October 24, 2001
-- New GemCore based smart card reader accessory enhances data encryption and secure data beaming
-- Smart card will enable new applications including ticketing, SIM card management and e-wallet functionality for mobile commerce thanks to EMV certification
-- Product illustrates Gemplus' initiative to deploy widely smart card infrastructure.
-- Gemplus to showcase new enhanced smart card interface for Palm handheld computers at Cartes 2001 Hall C booth R44.
Gemplus (Nasdaq:GEMP), the world's leading provider of smart card-enabled solutions, today announced it will showcase a special smart card interface accessory, based on GemCore technology, for Palm(TM) handheld computers, at Cartes on October 23rd 2001.
The Palm OS(R) platform leads the worldwide handheld OS market with more than 17.5 million Palm OS based devices sold, including more than 14 million Palm branded handhelds shipped since the introduction of the company's first handheld computer in 1996. GemCore based smart card interface has been designed to effectively address one of the handheld market's key concerns: data security. It brings an additional level of security through enhanced data encryption and Gemplus have further developed its data beaming security within the smart card infrastructure. Gemplus estimates that at least 10% of handheld users are concerned about protecting their data.
In addition to the enhanced security features, smart card also opens up new applications for Palm handheld users. These include logical and physical access control, ticketing functions and SIM card management. EMV-certified accessory also enables e-wallet applications for mobile commerce.
In order for smart cards to live up to their promising potential, smart card readers must be easy for consumers to access and use. In a momentous step for the smart card industry, the challenge of building the infrastructure necessary for global smart card adoption is being addressed through collaboration between Gemplus and Palm, Inc.
"We have already made significant in roads into the PC and set-top box market. Working with the leader in the handheld industry illustrates our strategic move to start targeting mobile devices, as we now have a smart card infrastructure that is immediately deployable for the mobile device and handheld market. There are a number of opportunities for us to build our brand on new devices and continue our growth into new markets," commented Alexandre Lorenzi General Manager Smart Card Interface Business Division, Gemplus.
"Palm believes Gemplus has a proven track record to address the growing need for smart card security," said Jean Marc Sarat, Senior Director of Corporate Development at Palm, Inc. "Combining Palm handheld ease of use with smart card security features is an exciting opportunity we will seize to open up new areas of applications for our customers."
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