Transat
and Gemplus to extend secure WLAN access to entreprise and home
markets
3 April 2003 Luxemborg / 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.
For more information contact:
Jane Strachey, Gemplus
+33 (0) 442364661
jane.strachey@gemplus.com
Cari Rhodes, Transat Technologies
+1 817 481 4412x142
cari_rhodes@transat-tech.com
©2003 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.
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