Philadelphia - January 10, 2004 - X-IM Software today introduced its free secure instant messaging and chat software, called X-IM: Encrypted Instant Messaging(tm). X-IM(tm) is a free product and service that uses 256-bit end-to-end Strong Encryption to secure its users` instant message and chat communications. X-IM version 1.11 for Windows, the first full production version of the software, can be downloaded for free at www.x-im.net.
"Our goal was to develop a product that exceeded the ease-of-use standards defined by today`s popular IM products, while also meeting or exceeding today`s security and encryption standards," said Erik Martin, co-owner and CTO of X-IM Software. "We believe that the product we are introducing today delivers on that goal, providing a product that is proving to be very appealing both to casual IM users and individuals with high security requirements."
X-IM operates in two modes, the standard free mode, which is advertising-supported and fully functional, and the "pro" mode, which is ad-free and includes the additional functionality of secure memos and file transfers. Memos function like instant messages, in that they are secure and instant, but they are also persistent like emails, which makes them appropriate for sending and storing sensitive information that needs to be retained. Also like emails they can contain file attachments, which are likewise encrypted and stored.
The explosive growth in the use of instant messaging has raised security concerns in many sectors, as free instant messaging products have worked their way into various organizations, effectively circumventing many of those organizations` security measures. In response, many enterprise-level secure IM products have been introduced. However, until now, secure IM products targeting the free users who are driving the bulk of IM growth have been slow to emerge.
Most recently America Online added an encryption feature to its free IM product; this feature, however, requires users to purchase a security certificate from a third party. In response to this, independent services have emerged to provide people with free security certificates. Unfortunately, these services ultimately undermine the security of the network by transmitting the security certificates to users via unsecured email, and in some cases even sending the same security certificate to all users.
The integrity of other users` security certificates is more important than it might first appear. This is because all secure IM systems rely on a technology called Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), whereby the secrecy of any message is based upon the security of its recipient`s security certificate. So users have to be confident not only in their own security certificates on such a network, but also in the security certificates of all their contacts.
X-IM answers these concerns by generating all security certificates locally, by not supporting the use of externally-generated or third-party security certificates, and by making all security features part of the free product that anyone can download from the Internet and start using right away.
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About X-IM Software
X-IM Software is a privately held company located in the Philadelphia area, founded in 2003 for the purpose of bringing free high-quality encrypted instant messaging services to the mass market.
X-IM and X-IM: Encrypted Instant Messaging are trademarks or registered trademarks of X-IM Software. All other referenced products or services are trademarks or service marks of their respective companies.
CONTACT:
Erik Martin
X-IM Software
267-312-3455
PR@x-im.net
