Laplink Releases Version 1.3 of ShareDirect, a “Business-Class” Peer-to-Peer Networking Application

The latest version of ShareDirect, an instant networking application based on peer-to-peer architecture, was released by Laplink today.

Kirkland, WA—June 15, 2005 —Today Laplink released ShareDirect 1.3, an application that allows users to connect folders between any number of PCs and share files of any size or type directly. ShareDirect enables secure, private folder-to-folder file sharing connections across an Internet connection and through existing firewall and router configurations.

Laplink’s ShareDirect takes the power and flexibility of peer-to-peer file sharing and makes it business-ready with a security package that includes:

• Sharing through existing firewall and router configurations without compromising security. No special configuration is required in order to share files between PCs.
• Sharing between authenticated members only. No unauthorized or anonymous individuals can access files.
• 256-bit encryption on all data transmissions, keeping files secure and private.
• Built-in anti-virus checking for all downloaded files.

ShareDirect even meets the security requirements of industries entrusted with private or sensitive data.

“Email is an easy way to send files, but it's not secure, and you can't always send large files that way,” explained Carol Hughes, President, Tax Planning Centre, Ltd., which uses ShareDirect to share tax files between their head office and franchise locations. Hughes continued, “Other options required costly servers or a complicated set-up or management. ShareDirect gives us an easy-to-use, cost-effective way of sharing sensitive files of any size or type while maintaining high standards of security.”

In recent months, the credibility of peer-to-peer technology for enterprise and professional use received a significant boost when Microsoft acquired Ray Ozzie’s Groove Networks, a suite of “virtual office” features built on peer-to-peer architecture. Following this acquisition, Microsoft made the decision to invest in and license certain technologies from Laplink.

"Peer-to-peer technology is not going away,” stated Mary Landesman, security consultant and contributing author to PC World Magazine. “It will become a standard information-sharing method in the future. Laplink's commitment to developing a secure business collaboration tool based on this powerful architecture shows that even mainstream software companies clearly see its potential."

This latest version of Laplink ShareDirect streamlines usability and brings the supported languages to five – English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.

“We are committed to building on the promise of peer-to-peer, and we want customers all over the world to be able to use this innovative technology in their native language,” said Todd Rupley, Senior Vice President Worldwide Sales for Laplink.

ShareDirect costs less than $4 per month, based on an annual subscription of less than $40. A 15-day free trial is now available at www.laplink.com.

About Laplink Software, Inc.

Laplink is the expert in file transfer, remote access and synchronization technology. For over 22 years Laplink has been committed to providing instant connectivity innovations. Whether you need to transfer and share large files, remotely access your computer, or keep devices synchronized, Laplink’s applications are easy and secure solutions that meet the needs of business and home users.

Laplink is a private company headquartered in Washington with offices in Canada and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.laplink.com.