INSIDE Contactless changes name to INSIDE Secure

CARTES & IDentification 2010, PARIS, FRANCE: INSIDE Contactless has changed its name to INSIDE Secure to reflect the company's newly enhanced product portfolio and market focus after the acquisition of Atmel Corp.'s Secure Microcontroller Solutions business.

The new name represents INSIDE's mission to be the leading provider of semiconductors for secure transactions and digital identity, and its position as the only company 100 percent focused on secure semiconductors.

"Through the strategic acquisition of Atmel SMS, we are building on our contactless leadership to create a unique fabless semiconductor leader aimed at driving trust for the secure transaction and digital identity markets," said RŽmy de Tonnac, chief executive officer for INSIDE Secure.

"INSIDE Secure is very well positioned to sustain future growth by combining contactless and security expertise, products and innovation to drive trust into the next wave of smart card, mobile and Internet device applications, services and infrastructure."

The next generation of electronic transactions via the Internet, mobile devices and other channels will require increased security. INSIDE Secure's broad portfolio of secure semiconductors inject trust into mobile phones, passports and ID cards, payment cards, acceptance devices, set top boxes, transit fare collection systems, physical access control systems and other embedded security applications.

With a global presence, INSIDE's deep understanding of vertical markets and ecosystem relationships, and its fabless model, enable the company to anticipate market needs and adapt quickly to customer requirements.

INSIDE already has achieved leadership positions in several large, high-growth sectors, such as global payments (including EMV dual interface), electronic identification, embedded security, pay TV and mobile NFC markets.

With more than 350 million chips delivered to customers each year, INSIDE Secure is the number one global provider of contactless chips for payments, and is the near field communication (NFC) technology and market leader. INSIDE is now uniquely positioned for the anticipated explosive growth in its markets.

Strengthens management team
The company also announced several promotions designed to strengthen the management team for the next phase of the company's growth. With these changes, INSIDE has solidified the integration of Atmel's SMS business by creating a new VaultIC-Secure Microcontroller Solutions business unit, and has enabled the company to strengthen its position in its current markets and accelerate its presence in new, fast-growing areas.

Charles Walton has been promoted to COO for INSIDE after serving as executive vice president of payments for several years. Christian Fleutelot, formerly managing director of Atmel's SMS business, is now general manager of INSIDE's VaultIC-Secure Microcontroller Solutions business unit.

Andy Bear, who joined INSIDE as part of the Atmel SMS business acquisition, has been promoted to general manager of INSIDE's new East Kilbride, UK operations. Bertrand Moussel has been promoted to executive vice president of worldwide sales. Additionally, Lim Boon Heong was appointed to general manager for the Asia-Pacific region.

"Retaining key personnel is critical to ensuring the long-term success of any company, especially so in high technology, but these appointments also serve to cement these formerly separate entities into a cohesive and dynamic company poised for growth and success," said RŽmy de Tonnac, CEO for INSIDE Secure.

"Charlie, Christian, Andy, Bertrand and Boon Heong are all respected industry veterans. Together with the rest of the management team, they will help guide the new INSIDE to meet the global demand for secure transaction solutions in the market for payments, NFC mobile commerce and e-identification."