Transat and Gemplus to Extend secure WLAN access to Enterprise and Home Markets
April 3, 2003, Luxembourg/Southlake, TX–Transat Technologies, Inc. and Gemplus (Euronext Paris SA: GEPL.PA; Sicovam: 005768; NASDAQ: GEMP), the world’s leading provider of smart card solutions, enter into a strategic relationship to extend smart card-based security to new markets such as WLAN in the home and enterprise.
The solution will focus on implementing Transat’s WAIN (Wireless Access Internet Node) system, the industry’s most comprehensive method for authenticating users on WLAN, combined with Gemplus’ smart card technology. This solution will address the security concerns of WLAN devices and enable wireless operators to use their existing infrastructure to offer WLAN access as part of their service portfolio.
The combination of these leading technologies will enable WLAN users to roam freely between WLAN and GPRS networks while the SIM-based solution provides a higher level of security and boosts end-user acceptance.
The use of the smart card allows enterprises, mobile, and fixed network operators to offer secure WLAN roaming to their customers over their existing infrastructure. Residential WLANs also benefit from the trusted security model based on SIM functionality.
“We believe that with the combined expertise and technical ability of Gemplus and Transat, we can provide a solution that secures WLAN to trusted users and enables cross carrier roaming for both data and voice. Transat is excited about the fast market potential that this cooperation can unlock in this developing market,” said John Baker, Transat Founder and CEO.
“This partnership is important as it ties into Gemplus’ unfolding strategy to investigate new markets. The aim is to help the operator leverage existing roaming agreements while providing a consistent and secure service over GPRS and WLAN. The integration of Transat’s solution with Gemplus’ smart card expertise offers a minimum investment solution with seamless network integration that will offer tangible value to the Mobile Network Operator”, said Philippe Martineau, VP Business Development Group, Gemplus.
About Transat
Transat provides carrier-grade software systems for the integration of wireless LAN and carrier grade networks. Transat’s software is in commercial service today with the WERoam Service throughout Europe. Transat software enables smart card, prepaid and pin and password based authentication, controlling network access and inter-network roaming. Uniquely, Transat creates transparency of services between wireless wide area and WLAN networks enabling carriers to create a simple, secure user experience similar to a mobile phone. Public access and enterprise systems are supported. Transat is headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, and is funded by Acorn Campus, Bay Partners, Genesis Campus and Intel Capital. More information about Transat Technologies is available at http://www.transat-tech.com.
About Gemplus
Gemplus (Euronext Paris SA: GEPL.PA; Sicovam: 005768; NASDAQ: GEMP) is the world’s number one 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 data services, inter-operable banking, identity, WLAN, m-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 revenue and total smart card shipments (source: Gartner-Dataquest, Frost & Sullivan). Gemplus was also awarded Frost & Sullivan’s 2002 Market Value Leadership Award for its exceptional performance.
Gemplus’ revenue in 2002 was 787 million Euros. It employs 5700 people in 37 countries throughout the world.