In case nobody posted it before: http://www.gemplus.com/about/pressroom/press/banking/1999/crypto_uk.htm Gémenos, July 1, 1999 -- In accordance with Wassenar Arrangement, the recent French government decision to relax export controls on French developed encryption technology and products will have a worldwide impact by allowing non-French customers to access and acquire advanced technology, Gemplus, the world's leading provider of smart card based solutions, said today. Till now, access to cryptographic technology was controlled by French export legislation. "With this forward looking move by the French government, Gemplus customers worldwide will be able to take advantage of Gemplus smart card based products and solutions dedicated to intranet security and internet services such as e-commerce, home banking, and other on-line services," said Sami Baghdadi, Vice President Electronic Business at Gemplus. The products concerned include quasi all GPK card range, Gemplus Public Key cards. Though the smart card leader is developing an increasing proportion of its technology outside France, many of its security products fell under the strict controls of the French government. The company's new ability to freely export its leading edge security products will give Gemplus better access to foreign markets for its cryptographic product and solutions. The company will also enjoy cost savings over previous export procedures. The new openness is also expected to strengthen and improve Gemplus cryptographic expertise and know-how, as well as its position on digital signature services, built around the standard PKI architectures.
