Next generation software offers new revenue opportunities for postal authorities worldwide

Boston, Mass. - October 3, 2000 - Escher Group, a leading provider of e-commerce solutions to the postal industry, today announced the availability of WebRiposte. WebRiposte, based on Escher's flagship XML-messaging middleware, Riposte®, is helping to make the transition from counter automation to business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce easier for postal authorities worldwide. The announcement was officially made at Post-Expo, the world's largest international convention for postal technology and innovation, being held this year at the Palexpo Centre in Geneva, Switzerland.

WebRiposte extends and enhances the functionality of the existing Riposte software and is fully Web-enabled. This new product contains the Riposte Message Server Version 7.0, enhanced XML messaging, a SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) implementation of the Riposte API, support for secure messaging using SSL, an integrated FTP and enhanced HTTP Server, an active Web content distribution service, and browser-based administration and configuration tools.

The WebRiposte HTTP server is HTTP 1.1 compliant with support for all versions of SSL and TLS to enable secure e-commerce transactions. This diminishes the need for a separate Web server making requests for Web content quicker and more efficient. Working in conjunction with the HTTP server is the Riposte application server that allows applications to access the Riposte API and external objects using SOAP, an XML-based protocol for the exchange of information in a decentralized, distributed environment.

The active Web content distribution service builds on WebRiposte's active message replication technology by pushing commonly accessed Web content out closer to the clients. WebRiposte provides enhanced caching and performance benefits for high quality content delivery, even over low bandwidth or disconnected networks. WebRiposte's browser-based tools provide a means of configuring and administering the system. These tools provide ease-of-use and convenience. Administrative functions such as system configuration, message archival and user definition can be accessed locally or remotely reducing the costs of on-site administration for each installation.

"WebRiposte is a natural extension of the Riposte product set which has a proven track record of success in facilitating online transaction processing in diverse, distributed computing environments," a spokesperson for Escher Group said. "WebRiposte ensures a fault-tolerant, rock-solid foundation upon which Internet applications are built and reliable information exchange is guaranteed."

About Escher Group, Limited

Escher Group Limited is a leading provider of distributed transaction processing and data management solutions and services. The company offers a business-to-business XML-based transaction management environment, used in thousands of locations worldwide. Since its introduction in 1993, Riposte®, Escher's flagship messaging solution, has grown to become the market leader in post office counter automation.

Trademarks: WebRiposte and Riposte are trademarks or registered trademarks of Escher Group, Limited in the United States and/or other countries. All other product names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact Information:

Escher Group Limited
info@eschergroup.com