Smart card software developer 3-G International Inc. (3GI) entered a strategic
relationship with
Microsoft to deliver network and
Internet security products that feature the Windows Powered Smart Card to
various corporate, government and e-business customers.
3GI simultaneously released a suite of software development tools designed
to
streamline the development of applications for Windows Powered Smart Cards
and achieve interoperability when using them with digital certificates in
different browser environments. These tools will be made available to the
public on the 3GI
and Microsoft Web sites.
3GI offers both Internet security, authentication and electronic commerce
products developed to allow multiple smart card readers and multiple smart
card types to be integrated into a single system without worrying about
hardware incompatibility.
“Microsoft’s entry into the smart card market is probably the single most
important event 3GI has witnessed in our eight year history in this
industry,” said Thomas L. Gregg, 3GI’s president.
“Microsoft is pleased that 3GI has selected Windows for Smart Cards as its
platform of choice for its PC and Internet security products,” said Mike
Dusche, program manager for Windows for Smart Cards at Microsoft. “Given the
number of smart cards this company has issued in the U.S. market, Microsoft
views this as a strong endorsement of our card operating system and a great
opportunity to expand our market share.”
3GI, founded in 1991, closed a round of private equity financing totaling
$7.25 million last April.
