TrustedPear, the flagship service of Trusted Pear Communications (spawned from Primum Group Technologies, Inc), is a service that enables pairs or groups of individuals to share messages with one another privately, via encrypted communications; and, if desired, anonymously. The vendor notes that the structure of their service will protect not only the digital conversation that takes place between two individuals; but--in the corporate version of the software--will additionally hide the fact that an actual conversation took place between the individuals at all.

To accomplish this, the vendor utilizes a Java-based service that the user can access from a specifically designated "innocuous" SSL site. From this site, the user is able to contact other TrustedPear users, with all communications between the two encrypted while en route or at rest. The Java Virtual Machine used for the communications exists only in memory and therefore traces of the conversation are removed when the PC is shut down. The vendor notes that both SSL and a separate encryption process within the SSL payload can be employed.

When registering, users may elect to remain anonymous in their communications; with the vendor noting that even they may not know your true name or identity. For "group" communications, registered users can choose a pen-name to be identified to other group members. All communications are, in essence, one-to-one communications; while a person can add multiple members to their address book via their pen-names (given they have the other's permission), when communicating with a group of individuals from the address book each recipient receives the message as if it were sent directly to them.

The service is now available in various subscription formats ranging from Free accounts to Standard and Premium accounts. Premium TrustedPear account users are permitted unlimited messages per month and 100 MB storage; free account holders are permitted 15 messages per month, and 10MB storage. Prices range from free to $14.95/month depending upon the level of service needed.

A Corporate version, which adds such features as the aforementioned "innocuous" sites camouflage capability, company branding, and user controls (the ability to block user, assign user roles and privileges, and set certain users to receive messages only) is also available.

Contact Trusted Pear Communications for further information.