Macmillan USA Secures Linux Web Servers

Computer book and operating system publisher Macmillan USA announced Monday that it has tapped RSA Security (Nasdaq: RSAS) to provide security software for a Web server that will be included in upcoming Linux product releases.

In addition to licensing RSA’s BSAFE SSL-C security protocol components, Macmillan will utilize the RSA Security Professional Services organization to assist in product implementation for users of the Linux-based secure Web server product.

“Security is a particularly critical but specialized part of e-commerce software development, and requires people with knowledge and experience to do the job right while meeting the customer’s overall business needs,” commented Rick Welch, vice president of Professional Services for RSA Security.

Creating Trust

The deal, according to Macmillan, will give the company time-to-market benefits, providing it with single vendor source secure protocols and the underlying cryptography to help create trust for its online business users. The two firms will also collaborate on the planning and design of future Linux-based product releases.

“When it comes to tested and proven security components, we didn’t have to look any further than RSA Security,” stated Lynn Zingraf, vice president and publisher of Macmillan Software. “RSA Security is the clear leader in the security industry, offering the full complement of products and services we require to ensure timely, cost-effective product development.”

Incorporating Protocol Standards

RSA’s BSAFE SSL-C product allows users to implement the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols for ensuring the integrity of e-commerce transactions.

SSL is, according to RSA, “a general-purpose Internet protocol that provides server authentication, optional client authentication and a secure communications channel for e-commerce transactions and communications to prevent eavesdropping, tampering or message forgery in client-server applications.” Currently supported by all major Web browsers and servers, the protocol is seen as a standard.

A Secure Red Hat

Linux software vendor Red Hat (Nasdaq: RHAT) entered into a similar strategic agreement with RSA in November of 1999, seeking to enhance security for professional users of the its Linux OS package.

The two companies agreed to collaborate on Linux-based product design and to work together on joint-marketing programs.

Rainbow Moves on Linux

In other news, Rainbow Technologies (Nasdaq: RNBO) announced this week that it has integrated support for Linux into its CryptoSwift e-commerce solutions and SentinelLM software license management products. The company will also make its iKey token authentication device available for Linux later this year.

“By optimizing our products for the Linux operating system, we are addressing a demand from our customers who wish to take advantage of the flexibility and openness that Linux provides,” commented Rainbow CTO Shawn Abbott. Rainbow is a provider of security solutions for e-commerce applications and VPNs (virtual private networks).