Baltimore, the global specialist in public key infrastructure (PKI) systems for e-commerce and enterprise security, has announced that its technology is to be deployed by the European Commission to enable a secure pan-European e-business network as part of a major contract awarded by the commission to Baltimore in partnership with global consultancy practice PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The project, expected to be in operation by March, will make it possible for companies from all 15 member states of the European Union to submit research proposals in complete security over the Internet to the commission`s science and technology directorate. Businesses using the system are expected to benefit greatly from improved efficiency, speed and cost savings. In the initial stages the network will handle up to 50 000 certified users and scale up rapidly as more businesses across the EU see the clear demonstration of the advantages of electronic business over traditional paper-based commerce.
The technology behind the network is being provided by Baltimore in the form of its UniCERT Certificate Authority (CA) system and cryptographic toolkits.
UniCERT will enable the commission to issue digital certificates to registered businesses based on an appropriate policy and manage the complete network in a secure manner.
UniCERT software is designed for open, modular and scalable operation and consists of a highly secure back-end CA system using tamper-resistant hardware, registration authority modules and gateways. In addition, Baltimore will supply a number of cryptographic toolkits to add full-strength security to other applications within the network.
"PKI is critical to enable secure electronic business applications," says Matthew Bowcock, executive director of marketing at Baltimore.
The European Commission has already made it clear it wants to see 25% of its purchasing take place electronically by 2003. To date its ambition has been thwarted by the difficulty of carrying out transactions in a secure environment, in addition to the problems caused by legal and systems differences across member states. This new project therefore, using PKI technology, is seen as a major opportunity for European businesses to make a breakthrough in electronic business. The London-based technology arm of PwC will play a key role in the successful implementation and roll-out of the network.
"As a Certificate Service Provider in Europe, PricewaterhouseCoopers is setting an immediate precedent for this important service. Our work will speed the adoption of e-business across Europe," says Alastair MacWillson, partner for technology risk services in PwC`s Global Risk Management Solutions practice. "As a firm, Pricewaterhouse Coopers sees the importance of adopting a position of trust and independence to support the current e-business revolution."
Baltimore (the operating name for Zergo plc) is represented in South Africa by Usko Communications.
Share
Editorial contacts