Java is creating a revolution in the smart card industry that promises to
bring them into the world of mainstream computing. This is a breakthrough
development with far-reaching implications for the smart card and computer
industries, businesses and consumers.
From last fall's announcement of the Java Card API by JavaSoft and supporting
announcements from smart card manufacturers and major industry players, to
the first availability of a smart card that runs Java, the industry has
changed dramatically.
Smart cards are the smallest, most "personal" computer. They are the size of
credit cards and contain a microprocessor chip for portable data storage and
processing power. Invented in the late '70s, advancements in chip technology,
new software developments and pull from the markets are combining to
accelerate the use of smart cards.
Smart cards are becoming more cap... (more)