FutureBazaar Partners with AppLabs Technologies for Security Testing

High Internet penetration, new e-retailing ventures to fuel demand for security testing

Hyderabad, Philadelphia, London

February 14 2007

AppLabs Technologies, the world’s largest independent software testing company, today announced that they have been engaged by FutureBazaar India Ltd, a subsidiary of Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd, for the security testing of their e-retail website www.futurebazaar.com.

A team of experienced and certified security professionals from AppLabs carried out extensive Application Penetration Testing on the FutureBazaar.com servers exposed to the Internet to identify potential vulnerabilities. The assessment involved a detailed and comprehensive investigation to establish the susceptibility of the applications to hacker and penetration attacks. In addition to the Web Application Security Testing, the team also undertook Application Security Assessment in order to identify weaknesses. These tests were carried out using various in-house tools, techniques and methods and suitable recommendations were made in compliance with the OWASP procedures.

The various tests carried out by AppLabs enabled Futurebazaar.com to take proactive and protective measures, aided in maintaining business continuity, avoided denial of service, supported and complimented the organizational security policy and, importantly, provided an overview of the security posture of the public-facing applications. All these testing measures will reduce potential loss of business and aid in enhancing ROI in the long run.

Sashi Reddi, Founder & CEO, AppLabs Technologies, said, “Over the years, security testing has gained ground as a specialized discipline within the software testing space, and we are continuously innovating in this area to provide our customers with tangible results from our expertise”. Mr. Reddi added, “With the growing dependence of businesses on online buying/selling and e-payments, security testing will become an integral part of the buying process”. AppLabs is the security testing partner for many e-tail ventures and is poised to ride high on the Indian retail boom, which will see many businesses going online with their offerings.

Mr. Sankarson Banerjee, CEO, FutureBazaar India Ltd said, "E-retailing websites are particularly sensitive to information security considerations. AppLabs has been a key partner in giving us and our customers the assurance that our website is secure and data regarding online transactions is safe. They helped identify vulnerabilities which will enable us to protect our business and our customers. We expect to continue working with them to ensure the safety and security of our site."

About AppLabs Technologies

AppLabs Technologies is a global IT services company specializing in quality management, testing, and certification solutions. With over a decade of experience, AppLabs has become a trusted partner to more than 600 companies, providing both quality assurance and third-party validation. Customers include American Airlines, American Stock Exchange, Royal Bank of Scotland, VISA, HP, Novell and SAP. AppLabs goes beyond technical expertise when it comes to IT services and offers customers rigorous risk mitigation processes, a singular focus on quality, expert project management, communication and global delivery capabilities. It is the first software testing company to get appraised at SEI CMMI Level 5, the highest quality standard attainable in software engineering. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the company maintains advanced testing facilities in the US, India and the UK. For more information, visit www.applabs.com.

About FutureBazaar

Futurebazaar.com is owned and operated by FutureBazaar India Ltd., a subsidiary of Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd. As part of India’s largest retail chain, FutureBazaar enjoys the benefits low margins and an efficient supply chain, offering the customer a great range of products at great prices.

Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd led by Kishore Biyani is the country's largest retailer; it owns and operates multiple retail formats including Pantaloons, Big Bazaar, Food Bazaar, Central, E-Zone, Fashion Station, Depot and many others. Headquartered in Mumbai, Pantaloon Retail is listed on BSE and NSE with a turnover of Rs. 2,018 crores for financial year ended 2005-06.

Press Contacts:

India
Vijayalakshmi Kara
AppLabs Technologies Ltd.
Tele - 040 – 2355 8000
vijaya.lakshmi@applabs.com

Atul Takle
FutureBazaar India Ltd
Tel: + 91 93230 04992
atul.takle@pantaloon.com

Tanuja Abhinandan
Adfactors PR Pvt. Ltd.
Mobile - + 91 98192 48980
tanuja.abhinandan@adfactorspr.com

Naini Roychoudhury
Adfactors PR Pvt. Ltd.
Mobile - + 91 98199 00135
naini.roychoudhury@adfactorspr.com

North America
Peter Winicov
AppLabs Technologies Ltd.
610/952-1369
peter.winicov@applabs.com

UK
Kerry Hallard / Nicola Craft
Buffalo Communications
Tele + 44 (0) 20 7292 8692
isintegration@buffalo.co.uk