Atos to provide ID framework for London PSN

London Grid for Learning has signed a framework agreement with Atos (formerly Atos Origin) in which the IT services company will provide authentication services for the London Public Sector Network (PSN) to all 33 local authorities in Greater London.

The framework, called the Ethos Identity Authentication Service, calls for secure access to local and central government services via a single token.

Atos will provide two-factor security for passwords, local edge services for remote access, and federated core Identify Provider (IdP) services, which will allow individuals to access information from all participating public authorities.

It will also, through partnership with the Post Office, offer a flexible, national registration facility. This last will be provided at low cost, according to Atos.

Stephen Fellowes, IT consultant for London PSN at London Grid, said: "Atos demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of identity management and has collaborated with partners Verisec and Post Office to design this service."

The identity provider will be tScheme-accredited. tScheme is an independent quality assurance standard for e-business.

Services will be made available on an output-based, per user basis.