Swiss Post yesterday launched the SuisseID, Switzerland’s digital proof of identity, providingcompanies, government, agencies and private individuals with a standardised secure digital
identity.With the SuisseID, customers can present electronic proof of identity and make legally bindingsignatures on documents such as contracts and licences without having to sign them traditionally byhand. The digital ID is an initiative of SECO, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
The SuisseID secures reliable authentication of customers, partners and employees on theInternet which enables them to speed up complex business processes. In a similar way to a bankcard, the SuisseID only works together with an individual PIN.
The digital ID is available as a card or a USB stick (CHF 39) or a SwissStick (CHF 238). Thanksto state subsidies, Swiss Post can offer this digital proof of identity for CHF 39 instead of thefull price of CHF 104 until the end of the year. The package also includes SwissSigner 10, asignature software worth CHF 99.
SwissStick is an all-in-one solution that includes a secure access, a digital signature softwareand secure mail, plus further applications. It works without any further installation on anyWindows or Apple computer and leaves no trace of personal data behind.
SuisseID eliminates the switch between media since printouts and traditional signing are nolonger necessary and it also cuts waiting times. As a standardised digital identity, the SuisseIDprovides the prerequisites for the personalised use of internet services and serves as a basis fordevelopment and enhancement of web based e-government solutions.
From June 2010 it will also be possible to use the SuisseID as a direct login to a personalSwiss Post Box, an electronic mailbox where users can receive and process their physical mailelectronically, any time and from anywhere.
