According to the Munich-based chip maker, the agreement covers "a close information exchange" in three security areas: smart card technology, future mobile applications, and security components needed to increase the trustworthiness of personal computers and computer networks. The contract also includes joint promotion of secure information technology in the German ID card that features a digital signature. The smart card-based security technology is designed for use in Germany's e-government initiative called "BundesOnline 2005." Under the program, Berlin plans to make available all online-based civil information services by the year 2005. The German digital signature card, expected to incorporate biometric functionality, will be used for a broad range of applications such as civil service, job and health cards.
Infineon, armed with its security and smart card chip technologies, appears to be gaining the inside track as a key technology supplier not only in Germany but also in several other national projects in Europe. Belgian Interior Ministry officials on Tuesday confirmed that the national identity card that Brussels began distributing this spring uses Schlumberger-made smart cards incorporating Infineon's chip.
Beyond the ID card project, Infineon said it would work with the German ministry to jointly develop application scenarios and a trustworthy mobile platform. As an outcome of the collaboration, they hope that cellular phones and other mobile devices can be used to encrypt data and to authorize payments.
The partners will also work together with the Trusted Computing Group, an industry initiative to standardize requirements for a trustworthy PC. The goal is to secure PCs against virus attacks and unauthorized manipulation.
Quelle: EETimes
