How did this joint venture come about?

Dr Murthy: This is our first experience of working with a Dutch company and we see it as a very exciting prospect. MGRM has been active in the smartcard-based e-governance solutions linked through a single, proprietary OmVcard-the Online Multi-domain Value Card-for nearly a decade.
A meeting with Pat Curran during one of his visits to India, reflected a shared vision-that of taking the society to a different level through e-governance. Common interests brought the two companies on a common platform to share their respective expertise to make this vision a reality.
Pat Curran: I have been developing businesses in India for sometime and was introduced to MGRM through one of the existing partnerships. I found a "kindred-spirit" in Dr KVR Murthy.

What part does your company play in this joint venture?

Dr Murthy: MGRM Net will provide research-based, multi-domain, OmVcard-driven integrated e-governance applications that are fully developed with proven technology. In addition, it will bring to the table local experience and expertise of having run many applications successfully.
Pat Curran: Bell ID will provide card management software, technical assistance, and training.

What are the sectors that will be targeted under the JV?

The JV will address e-governance schemes and smartcard-led identity schemes in the domains of education, healthcare, etc.

How is this JV significant for your company?

Dr Murthy: This partnership will enhance the execution capabilities of MGRM Net and will enable us to target the various domains on a much larger scale.
Pat Curran: It is very significant. At Bell ID we believe that we have found the perfect partner in MGRM to leverage growth across India and adjoining territories.

Have you ever visited the Netherlands/India? What was your experience like there?

Dr Murthy: I have had the opportunity to visit the Netherlands on a couple of occasions. Needless to say, the experience has been wonderful and I am sure this partnership will give me many mutually beneficial reasons to visit this beautiful country in the near future.
Pat Curran: Yes, I have visited India on a number of occasions. Bell ID CEO David Orme has visited the country twice and both of us have had a very positive experience. The synergies between Bell ID and MGRM are obvious, notably the shared enthusiasm for the joint venture. Growing economies are already seizing the benefits of smartcard-based ID, application management, key management etc. Both companies see the emergence of mobile near field communication (NFC) technologies. The MGRM Bell ID JV, we together feel, is ideally placed to capitalise on these opportunities.