Enterprises can now easily and cost effectively replace weak user name and password-based security with Gemalto smart cards and tokens, as well as deploy additional digital security applications such as document signature, physical access control and employee e-purse services. These steps protect digital identities and data from ever-evolving threats.

In a recent report, IDC expects the global market of Identity and Access Management to grow from $3.4 billion in revenue in 2006 to reach $5.1 billion in revenue in 2010.

"The ability to partner and provide industry-specific vertical solutions will be the key to success for Identity and Access Management vendors" says IDC in its August 2006 report. "Companies offering lower-cost, open standards-based, easy to integrate Identity and Access Management solutions should be poised to do well in the next couple of years".

"Customers are asking Microsoft for ways to simplify deployment of strong authentication to enhance network and information security," said Sanjay Parthasarathy, Corporate Vice-President, Developer and Platform Evangelism, Microsoft Corporation. "We're pleased to be partnering with Gemalto to deliver .NET-based solutions that make it easier to deploy and manage smartcards for two-factor authentication, and certificate-based services such as digital signatures and file encryption."

Because support for Gemalto's .NET technology is built into Windows Vista, organizations can deploy and use these secure personal devices without any additional software or middleware. The microprocessor-based Gemalto .NET device runs a streamlined version of the .NET framework. It provides full cryptographic capabilities, customizable two-factor authentication and support for on-device services seamlessly within the Windows environment.

"Putting a secure personal device in the hand of every employee and citizen is the ideal way for an organization to securely and conveniently protect digital identities and data," said Olivier Piou, chief executive officer, Gemalto. "Microsoft's emphasis on digital security technologies for strong authentication in Windows Vista will improve trust within the enterprise: trust that identities are validated and data is fully and conveniently secured."