The company has long advocated the use of low-cost authentication methods such as SMS messages to cellphones to transmit one-time passwords.
Although its mID authentication server can integrate with more traditional methods such as tokens from RSA and others, it has always provided mobile users with authentication methods that can be used independently of device and location by offering multiple authentication channels to the user. Examples include SMS or Java running on mobile phones. This is done by enabling users to choose between different authentication clients, Java applets downloaded from the web, installable clients for Pocket PCs, or one-time passwords sent with SMS. The transfer of data and transactions between multiple device types and back-office enterprise systems becomes a much less arduous proposition, creating considerable process flexibility as a result.
Earlier this year Stockholm, Sweden-based PortWise refreshed its eponymous flagship product rebranding it as an integrated platform for secure application-centric access. It features a modular stack of secure access elements for authentication, authorization, and access control, but also programs that deal with audit trails and end-point security to guarantee the removal of a URL history, downloaded components, and registry changes.
The ability to consolidate many authentication channels through a single server is a key feature of the PortWise proposition, as is its ability to integrate many authentication channels with the authorization functionality.
Competitors like RSA Security, Neomar, and Diversinet also provide two-factor authentication systems for the Blackberry. But Portwise argues that as its option negates the need for third-party hardware tokens and back-end servers, it has the potential to deliver real cost savings. A switch to software-based alternatives for two-factor ID for instance is considered much more attractive than use of hardware-based authentication systems.
Privately held PortWise was founded in Sweden in 1997 and has gone international in its management and marketing efforts over the last year. This latest move reflects a broadening of support of its software-based two-factor authentication offering from Windows Mobile and Symbian-based SmartPhones or PDAs to the Blackberry.
