Vordel to join the WISekey Expert Group to provide efficient and effective business processes for the ECommercePKI portals based on trust services from WISEKey ROOT CA and products from Baltimore Technologies

Geneva, Switzerland - 5 October 2000 - The World Internet Secure Key WISeKey, the world's largest Public Key Infrastructure and Global Common ROOT service, today announced collaboration with Vordel, the leading provider of XML based B2B tools and applications to enable cohesion within business networks.

As B2B e-commerce becomes more widespread, standardisation and security have evolved as the critical requirements in achieving seamless communications between trading partners. A key requirement for application developers is to provide solutions that allow different user groups to communicate on the Internet in a secure environment with minimum disruption to their existing infrastructure.

Vordel is the leading provider of PKI enabled applications and tools for designing, distributing and managing forms and documents in a B2B network. Vordel's TalkXML suite uses eXtensible Markup Language (XML) - the standard business language of the Internet - to create business forms that can be read by any XML enabled application or application server. These forms are made secure and legally binding by use of a PKI. TalkXML has been developed with end-user ease-of-use a priority; the intuitive interfaces shield the use from the complexities of these technologies.

By leveraging the possibilities of secured XML forms, companies can streamline business processes whilst realising an enhanced return on investment. With their back-office systems XML-enabled, it makes sense for these companies to communicate using XML documents with their business network as well.

Vordel's software suite enables companies to design, distribute and manage graphical forms that are then implemented in their business network. The opportunity for cost saving has been dramatic and the potential applications almost unlimited. Digitally signed and secured XML can be used in any business for purchase requisitions processing, credit checks, handling legal forms, making bookings - such as flights - and medical lookup forms. In addition to form-based communication, automatic transmission of XML documents in a machine-to-machine environment is possible by using Vordel's TalkXML Autolink.

"Whilst WISeKey provides an extensive security framework, Vordel's TalkXML product suite delivers business focused solutions that meet real business requirements", said David Ryan, CEO, Vordel. " A fundamental requirement for successful B2B commerce is the ability to transfer standardized, legally binding documents securely and easily between businesses. Businesses must be able to share authenticated forms and documents safely and they must be sure that the transaction process is enhanced by the software, not hampered. Vordel's TalkXML suite provides the necessary cohesive functionality to make true B2B communications a reality".

Vordel's TalkXML provides a business with a comprehensive solution and simple migration path to quickly establish effective and trusted communications with your business partners.

Vordel's software supports the use of smart cards for authenticating users of the TalkXML Viewer and TalkXML Editor applications. This ensures that the user is not limited to one PC, and their private key is not resident on a hard drive. The use of smart cards is not mandatory but may be a desirable option for increased security.

Using the TalkXML Autolink, an automated client application can be deployed. This automates the entire XML-based business-to-business process, incorporating signing and encryption. This is useful for solutions that require the secure transmission of data between enterprises, without the use of forms.

Vordel's software suite provides a secure XML-based alternative to an HTML-to-CGI architecture. It provides a full audit trail of digitally signed documents, while speeding up the implementation and customization process through the use of XML.

About WISeKey

WISeKey is a privately owned company based in Geneva, Switzerland that provides Root Certification Authority services to Certification Authorities worldwide. The trustworthiness of WISeKey's services is based on their carefully orchestrated security practices and procedures used exclusively for the issuance of high-security certificates to Certification Authorities and other entities that form part of the operational services of the globally interoperable PKIs below it.

As part of WISeKey's security procedures, the Global Root Private Cryptographic Key used to issue certificates is stored in an off-line high-security facility deep in the Swiss Alps.

With such high-security infrastructure in place, WISeKey has signed a partnership agreement with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to promote the deployment of PKIs in 188 countries with the intention of expanding the use of secure electronic communications. In doing so, WISeKey is also providing e-commerce solutions based on the mass usage of certification and PKI enabled applications to secure the Internet for eBusiness. This approach changes the entire dynamics of how the Internet is used and will propel its transactional-based usage into the 21st century. For further information visit www.wisekey.com. Web address: www.wisekey.com

About Vordel

Vordel is a leading provider of XML-based tools and applications to enable cohesion within business networks. Vordel's product range, TalkXML, delivers a powerful suite of applications that enables an enterprise to easily establish secure web-based communication channels to any organisation in its B2B or B2C business network.

The most significant issue for companies striving to build an eBusiness capability is that of legacy and the integration of disparate systems. We offer XML-based products that will easily interface with existing systems and deliver secure, authentic data to any digital channel. We offer cohesion technologies or "the glue" to link your existing systems and people to new digital business channels.

Vordel's products and solutions are designed to assist companies in extracting additional value from their IT infrastructure and to easily extend their business over internal and external B2B networks. Effectively, TalkXML acts as the cohesive technology to enable existing IT systems communicate in order to capture the opportunity for secure electronic business.

Vordel is headquartered in Dublin; currently employs 25 people and has partners in Ireland, UK, and the US.