CrystalTech Announces Automated SSL Solution and iPod Sweepstakes

December 13, 2005; 07:00 AM

Phoenix, AZ, December 9, 2005 – CrystalTech Web Hosting Inc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newtek Business Services (NASDAQ: NKBS) and a leading provider of Windows-based web hosting, announced it has released a new Certificate Management tool for its customers that automates the ordering and installation of SSL certificates. In coordination with the launch of this innovative tool, the hosting company is also holding a sweepstakes where customers who purchase CTssl certificates are eligible to win a 30GB Apple® iPod. 

CrystalTech has made the once complicated process of ordering and implementing SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates remarkably easy. Customers can now use the Certificate Management tool, found within CrystalTech’s proprietary Control Center to create and process Certificate Signing Requests (CSRs), place an order for a CTssl certificate, and then install the certificates automatically once they are issued. Customers can also use the Certificate Management tool for installation of certificates other than CTssl.

Earlier this year, CrystalTech and partner XRamp Technologies announced the availability of CTssl, a low-cost, yet highly secure, secure socket layer offering for CrystalTech customers. By utilizing the latest version of XRamp’s API CrystalTech was able to design and automate the entire SSL process. “There is nothing like this anywhere, we have completely revolutionized the SSL ordering process,” says Tim Uzzanti, President and CEO of CrystalTech. “This will be the standard other companies will follow to provide their customers with an easy to use system for securing their websites. In addition, offering this tool to our customers once again proves that CrystalTech not only offers the best hosting in the industry, but the best features set as well.” 

“By leveraging its close relationship with Microsoft to build this useful SSL tool in its Control Center, CrystalTech has been able to further enhance its image as the leader in ecommerce hosting security,” added Scott Harris, President and CEO of XRamp. “XRamp is proud to partner with a company who considers the factors of website security and customer service key to their business like we do.”

As a part of the launch of the Certificate Management tool, CrystalTech is also running a sweepstakes until the end of the year: When a customer buys a CTssl certificate before December 30th, 2005, they will be entered in a drawing to win a 30GB Video iPod. For more information on CTssl and to view the official rules of the sweepstakes, visit http://www.crystaltech.com/ctssl.htm.
 
About CrystalTech
Founded in 1992, CrystalTech Web Hosting, Inc. is one of the largest Windows-based web hosting companies in the world, hosting customers in over 100 countries, ranging from small businesses to Fortune 100 corporations. CrystalTech is responsible for hundreds of millions of visits each day on the Internet and uses a state-of-the-art data center that includes redundancy throughout core systems like power, air conditioning, network connectivity, network transportation, as well as a secured environment for their network operations center. CrystalTech is a subsidiary of Newtek Business Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: NKBS), a premier provider of business services and financial products to small and medium-sized businesses. For more information about CrystalTech, please contact 877-323-4678 or visit http://www.crystaltech.com.

About Newtek Business Services, Inc.
Newtek Business Services, Inc. is a direct distributor to the small to medium-sized business market. According to the SBA, there are over 23 million small businesses in the United States which in total represent 99.7% of all employers, generate 60-80 percent of all new jobs annually and generate more than 50% of non-farm GDP. Since 1999, Newtek has helped these business owners realize their potential by providing them with the essential tools needed to manage and grow their businesses. Newtek focuses on providing its 45,000 customers with access to financial, management and technological resources that enable them to better grow and compete in today's marketplace. Newtek's products and services include:
 
• Newtek Small Business Finance: U.S. government-guaranteed small business lending services;
• Newtek Merchant Solutions: electronic merchant payment processing solutions;
• Newtek Insurance Agency: customized insurance products provided through Keyosk;
• Newtek IT Services: complete information technology solutions;
• CrystalTech Web Hosting: comprehensive web site services;
• Newtek Financial Information Systems: outsourced digital bookkeeping; and
• Newtek Tax Services: tax filing, preparation and advisory services.