GSA approved identity credential compatible with legacy and new physical access control systems

Smart Card Alliance Government Conference, Washington, DC, April 13, 2007–Gemalto, a world leader in digital security, today announced it is the first company with a smart identity credential for U.S. federal employees and contractors that works with both existing HID physical access control systems as well the new ones being planned to comply with the latest federal requirements. Gemalto’s credential makes it easier for federal agencies and departments to move to the new Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards required by a Presidential directive. The new credentials also include Gemalto technology for digital security applications like desktop logon, network access and electronic document signature.

“A card that works with both existing and new physical access control systems is essential for a smooth transition,” said Dave Ludin, vice president and general manager, public sector and identity, Gemalto North America. “It is Gemalto’s priority to provide secure and complete ID solutions that meet federal standards and are convenient for government agencies to implement.”

Gemalto’s newest innovation combines on a single credential Gemalto’s dual contact/contactless PIV card technology with proximity technology under license from HID Global Corporation.

The new identification card meets the applicable standards for the PIV cards as defined by the Federal Information Processing Standard 201 (FIPS 201) and is listed on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Approved Product List (APL). The GSA APL governs which products and services may be purchased by government agencies.

“HID and Gemalto recognize that implementing systems that comply with the new federal standards is a big undertaking, and we share a common vision of providing flexible and interoperable products to make it as easy as possible to move forward,” said Eric Widlitz, vice president, OEM and Government Channels for HID Global.

Gemalto has long been a major provider of smart card technology to the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense, and was recently selected to provide technology for the U.S. electronic passport program. Globally, Gemalto already provides government-issued identity credentials and electronic passport technology in more than 15 countries.

About Gemalto’s card management and personalization solution

Gemalto has a comprehensive digital security solution for card management and personalization that are all FIPS 201 compliant, listed on the GSA APL and compatible with the new Gemalto combination card, including:

• FIPS 201 PIV cards – dual interface smart ID badges for physical/IT access
• FIPS 201 PIV cards with HID proximity – containing proximity technology for use with legacy physical access systems
• GemPC USB – SW transparent smart card reader
• PIV middleware
• Graphical personalization services – physical printing on the cards
• Electronic personalization services – personalization of the chip inside the card

About Gemalto

Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is a leader in digital security with pro forma 2006 annual revenues of €1.7 billion, operations in about 100 countries and over 10,000 employees including 1,500 R&D engineers. In a world where the digital revolution is increasingly transforming our lives, Gemalto’s solutions are designed to make personal digital interactions more convenient, secure and enjoyable. Gemalto provides end-to-end digital security solutions, from the development of software applications through design and production of secure personal devices such as smart cards, SIMs, e-passports, and tokens to the management of deployment services for its customers. More than a billion people worldwide use the company’s products and services for telecommunications, financial services, e-government, identity management, multimedia content, digital rights management, IT security, mass transit and many other applications. As the use of Gemalto’s software and secure devices increases with the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world, the company is poised to thrive over the coming years. Gemalto was formed in June 2006 by the combination of Axalto and Gemplus.

For more information please visit http://www.gemalto.com

Contact

Deb Montner
Montner & Associates
203-226-9290
dmontner@montner.com