Entrust Technologies Ltd., the Canadian data security provider, has introduced its first product offering to "end users."
The Ottawa-based software company this week launched Entrust/Solo for Windows 95 and Windows NT, which computer users can download free over the Internet. The system is designed to protect files on a personal computer or laptop and enables users to send and receive secure electronic mail.
Entrust/Solo can encrypt or compress any type of file or E-mail attachment with highly secure 128-bit encryption and a digital signature using RSA 1024-bit public key cryptography.
Entrust executives said the software is ideal for business travelers who carry confidential information on their laptops; small-office users who share information; or anyone calling in from remote areas.
"We can start with a user of one and grow to millions," said John Ryan, Entrust's president and chief executive officer.
The product is free to educational institutions and nonprofit organizations, Mr. Ryan said, "to prove we can deploy easy-to-use software with strong encryption and to heighten awareness of secure E-mail."
Commercial customers get a 45-day free trial, after which they would have to buy the software for $49.
Mr. Ryan said Entrust had previously focused on "enterprise security" for businesses. "Our real value is in key management and the way we authenticate and implement encryption," he said.
Entrust has announced relationships with 300 companies on the Fortune 1,000 list.
