Agreement highlights benefits of open-source development

Sunnyvale, Calif., April 24, 2000—Protectix, Inc. and Lynx Real-Time Systems® today announced a joint development agreement for an embedded Linux operating system (OS) specifically for network security. The OS, to be known as Protectix' ApplianceOS will be developed in parallel with Lynx' BlueCat Linux to generate a secure embedded operating system for non-real time environments.

Under the agreement, Protectix will take advantage of Lynx' experience in OS development to strengthen ApplianceOS its Linux-based, open-source Internet security OS. In turn, Lynx will be able to integrate and redistribute Protectix security features in BlueCat, including Protectix' strict review of code and integration of Open Source firewall, virtual private networking applications and technology enabling secure remote updates of the operating system.

Protectix will use the BlueCat development tools in the process to retain the flexibility of BlueCat Linux but streamlining it for a select set of security applications.

"Security for many proprietary software vendors often means preventing disclosure of security weaknesses, but obscuring source code is not an effective defense," stated Mark Willey, co-founder and CTO of Protectix. "Companies can't trust security vendors that hide details on operation-crippling security exploits and fail to update their product. Open Source is a customer requirement. ApplianceOS and BlueCat Linux are secure by design."

The proven efficiency of opening code and wide distribution have contributed to some of the most secure methods of safeguarding and transmitting data over networks and the Internet itself. The source codes of widely used encryption algorithms are accessible by third parties. Even with large farms of computers, computer crackers can't defeat these algorithms because they are secure by design, not by obscurity.

"By attacking the issue of network security, this partnership tears down a significant part of the wall that bars widespread adoption of Linux into the broad embedded community," said Inder Singh, chairman and CEO for Lynx. "The innovation Protectix brings to this arena, combined with Lynx' twelve years of experience with embedded operating systems, standards and quality testing procedures, will generate what will be the most stable and secure embedded operating system for non-real time environments in the industry."

Protectix will redistribute its OS development efforts over the web in the near future via the URL http://www.ApplianceOS.org. BlueCat is part of Lynx' Lynx product family, which also includes LynxOS® real-time operating system and development tools.

About Protectix

Protectix, Inc., based in Sunnyvale, California, was founded in 1999 to address the emerging security needs of internet-connected businesses. Protectix aims to become the leading provider of Open Source/Free Software-based security solutions through the development, contribution and distribution of this software. Much like Red Hat (Nasdaq: RHAT) has done for operating systems market, Protectix delivers Open Source network security, freely distributing all source code used in Protectix products and solutions. Competitors include proprietary vendors such as Cisco (Nasdaq: CSCO), Lucent (NYSE: LU), Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Network Associates (Nasdaq: NETA), and Checkpoint (Nasdaq: CHKP). For further information and to learn why Open Source is a superior security solution, please visit Protectix at http://www.protectix.com/.

About Lynx

Lynx Real-Time Systems, Inc. is the leader in embedded Linux and the pre-eminent developer and supplier of operating system software for reliable and high-performance embedded applications. Lynx products support industry standards in communications, avionics, automotive, office automation and process control systems worldwide, enabling customers to leverage their investments in software and education. The Lynx offerings include: the Lynx™ product family that supports both the open source BlueCat™ Linux and LynxOS® real-time operating system; software frameworks for high-availability systems; development tools and technical support worldwide.

Protectix and ApplianceOS are trademarks of Protectix. Lynx Real-Time Systems and LynxOS are registered trademarks and Lynx and BlueCat are trademarks of Lynx Real-Time Systems, Inc. Other brand or product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective holders.

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