SSP SOLUTIONS: SECURE SERVICES ASP FOR MARKETS.

SSP Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:SSPX), has announced its Secure Services ASP (application service provider) offering, targeted to small- and mid-sized public and private sector organizations. This offering promises the same level of security infrastructure that SSP provides primarily to large enterprises and government agencies, and is an extension of SSP's marketing program "Demanding Your Digital Rights."

SSP's "Demanding Your Digital Rights" campaign responds to the public's current concern for safe and confidential environments securing electronic transactions in a digital age. SSP's ASP offering addresses those concerns by enabling strong authentication, digitally signed and encrypted email, secure file access and transfer, secure access to Intranets, Web pages and VPNs, secure work-group collaboration, and additional enterprise security features for remote IP-based network and ISP access.

"Security is no longer solely an enterprise concern -- with businesses of all sizes seeking new ways to protect customers, data and revenue," said Richard Depew, president and chief operating officer, SSP Solutions, Inc. "Our ASP model recognizes the need for protected digital rights within the workplace or family environment, and makes it possible for individuals or firms of any size to participate in the same high assurance security protocols and applications being used in the government or other large enterprises."

Core to the ASP model is the hosting of SSP Profile Manager, SSP's comprehensive PKI (public key infrastructure) management system. Profile Manager is designed to facilitate the secure generation, management and recovery of token file keys and certificates, and offers a complete key and certificate lifecycle management service. Profile Manager offers the highest levels of authentication together with encrypted transmission of digital data -- essential requirements for trusted communication, trade and information exchange.

The ASP model streamlines the enrollment and credentialing process of Profile Manager by aggregating multiple customer touch points into a single consolidated entry point for member enrollment, credential issuance, administration and support. These credentials can be photo ID cards, entry access credentials, smart cards, or other software or hardware tokens. An assigned security administrator at the client site will initiate the process through the use of secure Web pages to the ASP. Once authenticated, the administrator will manage the client side processes necessary for member enrollment and support. The ASP will in turn handle credential issuance and key and certificate management.

Integrated into the hosted Profile Manager is SSP NetSign, a client site system that seamlessly integrates Profile Manager's authentication certificates and encryption keys through smart cards and readers to enhance security for electronic commerce, email, Internet or file access, and remote network functions.

Smart cards or other credentials and tokens will be fabricated at the ASP and securely remitted to the security administrator for distribution to employees or family/group members. Used together with NetSign for access control and secure data transmission, the end user is assured that digital rights are protected.

The Secure Services ASP is being designed to operate seamlessly with SSP's programmable TAN (Trust Assurance Network) platform, developed in conjunction with EDS and other technology partners. The TAN is designed to solve the security requirements of today yet remain upgradable to future trends, technologies and enhanced security and privacy options as they are developed. The Secure Services ASP will be offered at a low monthly subscription fee ranging from $9.95 - $29.95 depending on applications and customized services.