services. The project was materialized by the launch of Certplus.

Context
Growth of the digital economy requires answers to the need for trust. Digital certificates were quickly identified as the most reliable and complete solution enabling authentication, confidentiality, integrity and non-repudiation.
If standard PKI building blocks are available on the market, setting up an easy to implement solution, which guarantees maximum security, requires the elaboration of a complex infrastructure. It is a PKI operator's role to undertake such responsibility.
This new market quickly interested Gemplus. Thanks to its portability, ease-of-use and high level of security, smart cards appeared to be a privileged support for digital certificates.

To benefit from these opportunities in a still embryonic market, Gemplus asked Dictis to evaluate these technologies and associated markets.

Dictis' approach
Dictis has adopted the following approach:

• Market analysis: evaluate technology maturity; analyze feasibility, risks, entry barriers and national legislation on cryptography
• Development strategy and business planning: evaluate the level of investment required to launch the activity, the estimated benefits, operational risks and define development strategies
• Negotiate with key partners for implementation: Dictis brought together Gemplus and three prestigious companies France Telecom, Verisign and Matra Haute Technologie (EADS)

Dictis' achievements enabled Gemplus, France Telecom, Matra Haute Technologie (EADS) and Verisign to join and create Certplus, the French leader in trust services operations.

In close partnership with Certplus' shareholders, Dictis pursued its mission throughout the entire creation process:

• Administrative launch: drafting by-laws, registering trademarks and domain names, negotiation with the shareholders, effective fund raising, and coordination of the drafting of the shareholders' agreement
• Development of the offer and operational launch of the new structure
• Definition of Certplus marketing positioning and implementation of the marketing and communication plan

Achievement: Certplus, leader in France for trust solutions
Certplus is now the leading trust services operator in France, with a staff exceeding 50 employees.
Banques Populaires took a stake in Certplus, confirming the commitment of the banking sector for trust services operations.