Secure, Mobile Data Storage Media-User-Friendly Memory Cards With Smart Card Technology28 June 2005
Flash memory cards, familiar to many people from digital cameras, laptops or PDAs, are the smallest removable data storage media for mobile applications world-wide. At the 2005 JavaOne(SM) conference in San Francisco, Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) demonstrates a highly promising new product concept, consisting of the so-called MultiMediaCard expanded to include the security features of a smart card. The resulting Secure MultiMediaCard incorporates a highly secure smart card chip that runs on a Java Card(TM)-technology based operating system. It can be used to encrypt data as well as manage and/or verify various rights. This unlocks a wide range of potential new applications-from the purchase of mobile services such as music downloads through online banking to access control, e.g. in corporate networks.
They are small, stable, and reliable. Weighing only two grams, MultiMediaCards (MMCs) currently have a memory capacity of up to one gigabyte, corresponding to about 640,000 printed pages, and are therefore the ideal storage media for mobile applications. Experts estimate that the capacity of flash memory cards is set to double annually. The main advantage of MMCs is that, thanks to an open standard established by the MMC Association, they can be used in a wide range of mobile terminals. Whether mobile phone, laptop, or PDA-many newer-generation models are provided with slots for MMCs, thereby eliminating the need for additional peripheral devices such as card readers.
These data carriers-originally developed purely as a storage medium-gain a whole new dimension of exciting applications through the addition of a chip with full smart card functionality. This is because the chip enables all sensitive content on the card to be encrypted and protected by awarding rights against any unauthorized access.
In the new-generation Secure MultiMediaCards, the security features are personalized for the individual user in what is known as the smart card controller, which runs on a Java Card technology-based operating system.
The requisite technology, as well as the specialized know-how needed for chip personalization, have been among G&D's core capabilities for many years.
Among the major advantages offered by this technology are the user-friendly services. Whereas digital content was previously tied to a specific device, these memory cards now open the door to mobility on a completely new scale. In addition, the combination of memory and smart card offers content providers supplying music, games or films simple solutions for digital rights management.
About Giesecke & Devrient:
Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) is a technology leader in the field of smart cards, providing smart card based solutions for telecommunications, electronic payment, health care, ID, transportation, and IT-security (PKI). G&D is also a leading producer of banknotes and security documents, and dominant in the field of currency automation. Based in Munich, Germany, the G&D Group operates subsidiaries and joint ventures around the world. In fiscal 2004, the group employed some 7,300 people and generated revenue of EUR 1.16 billion.
Java, JavaOne and all Java-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Source: Business Wire
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