Zirndorf, Germany, December 16, 2000. HOB, the software developer and Connectivity specialist, announced today that it has added an essential component to HOBLink Secure, its security and cryptographic software: the HOBLink Certificate Generator. This optional module allows enterprises that follow a strict security philosophy to set up shop as a certification authority (CA) more efficiently and easily. With this tool, it is possible, for example, to automatically generate thousands of certificates overnight.
Klaus Brandstaetter, President of HOB and head of development, commented: “The HOBLink Certificate Generator or an equivalent tool is indispensable for an enterprise that is planning to implement a PKI (Public Key Infrastructure). The HOBLink Certificate Generator allows for complete automation. Together with HOBLink Secure, we now provide the customer with a complete PKI solution. The waterproof confidentiality of the data is insured using symmetrical encryption while data genuineness and integrity is guaranteed through the use of digital signatures and certificates.”
The HOBLink Certificate Generator is a Java application and supports any Java Virtual Machine, version 1.1.7. and higher. In order to ensure sufficient computing power, a high-performance CPU (Pentium or equivalent) with at least 200 MHz is recommended.
The basic steps for generating and distributing certificates are as follows: First, a
configuration file and certificate database for the server and the corresponding files for
the a standard client are created. These contain the pre-settings for all further user
certificates. After a recipient list for the certificates has been generated in
tab-separated text blocks, the program processes the list, generates the certificate and
configuration files and saves them in a directory structure. A log file protocols all
procedures and registers possible errors and events for analysis by the security
administrator. The last step is to copy the specific files for each client onto a floppy
disk or smartcard. (The latter will be supported after the 2nd quarter, 2001). A tool
prepares each disk, so that every user can copy the data onto his respective client
computer with a simple point-and-click procedure.
Normally, the storage medium is distributed via courier or registered mail. Passwords are
sent under separate cover.
HOB recommends using HOBLink Secure along with the HOBLink Certificate Generator as a complete package. HOBLink Secure consists of either a client for Java or 32-bit Windows along with the corresponding server component for installation on any Web server or on a 32-bit Windows server platform. Both components, for client and server, can be used together, or, either one can be installed as the counterpart to an existing security structure. The entire data path between client and server is encrypted.
HOBLink Secure is designed for use in the following areas: Web-to-Host, Classic PC-Host Connectivity, Midrange Connectivity, UNIX Connectivity, NT/Windows 2000 and Host Server Solutions. All of these areas fall within HOB’s chief business fields.
Further information:
HOB
Petra Körwer
Tel: +49 911-9666-284
E-mail: petra.koerwer@hob.de
