Thales and Oberthur Card Systems have announced a global alliance to
develop smart card-based technologies and solutions for high growth markets
including identification and government, financial services and physical
and network security.
The partnership will ally Oberthur Card Systems’ expertise in smart card
technologies, peripherals and mass personalization solutions with Thales’
global security offerings in the networking and communications, transaction
and payment, and enterprise and ID markets. Governments, financial
institutions and corporate organizations now have access to an unparalleled
array of products, services and systems integration solutions.
“The partnership between Thales and Oberthur Card Systems brings together
best of breed smart card and security solutions,” stated Pierre Barberis,
CEO of Oberthur Card Systems. “The combined expertise of Thales and
Oberthur promises to deliver tremendous advances in the way smart card
technology can be tied to security solutions. Our partnership with Thales
will demonstrate the strong value proposition for smart cards and speed
their adoption in a number of emerging and fast-growing vertical markets.”
“The rapid adoption of smart card technology and the heightened sense of
global security is driving great demand among businesses and governments
for smart card-based integrated systems,” stated Tim Robinson, Senior Vice
President of Thales’ Secure Operations business group. “We are pleased to
be working with Oberthur to develop solutions that will showcase the full
potential of this technology.”
Identification and government markets
Governments worldwide are embracing smart card-based technology to deliver
a full range of secured civil and corporate services such as e-government
initiatives, social benefits, access to information and tax declaration.
Oberthur Card Systems and Thales will together develop secure smart card ID
solutions for governments and administrations.
Solutions for the banking and finance Industry
Migration to the EMV standard is now becoming a reality in many countries.
Financial institutions are looking for an easy, cost-effective migration
method to reduce fraud and heighten security while, over time, providing
value-added services. With its exclusive transaction security products, EMV
payment terminals and associated products, Thales holds a unique global
leadership position in the provision of the security cornerstones for EMV.
Oberthur Card Systems is the number one supplier of banking cards and has a
worldwide capability with industrial facilities and personalization
centers. Combining these strengths, Thales and Oberthur will deliver a
smooth migration to EMV, full interoperability and secure, end-to-end
solutions for standard and value-added services.
Physical and network security
Post-September 11 events raised awareness in corporate and public
organizations of the need to ensure the appropriate level of facility
protection and access control for their employees and visitors. In
addition, corporations are increasingly seeking to allow their employees
secure access to computer networks and applications in accordance with
their specific user rights. This heightened awareness of the need for
precise security measures has spurred interest in the integration of smart
card-based solutions into broader physical security systems and/or the
information security environment.
As a noted pioneer in information security, Oberthur has developed a full
range of products based on the latest cryptography and computer language
technologies. Thales is one of the leading European suppliers of integrated
security systems for the physical security market with an outstanding
background in export projects. Thales is also a leading player in the
network security market, offering a complete range of consulting,
integration and management services. The two companies plan to develop a
common, smart card-based approach to the convergence of physical and
network security.
About Oberthur Card Systems
Oberthur Card Systems, listed on the Euronext Stock Exchange (Euroclear
code 12413) since July 2000 is one of the world leading providers of
card-based solutions, software and applications including SIM and
multi-application smart cards and services ranging from consulting to
personalization.
Innovative products and high quality services ensure Oberthur’s strong
positioning in its three main target markets.
1. Payment: 52% of 2001 revenues. The company is the world leader and
number one supplier for Visa and MasterCard.
2. Mobile Communications: 31% of 2001 revenues, with open and interoperable
solutions based on Java(tm) technology.
3. Authentication and Network Security: emerging markets in which the
company plays a pioneering role, with strong expertise in security and a
dominant position in e-commerce and Pay-TV.
Close to its customers, Oberthur Card Systems benefits from an industrial
and commercial presence across all five continents. Oberthur Card Systems
is a subsidiary of the François-Charles Oberthur Group
For more information, visit www.oberthurusa.com and www.oberthurcs.com
About Thales
Thales is a world leader and front-runner in professional electronics in
three key markets: Aerospace, Defence and Information Technology & Services
(IT & S). The Group employs 65,000 people in nearly 50 countries worldwide,
and generated revenues of over â_¬10 billion in 2001.
About Thales in Security
Thales, one of the world’s leading suppliers of integrated security
solutions, addresses the business security needs of corporations and
governments alike, protecting transactions, networks, identification
documents and sensitive sites. Thales’ security capabilities extend to
security and payment technology for financial transactions, networks and
e-commerce. An acknowledged expert in smart card technology and
applications, Thales is a world leader in security critical electronic
payments, integrated Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), e-purse payment,
integrated fare systems, and enterprise and ID security systems.
