VeriSign secures Netcenter e-commerce

VeriSign and Netscape have teamed to offer secure e-commerce services on Netscape's popular Web portal Netcenter, the companies said today.

The deal covers a wide range of joint initiatives including the launch of a new cobranded Netcenter Security Center, the further integration of VeriSign digital certificate services with Netscape client services with Netscape client and server products, and the naming of VeriSign as the chief provider of digital certificate and Internet trust services for Netscape customers.

The companies claim that the agreement is the first of its kind to create a one-stop destination on a major portal for secure e-commerce and communications services on the Web, through the integration of Netscape products, its portal, and Verisign's global digital certificate services infrastructure.

"Together, we plan to deliver the best-of-breed information and services that our customers need to securely conduct their personal or business transactions over the Internet," Mike Homer, executive vice president and general manager of Netscape's Netcenter division, said in a statement.

According to industry observers, security remains the No. 1 concern among consumers for conducting transactions over the Internet.

With the agreement announced today, Netscape and VeriSign said they intend to work together to reduce this barrier, in the hopes of fueling the growth of global e-commerce by offering Internet security services through one of the more trafficked sites on the Internet.

The debut of the Netcenter Security Center by Verisign is currently planned for the end of March, the companies said.