2004  |  2003  |  2002

NTRU Releases New Core TCG Software Stack (CTSS) 1.2 for Trusted Computing Applications

NTRU CTSS 1.2 Enables Widespread Deployment of Trusted Computing Devices

Burlington, MA: November 8, 2004 – NTRU, the information security experts, today announced the release of The NTRU Core TCG Software Stack (CTSS) 1.2. This product, which leverages the innovations made in NTRU’s CTSS 1.1, provides the essential core interface and security services framework for any application or platform that relies on the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2. The NTRU CTSS 1.2 is a first-to-market product designed in accordance with Trusted Computing Group (TCG) specifications and guidance for a standard version 1.2 TSS and is enhanced with strong, standards-compliant cryptographic libraries. The CTSS provides a set of software components that allows applications running under various operating systems to take advantage of the platform's 1.1b or 1.2 compliant TPM in a coordinated, consistent, and portable manner.

“Enabling software developers to access the functionality of the TPM is an important goal of the TCG. An independent, multi-platform TSS from NTRU provides another tool in the developer's toolkit that will help accelerate TPM adoption,” said David Grawrock, Security Architect, Intel Corporation.

“ST is pleased that NTRU has continued to demonstrate its trusted computing expertise with the release of NTRU CTSS 1.2. By combining the NTRU CTSS with STMicroelectronics' Advanced 1.2 Trusted Platform Module, ST can offer a complete trusted computing solution to PC manufacturers,” said Alain Jarre, Consumer and IT Business Unit Director, Smart Card ICs Division, STMicroelectronics.

The NTRU CTSS is designed in accordance with the TCG TSS standard and is enhanced with strong, standards compliant cryptographic libraries. The CTSS provides a set of software components that allows applications and peripherals to take advantage of a platform's TPM hardware module in a coordinated, consistent, and portable manner. The CTSS has been thoroughly tested on Windows and Linux operating systems and will ensure interoperability across platforms using different hardware and software.

“The NTRU CTSS 1.2 shows NTRU's commitment to bringing flexibility to the trusted computing market. Consumers will benefit from being able to take advantage of trusted computing applications on a wide variety of platforms.” said Kerry Maletsky, Business Unit Director for Atmel Corporation.

“Platform owners can benefit from the security and portability of a new the NTRU CTSS 1.2 and Wave Systems' EMBASSY Trust Suite (ETS) family of TCG-compliant secure cross-platform computing software solutions for client and server applications. By providing a standards-compliant and versatile TSS, NTRU is giving PC OEMs and system architects more choices in providing strong trusted computing solutions to end users,” said Brian Berger, executive vice president, marketing and sales, Wave Systems.

Highlights of The NTRU CTSS 1.2:

• Interoperable with all 1.2 TCG compliant TPMs
• Able to communicate with 1.1b TPMs and a 1.2 TPMs simultaneously
• Adds access to new 1.2 TPM functionality as defined by the Trusted Computing Group’s TSS 1.2 specification
• Fully backwards compatible with existing 1.1 TSS and 1.1b TPM products
• Compatible with existing software written to communicate with a 1.1 compliant TSS
• Designed for portability with current support for Windows® XP/2000 and Linux 2.4 platforms

“The release of this product demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enable trusted computing PCs and embedded platforms throughout the world. NTRU continues to work with TPM vendors, PC OEMs and ISVs to deliver a robust, interoperable, standards-based TSS that works in both Windows® and Linux environments and on multiple hardware platforms,” said Ed King, CEO of NTRU. “We are deeply involved in the design and development of the 1.2 TSS specification in the TCG. This industry participation allowed us to build a superior product that provides higher levels of security for new and existing TCG applications and products.”

“NTRU's CTSS 1.2 gives PC OEMs the ability to use best-in-class software with best-in-class hardware such as the Trusted I/O integrated TPM and Super I/O parts from National Semiconductor. The availability of cost-effective, standards-based hardware and software demonstrates the maturity of the industry and should rapidly accelerate the transition of every PC into a Trusted Platform,” said Todd D. Whitaker, co-general manager of National Semiconductor's Advanced PC Division.

“NTRU's offering of a robust, multi-platform TSS allows applications such as Softex's OmniPass software application to seamlessly incorporate the hardware security provided by various TPMs. By taking advantage of the NTRU CTSS 1.2, we can increase the flexibility of our innovative security and access applications for the end user,” said Gregg Philipson, Vice President - Sales for Softex Incorporated.

“We are very pleased with NTRU’s leadership in interoperability in the Trusted Computing space. NTRU's robust and versatile TSS will enable a seamless transition between existing TCG implementations and next-generation trusted computing applications,” said Nancy Sumrall, marketing work group chair, Trusted Computing Group.

Additional Features of the NTRU CTSS 1.2

• Fully compliant with TCG specifications and guidance for standard TSS design
• Strong, standards compliant cryptographic services built-in
• Supports application defined security policies
• Localizes sensitive security operations within the local process
• Thread-safe design
• Supports local and remote TPMs
• Design and implementation techniques in accordance with industry best practices for protecting against security vulnerabilities
• Ability to leverage TPM custom features
• Flexibility for future interoperability with the Microsoft Next Generation Secure Computing Base (NGSCB) and Microsoft Longhorn OS

About NTRU

NTRU Cryptosystems, Inc. provides comprehensive security expertise to the embedded technology market. From system security analysis to highly optimized implementations on the most constrained platforms, NTRU provides practical security solutions that are tailored for specific application environments. NTRU's core competencies extend from development and evaluation of standards based security architectures and protocols, cryptosystem design and implementation of security solutions based on the NTRU algorithm suite and other major algorithms. NTRU provides state of the art services and solutions to a range of markets, including trusted computing, wireless networking, authentication products and general embedded security applications. Headquartered in Burlington, Mass., NTRU's investors include Texas Instruments, Sony Corporation, Macrovision, Lehman Brothers Venture Capital, Investor AB, Granite Ventures, Greylock and 3i. For more information, please visit www.ntru.com.

Windows® is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.

Contact

NTRU Cryptosystems, Inc.
Ari Singer, 781-418-2515
ASinger@ntru.com

###

Return To List Of Press Releases