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10 JULY, 1997 -- The versatile future for smart cards being offered by the Java Card Forum is attracting key card vendors and card users from the worlds of banking, telecommunications and IT. The ability of a JavaTM platform to run multiple applications, together with its intrinsic security, is creating an irresistible force for change towards standard interoperable smart cards. Founded just four months ago by Schlumberger and Gemplus -- with the active support of Sun -- the Java Card Forum has already recruited two further industry leaders in the shape of Bull CP8 Transac and De La Rue Card Systems (formerly Philips Smart Cards & Systems). All four are actively engaged in marketing and developing interoperable products compatible with the Java Card API standard, and cooperating on continuous enhancements to the present API. The Java Card Forum has also formed a business committee to promote the standard and accelerate its deployment in key markets, and is actively inviting strategic partners from the financial service, telecommunications and information technology worlds. Some 15 internationally-recognized organizations have joined so far, with more expected in coming weeks. These organizations are providing expert insight into key application areas for Java platforms to speed the transition from proprietary hardware and software. The Forum's work is carried out via technical working groups, through a regular program of international meetings, currently held monthly, in order to contribute to the second version of the Sun Java Card specification in a timely manner. These groups are being coordinated not only by engineers from Java Card Forum members, but also by experts from other smart card vendors, demonstrating the universal interest throughout the industry in the work of the Java Card Forum. "Java has already irrevocably changed the smart card world," notes the Java Card Forum's President, Christian Goire. "Today, this fact is recognized within the smart card industry, but it will soon become obvious to all once major Java applications start hitting the streets." With development kits now coming to market, members note that Java card applications are expected to be launched before the end of this year, and widely deployed in 1998. Although Java-based smart cards could be used in any smart card sector, three markets have been singled out by the Java Card Forum for early attention: banking, telecommunications and information technology. Early adoption by players in these high-volume segments will undoubtedly catalyze the rest of the world. Pay television, health, transportation and entertainment industries are also poised to become major adopters of the Java Card technology. The benefits of Java become obvious when considering any current smart card field: banks issuing cards with e-purse functions, for example, could allow a traveler's card to be reloaded with local currency. A mobile phone user's SIM card could be used to download new temporary functions such as paging. And World Wide Web surfers might use their bank cards to download a supermarket's home shopping service. The Java Card Forum will also be the ideal place to share experiences among the strategic partners as the technology gets widely deployed. It is the first organization of industry suppliers dedicated to interoperability within the smart card industry. Useful contacts and sources: Mr. Christian Goire, President, Java Card Forum Tel: (33)1 39 66 46 04 Mr. Michel Roux, Chairman, JCF Business Committee Tel: 1 (650) 654-2940 Mr. Bertrand du Castel, Chairman, JCF Technical Committee Tel: 1 (512) 331-3205 Ex-Officio Representative - Arthur Coleman (Sun JavaSoft) Tel: 1 (408) 343 1400 Java and Java Card are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. • Top • Close
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