Securant Technologies recently announced the formation of an open-industry working group to facilitate the creation of the first XML-based standard for Web security, called AuthXML.
This standard will use XML, which is platform- and programming-language independent, to enable authentication and authorization functions to be performed across and interoperate with multi-vendor Web security systems, packaged and custom Web applications, and network level security systems. AuthXML will allow integrated Web commerce and a transparent user experience by providing a standardized approach for presenting and keeping track of security details as a transaction or session traverses linked Web sites based on disparate technologies, applications and platforms. With this announcement Securant is extending an open invitation to the industry to join the AuthXML working group, help shape the design of the specification, and support its submission to the appropriate public standards organization later this year. Through this open invitation the company is working to build consensus within the industry, speed the adoption of a universal standard, and avert “quasi-standards” which will cause further confusion in this already fragmented market.
AMD and Virtutech aid 64-bit development
AMD and Virtutech are working together to develop a high-performance tool, code-named “VirtuHammer,” that will allow software developers to write and test 64-bit programs in preparation for the planned commercial introduction of the next-generation AMD processors in the first half of 2002.
Virtutech’s Simics software enables a computer featuring the 32-bit AMD Athlon processor to simulate the operations of a 64-bit AMD Hammer processor-based computer, allowing developers to use currently-available technology to test and debug their 64-bit software for AMD’s processors. Hammer processors will be the first from AMD capable of 64-bit operation, and are being designed for use on both the 64-bit software used by high-end workstations and servers and the 32-bit software used by the majority of desktop computers. AMD has already begun delivering VirtuHammer simulators to targeted software partners.
VoiceGenie compliant with VoiceXML 1.0
VoiceGenie Technologies Inc., a provider of telco-grade VoiceXML gateway products, announced recently that its VoiceXML Gateway Server is now 100 per cent compliant with VoiceXML 1.0.
By being 100 per cent compliant, VoiceGenie’s customers can take advantage of the VoiceXML architecture including how applications are developed, deployed and maintained, the company said. The opportunity provided by adopting VoiceXML as the standard application development language for the voice-Web, is to make the telephone into another Internet access device. This gives callers hands free, eyes-free access to information, e-mail and other services now accessible only by computer. VoiceXML is a new standard language for developing voice-activated phone service applications, making all Web content capable of being accessed by voice through any phone.
