Hewlett-Packard Chooses RSA

All six major US computer architectures / manufacturers now support the RSA Public Key Cryptosystem

JANUARY 12, 1994 -- REDWOOD CITY, CA - At the 1994 RSA Data Security Conference, RSA Data Security, Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Company today announced the availability of a cryptographic security module for HP 9000 UNIX-based business servers. The plug-in module, designed for HP Series 800 business servers, allows customers to do both message encryption and authentication using RSA's popular public-key cryptosystem. HP thereby joined company with RSA licensees Apple Computer, IBM, Sun Microsystems, Digital Equipment Corporation and Unisys; now all six major U.S. computer manufacturers support the RSA Public Key Cryptosystem.

The module utilizes a DES chip for fast hardware encryption, and a DSP for other encryption algorithms (such as RSA, Diffie-Hellman, RC2, RC4, and customer specifiable). Features include superior key protection by storing keys in a physically tamper-resistant environment; programmable, downloadable firmware; and support for an optional smart card reader with display and PIN pad. The tamper-resistant module never lets cryptographic keys "out" in the clear, and erases all information if tampering is detected.

Networks of open systems are being integrated into a variety of applications where security is a prime concern. Because most users have systems from many vendors, the HP cryptographic module offers compatibility with the large installed base of RSA users, with the flexibility of using different encryption algorithms if desired.

"As a leader in the open systems movement, HP has seen a large demand for systems with security features, such as the popular RSA Public Key Cryptosystem provided in RSA's BSAFE library," said Dr. James R. Bell, Director of HP Corporate Alliances. "In line with our focus on open systems, choosing RSA and BSAFE allows HP to focus on providing technologically advanced systems and products to our customers which integrate easily into existing heterogeneous networks and still provide the data security our customers demanded."

"BSAFE is the most widely used public-key cryptographic product in the world by a wide margin," said Jim Bidzos, RSA President. "Adding HP to the list of companies providing security to their customers with BSAFE further establishes this product as a de facto standard."

"Choosing RSA as the supplier of cryptographic technology allows HP to focus on our strengths as a supplier of new products and technology, while allowing RSA to focus on their strengths of being the leading supplier of cryptographic security technology and services," added Bell.

Corporate Profiles

Hewlett-Packard Company is an international manufacturer of measurement and computation products and systems recognized for excellence in quality and support. The company's products and services are used in industry, business, engineering, science, medicine, and education in approximately 110 countries. HP has 96,200 employees and had revenue of $20.3 billion in its 1993 fiscal year.

RSA Data Security, Inc. is a recognized world leader in cryptography, with over 3 million copies of its software encryption and authentication installed and in use worldwide. RSA is the worldwide defacto standard for public-key encryption and digital signatures, and is part of existing and proposed standards for the Internet, CCITT, ISO, ANSI, IEEE and business and financial networks around the globe. The Company develops and markets platform-independent software developer's kits, end-user products, and provides comprehensive consulting services in the cryptographic sciences. RSA technology has been embedded in the products of companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Apple Computer, DEC, Sun Microsystems, Novell, Lotus, Motorola, Northern Telecom, AT&T, WordPerfect, General Electric, Hughes Aircraft and many others. Founded in 1982 by the inventors of the patented RSA Public Key Cryptosystem, the company is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

The RSA logo, RSA Public Key Cryptosystem, BSAFE, RC2 and RC4 are trademarks of RSA Data Security, Inc. 100 Marine Parkway, Suite 500, Redwood City, CA 94065-1031. HP 9000 and HP Series 800 are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company. All other trademarks are owned by their respective companies.