The use of cryptography is a crucial element of modern e-business applications. These applications use cryptography in a variety of ways to protect the privacy and confidentiality of data, to ensure the integrity of data, and to provide user accountability through digital signature techniques. The IBM 4764 PCI-X Cryptographic Coprocessor is a programmable PCI-X card that offloads computationally intensive cryptographic processes from the hosting server and performs sensitive tasks unsuitable for less secure general purpose computers. It is a key product for enabling secure e-business transactions and is suited for a wide variety of cryptographic applications.The IBM 4764 Model 001 PCI-X Cryptographic Coprocessor is the latest generation of the IBM cryptographic coprocessor family. It is designed to meet the U.S. Government FIPS 140-2 standard, "Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules" at Level 4. An application for a FIPS 140-2 Level 4 validation certificate has been filed with the National Institute of Standards and Technology.