PacketiX VPN 2.0 is used in HitachiSoft’s Managed Service Provider service SecureOnline

SAN JOSE, Calif.—May 19, 2008—Plat’Home, Japan’s Linux technology pioneer, today announced the availability of the free download trial version of virtual networking power tool PacketiX VPN 2.0 to customers in North America. PacketiX VPN 2.0 is not only valued for its security, but also for its flexibility and straightforward integration. It easily passes NAT, proxies and firewalls, and offers advanced network options like virtual NAT, layer 3 switches and DHCP server functionality. This eliminates the need to reconfigure the existing network when the VPN is deployed, reducing costs and administration workload.

Packetix VPN 2.0 is available as software-only or as an appliance. It is available for free trial with unlimited functionality: https://www.plathome.com/form/packetix_trial/input.html

The PacketiX VPN technology was developed Daiyuu Nobori, founder of SoftEther Corporation, while still a young researcher at the University of Tsukuba. Nobori is the recipient of a number of awards including designation as “Super Creator” in 2003. Super Creators are an elite group of software engineers chosen annually since 2001 by Japan’s Information Technology Promotion Agency (IPA), an agency in the Japanese Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI) that provides grants and advisement to encourage the development of innovative new software applications. In 2006, PacketiX VPN won the Software Product of the Year award from the IPA. Plat’Home is sales partner for SoftEther in North America.

PacketiX VPN 2.0 is used by the prominent Japanese system integrator Hitachi Software for its “SecureOnline” service. SecureOnline is a Managed Service Provider offering that addresses short- and long-term computing demands by their customers.

“It offers everything from one hand, VM (virtual hardware), OS and middleware. We often surprise our customers, as preparing the whole system usually is done within a day after the order and they can use it right away.” says Teruo Nakamura, General Manager of the Security Service Division of HitachiSoft. “The speedy installation of PacketiX VPN 2.0 has helped spreading the idea of virtualization, and our service in particular. Without PacketiX VPN 2.0, we wouldn’t have this opportunity for business.”

Special features of PacketiX VPN 2.0 include:

· Runs on Windows and Linux

· Establishes secure tunnels for web, e-mail, chat, FTP and shared network resources. Works with protocols like NetBios and Appletalk and legacy networks like Token Ring.

· Easily integrates remote networks (LAN-to-LAN connections) without changing IP routing and firewall settings. Creates advanced network structures with virtual NAT and layer 3 switches.

· Increases network reliability and throughput with connection bundling and QoS functionality.

· Integrates user administration with NT Domains, Active Directory and RADIUS servers.

· Secure user authentication options include public key infrastructure and smart cards.

“For so many small- and medium-sized business employees, working on the road or working from home is a daily necessity. PacketiX VPN 2.0 is lightweight and easy to use and fits this work environment well. At any rate, you don’t have to take our word for it. You can download it and try it first, ” said Tomoyasu Suzuki, president of Plat’Home. ”In Japan it’s already been used over 35,000 client licenses by companies, government, and other public offices.”

PacketiX VPN 2.0 can be purchased as an appliance, pre-installed on Plat’Home’s compact and robust Plat’Home OpenMicroServer. The PacketiX BOX, as this product is known, is an appliance that provides a turnkey solution to connect company branch offices, chain store Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, and IT systems, or, as with HitachiSoft, a gateway for customers to access IT services. For more information on PacketiX VPN 2.0, please see: http://www.plathome.com/products/packetix/index.html

About Plat’Home

Plat’Home Co.,Ltd. introduced the fledgling Linux operating system to Japan when it was founded in 1993. Plat’Home introduced the first server line under its own brand in 1996, and went public at the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2000. Plat’Home is First Partner for SoftEther, developer of the revolutionary VPN software PacketiX VPN. In 2007, Plat’Home established its first U.S. subsidiary, in San Jose, California, to introduce Japanese IT products to new markets. For more information, please contact Plat’Home USA Ltd. at sales {at} plathome(.)com.

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Media contact

Jesse Casman, Page One PR for Plat’Home

jesse {at} pageonepr(.)com

415-321-2347