Novell Offers Multi-Level Security and Authentication

• Delivers Single Point Management of Multiple Authentication Methods including Fingerprint and Smart Cards
• First Solution to Offer Graded Authentication
• Targeted at Healthcare, Financial Services, Government and Pharmaceutical Industries
• More than 20 Security Companies Now Support NMAS

Novell, Inc., a leading supplier of Net services software, today announced the availability of Novell Modular Authentication Service (NMAS) Enterprise Edition 1.0, advanced Net security software for authenticating users to a network. Leveraging NDS eDirectory, NMAS Enterprise Edition provides a single point of administration and management for a broad range of authentication methods including tokens, smart cards, X.509 digital certificates, and fingerprint and iris scan devices. This makes it possible for customers to consolidate security services and increase network security beyond basic password authentication.

NMAS offers multi-factor and "Graded Authentication," which enable customers to combine authentication methods and set granular access policies to certain areas on a network. This makes NMAS an ideal solution for eCommerce based industries where regulations are driving the need for enhanced security measures, especially in healthcare, financial services, government, and pharmaceutical markets. NMAS Enterprise Edition is also ideal for administrators managing users in NDS eDirectory that demand both flexibility and enhanced security across multiple applications and operating systems. The extensible NMAS framework supports a variety of authentication methods including something you know, such as a password, something you are, such as a fingerprint, or something you have, such as a token or smart card.

"As businesses enlarge their corporate network to include customers and supply partners, the ability to secure access to network services, data, and information is critical," said Dave Shirk, senior vice president of product management at Novell. "This is especially true in industries that regulate electronic transactions. For instance, in the healthcare industry, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is designed to protect the security and confidentiality of electronic health information accessed over private and public networks. Through the power of eDirectory, NMAS Enterprise Edition helps organizations meet compliance by giving them the flexibility to combine and manage authentication methods that best match their security needs."

NMAS Enterprise Edition First to Deliver Graded Authentication

NMAS is the first solution on the market today to support "Graded Authentication" a powerful proprietary security feature allowing administrators to establish network access based on authentication methods used in a sequence. For instance, a healthcare organization can assign access to certain medical records with a specific login sequence (for example a fingerprint + an NDS password). Access is given only to those users that login using the assigned sequence, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. This also ensures the user is not able to copy or move files, which prevents secure information from being inadvertently moved to other areas on a network.

NMAS Enterprise Edition Receives Broad Industry Support

Novell announced the NMAS Starter Pack in January 2000. In a short time, more than 20 companies have plans to support NMAS. This includes ActivCard, Applied Biometrics, Arcot Systems, Biometric Access, BioPassword, Compaq, CRYPTOcard Corporation, DCS, GemPlus, Identix, IrisScan, Keyware Technologies, Precise Biometrics, Protect Data, Protocom, RSA Security, SAFLINK, Secure Computing Corporation, Sensar, VASCO Data Security, and Visionsphere, all of whom provide NMAS authentication methods.

"Protocom's customers are enthusiastic about NMAS because it provides greater network security. Through our SecureLogin and NMAS, customers can eliminate the exposure associated with traditional fixed password systems and reduce overall costs which are incurred through forgotten password resets and multiple passwords across different IT systems. Our strategic partnership with Novell has once more given our customers continued confidence and the opportunity to save critical time and money through NMAS and SecureLogin," said Brod Harris, Protocom's Senior Developer.

Market for Authentication Solutions

According to industry research group International Data Corporation, the authorization, authentication and administration market is expected to grow 18% year over year to reach $3.7 Billion in 2003. As corporations move to a one Net environment the need to ensure strong security measures are increased in order to protect sensitive, confidential information and business assets that reside on corporate networks.

Pricing and Availability

Licenses for the Novell Modular Authentication Service Enterprise Edition are $49 per user and will be available starting May 12 from Novell channel partners or via shopnovell at www.shopnovell.com.

Novell Modular Authentication Service and Novell Consulting Services

Novell Consulting Services' Rapid Deployment program reduces customers' deployment time by 30 to 50 percent. Networking consulting experts will design, plan, pilot and rapidly deploy Novell Modular Authentication services and other customized solutions based on NDS eDirectory in a customer environment, thus providing immediate business benefits and a competitive advantage from this technology. This Rapid Deployment Solution is implemented quickly and optimally the first time, allowing users and network administrators to immediately become more productive. To order Rapid Deployment Solutions, select "Engage Consulting' a the Novell Web site at http://consulting.novell.com.

About Novell

Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL), is a leading provider of Net services software that delivers services to secure and power all types of networks the Internet, intranets, and extranets; wired to wireless; corporate and public across leading operating systems. Novell's Net services software provides the foundation for one Net a single global network that supports new applications and forms of business. Net Services software gives IT organizations a way to adapt and accelerate their transformation to Ebusiness, simplify the management and control of all networks, create a secure foundation for doing business on the Net, and help deliver a consistent and high-quality experience to end users in all locations. Worldwide channel, consulting, education and technical support programs, along with strategic alliances, combine Novell Net services software with third-party products and services to form complete Net solutions.

For information on Novell's complete range of products and services, contact Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272), or visit Novell's Web site at www.novell.com. Press may access Novell announcements and company information on the World Wide Web at www.novell.com/pressroom. In addition, detailed comparisons between Novell products and competitive offerings from other vendors are available on the Web at www.novell.com/advantage.

Novell and NDS are registered trademarks, and eDirectory and NMAS are trademarks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.