Utimaco Attains Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Status.

FOXBORO, Mass. -- Utimaco Safeware AG:

--Microsoft certifies Utimaco's security expertise

--New status allows access to exclusive research resources

--Partnership underlines strong relationship with Microsoft

Utimaco - The Data Security Company has earned Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program, indicating the highest degree of competence in working with Microsoft technologies. The status specifically recognizes Utimaco's achievements as a security solutions provider and also for its Independent Software Vendor (ISV) solutions. This partner status is the result of Utimaco's success in working with Microsoft and delivering Microsoft compatible security solutions to enterprise customers. The award is another milestone in a series of initiatives Utimaco has undertaken with Microsoft.

The data security specialist gained the highest level within the Microsoft Certified Partners Program by achieving the highest level of developer certification and providing numerous completed customer reference projects. The Gold Certified Partner status sends an important message to potential customers that Utimaco's products display excellence in operational functionality on Microsoft operating systems and that they can trust in Utimaco's Microsoft Certified System Engineers.

The Gold Certified Partner Status is another milestone in the close relationship Utimaco shares with Microsoft for over 15 years. In February 2006, Utimaco became a founding member with Microsoft in the SecureIT Alliance, allowing Utimaco to access latest product and developer details on an exclusive level. An ongoing information flow is also guaranteed by Utimaco's "Microsoft Primary Support Contract". This contract incorporates a Microsoft staff member solely attending the needs of Utimaco developers, offering them close technical support.

In co-operation with Microsoft, Utimaco has already provided innovative security solutions, such as developing a certificate-based access to Microsoft Windows-based PCs using national electronic identity cards. With the implementation of Utimaco's SafeGuard software products to secure the Windows Mobile devices in use by the staff at the Microsoft subsidiary in Germany, Microsoft has recognized Utimaco for its reliable data security technology.

"Particularly in IT-security, customers need vendors they can trust who can assume the role as an advisor for their long-term strategic technology plans," said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. "We recognize Utimaco as a new Gold Certified Partner for demonstrating its expertise in providing security solutions on Microsoft products and technology."

Paul Yao, Utimaco's Business Alliance Manager to Microsoft in Redmond, adds: "Microsoft's business is built on establishing partner relationships; but it reserves the Gold Certified Partner status for those companies which have fulfilled the promise of establishing the unique synergies which are necessary to help both companies do what they do best, and at the same time to help each other to be successful. Reaching Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status was a logical next in the close relationship between Utimaco and Microsoft. Utimaco is committed to continuing to provide data security solutions that support and extend Microsoft's technologies in a way that provide our mutual customers with both cost efficient and secure environments."

About Utimaco Safeware:

Utimaco Safeware AG is a leading manufacturer of professional IT security solutions. The security technology and solutions developed by Utimaco protect the electronic data of companies and government bodies against unauthorized access and guarantee that business processes and administrative procedures in the electronic world are binding and confidential. Utimaco Safeware's corporate headquarters are located in Frankfort, Germany. Utimaco's North American sales and service division is based in Foxboro, Massachusetts, and can be found online at www.utimaco.us.