REDMOND, Wash.–(Press Release)–Palm, Inc. today demonstrated a new Bluetooth Common Access Card (CAC) solution to more than 450 Army IT decision-makers from around the world. Compatible with Windows Mobile 5.0-based Palm Treo smartphones, the wireless CAC solution combines Palm’s best-in-class mobility with hardware and software from industry-leading Biometric Associates, Inc. and Trust Digital.

Designed to help ensure that secure mobile computing meets government IT requirements for data security, the solution integrates the baiMobile Bluetooth smartcard reader with baiMobile smartcard-enabling middleware, allowing personnel to use Treo smartphones to digitally sign and/or encrypt email messages and log on to secure websites. Trust Digital’s smartphone security and management solution protects data and centralizes device management.

“The powerful combination of Treo smartphones, the baiMobile CAC Bluetooth reader and Trust Digital’s Security software provide an inclusive end-to-end solution that allows mobile warriors to connect wirelessly and securely to their IT infrastructures,” said John Hochstein, vice president of marketing for BAI.

The solution integrates hardware and software, including the following:

• A Palm Treo smartphone running Microsoft® Windows Mobile 5.0 with Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP), including Direct Push Technology.

• The baiMobile wireless smartcard reader and integrated CAC middleware connects to the Treo smartphone or a desktop computer. The reader also functions as a badge holder with the printed identification features of the card exposed for visual inspection.
• Trust Digital’s smartphone security and management software provides on-device security and visual identification of smartphones as they access a network, and requires all devices to authenticate, register and pass policy-based compliance verification before gaining network access via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. It also eliminates risks associated with accidental or malicious data disclosure using FIPS 140-2 validated encryption.

“Trust Digital’s reach into the federal market continues to grow as we extend our Treo smartphone capabilities,” said Nick Magliato, chief executive officer, Trust Digital. “Our FIPS 140-2 validation program for the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform offers government customers a proven security solution for their encrypted devices.”

The Treo CAC solution also employs the highest Bluetooth security intended for devices that require both authorization and authentication. It operates in the “non-discoverable” mode at all times - hidden from other Bluetooth devices and rejecting all other pairing requests.

“Whether it’s the military, homeland security, or state and local law enforcement, Palm works with the industry leaders to provide government agencies with secure wireless email and sophisticated turnkey solutions,” said John Inkley, manager of government sales for Palm, Inc. “We can now provide a more powerful smartphone with device data protection and secure email capabilities that are the best available in the market today.”

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