Gemalto Embeds Near Field Capability into SIM Card
Smart card provider, Gemalto has announced the successful integration of Japan Credit Bureau's (JCB) contactless payment solution, J/Speedy onto its Near Field Communications (NFC) SIM card. In this way, Gemalto has provided both NFC-embedded mobile and SIM-based NFC options supporting two of the industry's most popular contactless standards. Also integrated is a smart card web server solution that displays J/Speedy menus through the handset as web pages.
"We have improved on the original Mobile J/Speedy whilst retaining maximum flexibility in allowing our members to address market needs. Both versions give customers the same quick convenience modern society demands," said Tom Okabe, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy, Global Infrastructure & Technologies, JCB.
Tan Teck Lee, president of Gemalto Asia, commented: "We see how fast markets are changing and how technology and innovation needs to keep up with these changes. Now we are aggregating expertise and experiences from multiple disciplines to help create new trends and market opportunities. Gemalto is glad to be at the forefront with JCB in preparing for the future of mobile contactless."
Gemalto and JCB already worked together with other partners on a mobile contactless pilot in Amsterdam in 2006 developing a version of Mobile J/Speedy that was loaded directly into the mobile phone. The NFC SIM version offers the same payment features and now adds secure portability and web page menus to access service information and options. This is possible through the built-in smart card web server technology standardized by the Open Mobile Alliance. This new technology allows end-users to access their applications and information, securely stored in the SIM, through the browser of their mobile phone. This gives service providers the ability to give prominence to their brand and reinforce the relationship with customers.
Posted to the site on 13th November 2007