Secure electronic transaction solutions provider Keycorp Limited (ASX: KYC) today announced that the Keycorp MULTOS smartcard platform had been selected for a major Norwegian national e-commerce project. The Norwegian State Lottery, Norsk Tipping, will issue 2.1 million multi-application smartcards to all of its registered users.

Keycorp will supply MULTOS modules for smartcards that allow Norwegians to purchase lottery tickets and bet on sporting events through the Norsk Tipping network of agents or over the Internet. In addition, the cards will enable secure access to a number of online public services, as well as allowing secure identification and payment to other e-commerce providers.

Buypass AS, a Norwegian provider of security and payment services based on chip technology will provide the card and security systems necessary for this online gaming scheme.

Buypass has ordered from its Norwegian partner, NORSIK AS, 2.1 million Keycorp MULTOS modules loaded with Keycorp’s public key infrastructure (PKI), an electronic ID application that authenticates users.
Currently about half the Norwegian population have Norsk Tipping gaming cards based on the traditional magnetic stripe technology but the new highly secure MULTOS smartcards will allow players a wider range of options.

Buypass has already implemented a scheme for Norsk Tipping using smartcards for on-line gaming and services. Because of its success, Norsk Tipping is now migrating all of its customers to the new MULTOS smartcards.

In addition to use at Norsk Tipping agents throughout Norway, the card can also be used by players from a PC using a card reader and the necessary software. This allows them to authenticate themselves to the Norsk Tipping website, buy lottery tickets, place bets and collect their winnings. 

The card may also be used to authenticate users to other public service sites, allowing them to submit various forms to state and local government offices electronically, thereby significantly reducing public administration costs. 

Keycorp’s MULTOS is certified to the world’s highest security level and it allows users to securely download their ID information from the Buypass website on demand.

The Keycorp smartcard modules are based on the newly released Keycorp MULTOS I4D operating system, the first implementation of the latest version of the MULTOS 4.2 specification.

Keycorp has worked closely with local company NORSIK AS, which will take overall responsibility for the production, customising and delivery of the finished product to Buypass.  Austria Card GmbH in Vienna will manufacture the cards and embed the chip before shipment to NORSIK’s plant in Norway for final customisation.  

Keycorp’s Regional Director, Smartcard Technologies, Richard Cusson said the selection of the Keycorp smartcard technology for such a critical deployment vindicated the suitability of the Keycorp MULTOS platform for highly secure payment and ID functions.

“MULTOS is the only operating system that Buypass considered capable of meeting all of its requirements in terms of open-operability, flexibility and security,” Mr Gunnar Lindstoel, CEO of Buypass said.  

“Keycorp was not only able to offer the latest MULTOS implementation, but provided the support needed to ensure that we met all of the needs of Buypass and its partners,” Mr Randal McDowell from Norsik said.

About NORSIK
NORSIK AS is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACSC AB (All Cards Service Center AB) in Sweden. ACSC is a public company listed at the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Austria Card is a major shareholder of the company.

The company has been heavily involved in the production of security documents since it was established in 1982. NORSIK has followed the transition from paper-based financial transactions to the use of plastic cards and services related to this.  The company today produces high security documents such as the Norwegian national passports, driving licenses and ID systems for the Norwegian Ministry of Defence. NORSIK AS supplies a wide range of card and card related products for banks, ID, loyalty and other uses. In addition the company has a range of print and distribution products and services.

About Buypass
Buypass is a leading provider of security and payment services for use in open networks. The company possesses leading competencies in electronic services based on the use of smartcard, chip and electronic ID. The Buypass solution provides the highest available level of security for identification, digital signatures and commerce over the Internet and in other sales channels. The solutions employ chip technology that makes possible the secure exchange of information and secure payment, based upon electronic ID and electronic cash. Buypass is owned jointly by The Norwegian National Lottery and Norway Post.

For further information contact:

Justine Burke
Corporate Communications Manager
Keycorp Limited
Tel: + 61 9414 5314
Fax: + 61 9415 1363
Email: jburke@keycorp.net 

Jeff Bird
Principal
Bird & Hill Public Relations Pty Ltd
Tel: +  61 9954 0555
Fax: + 61 9954 3944
Email:  jeff@birdhillpr.com