IBM Corp., (NYSE: IBM) Netscape Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: NSCP), Oracle's (Nasdaq: ORCL) NCI and Sun Microsystems Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW) today announced the OpenCard(TM) Framework, the first smart card standard enabling access to personalized data and services from any network computer. The OpenCard Framework builds upon the Network Computer Reference Profile, announced last May, to enable interoperability in the emerging network computer industry.

The OpenCard Framework will enable mobile users to roam freely with their smart cards. With a smart card, network computer users are authorized to access network-based information, databases, and services such as electronic mail, Internet applications, and electronic commerce. The OpenCard Framework is the enabling technology that will make these services accessible from any network computer. The OpenCard framework dynamically downloads from the Internet all device drivers that are necessary to communicate with the smart card. By providing a high-level interface which can support multiple smart card types, the OpenCard Framework enables vendor-independent card interoperability.

Smart cards store a card holder's personal information in its small, highly secure silicon chip. After inserting his smart card into a network computer, a personal identification number (PIN) is used to identify and authenticate the card holder. Like a bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, a smart card identifies each user to the network, eliminating the need to remember complex connect strings, phone numbers and other networking information. Once authorized, the user has access to applications, information and services from the network.

Based on Industry Standards

The OpenCard Framework incorporates PKCS-11 and is expandable to include other public key mechanisms. PKCS-11 is a public key industry standard for cryptographic tokens, such as smart cards. It enables security through strong user authentication, and supports digital signatures. The framework resides on the network computer and will function with a variety of smart card drivers required in applications, such as electronic commerce.

The OpenCard Framework supports the Java(TM) platform which allows application developers to write applications once and have them run on any OpenCard-compliant network computer. The OpenCard Framework, which is specific to network computing platforms also interfaces with Sun Microsystems' Java Card API.

The framework also supports native network computer operating systems. The OpenCard Framework is supported by NCI's NC Access(TM), future versions of Netscape's Communicator, Lotus's NC Desktop and Sun Microsystem's JavaStation(TM) Software Environment.

Smart card vendors such as Gemplus and other leading vendors have been involved in defining the OpenCard framework and are working ensure compatibility among smart cards and network computers.

About the OpenCard Framework

More information about the OpenCard Framework is available for public reviewbeginning noon (PST) on March 27, by accessing http://www.nc.com/opencard.

* Whitepaper - Architectural overview

* Java API - Reference documentation

"The OpenCard framework extends the security of network computers to remote and mobile users," said Donna Van Fleet, vice president of Software Strategy at IBM's Network Computer Division." This standard enables smart card holders the freedom to use network computers from any location to check their mail, get updates from the office, and find directions to their hotel or destination. This is truly an exciting step for network computers."

"Today, anyone can access their personal finances from almost any automatic teller machine in the world," said Bonnie Crater, vice president of strategic marketing at NCI. "Accessing information and data from the Internet should be no different. In a world where network computers are everywhere -- from the home to the school to the office -- smart cards will be our passport to information, electronic communications and software applications. The OpenCard Framework is the key element in enabling network computer interoperability."

"The OpenCard framework is an important multiplatform standard allowing Netscape ONE developers to write crossware applications leveraging the security features and computing capabilities of smartcards for the Internet, Intranet and Extranet," said Eric Greenberg, Group Security Product Manager at Netscape. "Netscape intends to support PKCS#11-compliant cryptography-enabled smartcards in future versions of Netscape Communicator enabling users to digitally sign electronic mail messages with S/MIME and authenticate themselves with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)."

"The Open Card Framework represents a major step forward in the evolution of the network computer," said Jim Bidzos, president of RSA. "By incorporating strong RSA public key encryption into this standard, and by supporting the SecurID protocol, users will be assured of secure and ubiquitous access to data and services in networked environments."

"The OpenCard Framework is an exciting development," said David Spenhoff, director of product marketing at JavaSoft, a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc. "This framework enables the 'Write Once, Run Anywhere (TM)' capabilities of the Java Card API for network access and user authentication and provides a compelling solution to the growing network computing industry."

About the OpenCard Developers

IBM, the world's largest software provider, creates, develops and manufactures the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices and microelectronics. IBM also has a proven track record for supplying smart card solutions, based upon its multifunction card (MFC) platform, for various industry segments. IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technologies through the World Wide Web at http:www.ibm.com.

NCI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oracle Corp., develops, licenses and markets all software, technology and support services for the network computer including NC Access(TM), NC Server and NC Card. With strategic partners worldwide, NCI's mission is to bring network computing to the corporate, consumer and educational marketplaces. NCI's World Wide Web address is http://www.nc.com. For more information about NCI, please call 415-631-4600.

Netscape Communications Corporation is a leading provider of open software for linking people and information over enterprise networks and the Internet. The company offers a full line of clients, servers, development tools and commercial applications to create a complete platform for next-generation, live online applications. Traded on Nasdaq under the symbol "NSCP", Netscape Communications Corporation is based in Mountain View, California.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network IS The Computer," has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc., to its position as a leading provider of hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $7 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at www.sun.com.

The Sun Microsystems Java Card API is the first open platform for smart cards. It allows applications written for one smart card to run on all cards and it is the only standard universally endorsed by the smart card industry.