Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital
security, today announces that Orange Business Services, France´s
leading mobile network operator, has selected its Upteq(TM) Smart
Dongle to field test the USB-Connect service on French business
market.
Targeted to nomad workforces, home workers and travelers,
USB-Connect allows Orange Business Services customers to use their PC
as a business line, in every working place where broadband Internet
access is available (from home, business premises, wifi hotspot, ...),
keeping their regular Orange phone number, voicemail and contacts.
This fully portable, plug-and-work USB key can be used anywhere in
the world, whenever the PC is the most appropriate working tool (while
checking emails, browsing on Internet or taking notes during a call).
PC calls to other USB-Connect users are unlimited, while other call
destinations are charged at national tariff rates on existing mobile
bill. Incoming calls to the Orange mobile number ring both the mobile
phone and PC, enabling end-users to pick up the call on the most
appropriate device.
At plugging in, the SIM-secured Smart Dongle prompts the end user
for PIN authentication, which protects from fraud and piracy. Smart
dongle then automatically launches an embedded Softphone and allows
the user to access personal data and applications securely stored on
the USB key.
Not only is Gemalto´s solution secured and convenient, but it is
also evolutive: it allows over-the-Internet (OTI) remote updates of
the dongle content and follow-up of end-user preferences and usage.
Through this powerful offer, Gemalto is able to bring together the
environments of two widespread tools: cell phones and computers. By
bringing mobile operator communication services to the PC world,
Gemalto helps triple-play and quadruple-play operators strengthen and
enrich their fixed-mobile convergence strategy.
"Opening mobile applications to a Web-based environment requires a
high level of security. Gemalto is proud to share its expertise of
security, integration and customization, so as to support Orange in
its strategic deployment of value added services," declared Olivier
Piou, CEO, Gemalto. "This is part of Gemalto´s strategy to bring
advanced telecom solutions that go beyond the SIM card itself, in
order to make the most of complex convergence networks for mobile
operators."
"USB Connect is yet another proof of Orange Business Services
commitment to developing a truly convergent solutions portfolio,
adding mobile-PC telephony convergency into the game. To our
customers, USB-Connect means more business, in the most convenient
way, with the best tariff plan, the world over. It is an offer
tailored to employees using the PC and the mobile as key working
tools, delivering seamless access to their mobile communications and
services on both devices. Key to achieving this was ensuring same
level of security on both the mobile and the PC. We thus chose to
partner with Gemalto for its recognized skills and leadership in
digital security," commented Barbara Dalibard, CEO, Orange Business
Services.
About Gemalto
Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is the leader in digital
security with pro forma 2007 annual revenues of over EUR 1.6 billion,
more than 85 offices in 40 countries and about 10,000 employees
including 1,300 R&D engineers.
In a world where the digital revolution is increasingly
transforming our lives, Gemalto´s solutions are designed to make
personal digital interactions more convenient, secure and enjoyable.
Gemalto provides end-to-end digital security solutions, from the
development of software applications through design and production of
secure personal devices such as smart cards, SIMs, e-passports, and
tokens to the deployment of managed services for its customers.
More than a billion people worldwide use the company´s products
and services for telecommunications, financial services, e-government,
identity management, multimedia content, digital rights management, IT
security, mass transit and many other applications.
As the use of Gemalto´s software and secure devices increases with
the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world,
the company is poised to thrive over the coming years.
Gemalto was formed in June 2006 by the combination of Axalto and
Gemplus.
For more information please visit www.gemalto.com
