Based on Smart Card Technology, ResIDent Enables Governments to Deliver Secure, Versatile and Convenient Identification Services to Their Populations

PARIS, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/, Cartes 2002–Gemplus (Nasdaq: GEMP; Paris Euronext: Euroclear 5768), the world’s leading provider of smart card-enabled solutions, today launched ResIDent, a smart card-based ID system designed for advanced e-Government programs. ResIDent is based on Gemplus’ proven portfolio of smart card technology and expertise, and enables governments to offer more secure, versatile and convenient identification services to their populations, both in physical and digital environments.

As ID fraud increases, governments turn to secure smart card technology The ResIDent secure ID solution responds to the growing need for a more reliable identification method amongst governments worldwide. As a result of increasing theft and fraud of traditional ID documents, smart card technology has emerged as the most secure and flexible identification and communication medium available today. There are a number of smart card-based e-Government and ID programs being undertaken around the globe that deliver applications such as driver’s license, immigration visa and healthcare records to a new generation of ID cardholders. In 2001, 32 million smart cards were shipped within the government and healthcare sectors (Eurosmart 2001).

“The terrorist attack of 9/11 has acted as a catalyst to create awareness of security and the need for organizations and governments to secure information,” said Anoop Ubhey, smart card industry analyst, Frost & Sullivan. “National ID projects are beginning to take off across the world and I believe this market will be one of the key applications over the coming years. I would expect to see explosive growth in the future. With ResIDent, Gemplus offers all the components necessary for system integrators engaging complex ID projects, enabling them to design advanced smart card systems tailored to the specific requirements of any government organization.”

Less than one month ago, the Sultanate of Oman became the first country in the Middle East to commit to a smart card-based ID system for digital identification of their population. The system, including issuance of more than 1.2 million cards, is fully based on Gemplus’ ResIDent solution.

ResIDent solves integration issues for system integrators

Successful e-Government and ID programs require the compatibility and integration of several technology components, from cards and terminals to software and personalization–a process that could become quite time- consuming for system integrators. Pre-integrated and tested, ResIDent makes system integration easier and speeds time-to-market for complex ID programs. Equally important, ResIDent delivers an open and modular ID platform that allows governments the flexibility to exchange one technology component for another, and offers a full range of technology supporting the very simple to the most complex of ID systems. The ResIDent secure ID solution includes smart cards, readers, software, card management and issuance system, personalization services, and consulting, integration, training and maintenance services.

State-of-the-art security that applies in both physical and digital environments

ResIDent provides a bridge between physical and digital worlds by enabling secure identification and access to information and services in both on- and off-line mode. When applied in a web-based environment ResIDent offers a wide array of security features such as strong authentication, digital signatures, and tamper proof storage of pass codes and encryption keys. On top of chip security, ResIDent possesses advanced security printing and personalization techniques, ensuring a high-level of integrity of the ID card in physical identity checks.

“A smart ID card has the unique ability to carry identity credentials that apply in both on- and off-line environments, and that can be continuously updated over time, hence supporting the long-term and continuously changing needs of governments worldwide,” said Olivier Chavrier, Gemplus marketing director of ID & security. “ResIDent delivers a versatile ID system that can easily be tailored to the specific requirements of governments and system integrators, and one that will help our customers to fully benefit from the capabilities and advantages of smart card-based e-Government and ID programs.”

Delivered by the smart card leader with more ID references than any other player

Having been in the identification market for more than ten years, Gemplus is today the leading provider of smart card-based ID solutions worldwide, and has a broad experience of working with governments and system integrators in many countries. It started with national defense ID programs (e.g.: U.S. Department of Defense) and quickly enlarged to national schemes in healthcare (e.g.: France, Germany, Slovenia, Belgium), immigration control & electronic visas (e.g.: Singapore, Philippines), social welfare and pension (South Africa), vehicle registration (e.g.: Mexico) and driving license programs (e.g.: Argentina, El Salvador). Furthermore, Gemplus was recently awarded with a contract in the Sultanate of Oman to deliver the first smart card-based ID system ever to be deployed in the Middle East. ResIDent will be demonstrated at the Cartes 2002 conference in Paris, November 5-7 in Gemplus booth # 3G 031, hall 3.

About Gemplus

GEMPLUS: the world’s leading provider of smart card solutions

Gemplus helps its clients offer an exceptional range of portable, personalized solutions that bring security and convenience to people’s lives. These include mobile Internet access, inter-operable banking facilities, e-commerce and a wealth of other applications. Gemplus is the only completely dedicated, truly global player in the Smart Card industry, with the largest R&D team, unrivalled experience, and an outstanding track record of technological innovation.

In 2001, Gemplus was the worldwide smart card leader in both revenues and total smart card shipments (source: Gartner-Dataquest and Frost & Sullivan). Gemplus was also awarded Frost & Sullivan’s 2002 Market Value Award for its exceptional performance.

Gemplus trades its shares on Euronext Paris S.A. First Market and on the Nasdaq Stock Market as GEMP in the form of ADSs. Its revenue in 2001 was 1 billion Euros. http://www.gemplus.com

For more information contact:

Gemplus
Kerry Butler/Carl Norell
Gemplus Public Relations
Tel: +1 215 390 2840 / +1 215 390 2899
Email: kerry.butler@gemplus.com, carl.norell@gemplus.com

Marielle Bricman
Gemplus Corporate PR Manager
Tel: +33 442 36 5596
Email: marielle.bricman@gemplus.com

All rights reserved. Gemplus, Gemplus logo and ResIDent are trademarks and service marks of Gemplus and may be registered in certain countries. All other trademarks and service marks, whether registered or not in specific countries, are the property of their respective owners.