Gemplus solutions to drive national ID program in Oman

Gemplus Int. SA, a provider of smart card-enabled solutions, has received a contract to deliver a comprehensive national identification (ID) solution to the Sultanate of Oman.

This is the first smart card-based identity solution to be implemented in the Middle East and is scheduled to be launched by the end of 2003 after all necessary integration and infrastructure developments are made. The contract appoints Gemplus to provide consultancy, project management and integration, as well as services, software and cards.

The Sultanate of Oman aims to provide better, faster and more accurate public services for its citizens together with higher levels of security, including biometrics. The Sultanate has invested in a modern system that utilizes open Java Card technology in order to deliver a versatile ID solution that can accommodate future e-Government applications. Over 1.2 million smart cards will be deployed, initially enabling personal digital identification.