Bull CP8 awarded highest security level evaluation ever granted for smart card technology; company's SCOT card garners first official ITSEC certification for a smart card.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 1996--Bull CP8 reached another industry milestone in smart card technology recently when the French Central Service for Information Systems Security (SCSSI) officially awarded the company the highest security evaluation ever granted for a smart card.

The certification level, Information Technology Security Evaluation Criteria (ITSEC) Level E3 Strong, was assigned to Bull's SCOT B0' smart card -- 30 million of which are used in the French bank system network.

This highest-ever smart card security evaluation is the result of a joint development effort between Bull CP8 and SGS-Thomson to define the chip's security architecture and to embed all of the security control functionality in the card's operating system.

"Security is paramount when smart cards are used for payment, as in credit/debit and electronic purse applications," said Geraldine Capdeboscq, president and CEO of Bull CP8. "Receiving this level of security evaluation proves the technology is ready for widespread use in the most security-intensive applications."

"Bull CP8 has always considered security a key feature in smart card design and successful implementation," said Michel Ugon, vice president of technology for Bull CP8. "With this ITSEC certification, we demonstrate to our customers, and to our competitors, that we continue to maintain our 20-year leadership position in the global smart card market."

About Bull CP8 and Micro Card Technologies

Bull CP8 is the world leader for smart card solutions with a 60 percent market share in microprocessor-based, high-security smart cards. Based in Vienna, Va., Micro Card Technologies, Inc., is the marketing arm in North and South America for Bull CP8. Micro Card/Bull CP8 develops and offers a range of products, including: contact/contactless smart cards, secure card operating systems, turnkey payment cards and electronic purse systems, WAN/LAN security systems, automated teller machines (ATMs), electronic cash dispensers, statement printers, POS terminals and software. Services include full technical and applications consulting, training and customer service and support.

About Bull

With a presence in more than 90 countries, over 23,000 employees and combined revenue of more than $5.3 billion, Bull is one of the world's largest information technology companies and a major systems and technology integrator, offering a comprehensive range of solutions, services and support capabilities for use in multivendor environments. The company's Web address is: http://www.bull.com.

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CONTACT: Bill Bradley

Bull HN Information Systems Inc.

508/294-5812

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Mary Ellen Collins

KHJ Integrated Marketing Inc.

617/241-8000 ext. 143

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