FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Allen Cronce
PACE Anti-Piracy
408-297-7444
e-mail: InterLok@paceap.com

PACE Anti-Piracy Announces InterLok(tm), Turnkey System for Internet-based Software Distribution and Authorization

Product is First Release in Company's Next Generation of Protection Tools

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--January 7, 1997--PACE Anti-Piracy today announced availability of InterLok, the company's new one-step system for creating full-featured, time-limited "trialware" versions of software applications that can be distributed and unlocked over the Internet. InterLok brings Macintosh software developers many of the capabilities of PACE's MacEncrypt software protection and authorization tools in a turnkey package, making it possible for developers to keep control of the distribution of their products with less effort. InterLok is the first component to ship in PACE's next-generation Release 4 software protection system, with the complete system slated for availability in Spring 1997. "InterLok makes it easier for Macintosh developers to control their own destiny with secure Internet distribution of their products, and flexible options for trialware characteristics," according to Allen Cronce, President of PACE Anti-Piracy.

InterLok is being introduced this week at MacWorld Expo in San Francisco, and is being shown at Developer Central. A demonstration will show how finished software applications can be converted to fully functional "trialware" in one step, without any code modifications. The lifespan of the trialware package can be limited a number of ways: by elapsed time, by an end date, or by the number of launches. The customer experience with an InterLok-enabled trial package can be tailored to the developer's needs, including options for transparent operation during the trial period, or presentation of a dialog on launching. Standard dialogs for capture of customer registration information can be incorporated with a single mouse click.

Once the trial limit is reached, the application requires an authorization key before it can run again. The authorization key determines whether the trial period is extended and for how long, or the application is fully unlocked in conjunction with a purchase. The authorization key consists of a series of common, easily understood words, and can be provided to the customer via telephone, fax, or e-mail. In addition, the InterLok system makes it possible for a software purchaser to use a Web browser, such as Netscape Navigator(tm), to register the purchased software package online, with the PACE software handling the software registration and authorization process automatically and transparently via Apple events. InterLok also provides a programmatic interface that lets developers incorporate more sophisticated options, including a "smart demo" feature that allows some program features to be disabled until an authorization key is entered. In addition, secure Internet financial transactions can be integrated into the authorization process.

With the stunning growth in the Internet, and the World Wide Web in particular, the ability for software developers to reach a large segment of their customer base directly through electronic means has become a reality. Smaller developers, who often have difficulty cutting through the noise of traditional software channels, need the ability to use electronic distribution without risking loss of sales revenue. Even when larger companies distribute through traditional retail or mail-order channels, upgrades that often get lost in the clutter of those channels can be distributed in a timely manner via the Internet. And the coming trend toward component software makes alternatives to collateral-intensive shrink-wrapped methods for distribution a necessity. PACE Anti-Piracy has recognized these market requirements, and has extended its product line to accommodate these needs, in addition to meeting the more traditional software security-oriented needs. The design goal has been to produce a software authorization system with which developers can gain more control over how their products get distributed and paid for, with a focus on providing them with the tools they need to do it themselves, rather than relying on service bureaus. An additional benefit of the InterLok system is that, because the locking is applied after the application has been created and does not require any modification of code, existing versions of applications can immediately be made available through electronic distribution.

The InterLok system adds to PACE Anti-Piracy's already impressive suite of software authorization, protection, and anti-piracy technologies built up over more than ten years of proven operation. The upcoming PACE Release 4 offers a powerful and comprehensive system for both turnkey and custom software protection and authorization, with an unmatched combination of security, features, and convenience for both the developer and the customer. PACE Anti-Piracy is the technology leader in software protection and authorization systems for Macintosh.

Product Pricing and Availability

PACE products can be ordered directly from the company at 408-297-7444, via fax at 408-297-7441, or via e-mail at InterLok@paceap.com.

PACE Anti-Piracy creates systems and tools for computer software protection and authorization. The company's headquarters are at 1082 Glen Echo Ave., San Jose, California 95125. PACE's home page on the World Wide Web is at: http://www.paceap.com.

© 1997 PACE Anti-Piracy. InterLok and MacEncrypt are trademarks of PACE Anti-Piracy. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other brand names mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.

NOTE TO EDITORS: PACE Anti-Piracy would be happy to provide you or your technical/lab manager with an evaluation copy of InterLok. Please call or e-mail us with your request.