Gemplus Powers Microsofts Technology Centers With Smart Cards For Network Security

Microsoft will use Gemplus technology to demonstrate to clients the integration and implementation of smart cards in a Windows-based environment for network security. Microsoft plans to install Gemplus readers and software in its technology centers in the United States (five locations: Redmond, WA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Austin, TX; Silicon Valley), Germany, England, Taiwan, Japan, and China during the first half of 2004. Corporate enterprise visitors will be able to see Gemplus smart cards used during demonstrations to securely log-on to PCs, digitally sign e-mails, and perform remote log-ons using a virtual private network. Smart cards are experiencing increased adoption with many companies around the world that are looking to enhance the security and flexibility of their employee badge programs. Gempluss U.S. Corporate Security Systems Study, which was carried out by Frost & Sullivan, showed that 30% of Fortune 500 companies surveyed are currently using or testing smart cards within their security systems and more than one-third of the companies surveyed plan to use smart cards within their corporate security systems within the next three years. The Microsoft Technology Centers will use smart cards, PC-link readers, and software from Gempluss SafesITe solution. SafesITe provides customers and system integrators with all the products (cards, readers & software) and services necessary to seamlessly deploy multi-purpose employee cards as part of an organizations existing infrastructure. SafesITe supports Microsoft Windows.