ArjoWiggins, Gep and STMicroelectronics to Cooperate on Advanced Solutions for Electronic Passports
02 December, 2003
category: Contactless, Government
Combination of Gep’s smart card software know-how with ST’s leading-edge secure microcontroller technology and Gep majority shareholder ArjoWiggins’ expertise in Security papers leads to state-of-the-art Electronic Passport solutions
Geneva, Issy-les-Moulineaux, Naples, November 19, 2003 -
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), the world’s second largest supplier of
smart card chips, ArjoWiggins, the world leader in Secure Paper
technologies and Gep SpA, leader in contactless high security
applications, announced that they are to develop jointly solutions for
ICAO compliant* electronic passports. The combined expertise of the
partners in smartcard IC technology, Secure ID Software and Secure
Paper technology will enable the development of a complete solution to
meet the needs of the rapidly evolving passport market. Passport
authorities are looking for advanced security solutions. Gep,
ArjoWiggins and STMicroelectronics together will enable the electronic
passport technology revolution.
“Passport Authorities worldwide will certainly welcome this move,
which represents an unprecedented combination of know-how and
resources available to them, on a truly industrial scale, in the
combat against passport fraud,” said Philippe Gelblat, CEO of Security
Products at ArjoWiggins.
The first ArjoWiggins/Gep/ST electronic passport solution has already
been delivered in samples and is currently undergoing field tests. The
ICAO compliant passport, produced by ArjoWiggins, has a secure
contactless IC from ST running Gep’s secure passport OS/application
embedded into the cover of the document. The embedded chip option is
already attracting a strong interest worldwide as a secure, user
friendly and easy-to-implement solution.
The Gep secure operating system ERAT exploits fully the ST19RF08
contactless smartcard IC, taking advantage of the proven security
features, cryptographic hardware and ISO 14443 contactless interface.
The advanced hardware/software solution can be customised to suit all
specific needs. This Passport, based on ArjoWiggins renowned paper
security technologies, will become part of their global offer for
Passports. The ArjoWiggins/Gep/ST electronic passport solution will be
available through Gep or ArjoWiggins’ security sales offices.
“In the future, the cooperation will be extended to develop solutions
with added security and application features based upon the next
generation of ST’s ST19 contactless family of ICs with higher memory
capacities and cryptographic capabilities,” said Andreas Räschmeier,
Financial and Identification Division general manager,
STMicroelectronics.
“This cooperation is a response to growing government demand for
comprehensive and reliable secure passport solutions. Passport
applications have particularly challenging demands for security and
interoperability, making a systems approach increasingly necessary,”
said Paolo Pepori, Founder and Director of Gep SpA.
About Gep<br />
Gep is a company established in 1999 by the Worms &Cie Group to
design, develop, implement and sell systems and advanced solutions
based on electronic cards with microprocessor technology. Provided
with its own R&D centre, Gep realizes its solutions and integrates the
concerning systems collaborating with the most qualified providers of
the complementary technologies regarding both the system and the
production processes. Website: www.gepitalia.it
<br /><br />
About STMicroelectronics<br />
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering
semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics
applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system
expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP)
portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the
forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a
key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares
are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on
the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2002, the Company's net revenues were
$6.32 billion and net earnings were $429.4 million. Further
information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
<br /><br />
About ArjoWiggins Security: "6 billion end-users"<br /><br />
ArjoWiggins Security is part of the ArjoWiggins group, the world's
leading manufacturer of creative and technical paper. Whilst remaining
true to its illustrious history, ArjoWiggins has placed technological
innovation and creativity at the core of its identity, and offers an
unparalleled products range. A 100% subsidiary of Worms &Cie,
ArjoWiggins is present in Europe, the US, South America and Asia via
its network of 25 industrial sites and three research centres.
<br /><br />
ArjoWiggins Security is the world's leader manufacturer of banknote
and security paper. With a strong heritage and a large portfolio of
licences, it is the only group that has been able to build up a
complete product range in the security field. It always provides a
tailor made, innovative and relevant solution. The group has a close
relationship with document issuing authorities and works in
partnership with them.
For more information: www.security. arjowiggins.com
<br /><br />
Gep<br />
Paolo Pepori <br />
Mail: [email protected]<br />
Tel: 39 02.26599419<br />
Cell:335 236059<br />
Fax: 39 02.26599201<br /><br />
STMicroelectronics<br />
Maria Grazia Prestini<br />
Director, Corporate Media Relations<br />
Tel: +41.2.29.29.69.45<br />
Email: [email protected]<br /><br />
Michael Markowitz<br />
Director, U.S. Media Relations<br />
Tel: +1.212.821.8959<br />
Email: [email protected]