Andersen Inks Deal With Irish E-Gov Provider

By William Welsh, Staff Writer


JULY 25 ? Andersen Consulting has formed a strategic alliance with Baltimore Technologies to provide secure electronic environments to governments that offer online services to businesses and citizens.


Under the terms of the agreement, Baltimore Technologies, whose North American headquarters is in Needham Heights, Mass., will allow Andersen Consulting of Chicago to incorporate its e-security products into scalable solutions for marketing to government entities.


The agreement is in part an effort by the two companies to capitalize on their success building and implementing the online revenue solution EasyTax introduced last year. Ireland, where Baltimore Technologies is based, was the first government to purchase the product, which is designed to provide citizens with a fast, secure electronic channel for filing tax returns.


"As government officials worldwide plan their 'e-futures,' much discussion has focused on how to ensure the security of electronic systems that protect data provided by businesses and citizens in conjunction with applications, registrations, taxes, and other private-sector government transactions," said Sean Shine, managing partner of global revenue agency practice for Andersen Consulting.


"Information that must pass between citizens and the government, and among government agencies, requires confidence that privacy will not be breached," said Shine. "By coupling Baltimore Technologies' products with Andersen Consulting's deep knowledge of government and technological expertise, we can help our clients respond to these public-sector needs."


Andersen Consulting works with national, state and local agencies advising, implementing and operating government services. Baltimore Technologies develops and markets security products and services to enable companies to develop trusted, secure systems for e-business, the Internet and mobile commerce.