ARM, Gemalto and Giesecke & Devrient Form Joint Venture to Deliver Next-Generation Security

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ARM, Gemalto and Giesecke & Devrient today announced the creation of a joint venture dedicated to delivering a secure, accessible environment for advanced services running on the growing range of connected devices. This includes tablets, smart-TVs, games consoles and smartphones. All three companies are investing to accelerate adoption of a common security standard and create a vibrant ecosystem that will enable a new generation of innovative services. Security is critical for companies that wish to do business over these types of connected devices and provide the rich, seamless services that consumers expect. With improved security, delivered after a fashion that is easy to use, consumers will engage with a greater level of trust in the devices and services available.

The joint venture

The joint venture, which is subject to regulatory approval, will provide a secure environment for a new wave of advanced services to flourish, based on easy to use, accessible and consistent device security. Research developed by the joint venture will be based on established solutions from the founding companies. It will provide a practical solution for manufacturers to deliver devices that enable services with a new level of trust. This trust will mean that consumers are able to simplify, improve and extend their digital lives. Faster, more secure and richer access to the services they want will at that time be possible, wherever and whenever they want it.

The new venture will focus on improving security for smart connected devices by developing a Trusted Execution Environment based on the established ARM® TrustZone® security research. This common, secure environment for software execution will utilize advanced hardware security coupled with industry standard software interfaces, just as those from the GlobalPlatform industry association. By providing this secure environment for multiple silicon, software and device manufacturing partners, the joint venture will enable greater operational efficiency across the ecosystem and the industry in its entirety.

Early mover in developing its software

"Gemalto has been an early mover in developing its software and servicing capabilities to remotely manage sensitive data for different security implementations on connected devices, and we are excited to be part of this new venture that will pave the way for accelerating the adoption of a Trusted Execution Environment utilizing ARM TrustZone research," said Olivier Piou, CEO of Gemalto. "Our combined efforts will result in the ecosystem in its entirety being able to capitalize on the built-in security architectures, especially for transient data just as encryption keys for digital movie rentals, and reduce uncertainties for service providers wanting to launch and manage new services."

"Giesecke & Devrient were the first to establish, with MobiCore, a Trusted Execution Environment that can be securely managed over the air. It allows mass market development of an open, trusted application environment and is complementary to the existing secure components offered on the basis of smart card innovation. Through our mobile security OS software MobiCore we became trusted partners to some of the biggest semiconductor companies and device manufacturers," said Karsten Ottenberg, CEO of Giesecke & Devrient. "The new venture unites the leading players in Trusted Execution Environments and will accelerate the market for secured services."

ARM designs the innovation that lies at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM's comprehensive product offering includes 32-bit RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, video engines, enabling software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined with comprehensive design services, training, support and maintenance, and the company's broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. Find out more about ARM by following these links:

ARM TrustZone innovation - a system-wide approach to security - is a central component of the ARM architecture and is integrated into the ARM Cortex-A processor series. Launched in 2004 in recognition of the need for hardware-assisted security, TrustZone has traditionally been used to protect critical device integrity with applications just as Trusted Boot. As users have moved more of their digital lives to a new breed of increasingly smart connected devices a new approach is needed that can protect a growing range of trusted applications and services. The Trusted Execution Environment that builds on TrustZone innovation enables industry alignment and scalability that can reliably deliver billions of protected devices that meet the system security and privacy needs of consumers, service providers, enterprises and device manufacturers.

Gemalto is the world leader in digital security with 2011 annual earnings of €2 billion and more than 10,000 employees operating out of 74 offices and 14 Technology & Development centers in 43 countries.

The heart of our evolving digital society

We are at the heart of our evolving digital society. Billions of people worldwide increasingly want the freedom to communicate, travel, shop, bank, entertain and work - anytime, anywhere - in ways that are convenient, enjoyable and secure. Gemalto delivers on their expanding needs for personal mobile services, identity protection, payment security, authenticated online services, cloud computing access, modern transportation, M2M communication, eHealthcare and eGovernment services.

Giesecke & Devrient is a leading international research provider headquartered in Munich, Germany. Founded in 1852, the Group now has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and generated sales of EUR 1.7 billion in fiscal 2010. 61 subsidiaries and joint ventures in 32 countries ensure customer proximity worldwide.

In all its markets, G&D is a global leader and pioneering innovator in the production and processing of banknotes and banknote paper, security documents, identification systems and smartcard-based solutions. As an end-to-end provider of mobile security applications, G&D develops and sells hardware, software, and services for banks, mobile network operators, public transportation companies, business enterprises, and OEM. For more information, please visit: www.gi-de.com

Trusted Logic Mobility, a Gemalto company, is the leading provider of security solutions for mobile and connected devices. These devices are requiring stronger security to enable a growing number of digital services. Semiconductor vendors, device manufacturers and service providers rely on the device security solutions of Trusted Logic Mobility to deliver innovative and feature-rich products and services. As a result, millions of people around the world use smartphones and tablets to watch high-definition videos, perform mobile financial services and access corporate resources on-the-go. Trusted Logic Mobility serves its worldwide customer base through operations in Europe, Asia and the USA.

ARMAndy Phillips, +44 7771975925Senior Press & Industry Analyst Relations Managerandy.phillips@arm.comorGemaltoIsabelle Marand, +33 6 14 89 18 17VP Corporate Communicationisabelle.marand@gemalto.comorGiesecke & Devrient GmbHStefan Waldenmaier, +49 89 4119 2985PR Teamstefan.waldenmaier@gi-de.com