ARM And DDL Bring Voice Authentication Security To Smart Wireless Devices

Domain Dynamics joins ARM PrimeXsys Community, extending security offerings to global developer network

CAMBRIDGE, UK AND READING, UK – Feb. 18, 2003 – ARM, (LSE:ARM) (Nasdaq: ARMHY)], the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions, and Domain Dynamics Ltd , the UK smart voice and signal specialist, today announced at the 3GSM Congress, Cannes, France, that Domain Dynamics has joined the ARM® PrimeXsys™ Community Program, bringing valuable biometric security expertise to the global ARM developer community.

The ARM PrimeXsys Platforms provide system developers with all of the hardware, software and verification IP necessary to design a system-on-chip (SoC). The ARM PrimeXsys Community Program was launched in November 2002 to further support the growing PrimeXsys developer network. Under this program, Domain Dynamics will port its Smart Voice technology to the PrimeXsys Platform, meaning that for the first time developers using the PrimeXsys Platform will now be able to integrate low foot print, reliable, voice biometric security based on Domain Dynamics Smart Voice technology into ARM core-based microprocessors. This will enable third parties to deliver enhanced security solutions for devices such as mobile phones, PDA's and logical and physical access control systems.

'Smart phones' will in time enable their owners to carry out m-commerce transactions, secured by Domain Dynamics' voice authentication. Voice authentication adds an additional level of security to traditional PIN codes by truly validating the identity of the 'user'.

At present, more than 85 percent of the world's mobile phones are powered by ARM core-based chips. With the addition of Domain Dynamics voice authentication solution to the ARM PrimeXsys Platform, wireless terminal developers will be able to bring voice-orientated security solutions to market very cost-effectively and quickly. According to the International Biometric Group, the biometric industry's leading independent integration and consulting firm, the market for biometric solutions is set to exceed $4bn by 2007.

"At the 3GSM World Congress this week, we will see a plethora of new 'smart' devices which will run innovative applications and hear from companies offering a wealth of innovative mobile services, but not enough attention has been paid to the security implications," said Dr Fredrik Verkroost, CEO, Domain Dynamics . "Clearly this will become an important issue as we begin to use these devices for mobile commerce and more personalized services, which are natural magnets for fraud and other forms of personal information violation. Domain Dynamics has worked with ARM to develop biometric voice security technology optimized for ARM Powered® devices that substantially reduce the opportunity for fraud and security breaches."

"ARM's position in the mobile handset market, combined with our SecurCore™ technology expertise, has provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the issues surrounding mobile security. By partnering with Domain Dynamics, we are able to offer even greater levels of data integrity and protection for mobile users," said Dominique Lutz, Secure segment manager, ARM. " Domain Dynamics has made great strides in tackling the security issue by offering leading technology which is easy to integrate into existing and future devices, supported by the industry's leading chip architecture. While Domain Dynamics Smart Voice technology is applicable to all ARM Powered products, the PrimeXsys Platform integration will provide a demonstration in context on a 2.5G and 3G handset applications processor."

Domain Dynamics voice authentication operation is performed in less than half a second making the process practically transparent to the user. The solution does not require extra hardware features and is therefore easily integrated into SIM cards, smart cards and application processors for mobile phones and other devices requiring additional security features. ARM and Domain Dynamics have previously worked together on the implementation of a voice authentication security solution on the ARM core-based Mokard SIM from Incard. A demonstration of this solution, enabled with Domain Dynamics Smart Voice technology, will be available at the 3GSM World Congress on the ARM stand (Hall 2, D56).

To book a demo in March/April of PrimeXsys Platform-based voice authentication, contact: primexsyscommunity-info@arm.com

About Domain Dynamics
Domain Dynamics, the Smart Voice and Signal specialist, offers solutions in the areas of wireless handheld products, access control systems, transportation systems and industrial processes, to a wide range of developers and integrators. Founded in 1990 to innovate and develop novel signal processing techniques, Domain Dynamics has built on its intellectual property with over 120 patents covering TESPAR (Time Encoded Signal Processing And Recognition) and complimentary technologies. Domain Dynamics has its headquarters in Reading, UK and offices in continental Europe and North America. More information is available at http://www.ddl.co.uk or the Marketing Department on +44 (0) 118 9023777.

About ARM
ARM is the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions. The company licenses its high-performance, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals and system-on-chip (SoC) designs to leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly becoming a volume RISC standard in such markets as portable communications, hand-held computing, multimedia digital consumer and embedded solutions. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com/

ARM and ARM Powered are registered trademarks of ARM Limited. PrimeXsys and SecurCore are trademarks of ARM. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. "ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings plc (LSE: ARM and Nasdaq: ARMHY); its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM INC.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; ARM France SAS; and ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. .