Softwired Inc. Chooses IDEA For Proven Security Solutions

Softwired AG, a Swiss communications company provides Java programming capabilities to wireless devices. In order to ensure secure transactions, Softwired has teamed up with MediaCrypt, also a Swiss company, that markets a proven encyrption algorithm license, called IDEA. IDEA is already working behind the scenes in government, financial and general institutions worldwide.

Press Contacts:
US -- Judith Abrahamovich
(781) 862-1451
jamesongroup@msn.com

Europe & Asia -- Andre Simmen
(011) 41 32 622 95 52
simmen.solothurn@bluewin.ch

Softwired AG -- Brian Rees
(011) 41 1 445 3408
brian.rees@softwired-inc.com

SOFTWIRED INC. CHOOSES IDEA FOR
PROVEN SECURITY SOLUTION
-- Leading Encryption Algorithm, IDEA, is now Java-enabled --
-- MediaCrypt Continues to Deliver into Wireless Market --

Lexington, MA, USA and Zurich, Switzerland -- March 13, 2002 -- Swiss Java communications provider Softwired AG and the Swiss-based computer security technology company, MediaCrypt, today announced a strategic partnership. Using MediaCrypts IDEA (International Data Encryption Algorithm) will provide Softwired customers with the added security feature needed in todays wireless market.

Our Softwired solution is based on the best Java technology for programming over the wireless devices. People can no longer assume what they are creating on such a device is at all safe -- therefore, a solid, proven security system is a key element to what we offer," noted Brian Rees, Director of Sales, Softwired AG. In summary, our business assumes the mobile devices will continue to increase in usage into the far future, but the problems of connectivity and then security of that connection, are on everybodys minds. With IDEA they can rest assured their transactions will be as safe and confidential as possible."                                        

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Softwired Chooses IDEA -- Page 2 of 2

IDEA is a vast improvement over commonly used security programs that implement DES (Digital Encryption Standard), which have a limited 56-bit key size. By contrast, IDEA has a key of 128 bits, thereby dramatically increasing security. IDEA is viewed as a proven alternative to the recently announced AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). IDEA is used worldwide by military and government organizations, as well as in financial institutions, manufacturing, and telecommunication industries -- by more than 80 partners worldwide.            
    
Richard Straub, CEO of MediaCrypt, notes that, We are very excited about joining forces with Softwired. It is evident to us that the wireless arena they market to is very concerned about knowing their wireless communications are safe. Additionally, with both companies working in the popular Java environment (MediaCrypt just finished a Java version of IDEA), it took less than two hours for our initial implementation -- ease of use with IDEA is also a feature."
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About MediaCrypt AG
MediaCrypt develops and licenses encryption algorithm software, based on Ascom's International Data Encryption Algorithm (IDEA). IDEA has been widely recognized and accepted as a vital business component in highly secure encryption systems, since its debut in 1991. The company services hundreds of customer applications and millions of users worldwide. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, MediaCrypt targets markets that are involved in the convergence of Internet, Multimedia, Entertainment and Wireless Communications. Primary customer segmentations include Digital Rights Management (DRM) solutions, device manufacturers, content protection solutions and Smart Card applications. The company is owned equally by its two Swiss founders, Ascom (ASCN: SWX) and the Kudelski Group (KUD: SWX). For more information, please see www.mediacrypt.com.

About Softwired AG
Softwired, based in Zurich, Switzerland is the leading supplier of award-winning highly scalable JMS technology for Intranet, Extranet and Internet and end-to-end wireless/embedded solutions. Customers include such leading organizations as Vodafone, eBay, UBS, the US Air Force, Siemens, Northrop Grumman and The Muni Center. iBus is used in a wide variety of applications from new generation reliable mobile applications to financial trading, telecommunications systems management and logistics management. Visit the company at www.softwired-inc.com.

Note to editors: MediaCrypt, IDEA and the MediaCrypt logo are trademarks of MediaCrypt AG. iBus, Softwired