Entrust, Customers and Partners Outline Blueprint for Empowering UK E-Government Online
UK e-Envoy, Canadian Government Deputy CIO, Customers and Partners Leverage their expertise in E-Government Forum
22 Nov 2001
London, UK - Entrust [Nasdaq: ENTU], a leading global provider of enhanced Internet security services and solutions, hosted the "Empowering Government On-Line" forum today, bringing together partners and customers to outline a collective vision for establishing effective electronic government in the UK and across Europe.
The Entrust E-Government blueprint is based upon the company's broad customer base and proven leadership experience as a global provider of enhanced Internet security across international governments. Customer and partner participants shared their combined expertise in building collaborative E-Government systems in the U.K., throughout Europe, and worldwide.
Featured speakers included the office of e-Envoy's Dr. Steve Marsh presenting its vision for UK On-Line and NHS Pathology Labs Programme Manager, Catherine Pallister described "Clinician Connect", a working UK initiative. The Government of Canada's deputy chief information officer, Jill Velonosi, talked about its pioneering work in creating Government Online, the 'Secure Channel' and its relevance to international markets.
Entrust CTO, Brian O'Higgins, outlined the vision and future for E-Government and the important role enhanced Internet security plays as foundation for secure communication, collaboration and transactions.
"As governments continue to streamline processes it is essential to implement a planned approach to information security. This allows governments to share information internally between government agencies and externally with businesses and citizens," said Brian O'Higgins, chief technology officer, Entrust, Inc. "Enhanced Internet security provides a measured and appropriate method for government to establish the identity of users; what they are entitled to do; and also to verify transactions; provide privacy and manage security resources."
Entrust partners completed the day's agenda. Accelio's U.K. sales and marketing director, Gary Fry demonstrated secure electronic forms while Accenture's Deborah Williams shared knowledge of E-Government projects across Europe. PricewaterhouseCoopers beTRUSTed's technical consultant, James Crick, presented its managed services offering.
The sheer scale of government operations means the opportunity to share information and automate processes is massive. Any security breaches could result in financial losses as well as loss of public confidence and privacy.
Entrust has extensive experience working with government agencies and departments around the world. Globally, Entrust's government customer base covers the U.K, Canada, Ireland, the U.S. China, Japan, Singapore and Spain among others.
"We are committed to working with governments and businesses across Europe to protect their information infrastructures. It is evident that national security is no longer inseparable from physical and Cybersecurity," said Bill Conner, president and chief executive officer, Entrust, Inc. "Specifically, national security cannot be maintained exclusively with brick and mortar government. Now, more than ever, national security and E-Government are inseparable and demand enhanced Internet security as the foundation. Entrust enhanced Internet security provides a measured and appropriate method for government, businesses and citizens to more securely share data between authorized users on a protected communications infrastructure."