Phoenix And Absolute Software Combine to Make PCs Secure From the Star

    Business Editors/High-Tech Editors

    MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 16, 2005--

    Locked-Down Theft Protection Gives PC Notebook Users the Ability
    to Track Lost or Stolen PCs Even If the Hard Drive Is Reformatted

    Phoenix Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PTEC) and Absolute(R) Software Corporation (TSX-VEN: ABT) today announced an innovative solution that will help deter theft and loss of remote, mobile and desktop computers. The Phoenix TrustedCore(R) Core System Software product line is enabling firmware-level support for Absolute's Computrace(R) Computer Theft Recovery and Secure Asset Tracking solutions.
    This combination of Phoenix's and Absolute's technology means that PCs are protected and Secure from the Start. In the event a computer is stolen, Absolute offers a recovery guarantee of up to $1,000(a), can remotely delete sensitive data, and can aid organizations with regulatory compliance.
    Phoenix Core System Software provides a trusted platform that is security-enabled before the PC operating system has the opportunity to boot -- from the moment the device is turned on. Because the Computrace software is enabled in the Secure Flash area of the PC, it is extremely difficult for unauthorized parties to remove or alter it. Because the Computrace capability is "locked-down" within the PC, the location of Computrace-protected computers can be tracked even if the hard drive is reformatted or if the operating system is replaced.
    "Consumers are looking for devices that have built-in security that they don't have to think about. They want their devices protected, safe for their use, and useless to anyone trying to steal it. Computrace makes the lost or stolen computer worthless to thieves, who can be traced without their knowledge," said John Livingston, CEO and chairman of Absolute. "Our partnership with Phoenix provides customers with a secure device and a trusted computing environment. Our OEMs and system builders can easily and economically provide a security platform and applications that enables their customers to have a higher level of protection for their PCs or notebooks."
    "Built-in security and device theft protection are becoming critical issues for our PC OEMs. Having this security at the core of the system provides significantly better protection than placing it on the hard drive, where it potentially can be compromised," said Michael D. Goldgof, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Corporate Marketing and Product Divisions for Phoenix Technologies. "As a part of our ongoing relationship with Absolute, we are delivering on our promise to customers to bring together the Phoenix TrustedCore Core Systems Software with the Absolute Computrace security platform, delivering an innovative, 'Secure from the Start' PC with built-in, locked-down theft deterrence."
    In order to activate the Computer Theft Recovery and Secure Asset Tracking service, customers will need to purchase a subscription to Absolute's Computrace from Absolute or their PC provider.

    About Absolute Software

    Absolute(R) Software (TSX VEN: ABT) is the leader in Computer Theft Recovery and Secure Asset Tracking(TM) solutions. With more than 350,000 subscriptions under management, Absolute's uniquely patented Computrace(R) technology is optimized for remote and mobile users. Absolute Software provides organizations with simple and cost effective solutions to help track their computing assets, deter computer loss, and reduce incurred liability costs. Absolute Software has a history of delivering first-to-market technology innovations along with a recovery guarantee making it one of the most reliable asset tracking and recovery solutions in the market today. Through strategic partnerships with Apple, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, Phoenix Technologies and Toshiba, many institutions worldwide, use Absolute's solutions. For more information about Absolute please visit http://www.absolute.com.

    About Phoenix Technologies

    Phoenix Technologies develops a complete product suite of Core System Software, tools and applications to deliver trusted, seamless computing to digital devices for an Internet-connected world. Phoenix Technologies helped launch the PC industry nearly 25 years ago. Today the company is extending its leadership and knowledge at the core of machines, beyond the PC to a wide range of platforms and devices.
    Phoenix Core System Software has set the standard for the world's leading branded PC OEMs and their global network of supply chain and software partners. Today, Phoenix solutions enable, secure, connect, and recover the world's best-known systems. These solutions are built into the device core, where they are protected from viruses, user errors, hackers, and corruption. Phoenix is headquartered in Milpitas, Calif. (Silicon Valley), with offices in global business and technology centers. For more information, visit www.phoenix.com.

    (a) Certain terms and conditions apply - see www.absolute.com for details

    Phoenix, Phoenix Technologies, the Phoenix Technologies logo, TrustedCore and FirstBios are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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CONTACT: The Hoffman Agency for Phoenix Technologies Ltd. Sarah London, 408-975-3034 slondon@hoffman.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS SOFTWARE MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Phoenix Technologies

Copyright Business Wire 2005