RSA, VeriSign Ally On Cloud-Based Authentication Offering

RSA, the security division of EMC, and VeriSign, a provider of Internet infrastructure services for the networked world, are working together to provide organisations with the mutual benefit of an expanded VeriSign Identity Protection (VIP) Authentication Service through the availability of RSA SecurID two-factor authentication technology for more choice in one-time password (OTP) authentication. VIP is a managed, shared authentication solution that provides its users with a single, one-time password (OTP) authentication device to securely access multiple websites.

Organisations in search of strong authentication solutions will benefit from being able to use VIP in combination with RSA SecurID hardware tokens. The technical and sales partnership signals a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between RSA and VeriSign. Twenty-five years ago, RSA pioneered two-factor authentication and encryption and in 1995, VeriSign was founded as a separate entity leveraging RSA technology to develop and provide digital identities through a managed services model.

VeriSign plans to complete the integration of the RSA SecurID Authentication Engine into the VIP Authentication Service by the end of December 2009, which will enable VIP customers to use RSA SecurID hardware authenticators. At that time, VeriSign will also resell RSA SecurID hardware tokens to VIP prospects and customers, and RSA will likewise resell the VIP Authentication Service to its prospects and customers.

As part of the agreement, the companies will work to transfer all existing RSA GoID customers to the VIP Authentication Service by the end of Q2 2010. RSA will work closely with all existing RSA GoID customers for a smooth, uninterrupted transition to the VIP Authentication Service. VeriSign is committed to delivering the highest standards of customer care and technical innovation that RSA GoID customers expect today.