Atos Origin and Sagem Sécurité to manage implementation of the biometric passport system in France
(27/06/2008)

Atos Origin and Sagem Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) have announced their selection by France’s National Secure Credentials Agency (ANTS), following an international tender, to manage implementation and deployment of the biometric passport system throughout France. The new passport, which is the result of a European Union directive, will reinforce passport reliability and personal security while helping to more effectively combat the fraudulent use of passports. This first secure document is in line with the French Government’s modernization strategy and its secure identity programs for citizens, of which ANTS is the enabler.

Nearly 5,000 data acquisition and processing systems will be deployed in 2,000 French town halls and 350 prefectures and sub-prefectures before June 2009, making it possible to include fingerprints on passports.

“We’re delighted to have been chosen to manage the deployment of this ambitious program,” said Philippe Germond, Chairman of Atos Origin. “Our understanding of the challenges involved in the Government’s modernization strategy, and our industrial capabilities in delivering innovative technology solutions on complex, large-scale projects were determining factors in the ANTS’s choice. The contract is a good example of how Atos Origin capitalizes on its comprehensive portfolio of skills and capabilities to support and improve our customers’ business performance.”

“We’re very pleased to have been chosen for this project, which provides us with national recognition of our global leadership in managing identity credentials solutions and also supports our strategic commitment to expanding in this market,” said Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and CEO of Sagem Sécurité. “In addition, it confirms our ability to develop a customized biometric identity solution within the very short timeframe required by ANTS and to respond to the government’s expressed wish to modernize its services.”

Under the terms of the contract, Sagem Sécurité will provide identity data acquisition systems that comply with ICAO standards. The high level of securement delivered by Sagem Sécurité’s solution was a determining factor in awarding the contract. The system’s ergonomic features will also make it easier for people to access the service.

Sagem Sécurité is the only integrator with proficiency in all the skills needed for an end-toend identity system, extending from smart cards and terminals to encryption and biometrics. To date, Sagem Sécurité has delivered more than 130 simple and multiple biometric identity systems and solutions in 70 countries.

Atos Origin’s services portfolio combined with Sagem Sécurité’s skills make it possible to provide a single interface capable of covering all of the Agency’s needs— design, development, integration, rapid and broad-based deployment, training, change management and systems operation. Thanks to its ability to leverage all of its core competencies across the entire value chain, Atos Origin provides ANTS with an end-to-end solution that ensures flexible, efficient program management.

This flagship project includes in particular system deployment in town halls, consulates and prefectures, change management, training for more than 13,000 agents and the development and implementation of remote, paperless payment solutions.

To respond to specific program challenges, Atos Origin can rely on its more than 20 years experience in advising public sector clients throughout Europe and on its proven expertise in managing large-scale outsourcing projects that support major Government reform programs.