NEW SAFE-BIOPHARMA ROAMING DIGITAL ID ALLOWS SAFE DIGITAL SIGNATURES TO BE USED WITHOUT TOKENS

Ft. Lee, N.J. (October 17, 2007) – A change in the SAFEtm digital identity and signature standard will allow electronic documents to be signed with SAFE digital signatures from any location without tokens, smart cards or software stored on desktops, it was announced today by SAFE-BioPharma Association. The change in the standard permitting roaming digital ID, allows SAFE user credentials to be stored centrally on a network and accessed from any location at any time.

The new change will simplify the ability to sign electronic documents. Currently, people using SAFE digital signatures must have their individual identity credentials stored on a token, smart card or software credentials in a desktop computer.  These approaches will continue to be supported by SAFE-BioPharma. SAFE’s roaming digital ID also simplifies and reduces the cost of deploying SAFE signing credentials to people who qualify to use them.

“Just as cell phones freed people from relying on land lines, SAFE’s roaming digital ID will allow an electronic document to be signed without the user being tethered to specific preprogrammed hardware or software,” said Cindy Cullen, CTO, SAFE-BioPharma Association and Associate Director of Digital Certificate Services, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

The change in the SAFE standard facilitates access to medium assurance certificates. The change also is expected to spawn a variety of services supporting centrally stored and administered credentials.