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Open Door inks new Web deal By David Preszler Ashland�s Open Door Networks continues to add to its list of big-name high-tech alliances. The MacIntosh-only software company has reached a deal with leading Internet service provider EarthLink to give all new and existing EarthLink high-speed Internet customers a copy of its MacIntosh security software, DoorStop Personal Firewall. "The alliance between EarthLink and Open Door is a big win for all concerned," said Alan Oppenheimer, Open Door�s founder and president. "EarthLink DSL (digital subscriber line) customers get a more secure system, EarthLink enhances its reputation as the preeminent MacIntosh ISP and Open Door gets its firewall product into the hands of more users." EarthLink, based in Atlanta, has roughly 3.7 million subscribers nationwide, including both PC and MacIntosh users. DoorStop will be given to the Mac users and another security product � Symantec�s Norton Personal Firewall � to the PC users. Only the company�s broadband Internet users � those who get high-speed access, primarily through DSL technology � will get a free copy of the extra security software. The high-speed DSL is an "always-on" connection to the Internet that can make home and business computers more vulnerable to hackers trying to access systems via the Internet. "Security has become one of the top concerns for those considering broadband access, and now all EarthLink DSL customers can feel safer while they�re online," EarthLink�s Mike Lunsford said in a statement announcing the deal in mid July. "It�s great to see people starting to understand the importance of security software," said Oppenheimer. Locally, Mac users who subscribe to the Ashland Fiber Network also get the software. Last fall, Open Door Networks forged an alliance with Apple Computer to have another piece of its software, ShareWay IP, included with the Mac OS 9 operating system. ShareWay makes it easier for users to share files over the Internet. EarthLink also has close ties to Apple. It is the default Internet service provider on new Macs sold in the United States. Open Door, founded in 1995, hopes to use the exposure it gets through the big-name alliances to introduce users to more advanced versions of its software. Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA