Tokyo – October 1, 2007 – GMO Hosting & Security, Inc. digital certificate services consolidated subsidiary, GlobalSign K.K. today launched EV SSL (Extended Validation SSL) sales in Japan. The new EV SSL server certificates are fully compliant with the EV SSL Guidelines established by CA/Browser Forum. GMO Hosting & Security is a GMO Internet Group company.

Shifting Market Needs
It is over ten years since SSL encrypted communication became an Internet standard and in that time server certificate needs have greatly diversified. In its initial phase the purpose of SSL encryption was to encrypt basic web sites and verify the identity of the site owner. Nowadays it is employed on many web sites and is used on Intranets, for https communication between web server browsers, with non-http protocols like pop/smtp and SSL-VPN and other encryption of communication between machines. The industry offers certificates for a variety of performance standards, however we are rapidly developing an extensive range of server certificates including the innovative domain verification SSL server certificate, and certificates for Intranets – a service not available from other companies. These services have been highly praised throughout the industry.
Recently there has also been great demand for SSL server certificates that are effective in protecting against phishing and other cyber crimes. In order to ensure that market needs are met, the CA/Browser Forum (CABF) has been established. This voluntary organization is based in the US and founded by leading global Certificate Authorities (CA) and browser vendors from around the world. It was established to form verification process guidelines and standardize the industry. EV SSL Server certificates are issued in line with the strict verification process guidelines (EV SSL Guidelines).

EV SSL
As well as offering rigid verification, the EV SSL server certificate turns the address bar green once a site has been verified when using Internet Explorer 7. The access user can see at a glance that a web site is trustworthy without having to open any certificates to check the certification level. In addition the organization that operates the site and the certificate authority are clearly displayed in the address bar making it easy to discern the reliability of a certificate. GlobalSign launches the EV SSL (Extended Validation SSL) server certificate with better protection against cyber crime.

Global Sign EV SSL Features
The GlobalSign EV SSL (Extended Validation SSL) offers customization options, free SGC compatibility, free reissues*1 and a GS panel for central management of multiple certificates. There is a clear distinction between the benefits we offer customers and the services of other Certificate Authorities. In addition, we offer customers switching from other SSL server certificates (not limited to EV SSL) a special deal – their existing contract + a one month extension bonus*. (Please refer to our web site for details regarding this offer).
*1. Within one year of issue
*2. Up to 2 years and 3 months

Regular and Campaign Prices
To promote EV SSL server certificates we are offering special campaign prices to all customers that apply for the new EV SSL (Extended Validation SSL) before the end of the year.

These are the lowest Certificate Authority prices in Japan (10/01/2007)
Please visit our website for EV SSL (Extended Validation SSL) certificate customization and options.

GlobalSign
GlobalSign began providing digital authentication services to Belgium ten years ago when digital authentication companies were first beginning to appear. Customers include a number of Belgian government agencies and the GlobalSign Certificate Authority operates many prestigious government projects such as eID*(BELPIC). We are recognized as the Belgian Government Certificate Authority. GlobalSign became a member of the GMO Internet Group in 2006 and beginning in Japan is expanding sales of government-level security worldwide.
*eID: A citizen ID card. This is the first stage of the e-government project in Belgium. The ID card containing a digital certificate is distributed to all Belgian citizens over the age of 12.

Performance: (cumulative figures)
– Over 100,000 SSL Server Certificates issued
– Over 1.4 million digital certificates (for web sites, IC Cards etc. including Digital IDs) issued
– Over 20 million certificates worldwide rely on the public trust provided by the GlobalSign root
– We supply many major government agencies and major corporations.

Profile
– The first certificate authority in Europe to obtain WebTrust accreditation
– In Japan GlobalSign (formerly GeoTrust JAPAN) participates as JCAF (Japan Certificate Authority Forum)
– Member of Anti-Phishing Working Group

Related Links (all links to Japanese language sites unless otherwise indicated)
Service details: http://jp.globalsign.com/service/ssl/ev.html

Media Inquiries
GMO Hosting & Security INC. Corporate Planning Department
E-mail: pr@gmo-hs.com
GMO Internet Inc. Group PR Team
E-mail: pr@gmo.jp

The GMO Internet Group
The GMO Internet Group is a leading force in the Internet industry offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of Internet services in Japan. We hold top domestic market shares in domain registration, web hosting and payment processing and we provide a host of other services including e-commerce solutions and Internet advertising to individual and corporate customers. Striving to redefine the industry and foster a vibrant Internet culture, the GMO Internet Group is continuously working to inspire enthusiasm in our customers and put smiles on their faces.

GlobalSign K.K.