Deliver Your News to the World

BlackBerry Smart Card Reader Enables Controlled Access to PCs


WEBWIRE

October 24, 2006 - Nice, France - RSA® Conference Europe 2006 - Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced enhancements to the BlackBerry® Smart Card Reader software that will allow the smart card reader to facilitate controlled access over a Bluetooth® connection to a PC running Microsoft® Windows® XP (SP2 or higher).

The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader features a lightweight, wearable design. It supports the ISO 7816 specification for smart cards, including support for Department of Defense Common Access Cards (CACs) and the DataKey/Safenet 330 cards. The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader can utilize the embedded security credentials of a smart card to provide two-factor authenticated access via Bluetooth® to both BlackBerry® handsets and PCs.

“The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader allows customers to leverage their existing investment in smart card security,” said Scott Totzke, Director, Global Security Group, Research In Motion. “It builds upon the security, flexibility and mobility of the BlackBerry platform and provides users with a single, convenient solution that enables controlled access for both BlackBerry handsets as well as PCs.”

Key benefits of the BlackBerry Smart Card Reader include:

* Prevention of Unauthorized Access – Once “paired” with a PC or BlackBerry handset, the BlackBerry Smart Card Reader runs its authentication session over a secure Bluetooth connection, which automatically locks the PC or BlackBerry handset if the reader and the paired device fall “out of range”. Ranges can be set by IT policy controls for proximity as close as 5 feet.
* Convenience – The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader provides users with the convenience of a single reader to control access to BlackBerry handsets and PCs. It is a slim, compact (4.06“ x 2.3” x 0.81“) and light (2.6 oz) peripheral that features long battery life, uses the same USB charger as a BlackBerry handset, and can be conveniently worn on a lanyard. A user simply inserts their smart card into the reader and provides their login credentials on the ”paired" PC or BlackBerry handset to initiate access.
* S/MIME Support – The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader works with certificates on smart cards to leverage an organization’s S/MIME infrastructure in conjunction with Microsoft® Exchange or IBM® Lotus® Domino®. It allows employees to digitally sign and encrypt messages from either their BlackBerry handset or a PC, providing sender-to-recipient security for messages that would otherwise travel across the Internet as open and readable text.
* Advanced Security Features – The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader, together with the BlackBerry Enterprise Solution, supports advanced security to meet IT requirements in corporate and public sectors, featuring:
o An AES-256 encryption overlay for Bluetooth
o A FIPS 140-2 validated encryption module
o Coverity Certification for Quality Code Level 2 and Secure Code Level 2
o IT policy controls for enforcing usage on BlackBerry handsets or PCs
o The ability to wirelessly manage security keys on BlackBerry Smart Card Readers through the BlackBerry® Enterprise Server (version 4.0.2 or higher)
* Compliance – The BlackBerry Smart Card Reader can be used to comply with various government and corporate security requirements for smart cards. For example, the use of the BlackBerry Smart Card Reader with BlackBerry handsets has been approved for use by the US Department of Defense.

To find out more about the BlackBerry Smart Card Reader visit: www.blackberry.com/go/smartcardreader

About Research In Motion (RIM)

Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM’s products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights, and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM’s periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.



WebWireID22603





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.