CrimsonLogic to Develop NAF for the Kingdom of Bahrain

By Crimsonlogic Pte Ltd, PRNE
Sunday, January 9, 2011

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

SINGAPORE, January 10, 2011 - 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: 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 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 increasing 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 has 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:
www2.unpan.org/egovkb/global_reports/10report.htm

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

3. Bahrain Economic Development Board:
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 www.crimsonlogic.com .

    For more information:

    Choo Kwee Siam
    CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd
    Tel: +65-6887-7173
    Mobile: +65-9450-3110
    Email: kweesiam@crimsonlogic.com

    Cherie Ho
    CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd
    Tel: +65-6887-7175
    Mobile: +65-9479-9424
    Email: cherieho@crimsonlogic.com

    Yvette Yeo / Aru Sayed
    Text 100 Public Relations
    Tel: +65-6603-9015
    Email: crimsonlogic@text100.com.sg

Choo Kwee Siam of CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd, +65-6887-7173, +65-9450-3110, kweesiam at crimsonlogic.com; or Cherie Ho, CrimsonLogic Pte Ltd, +65-6887-7175, +65-9479-9424, cherieho at crimsonlogic.com; or Yvette Yeo / Aru Sayed, Text 100 Public Relations, +65-6603-9015, crimsonlogic at text100.com.sg

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