CrimsonLogic, a leading provider of eGovernment solutions and services, has embarked on a strategic project to develop a National Authentication Framework (NAF) for Bahrain.

Commissioned by the Bahrain eGovernment Authority (eGA), the establishment of the NAF will be the first of its kind in the region.

It will provide a strong nationwide authentication platform that manages and safeguards customer identities across multiple service delivery channels and across various ministries.

Users will enjoy the convenience of using a single electronic identity to access an array of government services, while being assured of security against online identity theft.

The project is the first of its kind in the Middle East in using technology to manage customer identities across multiple platforms, said a statement from CrimsonLogic.

The authentication is critical in the use of online services in sectors like banking and finance, or government and healthcare.

A partnership agreement was signed in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Atteyatalla Al Khalifa, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Minister responsible for Telecommunications sector.

Bahrain will be employing a rigorous validation process called two-factor authentication (2FA), utilising two of three recognised factors - a password or personal identification number (PIN), a hardware security token or a biometric trait such as a finger print, for verifying individuals - as protection against unauthorised access to sensitive information.

Sheikh Ahmed said Bahrain was committed to eGovernment development and was focused on the delivery of integrated government services, made available to citizens through their channel of choice.

'The agreement was sealed with CrimsonLogic, because of its outstanding successful experience in eGovernment with the Singapore Government,' Sheikh Ahmed stated.

'With their expertise, we believe that the project will achieve greater success, and that this new automated system will help the government to provide services with high quality and efficiency,' he added.

Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, CEO of Bahrain eGA said the project will help reduce the operating expenses of government administration by connecting all the agencies' services, enabling users to access them through a single electronic source.

Topping the Gulf region in United Nations e-Government Survey 2010 for its application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) enabling citizen access and inclusion, Bahrain aims to have over 90 per cent of its key services available online.

With a high demand for IT products and services in the private and public sectors, Bahrain's ICT market is expected to reach $180 billion by 2012, said Al Qaed.

Increasing economic diversification in the kingdom has led to an increasing need for dependable IT solutions and the establishment of an authentication architecture.

Responsible for the implementation and end-to-end development of NAF, CrimsonLogic will be creating the core functionality of the system, such as user registration, multiple authentication mechanisms and integration with service and delivery channels - while ensuring that the government has full application control.

The turnkey solution will also incorporate system design, development, customisation, supply and installation of infrastructure as well as management of operations.

CrimsonLogic will also help develop content for training the end users and provide practical hands-on training for the integration of authentication functionality with various services, and provide post-implementation support.

To facilitate the delivery of project implementation, CrimsonLogic has opened an office in Bahrain, which will also provide post-implementation support in the operational phase, such as assistance in training and change management issues.

Leong Peng Kiong, CEO of CrimsonLogic, 'We are honoured to be chosen by eGA to develop and set up this framework. Having extensive experience in eGovernment solutions.'
 
'With the successful implementation of this project, it is hoped that the country can also serve as a reference model in eGovernment and authentication platform development to other countries, and to businesses in the region,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service