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Hong Kong ID Card's PCCW Orders From Keycorp
Keycorp announced it has signed a subcontracting agreement with PCCW Business eSolutions for the provision of 1.2 million computer-encrypted smartcards for Hong Kong's planned Smart Identity Card System (SMARTICS).
The initial roll-out of the chip-based identity card is expected be extended to all 6.8 million residents of Hong Kong. The current deal is expected to generate more than US$2.7 million for Keycorp initially.
Business eSolutions, a business unit of PCCW, will utilise Keycorp's MULTOS operating system to keep personal data stored by the Immigration Department of the Government of the HKSAR immigration department private and secure when SMARTICS replaces the laminated plastic photo ID card system in use since 1987.
Data privacy and security were two core priorities for this project, and Keycorp's MULTOS platform was able to deliver against both of those priorities. "This project is a big win for Keycorp, and is evidence of the high level of acceptance of MULTOS as a highly secure operating platform for large-scale, open smartcard solutions," said Tim Fletcher, General Manager, Smartcard Technologies, Keycorp.
"We chose Keycorp for this project because of its demonstrated abilities in the critical areas of data encryption and security," said Thomas Siu, President of Business eSolutions. "With Keycorp joining our team, we believe we can provide Hong Kong with the world's premier smart ID card."
"The PCCW consortium win is another major boost for MULTOS in the Asia Pacific region, and for the adoption of smartcard technologies worldwide," said Bruce Thompson, CEO of Keycorp. "Keycorp's MULTOS technology is seen as the most secure in the world. Projects such as this one provide a firm foothold for Keycorp into these emerging markets as governments around the world grapple with the growing problems of identity fraud."
The PCCW-led consortium was awarded the project in February by the Hong Kong government after a competitive bidding process. Keycorp will join other key technology partners in the deal, including ACI Worldwide (USA), Cogent Systems (USA), SecureNet Asia (Hong Kong), Mondex International (UK) and Trüb AG (Switzerland).
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