AuthenTec Announces the First Downloadable Microsoft PlayReady-Based DRM Solution for Android- and Apple iOS-based Mobile Devices

PlayReady Solution Saves Time, Reduces Costs and Accelerates Deployment of Protected Content and Services on Devices 

MELBOURNE, Fla., April 19, 2011 – AuthenTec (NASDAQ: AUTH), a leading provider of security and identity management solutions, today announced the development and immediate availability of the first Microsoft PlayReady-based downloadable digital rights management (DRM) client solution for Android-based phones and tablets and Apple iOS-based devices including iPhone and iPad.  AuthenTec’s PlayReady-compatible DRM offering is now part of its Downloadable DRM Fusion Agent announced last week, and the flexibility and security of PlayReady significantly broadens the appeal of this new DRM solution to content owners and distributors. 

DRM Fusion™ Agent is being deployed as a downloadable application that can be distributed by various application stores, significantly increasing the potential to deliver DRM-protected PlayReady content to mobile devices.  AuthenTec’s solution works seamlessly on Android- and iOS-based devices with minimal to no action required from end users.  It supports file-based PlayReady protection including progressive downloads, and PlayReady-protected adaptive video streaming to support both Smooth Streaming and HTTP Live Streaming.  AuthenTec also offers PlayReady servers with content packaging tools to provide an end-to-end PlayReady-based DRM solution. 

“AuthenTec has a proven track record in embedded security and DRM, which they have brought to bear in creating a downloadable client solution that supports PlayReady for a range of devices,” said Jonathan Usher, Marketing Director, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft Corp.  “This convenient and portable solution will help further consumer access to entertainment options and create new revenue opportunities for mobile operators and high-value content providers.” 

“We were privileged to work with industry leader Microsoft to develop the first downloadable, PlayReady-based DRM solution. Our ongoing relationship with Microsoft will help ensure access to the latest and most optimized content protection for Android devices, iPhones and iPads,” said Dr. Simon Blake-Wilson, AuthenTec Vice President of Embedded Security Solutions.  “Our downloadable DRM Fusion Agent is a highly portable and customizable solution that allows mobile operators and content providers to very quickly and cost-effectively deploy high-quality and high-value media for millions of phone and tablet PC users.” 

AuthenTec’s downloadable DRM Fusion Agent, already deployed by major mobile operators around the world, allows operators to more quickly deploy secure content services and to limit license fees only to clients who opt for premium services, dramatically reducing DRM implementation costs and time to market.  It also enables media companies and high-value content providers to more quickly achieve revenue from service deployment by eliminating dependence on mobile phone and device manufacturers for embedded DRM protection. AuthenTec’s solution allows distributing protected high value content in a single uniform and secure way for all the supported platforms and devices. 

AuthenTec offers content protection and packaging, licensing and key management for multiple mobile device platforms and operating systems.  The Company offers complete security solutions for the mobile market including embedded and downloadable DRM content protection, mobile VPN client solutions, identity management software, and smart fingerprint sensors that are used in more than 15 million mobile phones. 

Microsoft PlayReady is a content access and protection technology designed to support a wide range of digital entertainment content, products, services, and devices.  PlayReady technology is optimized for the mobile industry to support the growth of online content scenarios, and includes features designed to make it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy mobile digital entertainment. 

About AuthenTec

AuthenTec is the world’s #1 provider of fingerprint sensors, identity management software, and embedded security solutions.  AuthenTec security and identity management solutions address enterprise, consumer and government applications for a growing base of top tier global customers. Already shipped on hundreds of millions of devices, the Company's smart sensor products, software and embedded security solutions are used virtually everywhere, from the PC on your desk to the mobile device in your hand to the server in the cloud.  AuthenTec offers developers and users secure and convenient ways to manage today's rapidly evolving digital identities and security needs.  For more information, visit www.authentec.com