Business Services Industry

University of Illinois Selects Schlumberger to Help Provide First Smart Card-Based Solution for Secure Distance Learning over the Internet

Business Wire, August 30, 1999

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 1999--

Pilot Program Paves Way for New Generation of Smart Card-Based

Campus Applications Built on PKI Infrastructure

Schlumberger, the world's leading provider of smart card-based solutions, today announced that it is providing the first public key (PKI) smart card-based network security solution for distance learning and other business and service related applications. Schlumberger, in conjunction with the University of Illinois, is launching a pilot program designed to enable students and other authorized university personnel based either inside or outside the campus environment to securely access course materials and other University of Illinois developed applications via the Internet using PKI smart card-based technology.

"The Schlumberger network security solution allows the University of Illinois to expand its student population through a borderless, worldwide virtual campus," stated Gary Brinkley, director, business systems analysis for the University of Illinois office of cash management and investments. "The University expects nearly a tenfold increase in their distance enrollment (UI On-Line) while at the same time achieving a drastic reduction in unauthorized access to valuable information and course materials by utilizing this revolutionary new smart card system."

Brinkley noted that the smart card pilot is expected to expand the present all-university multi-application I-card to a much more versatile and secure card. He stated, "The innovative Schlumberger multi-application smart card will allow the University of Illinois to interface many existing systems with a reduction in development and production cost." Brinkley hopes to prove this as part of the pilot on their Springfield campus.

Smart Card-Based Network Security Reduces Risk of Fraud

Within the university environment, digital signatures reduce the risk of fraud and allow for authorization of virtual students as well as better data security and improved access to sensitive information such as class schedules, registration information and medical records campus-wide. The University of Illinois smart card ID system will be used by students in remote locations to access a virtual campus via a secure web site operated by the University. The system initially allows secure e-mail, and Internet/extranet access, while providing the flexibility to fit into a university-wide security solution in the near future.

Scheduled to begin in early September 1999, the pilot will be initially launched on the University of Illinois' Springfield campus. The pilot utilizes Schlumberger smart card-based network security technology, including a Cryptoflex card with a public key certificate that enables identification and authentication of students, a Reflex card reader and software. RSA security mechanisms inside the smart card make fraud or virus attacks impossible, and signature operations cannot be launched without a user PIN code. Additionally, confidential information stored inside the card cannot be read by other applications, eliminating the risk of compromising data.

Smart Card-Based Integration Allows for Multi-Application Expansion

In the next planned phase of the pilot, the Schlumberger campus offering will enable the University of Illinois to realize a significant reduction in costs by bundling together secure Internet/extranet access and physical campus access with other services on a single smart card. The expanded pilot will take advantage of the Schlumberger integrated networking solution by extending the existing university-wide ID card with built-in stored-value applications. This enhancement will enable software developers, value-added resellers (VARs) and retailers to roll out exciting new programs for the University's students, faculty and administrators.

About Schlumberger

Schlumberger Campus Solutions is North America's only single source provider of total smart card-based solutions for closed and semi-closed environments, such as college campuses, corporate campuses, hospitals, municipalities and resorts. Schlumberger provides a complete solution from concept development and planning through implementation and maintenance. The Schlumberger offering includes cards, readers, POS terminals, software, application development, installation, project management, training, service and other support.

Schlumberger is the leading provider of smart card-based solutions worldwide. Drawing on 20 years experience in pioneering smart card innovations, Schlumberger is continuing to evolve the new generation of smart cards, parking terminals, ticketing machines, payphones, banking terminals, servers, software, applications and systems integration that will play a key role in the 21st century's digital age. Additional information is available at http://www.slb.com/smartcards.> Schlumberger Test & Transactions provides smart card-based solutions; semiconductor test, metrology and handling systems and services; and corporate Internet and network solutions to customers across the globe. It is a business unit of Schlumberger Limited, a $11.8 billion global technology services company.