nCipher (TM) Corporation Limited, founded in 1996 and based in Cambridge, England, develops Internet security products that optimize cryptography processes. The firm's products protect Web, authentication, database, and payment processing systems. nCipher offers organizations user provisioning and identity management tools. Its systems allow businesses to enforce consistent security policies, protect customer data, comply with information privacy regulations, and reduce security administration processing costs. nCipher is known for its nFast (R) nForce (TM), and nShield (TM) Hardware Security Module (HSM), payShield (TM) HSM systems. It also provides customers with application development toolkits. nFast, introduced in 1997, offloads cryptographic processing to a dedicated SSL accelerator. nForce, introduced in 1998, protects cryptographic keys and optimizes server processing. nShield hardware, introduced in 1999, protects cryptographic operations and application processes. payShield HSM, introduced in 2002, supports VISA 3-D Secure (TM) and MasterCard SecureCode processing. nCipher developer toolkits streamline integration processes. Through the nAble Partner Program, the company works with Microsoft (R), IBM, RSA Security, Sun Microsystems, and Netegrity. It serves clients across the pharmaceutical, utility, telecommunications, financial services, technology, and government sectors. nCipher maintains additional offices in the United States, Germany, and Tokyo. Products are marketed by the firm and by resellers across Europe, the United States, and Asia. The firm went public in 2000. It is traded on the London Stock Exchange under the NCH symbol. The firm was launched in 1996 with venture capital from Celtic House International. The company employs 119 people worldwide. nCipher is focusing on the integration of additional third-party applications with its systems. The company is listed on the FTSE4Good index. nCipher was founded by Alex van Someren and Dr. Nicko van Someren.