Date: 29th January 2001

Hongkong Post and Baltimore Technologies
Join Hands to Enable Secure Mobile Commerce in Hong Kong

Memorandum of Understanding Between Hongkong Post and Baltimore Technologies to Enable Businesses and Individuals to Conduct Secure Mobile Commerce in Hong Kong  

Hong Kong, 29 January 2001 - Hongkong Post and Baltimore Technologies today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide the first Wireless Transport Layer Security (WTLS) mobile certification authority (CA) service in Asia. Today's agreement further enhances the strong relationship between Hongkong Post and Baltimore Technologies, enabling businesses and individuals in Hong Kong to conduct online transactions, such as making bill payments securely via mobile devices.

Mr. P. C. LUK, Postmaster General, Hongkong Post, said: "Through our alliance with a leading global e-security solutions provider, Baltimore Technologies, Hongkong Post will issue mobile digital certificates for use in wireless communications, which will allow the full potential of mobile commerce to be realised. More importantly, with this agreement Hongkong Post reaffirms its commitment to allowing the people of Hong Kong the broadest possible choice in conducting electronic transactions with authenticity, confidentiality, integrity and non-repudiation."  

Baltimore Technologies' Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Fran Rooney, said: "This joint announcement marks the beginning of a pioneering e-security project that will shape the future of mobile commerce in Hong Kong. Security is one of the great hurdles in the growth of e-commerce and m-commerce and we are proud to be working with Hongkong Post to strive towards the development of an open platform for both the industry and the region."  

Hongkong Post, the only recognised Certificate Authority in Hong Kong, provides CA services to all segments of the community. In addition to expanding its e-Cert services, Hongkong Post is seeking to provide additional certificate types to address the different and complex requirements of individuals and businesses for conducting secure mobile transactions. Hongkong Post is working with Baltimore Technologies to implement industry-leading Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) framework for trusted mobile commerce.