Smartcard Based
Solutions

High-level digital security for companies

As companies and public authorities digitize all their processes, the situation becomes something of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, thanks to extensive digital networking, the frontiers between companies, institutions, and the outside world are beginning to come down. On the other hand, this openness towards the outside is increasing the need to protect organizational processes from being accessed by third parties. The same applies to the security of employees, IT systems, and company buildings.

Is it possible to successfully manage this balancing act between opening up processes and defending against security risks? Smartcard-based solutions from G&D provide a convincing response to the problem. The package, comprising smartcards, tokens, and middleware, can be flexibly implemented and so is able to rise to any challenge in the field of company-wide identity and access management. Sensitive data like passwords can be securely stored. This makes it possible for legally binding, IT-based processes to be carried out among colleagues, partners, and customers without any difficulty.

G&D’s smartcard product range offers the following intelligent security systems:

• StarSign Cards
• STARCOS – the card operating system for maximum performance
• Sm@rtCafé Expert – the open, Java-based card operating system

The major IT security solutions available on the market are linked to these systems via standard software interfaces. All G&D systems are compatible with the majority of company systems and applications.

Overcoming challenges

Secure authentication of employees and secure communication with colleagues and partners within and outside the organization are two of the greatest challenges faced when managing IT processes in companies and public authorities.

And it is becoming increasingly problematic due to the growing levels of data mobility and availability. IT security alone is not sufficient, if it is to the detriment of other factors like economic efficiency and processing speed. The great advantages of G&D’s security applications stem from the in-depth process expertise of its research department. The “Card Segment” relies on the interaction of various properties that guarantee the user cost-effective and forward-looking IT security:

• Multifunctionality: G&D systems are solutions for physical and logical access, payment, time recording, and many other functions
• Cost savings: Support requirements are reduced thanks to the reliable, pre-installed software, as are the costs for installation and management
• High speed: G&D’s smartcards are optimized for performance and security
• Top security: The security-certified products for authentication and encryption also ensure that critical data and e-identities are securely stored
• Flexibility: The systems can be easily integrated into any company-specific IT structure

International benchmark

G&D smartcard solutions have set new global benchmarks. G&D draws on years of experience and comprehensive security expertise to provide IT security and safeguard new communication channels.

StarSign Cards

The StarSign Card versions range from contact-based and hybrid solutions to systems equipped with a dual interface. Hybrid cards contain a contactless chip in addition to the normal contact-based one. The systems can be used both for controlling access to company IT networks and within a contactless identity control system, such as for company ID cards. The card systems are extremely versatile and can be integrated into any scenario, be it in the access, time, and attendance control segment or for in-house payment systems, such as in a staff restaurant.

STARCOS

STARCOS has proven itself over the years as a secure operating system for smartcards. It offers maximum security and speed within a complex architecture. STARCOS is therefore an ideal operating system for high-end smartcards that is flexible and fit for the future.

Its varied fields of application include:

• National ID cards and passports
• Healthcare cards
• Company ID badges

Sm@rtCafé Expert

This product is a Java-based card and token operating system. Thanks to its open standards, Sm@rtCafé Expert cards benefit from full support of Java Card, Java Card API and Global Platform. Functionality is extensively tested with the Sun Test Suite and complies with all relevant ISO standards. The system offers a broad range of services that meet the specific requirements of industry, banking, and public administration.