Microsoft, Gemalto Team on Digital Security

Microsoft Windows Vista will use Gemalto .Net devices to help protect enterprises from security threats to their data.

Gemalto, a digital security provider, and Microsoft announced Nov. 29 that Windows Vista will support Gemalto .Net security devices. With Gemalto .Net devices, enterprises will be able to change user name and password-based security options by using Gemalto smart cards and tokens. "Putting a secure personal device in the hand of every employee and citizen is the ideal way for an organization to securely and conveniently protect digital identities and data," said Olivier Piou, chief executive officer of Gemalto, in a company release. Support for Gemaltos .Net technology is included in Windows Vista, which aims to help enterprises organize and use these secure personal devices without having to use any additional software or middleware. A microprocessor-based Gemalto .Net device will use a streamlined version of the .Net framework, giving enterprises cryptographic capabilities, two-factor authentication and support for on-device services that work within the Windows environment. Click here to read more about Vista security. "Were pleased to be partnering with Gemalto to deliver .Net-based solutions that make it easier to deploy and manage smartcards for two-factor authentication, and certificate-based services such as digital signatures and file encryption," said Sanjay Parthasarathy, corporate vice president and developer and platform evangelist for Microsoft, said in the same release. Piou stated that "Microsofts emphasis on digital security technologies for strong authentication in Windows Vista will improve trust within the enterprise" and that "identities are validated and data is fully and conveniently secured." These devices will also allow enterprises to install other security applications such as document signature, physical access control and employee e-purse services while also allowing enterprises to protect its digital identities and data from security threats.

Gemalto .Net devices will be available once Vista launches in late January. Check out eWEEK.coms Security Center for the latest security news, reviews and analysis. And for insights on security coverage around the Web, take a look at Ryan Naraines eWEEK SecurityWatch blog.