Gemplus is working with Virgin Megastores to secure the internet experience for customers at Virgin’s chain of Space Internet Cafes.
Gemplus is working with Virgin Megastores to secure the internet experience for customers at Virgin’s chain of Space Internet Cafes. More than 88,000 Virgin customers to date have been using Gemplus smart cards to make their access to the internet quick, convenient and secure. On entering the Virgin Space Internet Cafโ, customers are given a Gemplus smart card to insert into a smart card reader at the side of their PC. By entering a four digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) they can access the internet securely and speedily. This is important because it means that whichever of the Virgin Space computer terminals they use, customers know that the combination of their card and individual PIN number makes their web experience secure. As soon as the smart card is removed, the Internet connection is terminated for that particular customer.
Customers also have the option to become a member of the Virgin Internet Cafโ, which gives individuals their own personal smart card and the ability to choose their own PIN. Members can then use their smart cards to store personal preferences such as favourite websites and music tastes. These preferences are activated when the card is re-inserted into any Virgin Space PC, allowing customers to easily access the sites time after time. By having a personal smart card and a personal PIN, Virgin Space members can be sure that their Internet experience is secure. Mario Andrade, marketing development executive at Virgin, says: ?Gemplus has enabled the complete solution we needed to ensure a secure and tailored, yet simple, Internet access experience at the Virgin Space’s Internet Cafes. As with our legendary customer service, the smart cards give our customers a unique and personal surfing experience, allowing them immediate access to their favourite websites and information that suits their lifestyle.? For Virgin Space another advantage of implementing a smart card scheme is that levels of customer service are high. The smart card speeds up the membership process, enabling customers who have joined to get onto a PC almost immediately on arriving at the Internet Cafโ. Virgin Space staff can instantly recognise members and welcome them personally, and the visit to Virgin Space becomes a much more amiable experience for the customer. The Gemplus system was first installed last year when Virgin opened Internet Cafes in Oxford and Leeds. After success at these two stores, another Space Internet Cafโ was launched in May at London’s Oxford Street store. Virgin plans to rollout further Internet Cafes throughout Britain over the next few months – all incorporating Gemplus technology.
