Through Cpa2biz, CPAs will be able to register for domain names (including the new .pro and .cpa.pro domain names when they become available), purchase digital certificates, send secured and digitally signed e-mail, and integrate secure commerce functionality into Web sites. In addition, Cpa2biz will be integrating VeriSign Security and Authentication technologies into aspects of its internal operations, as well as into upcoming outsourced financial services offerings.

.Pro is one of the seven new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) established by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and is expected to be introduced beginning in early 2002. .Pro domain names are for "professionals" and will be administered by RegistryPro located in Dublin, Ireland. Only third-level domain names will be permitted for the .pro web extension -- for example, maryjones.cpa.pro. Initially, only cpa.pro, med.pro, and law.pro will be available.   

VeriSign digital certificates provide the infrastructure for sending encrypted, signed and non-repudiable messages, including secured e-mail and secured financial transactions.   

"Research shows that CPAs are among the most trusted business advisors, and we believe VeriSign services support CPAs' efforts in the e-business marketplace," said Brett Prager, President and Chief Executive Officer of CPA2Biz. "CPAs offering assurances like the AICPA's WebTrust and SysTrust will be able to supplement them with additional fee-based services such as VeriSign digital certificates and secure e-mail. CPAs will also be able to further distinguish themselves in the marketplace through the use of the new domain names from VeriSign, most notably .cpa.pro."

"Businesses and professional organizations are constantly looking for the most convenient, cost-efficient ways to get the Web identity authentication services they need to serve their customers," said Ben Golub, Vice President of VeriSign. "CPA2Biz has designed a very effective platform for delivering Web-based services to hundreds of thousands of CPAs. VeriSign services fit very naturally into this platform, and will provide CPAs and their clients with the full range of offerings they need to power their business."   

VeriSign will also provide an investment in Cpa2biz. Through its investment in Cpa2biz, VeriSign joins the AICPA, state CPA societies, Microsoft, Thomson and Aon as a strategic partner with Cpa2biz. VeriSign is a leader in online trust services and was the first to meet the criteria of the WebTrust for Certification Authorities program from the AICPA. Under this program, VeriSign undergoes a yearly examination from KPMG indicating that all VeriSign digital certificates are issued in compliance with the ANS X9.79 technical standards governing Certification Authorities.