Oberthur Card Systems signs OEM agreement to license Intercede's Edefice Security Management Softwar
24/09/2001
Intercede Group (AIM: IGP), a leading provider of security management products and technologies, today announces that Oberthur Card Systems has licensed its Edefice security and smart card issuance management system for integration into Oberthur's AuthentIC smart card based authentication solutions, for world-wide distribution. This follows the formation of a strategic alliance between Intercede and Oberthur Card Systems, announced in March 2001.
Edefice enables the simplified management of smart cards and public key infrastructure (PKI) credentials used to provide authentication, confidentiality and trust for electronic transactions, software applications, networks and building security. Edefice, through its intuitive web-based interface, allows any PC with a web browser to be used for smart card management, eliminating the need for inefficient centralised smart card issuing stations. Oberthur's deployment of Intercede's Edefice greatly enhances the security and efficiency of future smart card deployments.
By 2004 it is forecast that there will be 169m smart cards in circulation for network security purposes (source: Gartner Dataquest). This represents a 10-fold growth rate over the next three years. Intercede and Oberthur believe that most network security smart cards will be under the control of a smart card issuance management system. Against this background, the partnership between Intercede and Oberthur Card Systems is expected to generate a stream of international business opportunities for both companies.
Marc Bertin, Director of E-Commerce at Oberthur Card Systems, said: "Edefice technology will enable our large banking and corporate customers to manage the entire lifecycle of their smart card and PKI using a simple to use, business process oriented interface. This is an important and fast growing market for Oberthur. Edefice will make it easier for Oberthur's customers to consume both smart cards and PKI technology. The addition of Edefice technology to our AuthentIC portfolio is an integral part of Oberthur's strategy unlocking a new burgeoning market for both our companies."
Richard Parris, CEO of Intercede, commented: "We are delighted that Oberthur Card Systems, as one of the top three global smart card manufacturers, has selected Edefice technology to support its thrust into the network security market. This validates our technological vision, reinforces the superiority of our technology and provides further evidence of our software development expertise. We are already working with Oberthur's sales force on a number of international opportunities. The new license agreement formalises this collaboration and delivers on Intercede's IPO commitment to internationalise our customer base through OEM and indirect channels."
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About Intercede
Intercede Group plc (IGP LN) (IGP.L) is a leading developer and supplier of security management solutions for computers, networks and software applications. Intercedes' edefice™ software suite gives organizations the ability to rapidly deploy smart card and PKI security solutions that are scalable, easy to manage, and cost effective. Through strategic relationships with Microsoft, Compaq, Oberthur and other international partners, Intercede delivers complete, end-to-end, multi-channel security management solutions to government, finance and other large, global organisations. For more information, visit Intercede's home page at http://www.intercede.co.uk/ or call +44 (0) 1455 558 111.
About Oberthur Card Systems
Oberthur Card Systems (Paris Stock Exchange - Code SICOVAM 12413), a global leader and innovator in the smart card industry, is shaping the future through offering the ultimate in SIM, WAP, 3G (IMT-2000/UMTS), e-wallet technologies & Internet-based card management services coupled with a firm commitment to open standards.
Championing EMV migration, Oberthur is the World No 1 supplier of MasterCard and Visa cards, No 1 in banking, e-commerce, m-commerce and pay-TV, Oberthur is also the No 1 in Java™ and GSM technologies.
Oberthur Card Systems has an international reach ensured by 30 sales offices and 20 manufacturing sites across the five continents. Oberthur Card Systems had sales of 451.1 million Euros in 2000.
Internet site: http://www.oberthurcs.com
Enquiries:
Intercede Group plc Tel. 01455 558111
Richard Parris, Chairman & Chief Executive
Oberthur Card Systems Tel. + 33 1 41 25 29 20
Liz Attenburrow
College Hill Tel. 0207 457 2020
Archie Berens E-mail: archie.berens@collegehill.com
Clare Warren E-mail :clare.warren@collegehill.com
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