PistolStar & Whale Communications jointly offer secure remote access & password management for IBM Lotus environments.

Leading products provide user-friendly, turn-key solution for remotely accessing critical information without jeopardizing security or being locked out by password issues

Amherst, NH, January 12, 2004 - PistolStar Inc. today announces it has partnered with Whale Communications to provide companies with an end-to-end solution that helps remotely-based employees gain secure access to the corporate intranet and perform self-service password management.

Whale Communication's eGap Remote Access Appliance, an enterprise-class SSL VPN that enables browser-based access to corporate Intranet applications and files, seamlessly integrates with PistolStar's Web Set Password, browser-based password security and management software for IBM Lotus technology. Together, the two products provide a user-friendly, turn-key solution for remotely accessing critical information without jeopardizing security or being locked out by password issues.

The PistolStar-Whale Communications solution offers several capabilities creating convenience for end-users:

• Immediate browser-based access to corporate Intranet applications and files
• Browser-side security that provides truly secure remote access from any Web browser, anywhere - a client site, home office, airport kiosk, even a wireless device
• Self-service functionality that allows employees to securely manage and reset their passwords directly from a Web browser, and without Help Desk intervention
• Corporate-mandated "best practices" for secure password authentication - functionality such as password quality, history, recovery, expiration, 3-strikes and last login
• Over 30 password management features, including single sign-on and password synchronization

The benefits of the PistolStar-Whale Communications solution equally serve administrators and end-users, and meet the corporate and bottom-line needs of CTOs.

What the PistolStar and Whale Partnership Means for IT Administrators
By enabling secure access to corporate intranets and extranets, the PistolStar-Whale solution protects applications and content from illegal usage. The authentication process is also secured, and without increasing Help Desk calls. IT departments can free up resources, as calls to the Help Desk regarding forgotten passwords and password resets are greatly diminished. Administrators can also set the number of end-user logon attempts and easily restore password lockout, preventing "dictionary" attacks. Help Desk personnel can manage end-user passwords without full access to software configuration and the Domino Directory.

Cost-Saving Benefits Appeal to CTOs
The PistolStar-Whale Communications solution enforces corporate security policies, meeting or exceeding standards mandated by the corporate security team. By conveniently allowing employees to access information from anywhere, at any time, and without password complications, PistolStar and Whale improve productivity and increase efficiencies. The solution also delivers tremendous cost-savings by minimizing Help Desk calls and heading off potential security breaches caused by issues that can arise in the password authentication and management process. This provides the company with a significant and immediate return on investment (ROI), as well as a very low total cost of ownership (TCO).

Employees Embrace Convenience and Ease of Remote Access
Self-service password management permits end-users to reset, recover and synchronize their passwords directly from a Web browser, and to create their own user accounts without administrator involvement, further reducing administrator and Help Desk calls and time. With the PistolStar-Whale Communications solution, end-users can logon only once to access all applications on Domino servers in multiple domains, creating convenience and saving logon time.

"Customers demand products that provide a focused, yet overall solution but also add ease and convenience in the process," said Thomas Hoey, president of PistolStar. "Whale and PistolStar have two robust products that seamlessly integrate to become an all-encompassing package that delivers superb benefits - not only to end-users, but to IT administrators and senior management as well."

"By joining our products, PistolStar and Whale Communications provide customers with an innovative solution that maximizes the possibilities for secure remote access for telecommuters," adds Gamiel Gran, vice president of business development and strategic alliances at Whale Communications. "We offer unparalleled security and flexibility that will enable us to maintain a leading edge status in the marketplace."

About PistolStar
Since launching in 1999, PistolStar has served Global 1000 companies in several industries, including banking, finance, consumer products, media, advertising, retail, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and government.

An IBM Advanced Business Partner, PistolStar offers the following solutions to IBM Lotus middleware users: Facet IM Solutions for IBM Lotus Instant Messaging and Web Conferencing (Sametime) and Facet Workplace Solutions for IBM Lotus Team Workplace (QuickPlace), browser-based solutions that offer enterprise-wide usage management, security, and troubleshooting functionality; ADR (Automatic Desktop Reconfiguration), a precise, timesaving solution ensuring seamless Domino server transitioning in large-scale deployments; and Web Set Password. PistolStar compliments its solutions by providing customers with immediate, advanced-level support and service.

To bring PistolStar's focused software solutions to customers, founder Tom Hoey and the PistolStar senior development team utilize in-depth knowledge gained through extensive experience as developers at Iris Associates and Lotus Development Corporation. Hoey is responsible for developing core features available in Lotus Notes and Domino R5.

PistolStar is a 2003 Apex Awards Finalist, a 2003 Lotusphere Beacon Awards Finalist in the Best Tool category for Web Set Password, and a 2002 Lotusphere Beacon Awards Finalist in the Rising Star category.

For more information, contact PistolStar at 603-672-5979, or visit the PistolStar Website at www.pistolstar.com.

About Whale Communications
Whale Communications, the leading enterprise-class SSL VPN vendor, is enabling companies to provide employees and partners secure access to corporate data and applications from any web browser. Its award-winning solutions have been securing enterprises worldwide since it was founded in 1998. Privately held, Whale is funded by prominent venture firms and industry leaders, including Goldman Sachs, Soros Private Equity Partners and the BRM Group, the founding investor of Check Point Software Technologies. The company is headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey and has international offices in Israel, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Whale Communications, e-Gap, Whale and the Whale logo are trademarks of Whale Communications Ltd. All other trademarks are property of their respective holders. For more information about Whale, visit: www.whalecommunications.com.