Intercede Share Discussion Threads

[wilco99] 04/5/2004 17:56

So are Intercede directly involved in the current Chip & Pin trials which are ongoing with the government?

[maywillow] 04/5/2004 13:36

Schlumerger to raise €689m from Axalto sale
By Martin Arnold in Paris
Published: May 4 2004 11:50 | Last Updated: May 4 2004 11:50


Schlumberger, the US oil services group, said on Tuesday it expected to raise as much as €689m ($825m) from the initial public offering of Axalto, its smartcard subsidiary, when it floats on the Euronext Paris bourse on May 18.


The world's leading oilfield services group announced plans to float Axalto - first reported in the FT a year ago - last month as part of broader efforts to cut debt by selling non-core technology and services businesses built up during an ill-advised acquisition spree.

Axalto, which claims to be the world's biggest maker of microprocessor cards used in mobile phones and "intelligent" bank cards, said about 70 per cent of its capital would initially be sold at an indicative price range of €14.80 to €17.20.

This could be increased to 100 per cent of its share capital by a 25 per cent increase provision and a 15 per cent over-allotment option. The company would have a market capitalisation of between €593m and €689m. Société Générale and Deutsche Bank are joint co-ordinators and bookmakers.

Olivier Piou, Axalto chief executive, said the company's priority would remain organic growth and recurring profitability after it transformed a net loss of $113m into a profit of $25m last year and revenues increased 5.2 per cent to $768m.

"There have been many rumours about mergers and acquisitions in the smartcard sector," he said. "But we have undergone a period of crisis, when I was among those who thought consolidation was most likely, and there was none, so I do not think there will be any in the short term."

Axalto said it would receive a cash injection from Schlumberger to ensure it returned to at least the net cash position of $45m as it was on December 31. The company said it generated free cash flow of $69m last year. In the first quarter revenues rose 26 per cent to $203m.

Its headquarters will be in Paris, but Axalto NV will remain a Dutch incorporated company. Mr Piou said the costs of changing its domicile were too high.

[kmacgre] 30/4/2004 14:49

Of interest as this press release does mention Intercede by name. Dated April 27

[garth] 28/4/2004 11:04

About set for a move up through 30p?

G.

[kmacgre] 28/4/2004 10:56

Nice one. Thanks Waldron. This little outfit may indeed turn out to be a real winner.

[jailbird] 28/4/2004 07:49

Yes indeed...now and the rest of this year and onwards is our time..about time!

[rambutan2] 27/4/2004 17:01

is our time coming?


at last!

[waldron] 27/4/2004 16:36

April 27, 2004 09:15 AM US Eastern Timezone

Smart Card Leader Signs Reseller Agreement for Card Management Systems; Giesecke & Devrient Signs an Agreement with Intercede to Offer the MyID Card and Application Management System

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 2004--Giesecke & Devrient (G&D), the international technology group and a leading provider of high security smart cards and systems has signed a reseller agreement with Intercede to provide the MyID(TM) card and application management system components. MyID is an essential part of the G&D identity and access management integrated technologies, I-AM IT.


"Corporate and government customers are concerned with physical and logical access to sites and system applications. They need management tools that can support the integration of cards and devices to control that access," says Hassan Tavassoli, Director of Industry and Government for Giesecke & Devrient's North American subsidiary. "Intercede's MyID products offer seamless integration for centralized and distributed issuance of PKI certificates, role management, and self-service tasks. This integration complements G&D's philosophy of providing its customers with first class products that can help manage their security requirements."

The G&D I-AM Integrated Technologies solution incorporates Intercede's MyID products. The combination provides an issuance and management solution that is highly flexible and configurable to fit nearly any environment. "Intercede is pleased to have G&D as a reseller of the MyID range of solutions. G&D's experience in large-scale identity programs and the expanding role that smart cards have in the identity and access management marketplace provide Intercede with a strong partner in these market segments," says Richard Parris, Chairman and CEO, Intercede Group plc.

Many enterprises today are looking to implement a strategy for identity and access management. G&D and Intercede offer a common infrastructure from which the various components of the I-AM Integrated Technologies can be issued and managed.

Notes To Editors

About Giesecke & Devrient

Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) is a technology leader in the supply of smart cards, systems and solutions for telecommunications, electronic payments, transportation, health, ID, and Internet security (PKI). G&D is also a leading provider of banknotes and securities as well as currency processing equipment. The Giesecke & Devrient Group, headquartered in Munich, Germany, operates subsidiaries and joint ventures all over the world. G&D employs over 6,400 people world-wide and generates annual revenues of EUR 1.09 billion. For more information, visit www.gdai.com.

About Intercede

Intercede Group plc is a leading developer and supplier of smart card and identity management software listed on the London Stock Exchange (IGP LN) (IGP.L). The Group's software manages the secure registration, issuance and lifecycle of digital identities for a wide range of uses. This requires the integration of multiple technologies and products from many different vendors, including smart cards, biometrics and digital certificates.

Intercede's software enables technology partners, service providers and systems integrators to quickly and easily incorporate smart cards and associated digital credentials into their products, solutions or services. For end user organizations and resellers, Intercede offers the MyID(TM) range of identity management solutions. MyID solutions simplify the deployment of smart cards through the use of convenient, preconfigured modules targeted at major vertical markets, e.g. corporate, campus, banking etc. MyID is powered by Intercede's patented edefice(TM) technology.

For more information, visit Intercede's home page at , call [phone] or Email [e-mail].

Contacts

[ariane] 26/4/2004 19:36

21 04 2004

Partner Release - Thales and Intercede Showcase the First Complete End-to-End Transaction Security System at InfoSec


Thales today announced that it will be joined by Intercede at InfoSec to showcase the SafeSign® platform for end-to-end transaction security. Launched last September, SafeSign from Thales e-Security is the world’s first security architecture to allow all transactions to be managed and authenticated from a single platform, regardless of transaction channel or PKI trust scheme. To complete the vision of an end-to-end security system from inception to authentication of the transaction, Thales will be introducing the new SafeSign PSM (personal security module) at the show on April 27th.

SafeSign is already embedded at the heart of BACS’ new internet-based transaction system, BACSTEL-IP. Since its official launch last autumn, SafeSign has attracted enormous amounts of interest from banks and financial institutions around the world and further customer announcements are expected before the summer. Its success stems from the fact that banks today have to contend with vast amounts of complexity within their transaction systems. This complexity includes having to authenticate customers from multiple channels and with multiple identities. By authenticating and managing all identities from a single platform, SafeSign not only provides ease of management but also better customer service and reduced levels of fraud.

The final component of the SafeSign family of products is the SafeSign PSM, which represents the next generation of smart card tokens. More details about this product will be released at InfoSec.

The other SafeSign components are:

SafeSign Authentication Server: a multi-channel authentication platform that allows any transaction from any channel – e.g. PC, telephone, mobile, interactive television and other access points – to be authenticated from one server.
SafeSign Management Server: the SafeSign Management Server, powered by edeficeTM from Intercede, provides user and token management. This allows the management of user identities; including creation, deletion and amendment of all forms of identity be it smart card, token, biometrics or PKI. The centralised key management function provides strong security for the storage and use of cryptographic keys.
SafeSign Crypto Module: a hardware security module for secure storage and use of cryptographic keys. This allows the use of standards already implemented in the market such as Identrus, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates from a number of suppliers, and a range of personal tokens.
Paul Meadowcroft, Head of Transaction Security at Thales e-Security, said: “Last year at InfoSec we announced that we would be working with Intercede to deliver a powerful, customisable end-to-end authentication platform. With the forthcoming launch of the SafeSign PSM, we have now completed this vision. The reaction from banks and financial institutions has been extremely positive and we are looking forward to making public our first customer announcements soon.”

Ends

About Thales
Thales is an international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace and security markets. The group employs 62,000 people worldwide and generated revenues of 10.6 billion in 2003.
Operating in three main markets covering e-security, card payment and network security, Thales e-Security addresses the business, government and finance industries’ need for cryptographic security products and solutions. Over half of the world’s banks, together with the majority of the busiest exchanges, currently use Thales technology.

About Intercede
Intercede Group plc is a leading developer and supplier of smart card and identity management software listed on the London Stock Exchange (IGP LN) (IGP.L). The group’s edefice™ software manages the secure registration, issuance and lifecycle of digital identities for a wide range of uses. This requires the integration of multiple technologies and products from many different vendors, including smart cards, biometrics and digital certificates.

Intercede's customers cover a range of industries and include Barclays Bank, COLT Telecom, Fujitsu, Lloyds TSB, the NHS, Pink Roccade, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ubizen and various US and UK government agencies and departments.

[timely] 26/4/2004 19:07

I am really excited about this posting. As a holder already @ 42p I shall be topping up tomorrow to average down as I can see this breaking out when this news becomes public backed by a contract announcement. IMHO as ever DYOR.

[rambutan2] 26/4/2004 12:06

well spotted kmagre, i has looked (again) the previous day and naught there. i partic liked this bit...

Paul Meadowcroft, Head of Transaction Security at Thales e-Security, said: "Last year at InfoSec we announced that we would be working with Intercede to deliver a powerful, customisable end-to-end authentication platform. With the forthcoming launch of the SafeSign PSM, we have now completed this vision. The reaction from banks and financial institutions has been extremely positive and we are looking forward to making public our first customer announcements soon."

wish i knew what their licence fees were. but would seem that igp still the partner of choice in the use management dept.

[grupo guitarlumber] 26/4/2004 11:45

Gemplus swings back into profit
Kevin Allison
Published: April 26 2004 9:27 | Last Updated: April 26 2004 9:27


Gemplus, the French smartcard maker, on Monday swung back into profit with net income of €300,000 in the first quarter, compared with a loss of €37.9m over the same period a year ago.


Total revenues rose 28 per cent to 197.3m, while earnings per share rose to the break-even point, compared to a loss of €0.06 per share the year before.

The results mark a turnaround for Gemplus, which produces the microchip-containing cards used in a variety of applications - including the SIM cards in mobile telephones - after two years of difficult market conditions.

Shares rose 6 per cent to € 1.95 in morning trade in Paris, as the results exceeded analysts' expectations.

Gemplus last year lost its position as the world's leading smartcard producer by revenues to its rival, Axalto, a Schlumberger subsidiary. Schlumberger is expected to float Axalto in June in an initial public offering that could value the company at around €800m.

For Gemplus, the biggest gains came in its telecommunications and financial services divisions. First-quarter wireless shipments increased sequentially for the first time in four years, as strong demand, especially in Asia, led the division to increase gross profits by 61 per cent.

Credit card sales were also strong, with shipments up 38 per cent quarter-on-quarter. Gross profit rose more than 70 per cent as Gemplus logged its fifth-consecutive quarter of revenue growth in its financial services business.

[jailbird] 26/4/2004 09:22

"SafeSign has attracted enormous amounts of interest from banks and financial institutions around the world and further customer announcements are expected before the summer."

This means more revenue for IGP form licensing.
All looking good, I say. Godd work.

[kmacgre] 26/4/2004 09:17

Just to prove how unreliable my info can be I just found this on IGP's website dated 21 April 2004.

News Current | Archives

21 04 2004

Partner Release - Thales and Intercede Showcase the First Complete End-to-End Transaction Security System at InfoSec


Thales today announced that it will be joined by Intercede at InfoSec to showcase the SafeSign® platform for end-to-end transaction security. Launched last September, SafeSign from Thales e-Security is the world’s first security architecture to allow all transactions to be managed and authenticated from a single platform, regardless of transaction channel or PKI trust scheme. To complete the vision of an end-to-end security system from inception to authentication of the transaction, Thales will be introducing the new SafeSign PSM (personal security module) at the show on April 27th.

SafeSign is already embedded at the heart of BACS’ new internet-based transaction system, BACSTEL-IP. Since its official launch last autumn, SafeSign has attracted enormous amounts of interest from banks and financial institutions around the world and further customer announcements are expected before the summer. Its success stems from the fact that banks today have to contend with vast amounts of complexity within their transaction systems. This complexity includes having to authenticate customers from multiple channels and with multiple identities. By authenticating and managing all identities from a single platform, SafeSign not only provides ease of management but also better customer service and reduced levels of fraud.

The final component of the SafeSign family of products is the SafeSign PSM, which represents the next generation of smart card tokens. More details about this product will be released at InfoSec.

The other SafeSign components are:

SafeSign Authentication Server: a multi-channel authentication platform that allows any transaction from any channel – e.g. PC, telephone, mobile, interactive television and other access points – to be authenticated from one server.
SafeSign Management Server: the SafeSign Management Server, powered by edeficeTM from Intercede, provides user and token management. This allows the management of user identities; including creation, deletion and amendment of all forms of identity be it smart card, token, biometrics or PKI. The centralised key management function provides strong security for the storage and use of cryptographic keys.
SafeSign Crypto Module: a hardware security module for secure storage and use of cryptographic keys. This allows the use of standards already implemented in the market such as Identrus, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates from a number of suppliers, and a range of personal tokens.
Paul Meadowcroft, Head of Transaction Security at Thales e-Security, said: “Last year at InfoSec we announced that we would be working with Intercede to deliver a powerful, customisable end-to-end authentication platform. With the forthcoming launch of the SafeSign PSM, we have now completed this vision. The reaction from banks and financial institutions has been extremely positive and we are looking forward to making public our first customer announcements soon.”

Ends

About Thales
Thales is an international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace and security markets. The group employs 62,000 people worldwide and generated revenues of 10.6 billion in 2003.
Operating in three main markets covering e-security, card payment and network security, Thales e-Security addresses the business, government and finance industries’ need for cryptographic security products and solutions. Over half of the world’s banks, together with the majority of the busiest exchanges, currently use Thales technology.

About Intercede
Intercede Group plc is a leading developer and supplier of smart card and identity management software listed on the London Stock Exchange (IGP LN) (IGP.L). The group’s edefice™ software manages the secure registration, issuance and lifecycle of digital identities for a wide range of uses. This requires the integration of multiple technologies and products from many different vendors, including smart cards, biometrics and digital certificates.

Intercede's customers cover a range of industries and include Barclays Bank, COLT Telecom, Fujitsu, Lloyds TSB, the NHS, Pink Roccade, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ubizen and various US and UK government agencies and departments.

[kmacgre] 26/4/2004 09:08

Paul, I agree with Rambutan2 in that Edefice works with all common ID devices. My limited understanding is that Edefice is a clever piece of software that in addition to handling the information for each individual, allows for multiple networks with multiple levels of security to be handled from a single point in any one of the networks. This includes internet use as well as on site log in. I believe this multi networking security aspect is why companies such as Thales, Gemplus, Activecard etc are using Edefice. Intercede were originally networking security specialists and only moved into ID systems because it gave them a rapid area of growth in a single vertical market.
Anyhow, that's my understanding of why this little company should do reasonably well, although, I too am concerned at the total lack of any news for at least 6 months.

[paulkent] 22/4/2004 16:23

thanks ram..look forward to hearing any news u drag out of them...

[rambutan2] 22/4/2004 16:12

at the (control) centre of it all - we think...
am intending to give them a ring re the rather lack of news eminating from them.

[paulkent] 22/4/2004 15:56

well i bought into these coz i thought new types of cards would come in at some stage and it seems theres lots of news/developments of late...anyone know if Intercede is well placed to capitalise eg chip and pin, biometrics/the voice-password ones etc..its been a while since i bought and i cant remember exactly how theyre placed..i know im being lazy and could jsut go re read it all again but maybe someone who knows it without looking it up will take pity on me !!..ta

[grupo guitarlumber] 15/4/2004 16:17

Press Release Source: Smart Card Alliance


Smart Card Alliance Conducts Education Program at CTST 2004, Hosts Networking Luncheon
Thursday April 15, 7:56 am ET


PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Smart Card Alliance, the authoritative educational resource for the smart card industry, brings its highly acclaimed training program to CardTech/SecurTech. This marks the first time the Alliance's Educational Institute course "Foundations of Smart Card Technology" has been presented at the industry's largest conference and exhibition.
As a sponsoring organization of the CTST event, the Alliance hopes to attract new companies to the conference to learn more about smart cards and the Smart Card Alliance itself, the industry's leading trade organization. The Alliance will host a networking luncheon on Wednesday April 28th from 12 PM to 2 PM in the Washington Convention Center for executives interested in learning more about the organization. All members who have recently joined the Alliance as well as any prospective members can contact the Alliance office (1-800-556-6828 or [e-mail]) to register to attend the networking luncheon to renew existing contacts and meet the new members. Member surveys indicate that networking is one of the most valued benefits of Alliance membership. Mary Dixon, director of the Access Card Office, Department of Defense, will be a VIP guest at the luncheon.

The Alliance Educational Institute developed the "Foundations of Smart Card Technology" workshop for the CTST event. It will be held on Monday, April 26, 2004 from 9 AM to 5 PM. Designed for business managers and executives, the Alliance workshop will cover the technology of smart cards and how they are applied in physical access, payments and computer security applications. The morning presentations will address the standards and security attributes of smart cards and unique characteristics of contactless technology. The afternoon presentations will show how smart card technology is applied to identification credentials and payment cards, and how the combination of smart cards, biometrics and PKI are used as a security platform for physical and computer security. The workshop concludes with sessions on the fundamentals of card personalization and issuance and implementation lessons learned.

Each session module is taught by veteran industry leaders from top companies including Gemplus, Axalto, Philips, SCM Microsystems, Unisys, Datacard Group and SCM Microsystems. When asked what was best about Alliance courses, previous attendees have cited: "the depth of knowledge of presenters the format and content, which were excellent," "the diversity of the topics" and "overall a terrific session."

Registration for the CTST training workshop is available at www.ctst.com, and additional information on the Smart Card Alliance can be found at

About the Smart Card Alliance

The Smart Card Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-industry association working to accelerate the acceptance of smart card technology.

Through specific projects such as education programs, market research, advocacy, industry relations and open forums, the Alliance keeps its members connected to industry leaders and innovative thought. The Alliance is the single industry voice for smart cards, leading industry discussion on the impact and value of smart cards in the U.S. For more information please visit

Media Contact: Deb Montner, Montner & Associates, 203-226-9290,
[e-mail]




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Smart Card Alliance

[maywillow] 10/4/2004 18:16

timely, you've no doubt read through the thread and already realise that igp is working with the major players.

As we move towards the January 1st 2005 deadline things will become even more clearer at least for the UK market.

All that can be said for the moment is wait and watch.

[timely] 10/4/2004 12:24

Interesting stuff but what is the view on how Intercede will be affected?

[ariane] 08/4/2004 07:52

Chip and pin change
Charlotte Beugge, Daily Mail
8 April 2004

B>What is happening?





• Beat the card thieves
• Wall St: Tuesday mid-session
• Criminals bank on lazy ways




HOW you pay for goods and services with your credit and debit cards* will change. Over the coming year, everyone will be issued with new cards which contain a microchip with information about your account


By the end of the year, all major retailers will have pin pads at checkouts. When you pay for goods using a credit or debit card, you will have to key in your pin number instead of signing.


Will these cards look different?


NO, you might already have a chip card. The new Lloyds TSB debit cards, for example, have a small goldpatterned square: this is its 'chip and pin' sign. By the end of this year, 36m chip and pin cards will have been issued.


Why the change?


THE idea is to combat fraudulent card transactions, which, says Visa, amount to more than £1m every day in the UK. France has cut card fraud by more than 80% using this system. By the end of this year, 100 countries will be using it.


Which cards will if affect?


DEBIT and credit cards will all be in the new system. This will be the rub for many of us who might have a fistful of credit cards.


Under the current system, you don't need a pin for a credit card unless you actually draw cash on it. However, once all retailers adopt the machines, you'll need a pin number, so if you can't remember yours, contact your credit card issuer.


How can I possibly remember those numbers?

YOU will be able to change your pin to one you can easily remember - and have the same one for all your cards. You will be able to change it at any cash machine, but you'll need to know your existing number to make the change.


Usual security rules apply. Choose a memorable sequence and don't write it down.


What will happen if I forget my pin at the checkout?


THREE strikes and you'll be out: get it wrong that many times and your card will be locked.


The only way you'll be able to unlock it is by using the unlock facility on a cash machine - but that's only if you have remembered your number. If you can't remember it, you will have to contact your card issuer for a new number before you can use your card again.


What do the chip machines look like?


THE pin pads will look slightly different from store to store, but it'll be a numbered keyboard with a slot for your card.


Some will have a shield so you can't be seen putting your number in - if there isn't one, be sure no one can see you inputting your number.


Anyone who's ever bought goods in a French supermarket will already be used to the system


How will it owrk with telephone and internet sales?


BE CAREFUL. These will be handled exactly as they are now, so don't disclose your pin to anyone.


Do I still need to sign the back of my card?


YES. Many retailers will still be using the old technology for quite a while.


•GAVIN MABBUTT is already a fan of chip and pin cards. Gavin, 33, lives in Northampton, the testing ground for the new technology, so he's had several months to get used to tapping in his pin rather than signing.

He says: 'I think it works really well. Not only does it speed things up at the till, but you don't get that problem that if your signature looks a bit different, they ask for more ID.'


Works well and is far more secure, says Gavin Mabbutt


Gavin, who works as a supervisor at Cosworth Engineering, adds: 'I think it's really safe as well; certainly just as safe as using a cash machine. You'd be suspicious if someone was peering over your shoulder at a cash machine - just as you would if you're using the chip machine at the till.'

Gavin also has never forgotten his pin at the crucial moment. 'When I got the card from Alliance & Leicester, I went to the machine and changed my pin to one I'd easily remember,' he says.

[maywillow] 07/4/2004 12:54

THE BIRTH of the chip & pin in the Uk


A little under 9 months away

By Startups.co.uk
Published Thursday 25th March 2004 11:56 GMT
Businesses that do not adopt the "Chip and PIN" payment system from next year could be held liable for losses resulting from credit card fraud, an accountancy body warns.

From 1 January 2005, the Chip and PIN system, which replaces signatures for card payments with a "hacker-proof" four-digit PIN number, will be introduced across the UK.

The decision, which follows a successful trail of the system in Northamptonshire last year, is aimed at cutting spiralling credit card fraud in the UK, which is estimated to cost the economy £424m a year.

However, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) said that the new rules also stipulate that retailers will be held liable for losses if a Chip and PIN card is used fraudulently at a terminal that it not Chip and PIN-enabled.

ACCA warned that small firms now have just nine months to ensure they install Chip and PIN systems, or risk being targeted by con artists.

John Davies, head of business law at ACCA, said that it was vital that all businesses that accept credit and debit cards understand the implications of this liability shift.

"If businesses have complied with card issuers’ instructions and cardholders have been successfully authenticated, then retailers will not be liable if a transaction is later found to be fraudulent.

"However, those retailers who choose not to adopt the Chip and PIN system will be held responsible and, as a result, are likely to become the focus of attention for credit card fraudsters.

"With less than nine months left until the full introduction of this scheme in the UK, many businesses will need to act swiftly to ensure that updated and compliant point of sale equipment is installed and their staff adequately trained," he said.