XIRING, a security solutions provider for electronic transactions, and SCM Microsystems announced today that they have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement that expands their existing successful partnership.

For the past two years, XIRING and SCM have been working together to jointly develop a mobile solution based on existing XIRING technology for the German e-Health market, and to leverage SCM technologies in several XIRING electronic identity (eID) smart card readers. Based on the success of their initial partnership, the companies now are expanding their cooperation to cover additional markets and geographies. The new agreement between SCM and XIRING includes cross-selling of an expanded range of complementary products as well as joint development of combined solutions for key markets, including e-ID and Transport.

Georges Liberman, XIRING's Chairman and CEO, said, "This strategic agreement is the next logical step in our fruitful cooperation. XIRING and SCM have already demonstrated their ability to cooperate both on R&D projects and on marketing and sales programs. We can now leverage our complementary strengths to address additional customer and market opportunities."

Dr. Manfred Müller, SCM's Chief Executive Officer, adds "This new partnership allows both SCM and XIRING to focus on their core market competencies, while taking advantage of each other's technology expertise and market know-how to enhance their respective offerings. By working together, we can bring better value to our customers, and in a shorter time frame."