From: "Robert F. Kay" <rkay@lava.net>
To: lwn@lwn.net
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 17:30:29 -1000
Subject: Apache Security Software to be Exported


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE					

Covalent Technologies to Export Encryption Software

Commerce Department Approves Foreign Sales of Raven SSL E-Commerce Security
Software for the Apache Web Server

November 10, 1999 Lincoln, NE Covalent Technologies, Inc., the leading
provider of Apache Web server e-commerce solutions, announced today that it
has received approval from the US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export
Administration (BXA) to export a version of its Raven SSL encryption
software product outside the US and Canada.  The software, utilizing 56-bit
private encryption key technology, is scheduled to be available in December
1999.

For security reasons, US law limits the export of encryption
software. Current law allows approved vendors to receive a "license
exception" to export security software that uses a 56-bit "private
encryption key."  The BXA has granted Covalent a license exception,
allowing Covalent to export security software using 56-bit technology for
the first time ever.

After the Clinton administration loosens encryption export policies - which
is expected to occur on December 15, 1999 - an exportable version of Raven
SSL using 128-bit technology will be available.  This technology matches
the technology available to customers in the US and Canada, and customers
using the 56-bit version will be able to easily upgrade to the 128-bit
version.

"We are pleased that we can now satisfy the demand abroad for our Raven SSL
product," said Randy Terbush, CEO of Covalent Technologies. "We feel that
much of the demand for Raven SSL outside of the US can be satisfied by our
56-bit product.  We look forward to entering the world-wide market so that
we can help our customers guarantee safe transmission of data around the
globe."

Bridgewater Systems, a current Raven SSL customer and global Internet
business solutions provider, has waited anxiously for approval of an
exportable version of Raven SSL.  "Our worldwide customers, including ISPs,
Virtual ISPs, and Incumbent IP service providers, are demanding strong
encryption to meet their security needs today," said Kirby Koster,
Product Manager. "The ability to export 56-bit encryption, evolving to
128-bit encryption, is key to offering viable Free Serve, IP VPN, and
Application Hosting solutions supported via secure User
Self-Administration, and Self-Registration solutions."



About Security Software and Raven SSL

Security software is used to securely transmit sensitive data over the
Internet.  Information is encrypted and decrypted using public and private
"keys", which encode and decode the data.  The number of "bits" used in the
mathematical algorithms that encrypt and decrypt the data defines the level
of security - a greater number of bits provides a higher level of
security.

Raven SSL is Covalent's security add-on software product for the Apache Web
server.  Utilized by thousands of companies including industry leaders such
as Federal Express, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, Hewlett Packard, Motorola, MCI,
and NASA, Raven SSL is quickly becoming the premier Internet security
solution.  Raven SSL provides Web administrators with the tools necessary
for safely and securely transferring data via the Internet.  Supporting
more than twenty different UNIX operating systems, Raven SSL provides RSA
licensed cryptography in a module that functions seamlessly with the widely
acclaimed Apache Web server.

About Covalent Technologies

Founded in 1994, Covalent Technologies is the leader in e-commerce
solutions and secured data applications for the Apache Web server platform.
Covalent develops commercial software enhancements for Apache and is the
only source of full commercial support for the Apache Web server
platform. More information about Covalent products and services is
available by calling 1-800-444-1935 or visiting www.covalent.net.

For more information:
Rob Kay
Covalent Technologies
808-539-3627
press@covalent.net

All Covalent product names are trademarks of Covalent Technologies.  All
other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.