VASCO will OEM the Digipass GO3, which supports the Initiative for Open Authentication (OATH) HOTP algorithm, and forms a cornerstone of the VeriSign Competitive Token Upgrade Program. Announced yesterday, the VeriSign Competitive Token Upgrade Program will allow enterprises to trade in existing two-factor authentication systems for new tokens from VeriSign at a fraction of the cost.

"VeriSign is committed to providing strong authentication solutions that provide greater functionality at a lower cost for enterprises who seek to protect their employees, partners, and customers from malicious security threats," said Nicolas Popp, vice president, VeriSign Security Services. "Through our OEM relationship with VASCO, VeriSign will provide enterprises with an OATH-compliant solution with vast cost-savings, bringing strong authentication to the tipping point of ubiquity."

The VeriSign-branded Digipass GO3 will be marketed and distributed through VeriSign's sales force and its extensive networks of resellers and distributors worldwide. VASCO believes that the combination of the proven qualities of Digipass GO3 in use in over 350 financial institutions around the world and the power of VeriSign's sales force will create a major breakthrough for VASCO's products in markets such as the United States and Japan.

"As the world's largest provider of strong user authentication products to the financial sector, it is our pleasure to partner with a market leading organisation like VeriSign," said Jan Valcke, VASCO's President and COO. "We are convinced that our joint efforts and technology will expand OATH and VASCO strong user authentication products into new markets and new applications."