Gemalto secures eGovernment services for Oman

Gemalto has been appointed by Oman Information Technology Authority (ITA) as prime contractor to secure the country’s eGovernment services. The full solution encompasses strong authentication and digital signature using the eID card, as well as mobile authentication using a mobile handset. This will allow citizens and residents of Oman to securely access eGovernment services, with the authentication method that best suits their lifestyles.
  


Acting as a turn-key solution provider, Gemalto is delivering the complete Coesys eGov2.0 software together with the associated services including training, support and maintenance. The solution will establish an infrastructure of trust with its citizens to expand the country’s online government services offer and enhance the user experience.
 
Omanis can securely carry out administrative procedures online and digitally sign official documents and electronic forms without the need to physically visit government offices. The solution doesn’t require any additional software installation from the end user and works on any personal computer.

“Our goal is to increase security and broaden the range of government services available online to ease the lives of our citizens, while also modernizing our administrative processes and optimizing costs,” said Salem Al-Russaqui, Chief Executive Officer, ITA Oman. ”We are now linking the access management and security of our eGovernment portal with eID cards and mobile ID using mobile handsets. Gemalto’s expertise in security software and system integration was instrumental to bridge the physical and online worlds.”
 
“Oman has a proven track record in using innovative technology to pioneer eGovernment projects,” added Hisham Surakhi, Sales Director for Government Programs in Middle East at Gemalto. “Following the successful implementation of eID cards with the e-purse and eVoting features, we are fully dedicated to supporting Oman in breaking new ground with an expanding range of new online services.“

Peter Bauer resigns as CEO of Infineon Technologies AG effective September 30, 2012 due to health reasons

Peter Bauer, CEO of Infineon Technologies AG, will resign his post at the end of the current fiscal year due to health reasons. Peter Bauer suffers from osteoporosis. During the last several years he already endured numerous fractures of the vertebrae. Recently, his condition significantly worsened and, after due consideration, he informed the Supervisory Board of his decision to leave.

“This is a very difficult decision for me,” said Peter Bauer. “After so many eventful years together, Infineon and its employees are very dear to my heart. However, due to the uncertainties posed by my illness I can no longer dedicate the undivided attention required by the office of the CEO to lead Infineon into the future. I feel that I have a duty to my health, my family and the company to step down from my current position. I thank all our employees, business partners, customers, investors, my fellow Board members and the members of the Supervisory Board for their unrelenting confidence and support, especially during difficult times, and hope for understanding regarding my decision.”
Wolfgang Mayrhuber, Chairman of Infineon’s Supervisory Board commented, “The Supervisory Board deeply regrets that Peter Bauer resigns his post as CEO of Infineon Technologies AG due to health reasons, but has full understanding and great respect for the very personal reasons behind the decision. Peter Bauer has a very authentic, employee-oriented management style. He distinguished himself through his intense commitment, depth of knowledge, clear objectives and focus on performance, as well as his perseverance and dedication to teamwork. These characteristics earned him great recognition among our customers, investors and employees . The Supervisory Board is grateful for Peter Bauer’s outstanding contribution to the company. With the support of his management, he prepared the company for the future. Infineon is stable and profitable today, with attractive products, state of the art manufacturing and competent employees led by an excellent management team.“
The Supervisory Board of Infineon Technologies AG named Dr. Reinhard Ploss as Peter Bauer’s successor to the post of CEO. Dr. Ploss is a member of the Infineon Management Board and is currently responsible for production, development, technology and human resources.
“The selection of my long-time colleague, Dr. Reinhard Ploss, as successor, makes me very happy,” stated Bauer. “Reinhard Ploss is a highly experienced manager with excellent knowledge of our industry. He enjoys high acceptance within the company and among our international business partners. Infineon is very well positioned for the future. We address the right trends with our focus on Energy Efficiency, Mobility and Security and we have a proven management with a track record of success.”
“The Supervisory board is pleased to appoint Dr. Reinhard Ploss as CEO of Infineon Technologies AG,” said Mayrhuber. “He brings with him both extensive technical expertise and a broad business background. Dr. Ploss currently serves on the Infineon management board with responsibilities as Chief Technical Officer, Chief Operations Officer and Labor Director. During his term, he successfully improved Infineon’s competitiveness in manufacturing and innovation. In our dynamic and highly competitive business, the balance between change and stability is a critical success factor. Dr. Ploss masters this balance. His appointment preserves continuity. The Supervisory Board firmly believes that he, together with his fellow board members Dominik Asam and Arunjai Mittal, will carry on with Infineon’s successful strategy.”
Bauer began his career in 1985 at Siemens Semiconductors, which was eventually carved-out into Infineon Technologies AG. He was already part of the Management Board when Infineon went public in 2000 and, in 2008, became the company’s CEO. Under his leadership, Infineon executed an extremely successful restructuring and refinancing program in response to the 2009 financial crisis and decisively focused its strategy on profitable growth in the areas of Energy Efficiency, Mobility and Security.
Dr. Reinhard Ploss is with the company for over 25 years and presides over profound knowledge of the complex semiconductor industry. After numerous leadership roles in development and manufacturing, he assumed responsibility for Infineon’s Automotive and Industrial units, encompassing products underlying the vast majority of Infineon’s sales today. Dr. Reinhard Ploss was appointed to the Infineon Management Board in 2007. In this role, he has contributed significantly to the company’s innovation and earnings power. He also introduced a pioneering manufacturing strategy, which will serve as the basis for further profitable growth.

VIDEO: Digital Identity For A Billion People? Inside India’s Incredible UID Initiative

This video is a real find. It is 47 minutes long but it is the most comprehensive account of the UID program we have come across.

In an April 23rd, 2012 plenary to the NYU Stern UC Class of 2015, Professor Arun Sundararajan describes India’s fascinating digital identity initiative, shares video clips of his conversations with UIDAI Chairman Nandan Nilekani, and outlines a research program with Professor Ravi Bapna and ISB Hyderabad that will measure the socioeconomic impact of the UID over the coming decade. (This was part of NYU Stern’s innovative Business and its Publics series taught by Professor Batia Weisenfeld.)