Quantum Key Distribution is a technology that exploits the laws of quantum physics to securely exchange encryption keys. Combined with conventional encryption techniques, it allows to bring network security to an unprecedented level. ID Quantique (IDQ) and Siemens IT Solutions and Services (SIS) join hands to introduce this technology to the Dutch market.

With organizations relying ever more on data networks to transfer mission critical information between sites, securing this infrastructure becomes essential. Conventional encryption techniques exist to guarantee the confidentiality of data communications. The security of these schemes rely on the secrecy of the encryption key, a random sequence of 0’s and 1’s used to scramble data. Quantum Key Distribution is a technology that exploits the laws of quantum physics to security exchange between two sites an encryption key and verify whether it has been intercepted or not. Combining Quantum Key Distribution technology with conventional encryption allows to reach an unprecedented level of security.
Quantum Key Distribution products have been commercially available for a few years and IDQ has developed a solution combining this technology with high-speed conventional encryption. This solution is compatible with most networks currently in use. This solution will allow SIS to provide high security data communications to its highly demanding customer base.
“This new collaboration is an important step in the development of id Quantique. It not only allows us to strengthen our presence in the 5th European IT market, but also to partner with one of the global IT services players” explains Grégoire Ribordy, CEO of IDQ. The two companies will collaborate to offer solutions based on IDQ’s high-speed encryption and quantum key distribution technologies to Dutch customers in the public and private sector.

About ID Quantique

ID Quantique is a global leader shaping the evolution of network security through the development and commercialization of Quantum Key Distribution and high-speed encryption products. In 2001, the company was the first to bring this new technology to the market. In 2007, it was able to announce the first public application of this technology to secure a network used for vote counting in an election in Geneva. In addition to its strong technology focus on Quantum Key Distribution, id Quantique has also developed expertise in the area of high-speed encryption and has a broad portofolio of solutions for layer 2 encryption. A privately held company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, id Quantique is a spin-off from the University of Geneva and has close ties with leading academic institutions.

About Siemens IT Solutions and Services (SIS)

Siemens IT Solutions and Services (SIS) is a leading international supplier of IT solutions and a renowned ICT player in the market in the Netherlands. The SIS portfolio is structured to offer complete IT solutions, with emphasis on knowledge management systems,logical, IT security and building automation. SIS positions itself in the market as a trusted partner who, thanks to high quality project management and extensive knowledge, is in an excellent position to act as main contractor as part of consortia or as an outsourcing manager. SIS employs roughly 41,000 people globally and boasts annual sales of about five billion euros.