The speed claim should probably be replaced with memory numbers. We are using luvit on a project because it uses much less memory than node.js and yet allows the team to use a familiar programming model.
Right now our project weighs in at about 4.5 MB RSS with statically linked in openssl. :)
If you're just using OpenSSL for primitives, look at PolarSSL. I, a total newb, managed to wrap the SHA functions without too much fuss before I moved on (long story).
Right now our project weighs in at about 4.5 MB RSS with statically linked in openssl. :)