Schlumberger renames smart-card unit

The smart-card division of Schlumberger Ltd., New York, has changed its name to Axalto, effective immediately, the company announced Sept. 22. The division was formerly named Schlumberger Smart Cards and Terminals.

The name change is to "bring more visibility and reinforce the company image as a leading smart-card player," the company said in a news release.

Axalto focuses on smart-card production, with emphasis in manufacturing, customization and implementation. It is a subcontractor on a $4 million contract won by Northrop Grumman Corp., Los Angeles, this month to provide security to the FBI. It also participates in the Department of Defense's Common Access Card program, an initiative to issue smart cards to military and civilian personnel.

Axalto employs 4,500 people and generated about $730 million in revenue for 2002. The company claims to have captured 27 percent of the global market share for microprocessor cards.