Enterprise Access Cards consolidate employee credentials onto a single, secure smart card providing a photo ID as well as a security device that enables secure Windows and network login, PC 'locking', secure remote access (VPN), secure email with digital signatures, and single sign-on to your enterprise and desktop applications. Employees can also access buildings and other facilities with the same cards for a truly consolidated security solution.

The ActivIdentity Solutions leverage existing IT infrastructures. Integration with enterprise directories and PKI services streamlines the issuance and administration of digital IDs. Once issued, the smart cards provide a high level of security with a simple, ATM-like experience for employees.

Enterprise Access Cards Business Challenges

As companies move their business processes online and extend the services and information available through their networks, security becomes even more critical. The security methods employed by organisations, however, are generally inefficient and insecure. Static passwords provide minimal security and often account for the bulk of IT help desk costs. Tokens provide additional security but are typically used for single application remote access. Public Key Infrastructures provide a more flexible and secure answer, but keys left on PCs are still at risk.

In today's competitive environment, it is more important than ever for organisations to secure access to enterprise applications and data. The competitive advantage however, is recognised by more than just locking down proprietary resources. Companies need to empower employees and partners by leveraging the Internet and to minimise costs and maximise productivity wherever possible.

Enterprise Access Cards Key Features

Strong Identity Management
The ActivIdentity Enterprise Access Card solution includes a smart card and card management system to handle the issuance, post-issuance, auditing, and administration requirements of a smart card program. The smart card management system integrates with existing IT components, including directory and certificate authority services, as well as building access and provisioning systems to streamline the issuance of multi-function smart cards for access control. The ActivIdentity card management system handles the cards and their associated credentials through their entire lifecycle – from issuance to revocation.

ActivClient software lets users deploy smart cards for remote access services, enterprise single sign-on, and "locking" when the card is removed. ActivClient allows users to access PKI credentials stored on the smart card for applications such as secure email, digital signatures, and secure web access. With over 6 million users, ActivClient is the most securely-deployed, PC-based, smart card software in the world.

Key features include:

• Offers a variety of issuance options
  including employee self-service credential collection, on-site badge printing and bulk issuance capabilities that utilise card service bureaus

• Enables single step issuance
  of multi-application, multi-credential smart cards

• Unifies the deployment and management
  of digital IDs by integrating with enterprise directories and PKI services

• Provides self-service helpdesk interface
  to quickly and inexpensively unlock PINs, update credentials and/or information stored on cards and more

• Maintains audit trail and provides reporting
  on system, cards and credentials

• Allows employees to login
  to Windows and networks using smart card

• Locks employee workstations
  when smart card is removed

• Securely stores password data
  on smart card – supports most applications and web services

• Enables smart card credentials
  to be used for secure remote access, secure email, secure web access, and more

Enterprise Access Cards Benefits

• Enhances IT security dramatically
  through the use of PIN-protected credentials on smart cards

• Reduces IT helpdesk costs
  by replacing passwords with an ATM-like user experience and through employee self-service support

• Improves employee productivity
  by consolidating credentials on a convenient device and providing self-service support capabilities

• Enables fast deployment
  by integrating with existing identity infrastructures and providing a complete, industry-proven solution

• Protects investment
  by providing an open solution, recognising that enterprise needs can and do evolve