directory and Microsoft Active Directory.

--Greater template distribution capability. The product's Directory Management Environment (DME) Template Extensions enable resellers, integrators and customers with large environments to independently distribute versioned configuration templates.

--Eclipse 3.0.1 Platform. OctetString uses the Eclipse application platform with the latest release of Eclipse 3.0.1 by the Eclipse Foundation (www.eclipse.org). Eclipse provides OctetString customers with the ability to develop both Java Plug-ins and Python Mapping scripts for the VDE server within a common management platform.

--Performance Enhancements. VDE 3.0.1 also includes several fixes, such as improved handling of large database objects; e.g., BLOB and CLOB data. Other performance enhancements include optimized join-view processing and LDAP- compare operations.

In concert with the release of VDE 3.0.1, OctetString has launched a new Web site designed to serve as a resource for those working with identity management systems, such as IT infrastructure, security and application architects, as well as corporate operations and line of business managers.

"Virtual Directory technology is becoming widely recognized as a simple, dynamic and secure means of easily creating a flexible identity management infrastructure," said Clayton Donley, Founder and CTO of OctetString. "As the leader in this field, we strive to serve as advocates, innovators and educators, as well as solutions providers."

Donley said the new Web site features upgraded "Capabilities" and "Solutions" sections that demonstrate how virtual directories help large enterprise users handle typical identity management issues, such as proxy and integration, mapping and transformation, performance and scalability, and security requirements. The site also offers detailed scenarios for using virtual directories to solve vexing infrastructure challenges, such as authenticating portal users, constant application modification, data migration headaches and the organizational politics of data ownership.

"With an international clientele of enterprise customers using our products - such as Bayer, Boeing, Hong Kong Cable and Schering, as well as government agencies in the United States, Germany, Norway and the Czech Republic - we believe we are eminently qualified to spread the word on the technical and business benefits of Virtual Directory technology," said Donley, who is a frequent participant in directory services forums and author of the book "LDAP Programming."

VDE 3.0.1 is available at www.octetstring.com for a free, 30-day supported evaluation.

About OctetString, Inc.

OctetString (www.octetstring.com) provides rapid deployment directory middleware solutions for large companies that need to access identities from multiple repositories and share data among numerous applications and platforms without compromising data integrity or incurring additional infrastructure costs. OctetString's flagship software suite, Virtual Directory Engine (VDE), accelerates deployment of secure business applications by simply and dynamically connecting and transforming available information among internal systems. Companies efficiently add new capabilities using existing systems as leverage and accelerate the return on their investments in enterprise applications. OctetString serves an international clientele, including five companies listed on the Fortune 50, as well as several European government agencies. OctetString is based in Schaumburg, Illinois. Reach OctetString toll-free in North America at 866.868.8882. International callers dial +1 847.358.9358.