Tech Bytes: Verisign ID for On-Line Software Update Service

Verisign Inc., a leader in digital authentication technology, has introduced a security method for Marimba Inc.'s Castanet system.

Castanet is an example of push technology, which involves distribution of software and other content to desktop computers via networks. Verisign developed Channel Signing IDs to secure the transmissions.

Built into the Castanet 2.0 version along with other security and administration enhancements, Channel Signing IDs allow "independent software publishers to digitally sign their content prior to distribution," said Verisign president and chief executive officer Stratton Sclavos. "Users subscribe to services which automatically update content and software on their desktops while authenticating the source and integrity of such content."

Verisign-which has provided its Digital ID technology to the MasterCard- Visa Secure Electronic Transactions protocol. among other Internet functions-has supported two other efforts at secure software distribution: Microsoft Corp.'s Authenticode and Netscape Communications Corp.'s Object Signing technology.

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