CrimsonLogic to Develop NAF for the Kingdom of Bahrain

SINGAPORE--7 Jan--PRNewswire-Asia-AsiaNet/ InfoQuest

A first in the Middle East in using technology to manage customer identities across multiple platforms

CrimsonLogic, leading provider of eGovernment solutions and services, announced that it has embarked on a strategic project to develop a National Authentication Framework (NAF) for the Kingdom of Bahrain. This partnership was formalised at the contract signing ceremony held on 7 January 2011 at Movenpick Hotel in Bahrain, officiated by Guest-of-Honour, H. E. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Atteyatalla Al Khalifa, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Minister Responsible for the Telecommunications Sector.

(Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2011/01/06/2011010631394.html )

Commissioned by the Bahrain eGovernment Authority (eGA), the establishment of the NAF will be the first of its kind in the region. It will provide a strong nationwide authentication platform that manages and safeguards customer identities across multiple service delivery channels and across various ministries. Users will enjoy the convenience of using a single electronic identity to access an array of government services, while being assured of security against online identity theft.

Authentication is critical in the use of online services in sectors like banking and finance, or government and healthcare. Bahrain will be employing a rigorous validation process called the two-factor authentication (2FA), utilising two of three recognised factors - a password or personal identification number (PIN), a hardware security token or a biometric trait such as a finger print, for verifying individuals - as protection against unauthorised access to sensitive information.

H. E. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Atteyatalla Al Khalifa, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Minister Responsible for the Telecommunications Sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain said, "Bahrain is committed to eGovernment development and is focused on the delivery of integrated government services, made available to citizens through their channel of choice. The agreement for the implementation of this project is signed with CrimsonLogic, because of its outstanding successful experience in eGovernment with the Singapore Government. With their expertise, we believe that the project will achieve greater success, and that this new automated system will provide help the government to provide services with high quality and efficiency."

Mr. Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, CEO of Bahrain eGovernment Authority stated, "The project will help reduce the operating expenses of government administration by connecting all the agencies' services, enabling users to access them through a single electronic source."

Topping the Gulf region in the United Nations e-Government Survey 2010 (1) for its application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) enabling citizen access and inclusion, Bahrain aims to have more than 90 per cent (2) of its key services available online. With a high demand for IT products and services in the private and public sectors, Bahrain's ICT market is expected to reach $180 billion by 2012 (3). Increasing economic diversification in the kingdom has led to an increaseing need for dependable IT solutions and the establishment of an authentication architecture.

Responsible for the implementation and end-to-end development of NAF, CrimsonLogic will be creating the core functionality of the system, such as user registration, multiple authentication mechanisms and integration with service and delivery channels -- while ensuring that the government have full application control. The turnkey solution will also incorporate system design, development, customisation, supply and installation of infrastructure as well as management of operations. CrimsonLogic will also help develop content for training the end users and provide practical hands-on training for the integration of authentication functionality with various services, and provide post-implementation support.

To facilitate the delivery of project implementation, CrimsonLogic has opened an office in Bahrain, which will also provide post-implementation support in the operational phase, such as assistance in training and change management issues.

Said Mr Leong Peng Kiong, CEO of CrimsonLogic, "We are honoured to be chosen by eGA to develop and set up this framework. Having extensive experience in eGovernment solutions, we are able to leverage on our expertise and help establish an effective citizen services management system in Bahrain. Our new office in Bahrain providing constant on-the-ground support will continue to undertake the full spectrum of customer service even after implementation."

"With the successful implementation of this project, it is hoped that the country can also serve as a reference model in eGovernment and authentication platform development to other countries, and to businesses in the region," he added.

Notes:

1. United Nations E-Government Survey 2010: http://www2.unpan.org/egovkb/global_reports/10report.htm

2. Bahrain Economic Development Board: http://www.bahrain.com/information-technology.aspx

3. Bahrain Economic Development Board: http://www.bahrain.com/information-technology.aspx

About CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd

CrimsonLogic is a trusted partner to governments. For over 20 years, CrimsonLogic has worked with governments around the world to find innovative and sustainable solutions to collaborate more seamlessly with their citizens. The company has continued to set industry-standards by delivering world-first eGovernment solutions. CrimsonLogic provides end-to-end services, from designing to operating these services to drive substantial and lasting improvements. For more information, visit http://www.crimsonlogic.com .

For more information:

Choo Kwee Siam

CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd

Tel: +65-6887-7173

Mobile: +65-9450-3110

Email: [email protected]

Cherie Ho

CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd

Tel: +65-6887-7175

Mobile: +65-9479-9424

Email: [email protected]

Yvette Yeo / Aru Sayed