Internet security services provider VeriSign Inc. and Netscape Communications Corp. Tuesday
signed a multi-year agreement to launch a new online security center by March.
Terms of the agreement also call for expansion of previous initiatives
between the companies to incorporate Verisign digital certificate services
with Netscape’s client and server offering. In addition, Netscape has
tapped Verisign as the premier provider of digital certificate and Internet
trust services for Netscape users.
Netscape calls the Netcenter Security Center by VeriSign the first one-stop
area on a portal providing secure e-commerce and communications solutions. Combining Netscape
products, the Netcenter portal and VeriSign’s global digital certificate
services infrastructure, the site targets
enterprises, Web sites and individual consumers.
Product and service
information on digital certificates and related
Internet security technologies are available as well as developer kits
providing secure
e-commerce applications. Training and implementation services will also be
offered.
The Security Center will also have sub-channels segmented by topics offering information on building secure Web sites, public
key infrastructure, online shopping, developer tools and secure messaging.
“VeriSign is the clear leader in Internet trust services and we’re pleased
to take our long-standing partnership to the next level with unparalleled cooperation on specialized content development, product integration and digital certificate service delivery for Internet businesses and consumers worldwide,” said
Mike Homer, executive vice president and general manager of Netscape’s
Netcenter division.
“Together, we
plan to deliver the best-of-breed information and services that our
customers need to securely conduct their
personal or business transactions over the Internet.”
As part of their expanding relationship, Netscape and VeriSign will
collaborate on including protocol enhancements to VeriSign Web
site digital certificates in Netscape server products. VeriSign technology will also be used in Netscape client and server products to
simplify enterprise-wide digital certificate deployment.
The companies will also work together on next generation secure
e-commerce and communication products and services, such as customized
portal services, secure messaging features, and AOL-compatible
e-commerce features.
VeriSign will provide
digital certificate services
for all Netscape products and services and have key placement throughout
the Netcenter portal, potentially reaching a larger audience of
enterprises, IT professionals, online
merchants, developers, power computer users and small businesses.
In addition, VeriSign will also be listed as the premier provider of digital
certificate services in all Netscape product configuration and
registration processes.
“Netscape Netcenter has become a premier destination for business-oriented
individuals looking to exploit the power of the Internet for commercial purposes,” said Stratton Sclavos, Verisign’s president and chief executive officer.
“Our new agreement with Netscape will make it simple for any enterprise,
Web site or individual to reap the
benefits of secure e-commerce and communications through the use of our
digital certificates and related
trust services.”
