Microsoft, VeriSign Secure .NET

Since Microsoft announced its upcoming .NET and Hailstorm services, the company has faced much criticism from security experts and privacy advocates. In turn, Microsoft has decided to add an extra touch of security by extending its
partnership with VeriSign. In addition to Microsoft's own Passport authentication system, the integrity of certain transactions will be
augmented by digital certificates. Both companies were eager to point out that the extra security measure does not require any additional
passwords.

Although Passport will remain the standard method of authentication for most of the .NET services, particular scenarios demand enhanced security. In instances were users transfers funds, or divulge sensitive personal information such as their medical history, a certain level of trust is required. Mountain View, California, based VeriSign touts its
digital certificates as the solution to these concerns. Both companies will collaborate on fine tuning the technology as Microsoft's Hailstorm
progresses.

The agreement between the two companies is non exclusive, meaning that either party is free to seek out other partnerships. This announcement puts to rest speculation that Microsoft would develop its own digital
certificates for Hailstorm - at least momentarily.