Villepinte, France
Cartes tradeshow--Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, today announces the successful integration of JCB's contactless payment solution, J/Speedy(TM), onto its NFC SIM. 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(1). Also integrated is an innovative smart card web server solution that displays J/Speedy(TM) menus through the handset as web pages. This is an advantage in terms of providing a stronger branding and user experience. This combination allows banks to be better equipped to respond to market demands regardless of contactless standard or form factor used in the country.
"We have improved on the original Mobile J/Speedy(TM) 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 Co., Ltd. "With the addition of J/Speedy(TM) on NFC-SIM, we are laying the technology groundwork to prepare to address future market needs."
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(2) in 2006 developing a version of Mobile J/Speedy(TM) 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.
The trend for mobile contactless payment is fast gaining momentum for its complementary combination of ease-of-use and convenience with security and mobility. The prevalence of traditional contactless payment options and the necessity of the mobile phone as everyday wear makes mobile contactless a natural next move.
About Gemalto
Gemalto (Euronext NL 0000400653 GTO) is the leader in digital security with pro forma 2006 annual revenues of EUR 1.7 billion, more than 85 offices in 40 countries and about 10,000 employees including 1,300 R&D engineers.
In a world where the digital revolution is increasingly transforming our lives, Gemalto's solutions are designed to make personal digital interactions more convenient, secure and enjoyable.
Gemalto provides end-to-end digital security solutions, from the development of software applications through design and production of secure personal devices such as smart cards, SIMs, e-passports, and tokens to the deployment of managed services for its customers.
More than a billion people worldwide use the company's products and services for telecommunications, financial services, e-government, identity management, multimedia content, digital rights management, IT security, mass transit and many other applications.
As the use of Gemalto's software and secure devices increases with the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world, the company is poised to thrive over the coming years.
Gemalto was formed in June 2006 by the combination of Axalto and Gemplus.
For more information please visit www.gemalto.com
(1) The J/Speedy(TM) NFC SIM uses ISO14443 Type B whereas embedded Mobile J/Speedy(TM) uses ISO14443 Type A.
(2) October 2006, JCB launched Europe's first contactless international credit payment scheme that used a handset with an embedded NFC chip preloaded with J/Speedy(TM).
Source: Business Wire (Business Wire India)