ReefEdge Networks and Zebra Technologies to Provide Secure Virtual Private Network -VPN- Solution for Mobile Printers.

Business Editors

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 2003

Seamless User Experience Coupled with Industry Standard

Authentication and Encryption Allow Mobile Printers to Reliably Share

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Infrastructures

ReefEdge Networks announced today an alliance with Vernon Hills, Ill.-based Zebra Technologies to enable the complete line of Zebra(R) mobile printers to securely communicate with a company's WLAN infrastructure via a virtual private network (VPN) security protocol. This ultra-secure means of communication for wireless networks will bring comfort to both customers and management alike, and will additionally protect enterprises from the costly dangers of unauthorized access. The integrated solution, which links Zebra's printers with ReefEdge's ReefSwitches, will enable IT managers to bring together all mobile devices including desktops, laptops, handheld devices, printers and voice phones, onto a shared WLAN infrastructure. The standards-based solution enables companies to quickly realize the business benefits of wireless mobile printing to increase inventory turns, improve accuracy and speed, and capture additional revenue.

The Zebra and ReefEdge solution is the first of its kind, providing the ability to encrypt traffic to and from the printer while also enhancing the mobility of the device. The solution is ideal for retail and distribution environments, manufacturing facilities, logistics sectors, and for government use. ReefEdge products have been certified to meet the stringent FIPS 140-2 Level 2 standard mandated by the U.S. Government for secure WLAN deployments.

The secure solution provides seamless device and user authentication, data encryption, and mobility across subnets or through coverage gaps, using industry-standard IPSec, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and triple-DES (3DES) technologies implemented on Zebra mobile printers and ReefEdge ReefSwitches. To meet the limited storage and CPU requirements of mobile printing devices, Zebra is implementing optimization technologies developed by ReefEdge with its ReefAccess Mobile Client for Portable Data Terminals. The Zebra/ReefEdge solution uses standard wireless access points and supports all radio technologies, enabling easy deployment on both legacy and new wireless environments.

From curbside printing of airplane boarding passes and baggage claim tickets, to handheld point-of-sale register receipts, inventory tagging, and retail shelf labels, the applications for mobile printing are on the rise. However, security and manageability have emerged as the primary barriers to adoption of mobile printing solutions. Until now, solutions such as VPNs that protect computing devices like laptop computers were too processor intensive and memory dependent to run on smaller devices such as printers.

"Zebra and ReefEdge are solving a key problem for enterprise IT managers," said Bob Danahy, General Manager of Zebra's Mobile Printing Center of Excellence. "By enabling Zebra printers to run within the ReefEdge Wireless LAN EcoSystem(TM), we are providing customers a solution for connecting our printers securely to their wireless corporate networks. Some customers have been concerned about allowing a mobile printer to connect to a wireless network, since it opens a non-secured connection that could enable unauthorized access to customer records or credit card transactions. By incorporating user authentication and encryption into the printer, the network can be locked down and secured. "While proprietary security protocols like LEAP(TM) and Kerberos(TM) are available on Zebra mobile printers today, VPN functionality provides a higher level of security and one that is already in widespread use in corporate enterprises."

"ReefEdge Networks is at the forefront of providing solutions that enable enterprises to realize the business benefits of wireless LANs," said Ajei Gopal, CEO of ReefEdge Networks. "By partnering with Zebra, the industry leader in mobile printers, we are opening up a new class of business applications that can leverage wireless capabilities securely."

The combined solution for mobile printers is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2004, and the rest of the Zebra product line later in the year.

About Zebra Technologies

Zebra Technologies delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, "smart" label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company has sold more than three million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity solutions, and printing supplies. Information about Zebra bar code and RFID products can be found at www.zebra.com.

About ReefEdge Networks

ReefEdge Networks (www.reefedge.com) is the leading provider of interoperable, managed and secure WLAN systems for multi-site enterprises. Through world-class channel partners and system integrators, ReefEdge has deployed award-winning, patented technology in thousands of customer locations around the world. Founded in 2000 and privately held, ReefEdge is led by an executive team with extensive experience in the mobile wireless and data networking industries. ReefEdge's corporate headquarters are in Fort Lee, NJ with sales offices across the U.S. and worldwide distribution.