I've been away for awhile, so maybe I missed this on pem-deve, but
...
------- Forwarded Message
Date: 04 Mar 92 20:19 GMT
From: LEWIS2(_at_)AppleLink(_dot_)Apple(_dot_)COM (Lewis, Steve)
Subject: Mac & Security
Apple and RSA Disclose Technology Agreement for Integrating Digital
Signature Technology into O.C.E.
NAPA, California--March 3, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. and RSA Data
Security, Inc. today disclosed that they have had a licensing
agreement since 1990 that has enabled the two companies to pioneer
the development of powerful digital signature capabilities for
Macintosh personal computers. The availability of this technology in
Apple's Open Collaboration Environment (O.C.E.), a forthcoming
extension to System 7, will allow Macintosh users to electronically
"sign" documents with a verifiable signature.
"The use of computer-based workflow is expected to save companies
substantial processing costs through more efficient business
transactions," said Roger Heinen, Apple's vice president and general
manager of the Macintosh Software Architecture division. "Computer-
based collaboration requires technologies that make electronic
documents trustworthy and free from tampering. RSA's digital
signature technology does just that."
"We are pleased to be able to work with Apple to make high quality,
reliable digital signature services part of Macintosh system
software," said Jim Bidzos, RSA president.
"This cooperative effort will help bring cutting-edge technology to
the personal computer marketplace."
The agreement provides Apple with the right to use RSA's public-key
encryption technology and associated digital signature algorithms and
software implementations. Apple has incorporated these technologies
into O.C.E.'s tools, and made it accessible to software developers
through standard Macintosh programming interfaces.
"A high level of trust in computer-based interaction is essential for
individuals, businesses, hospitals, and government agencies to
streamline everyday work activities, such as the preparation,
approval, and processing of work orders and other business
documents," said Gursharan Sidhu, Apple's technical director for
collaborative systems development. "The availability of RSA's
digital signature technology in conjunction with other O.C.E services
such as messaging and directories, will allow software developers to
create innovative applications in the work-flow arena."
Apple and RSA disclosed the licensing agreement and cooperative
development effort as part of an industry briefing on technology
directions for Macintosh system software. Product availability will
be announced later this year.
RSA Data Security, Inc. designs, develops, markets and supports
cryptographic toolkits and end-user products, including many based on
its patented RSA public-key cryptosystem. RSA licensees include IBM
Corp., Apple, Digital Equipment Corp., Microsoft Corp., Sun
Microsystems, Inc., Novell, Inc., Lotus Development Corp., Motorola,
Inc., Northern Telecom, General Electric Company, WordPerfect Corp.,
Ficher International, and many other industry leaders. Cited in such
standards as ISO, CCITT and the Internet Privacy-enhanced Mail
specifications, RSA is truly a worldwide standard for privacy and
authentication. Founded in 1982 by the inventors of the RSA
cryptosystem, the company is headquartered in Redwood City,
California.
Apple develops, manufactures and markets personal computer systems
for use in business, education, science, engineering and government.
A recognized pioneer and innovator in the personal computer industry,
Apple does business in more than 120 countries.
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