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Gemplus’ GemSAFE Logon system provides a smart way to manage passwords New password management system cuts administration costs



Cartes 2001, Paris, France, Oct 22nd, 2001 - Gemplus International S.A. (Euronext: Sicovam 5768 and Nasdaq: “GEMP”), the world's number one provider of solutions empowered by smart cards, today launched GemSAFE Logon, a smart card-based password management solution for simple and secure access to PCs, networks and IT applications.

A recent Forrester report states that in today’s corporate environments as much as 80 percent of IT helpdesks calls are due to password login difficulties. GemSAFE Logon directly combats the cumbersome administration caused by forgotten or corrupted password codes, and reduces the number of password-related helpdesk queries.

GemSAFE Logon, an extension of Gemplus’ GemSAFE security solution suite, allows each user to store login codes on their own personal smart card, eliminating the need to remember passwords. As a portable solution, the card can be inserted into any smart card reader at any PC within an organization. The user is then given full access to the network, as well as his or her personal files and applications. To prevent corruption of passwords or unauthorized use of an individual’s card, a personal PIN number protects each card.

Sven Hammar, Vice President of Gemplus’ Financial and Security Services Business Unit, said, “The issue of securing access, to both networks and buildings, is growing rapidly. GemSAFE Logon is a highly user-friendly and cost-effective solution for organizations, such as government departments and corporations, looking for quick implementation of single sign-on.”

Gemplus’ new password management system is one of the first smart card-based user-centric SSO (single sign-on) solutions to be launched. Although there are server-based systems on the market, these do not have the advantages of portability and multi-application facilities offered by smart cards.

The Gemplus cards add the benefit of multi-application capabilities, enabling greater ROI for organizations. For example, besides secure login, the smart cards could be used as identity badges, for managing physical access to rooms and buildings, or as an e-purse for small transactions at vending machines.

The smart cards deployed under the GemSAFE Logon system provide all the security needed to protect passwords and logins. By deploying a user-centric and convenient tool to their employees, corporations can now enforce a strong security policy and thus protect IT resources.


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About Gemplus
GEMPLUS: the world's number one provider of solutions empowered by Smart Cards (Gartner Dataquest 2001, Frost & Sullivan 2001).

Gemplus helps its clients offer an exceptional range of portable, personalised 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.

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 2000 was 1.205 Billion Euros. It employs 7800 people in 37 countries throughout the world.

Gemplus: Your Passport to the Digital Age.


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Contacts
Gemplus (Corporate), Marielle Bricman
Tel: 33 (0) 4 42 36 55 96
e-mail: marielle.bricman@gemplus.com



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©2001 Gemplus All rights reserved. Gemplus, the Gemplus logo and GemSense are trademarks and service marks of Gemplus S.A. and are registered in certain countries. All other trademarks and service marks, whether registered or not in specific countries, are the property of their respective owners.