Latest downloadable utility from VIA enables high-speed power-efficient AES encryption on Virtual Private Networks utilizing the VIA PadLock ACE

Taipei, Taiwan, November 11th 2004 - VIA Technologies, Inc., a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today made available the VIA PadLock VPN utility, a new security application that enables Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to utilize the advanced encryption capabilities of the VIA PadLock ACE (Advanced Cryptography Engine) for extending secure networks over the Internet.

The VIA PadLock VPN utility, the latest addition to the VIA PadLock Software Security Suite, allows networking software developers to combine Internet Protocol security and VPN technology with the powerful AES hardware encryption capabilities of the VIA PadLock ACE in gateways based on C5P Nehemiah core VIA processors. This not only allows users to implement secure site to site links between networks, it can also act as a client/server system to implement secure access between roaming users and a network.

“Fast and effective data encryption over VPNs is an increasingly important requirement for telecommuters, traveling executives and other mobile workers needing to tap into their networks when out of the office,” said Werner du Plessis, Security Project Marketing Manager, VIA Technologies Inc. “With the VIA PadLock VPN, the boundaries of conventional network topologies can be significantly extended while maintaining vital security levels.”

The VIA PadLock ACE, a key element of the VIA PadLock Hardware Security Suite integrated into VIA C5P Nehemiah core processors, features a powerful AES encryption engine that can encrypt or decrypt data at a sustained rate of 12.8 Gb/s with low draw on processor power. The result is virtually transparent encryption/decryption, leaving more of the system’s resources for other tasks such as digital entertainment. Security applications can therefore be done in the background with practically no impact on normal program execution.

“Security is a vital part of any VPN and is an increasingly important issue as more businesses and households look for ways to extend their networks,” commented Justin Hsu, Head of Software Development, VIA Technologies, Inc. “The VIA PadLock Hardware Security Suite enables highly reliable, power-efficient and fanless networking devices with high speed encryption, that are at the forefront of new applications such as ultra secure gateways and servers.”

The VIA PadLock VPN utility is available for download from VIAArena.com.

As part of the VIA PadLock Software Security Suite, VIA also provides the VIA PadLock Tru-Delete, the VIA PadLock SDK and the VIA PadLock ZIP utility with accompanying source codes as free downloads for developers to use as a resource in integrating support for the VIA PadLock Hardware Security Suite.

Additional programming resources for the VIA PadLock Hardware Security Suite, such as the VIA PadLock RNG and VIA PadLock ACE programming guides developed by Centaur Technologies, VIA’s processor design team can be found on the VIA website.

About the VIA PadLock Security Initiative
Comprising the VIA PadLock Hardware Security Suite and VIA PadLock Software Security Suite, the VIA PadLock Security Initiative is focused on providing key hardware and application level security building blocks that can be easily integrated into any computing and communications infrastructure.

The VIA PadLock Hardware Security Suite is integrated into VIA C5P Nehemiah core processors and features the VIA PadLock RNG for high quality key generation and the VIA PadLock ACE (Advanced Encryption Engine) for high speed performance of the US government approved Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). The VIA PadLock Software Security Suite consists of the VIA PadLock VPN, VIA PadLock ZIP and the VIA PadLock Tru-Delete utilities, the VIA PadLock SDK and accompanying source codes.

More information on the VIA PadLock Security Initiative may be found at the VIA website: http://www.via.com.tw/en/padlock/padlock_initiative.jsp

About VIA Technologies, Inc.
VIA Technologies, Inc. (TSE 2388) is the foremost fabless supplier of market-leading core logic chipsets, low power x86 processors, advanced connectivity, multimedia, networking and storage silicon, and complete platform solutions that are driving system innovation in the PC and embedded markets. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, VIA’s global network links the high tech centers of the US, Europe and Asia, and its customer base includes the world’s top OEMs, motherboard vendors and system integrators. http://www.via.com.tw