IBM and VeriSign Forge Global Internet Security Alliance

VeriSign is the worlds leading provider of digital trust services that enable enterprises to authenticate users, authorize what they are allowed to do and secure Web-based and other digital transactions. IBM is the worlds leading infrastructure and technology provider. The announcement provides a roadmap for the future of e-business on the Internet, signaling a collaboration between IBM and VeriSign on Internet technology, infrastructure and security. As part of the multi-year agreement, the two companies will: --Create and market services: IBM and VeriSign plan to develop standards-based solutions for secure e-business. These services are expected to enable secure messaging, secure extranets, intranets, and e-commerce sites as well as secure document management. As part of this, the companies plan to develop and market a new Entitlements Management Service based on VeriSigns managed public key infrastructure (PKI) services and technology and Tivoli Policy Director, IBMs enterprise-class security management and access control software. The new service is expected to combine online authentication, Web single sign-on, digital credentialing and signatures, authorization and policy management with dynamic updating of customer and partner information. -- Forge a global services and marketing alliance: IBMs Global Services Group, VeriSigns Consulting Services Group and VeriSigns network of global affiliates intend to work together to provide world-class managed services and support for companies deploying PKI technology. -- Collaborate on Web services: The companies plan to collaborate to advance key security standards -- such as XKMS and SAML -- for enabling dynamic Web services. IBM, for example, plans to embed XKMS and leverage SAML in Tivoli Policy Director. This collaboration would enable seamless, native XML interfaces with VeriSigns managed PKI and other trust services. -- Deploy IBM server and software infrastructure components in VeriSigns IT operations. The new relationship between IBM and VeriSign aims to provide customers with a powerful combination of computer security technology, software and services in options ranging from stand-alone software to managed software services delivered as a utility service over the Internet. Combining VeriSigns secure infrastructure capabilities and authentication services with IBMs security products will also provide an industry-leading outsourced solution for organizations wishing to leverage identity, authentication and authorization services. The announcement will enable IBM to add VeriSigns security-related services to the portfolio of information technology services it currently offers to customers. Similarly, the announcement enables VeriSign to significantly expand availability of its VeriSign managed PKI services to a broader range of customers and furthers its mission of enabling everyone, everywhere to engage in digital commerce and communications with confidence.