Passlogix and RSA to Combine Authentication Technologies

Passlogix and EMC security division RSA have entered into a strategic partnership to combine RSA's two-factor authentication technology with Passlogix's single sign-on platform.

The agreement represents a tactical shift in the relationship between the two security providers. About three years ago, before RSA was a part of EMC, RSA built upon New York City-based Passlogix's SSO technology to design RSA Sign-on Manager. Now, Passlogix will be returning the favor by integrating RSA's SecurID technology into its v-Go SSO product.

"We thought that by embedding SecurID inside of v-Go, we are going to be able to get that solution to more users," said Toffer Winslow, vice president for product management and product marketing for RSA, in Bedford, Mass.

Officials at both companies said they will work together to tighten integration between v-Go software and RSA SecurID technology to provide a seamless experience for users without the need for multiple application passwords and Windows logons. The improved integration will apply to v-Go Authentication Manager, v-Go Credential Manager and v-Go add-on modules that support strong authentication deployments and will simplify provisioning and de-provisioning of any two-factor authentication device, officials said.

The agreement makes Passlogix the only enterprise single sign-on vendor authorized to embed RSA SecurID into its sign-on platform. Though the companies would not disclose the financial terms of the arrangement, officials from both security providers agreed the partnership will offer a tighter level of integration and a single-vendor solution for people who want capabilities offered by the two businesses. The agreement also transfers responsibility for RSA Sign-on Manager to Passlogix over time.

Stephane Fymat, vice president of sales operations and product management at Passlogix, said his company will look to merge the Sign-on Manager and v-Go products wherever it makes sense. For example, he said, Passlogix will look to incorporate RSA's IntelliAccess technology, which allows users to access their ESSO (enterprise single sign-on) credentials even if their Microsoft Windows password is forgotten or their RSA SecurID token, smart card or other authentication device is not available.

Fymat offered no timeline as to when a new, fully integrated product would be available. Once it's ready, the integrated tool will be available directly from Passlogix and Passlogix's OEM and channel partners.

In the meantime, current users of Sign-on Manager should not feel abandoned. Responsibility for the support, development and maintenance of RSA Sign-On Manager will undergo a controlled transition to Passlogix, which will support the new version RSA is expected to deliver later this year, as well as all existing deployments for three years. Passlogix will also offer free migration to the v-Go platform through December 2010.

In addition, Passlogix will also become a certified RSA SecurID reseller.

Industry analyst Gregg Kreizman said RSA is transitioning itself out of the ESSO business, where competition is flooding the market.

"The Passlogix reseller market is crowded now that IBM and Oracle have come on," said Kreizman, an analyst at Gartner. "The arrangement is fine for current RSA Sign-On Manager customers. Support will continue and customers have a long transition period before they have to become Passlogix v-Go customers."

Copyright 2007 by Ziff Davis Media, Distributed by United Press International

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