Gemplus today announces the use of a memory storage technology that enables SIM cards to reach 2 Megabytes in capacity! Pinocchio is the code name of Gemplus' latest concept smart card, to be demonstrated at Telecom 99, that has 1 and 2 Megabyte storage capacity.
For several years now, the GSM market has been locked into a technology race spurred on by operators keen to introduce more and more value-added services. The need for more memory is constantly increasing with the advent of new value added services such as mobile Internet and mobile commerce. It was in this context that Gemplus set about developing a revolutionary smart card technology involving the combination of high density memory (i.e. Flash memory) with EEPROM memory.
The concept card is available in 2 formats: a "classic" plug-in SIM card with 2MB memory that can be used in any available GSM phone and a smaller plug-in SIM with 1MB that will be proposed to the ETSI for standardization for the next generation of mobile phones (3GPP - Third Generation Partnership Project). In effect, the next generation of SIM cards (USIM - Universal SIM) will require extra memory to store information for databases and new services, for instance enhanced telephone directories, digital photos, music etc...
Gemplus will be showcasing two different business models for Pinocchio at Telecom 99: - filling the whole card with services that can be activated or deactivated remotely by the operator or the user; - offering the operator means to sell available space to third parties (i.e. corporate telephone directories, access to the corporate Intranet…). "Our concern is to let the operator control the services stored in the card's memory" said Philippe Martineau, Director of the Wireless Marketing & Product Group at Gemplus. "Pinocchio is still at a concept level today, we will be showcasing possible usage of the memory space at Telecom 99 notably in the context of 3G (Third Generation of Mobile phones) with secure database management in the card" he added.
A few months ago it was written in the press that SIM cards would have 1 Megabyte capacity in 2005. "I am very proud of our research labs' creativity and nerve and we will demonstrate that it is feasible today to have 1 or 2 Megabyte cards. Pinocchio may become a product next year if the market accepts the concept." Declared Philippe Martineau.
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