The sample application, Padlock SL Utility, currently provides secure instant messaging, group chats, distributed presence, file browsing, file transfer, public key exchange (on VIA PadLock SL network), and support for multiple formats of ad hoc secure networking. It will work with any x86 system, but is optimized for VIA processors that support PadLock ACE.

The software supports Windows CE .NET and Windows XP operating systems, among others.

VIA processors incorporating the Padlock ACE Hardware Suite include Eden, Antaur, and C3 models based on the C5P Nehemiah core (stepping 8 of the C3 Nehemiah). For example, the tiny, recently introduced Eden-N processor, found in the new nano-ITX motherboard, includes Padlock ACE.

VIA claims that the advanced random number generation and AES encryption features found in its PadLock ACE processors guarantees the generation of high quality encryption keys and speeds up data encryption and decryption.

"Our goal with the VIA PadLock Security Initiative is to provide the basic software and hardware building blocks that adhere to existing industry standards in order to expedite the creation of a ubiquitous security environment," said Richard Brown, VIA Associate VP.

More information about VIA's PadLock Security Initiative can be found online. The SDK and Padlock SL Utility can be downloaded, along with extensive documentation, here.