March 1, 2004

Sharp and AirZip Enable Seamless Secure Scanning and Persistent File Security for Sharp Digital IMAGERS

MAHWAH, N.J. — March 1, 2004--Sharp and AirZip^™, Inc. today announced an integrated persistent security software solution for Sharp's IMAGER^™ network office solution products. This integration provides unprecedented protection, privacy and enhanced productivity in scanned document creation. The integrated solution will be available this month to customers through Sharp's independent dealer network as well as Sharp's National and Government Account Program (SNAP).

AirZip's FileSECURE^™ product now integrates with any Sharp IMAGER to automatically and securely scan and send digital documents while providing seamless security for Sharpdesk^™ document management system users. Sharp, the leader in document security solutions, can meet the needs of businesses with even the most rigorous security requirements. Several of the company's digital IMAGER copiers were the first office products to receive "Common Criteria" validation from the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP), a joint program of the National Security Agency and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This international IT security evaluation alliance created the "Common Criteria" set of standards to jointly review and validate products made by manufacturers.

Persistent Security

With AirZip FileSECURE, security is persistently applied to electronic content - wherever the content may go and every time the content is accessed. This security approach differs from traditional encryption or VPN methods that protect information only until it is first accessed. FileSECURE enables the owner of information to identify who has directly accessed shared information, and track all instances when the secured information was directly accessed.

Protection of Scanned Documents

"As more companies use Sharp's IMAGER products for scanning, we wanted to provide a best-in-class solution that easily maintains scanned document privacy and rights management," states Edward McLaughlin, President, Sharp Document Solutions Company of America. "FileSECURE provides IMAGER customers with persistent security for all scanned images, enabling our customers to scan documents without worrying about security via direct access to the scanned documents."

AirZip FileSECURE may be used independently or integrated with Sharpdesk for easy management and distribution of scanned images. When coupled with a Sharp Digital IMAGER, a user is able to:

-- Automatically scan, secure, and send documents directly from the Digital IMAGER keypad to an email recipient with no further interaction

-- Persistently protect information that is shared with others, ensuring only those people authorized are able to directly access the information

-- Track and report on files to ensure receipt

-- Control and update file access permissions (View, Print, Copy, Save, Available On/Expiration dates and times)

Cross Industry Applications

Persistent security is a necessity for companies who want to protect information loss from occurring via unauthorized direct access. In addition, companies are using persistent security as a key component in their compliance efforts with numerous privacy regulations such as HIPAA, the Gramm Leach Bliley Act, and California Senate Bill 1386. "Controlling and monitoring direct access to sensitive information is a critical requirement for corporations, regardless of what industry they are in," said Lee Bauman, CEO of AirZip Inc. "Sharp understands the need for information security and provides some of the most secure multifunction products in the market today. Integrating FileSECURE extends their leadership position and enables companies in all markets to scan sensitive information knowing the resulting electronic image will be protected from unauthorized direct access."

About Sharp

Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multi-functional office solutions and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(TM) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, the SharpVision(R) line of projection products, Viewcam(R) camcorders, Sharp Carousel(R) microwaves, IMAGER(TM) digital multi-functional systems, the Notevision(R) line of multi-media projectors, and the Zaurus(TM) Personal Mobile Tool. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines.

About AirZip

AirZip is a leader in software products for persistent security of information and acceleration of information access and delivery. AirZip persistent security solutions enable the most user-friendly operation and superior protection of information in all popular formats. AirZip persistent protection means information access is controlled and tracked wherever the content goes and whenever the content is accessed. AirZip is based in Cupertino, California with offices in Beijing, China and London, England.