Federal government contracts out Bürger-Client development for the electronic identity card
OpenLimit develops the Bürger-Client in collaboration with Siemens and the Bundesdruckerei
The Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) contracted the general contractor Siemens IT Solutions and Services as well as the Bundesdruckerei and OpenLimit for the development of the application software for the electronic identity card last week. „The Bürger-Client is the biggest contract in the history of our company. We have worked with great commitment on this project for a long time and we are well aware of our responsibility. Our efforts certainly paid off,“ said Marc Gurov, CEO at OpenLimit.
The electronic identity card and the Bürger-Client
The electronic identity card will be issued as from November 1st, 2010 in Germany. Citizens who want to use the ID electronically will need the so-called Bürger-Client for the application. The software enables the card holder to access his ID via his computer and to authenticate himself online over the internet. In the future, citizens can explicitly identify themselves on portals and platforms, during an online banking session as well as in e-commerce. It is, for example, no longer necessary to personally apply for a trade license. The security of personal data, digital exchange processes and last but not least, the comfort of online services will thus considerably increase. In addition, a certificate for a qualified electronic signature on the identity card can be installed.
Usability and accessibility
„The Bürger-Client is software for everyone and should be therefore easy-to-handle. We highly value the usability and accessibility in the development of our software,“ said Armin Lunkeit, Chief Development Officer at OpenLimit. In order that citizens can use the software as intuitively as possible, 30 selected companies have been testing the Bürger-Client pending the delivery. This falls within the scope of an application test for the electronic identity card which is coordinated by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI). The software is easy to handle and thus fulfills the current requirements for the accessibility. It has interfaces which enable the use of screen readers for audio output and Braille-line devices. Moreover, the flexible, zoomable interface, which is also adaptable in the color and contrast selection, makes the orientation easier for people with amblyopia and absent color perception.
Contact
- Thomas Koch
Manager, Corporate Communications
OpenLimit SignCubes GmbH
Phone: +49 30 868 766 10
Fax: +49 30 868 766 11
thomas.koch@openlimit.com
