Advancing Technology through Entrepreneurship

Governor Ehrlich Presents $50,000 to Real User Corp. from the Maryland Technology Transfer Fund

Incubator Client Receives Award at Chesapeake Innovation Center

Annapolis, MD (May 10, 2004) - Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., today presented Real User Corporation$50,000 through the Maryland Technology Development Corporation’s (TEDCO) (www.MarylandTEDCO.org) Maryland Technology Transfer Fund (MTTF). The funding will support Real User’s work with the University ofMaryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), to integrate its security product, Passfaces TM, into UMBC’s operational network. The company is located at the Chesapeake Innovation Center (CIC), America’s first business incubatorfor homeland security high technology and a program of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation.

Real User has developed Passfaces TM, a cognometric authentication technology that provides a secure andreliable alternative to passwords without the need for any special hardware. With Passfaces TM, computer users don’t have to recall complicated passwords, but can instead gain access by recognizing and clicking on familiarfaces, something that can be done intuitively by everyone regardless of language, education, culture or age.

“We are pleased to use the Maryland Technology Transfer Fund to help companies like Real User receivethe extra funds needed to grow and thrive long term,” said Governor Ehrlich. “In addition, we are fortunate to have resources like the Chesapeake Innovation Center and the other incubators in Maryland that support local companiesand help them to bring their vital products into the market.”

John Elstner, CEO of the CIC, said: “Real User has developed a break-through technology that fixes theweakest link in information assurance, helping enterprises increase their security while saving substantial amounts in technical support. The support of Governor Ehrlich, the State of Maryland and TEDCO will assist the companyin bringing these crucial benefits to organizations across Maryland and the United States.”

The MTTF funding will allow Real User to implement and demonstrate a pilot program on an academicnetwork using its Passface TM technology as the primary means of authentication. The purpose is to collect and evaluate performance metrics; to make recommendations for improvements in the technology, its deployment andapplicability to other networks and system; and to offer suggestions regarding commercialization plans.

“This award is very significant to Real User and we are extremely grateful to Governor Ehrlich, the State ofMaryland and TEDCO for the support they have given us in establishing our business at the CIC,” said Paul Barrett, CEO of Real User. “The project with UMBC, enabled by this award, is an important step towards our goalof improving cyber-security through the elimination of passwords.”

Applications for the MTTF fund are accepted continually and reviewed monthly by representatives fromTEDCO and DBED. Applicants must submit a proposal, a commercialization plan for the technology to be developed and a scope of work and budget.

Funding Briefings: TEDCO also hosts a series of funding briefings to teach companies how to use TEDCO’s capital programs to help transfer technology from Maryland universities and federal laboratories to the Marylandmarketplace. The program includes a description of the funding programs, eligibility requirements, guidelines for effective proposals, proposal submission and review process, and the terms of the agreement. The next session isscheduled for Friday, May 14, 2004 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at TEDCO’s offices. Another briefing is scheduled at the Technology Assistance Center in Lanham on May 28, 2004 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, directionsand to RSVP, call Linda Saffer at 410-715-4175.

Businesses can obtain more information on applying for TEDCO’s Maryland Technology Transfer Fund at www.MarylandTEDCO.org or by contacting Steve Fritz at 410-715-4166.

The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), a specialized technology transfer arm ofthe Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) was established by the General Assembly asa tool for Maryland to use in maintaining and enhancing its reputation as a leader in technology. TEDCO’s mission is to foster the development of a technology economy that will create and sustain businesses throughout all regions in theState of Maryland. Currently, TEDCO has programs that aid and promote state-funded incubators, and federal anduniversity laboratories to increase technology transfer and Maryland’s eCommerce. For more information on TEDCO visit www.MarylandTEDCO.org.