Philips Semiconductors, a global leader in contactless smartcard technology and security, says it takes its role as expert and pioneer in the field seriously.
Not only is the company at the forefront when it comes to developing cutting-edge and highly secure smartcard ICs, but it is also dedicated to enlightening governments and individuals on the new services, increased flexibility and improved security that smartcard technology can offer.
To this end, Michael Ganzera, Philips' marketing manager for eGovernment and Smart Identity for the Contactless and Embedded Security market sector, was recently in South Africa to host a special training session for key business and government members.
"Smartcard technology is today so prevalent that people take them for granted - just think SIM cards, bank cards, pay-TV subscription cards and public transport ticketing cards," explains Ganzera. "But the technology is far more exciting than this.
"The great thing about contactless technology is it gives you freedom," he says. "For example, unique in the smartcard market is the Philips SmartMX P5CT072, the world's first secure triple-interface smartcard controller incorporating three interfaces (ISO/IEC7816, ISO/IEC 14443 and USB). The contactless interface (ISO14443) enables the chip to be inserted into items that we already carry, such as cellphones, PDAs or even a wrist-watch. In essence, this means your watch could be used for contactless payments, an access and ID card, in addition to telling the time. Its additional USB interface means you also have a secure connection to your computer without the need for a separate, special smartcard interface."
Philips is in the driver's seat when it comes to contactless smartcard technology. The company was the first to develop near field communication (NFC) and the open MIFARE standard. Philips' greatest strengths however, may lie in making smartcards secure. Philips was the first company in the world to meet the tough security standard - Common Criteria (CC) EAL 5+ certification.
It is precisely Philips' strengths in contactless chip security and privacy which have led the company to become the world leader in e-Government applications.
"As from this year, passports incorporating a secure contactless smartcard IC as an additional security feature will be issued in many countries around the world. The current global political push for electronic passports (e-Passports), supported by highly advanced chip solutions and data integrations systems, will put secure smartcard ICs also into other e-Government ID applications," says Ganzera.
With the trend worldwide to implement e-Passports to reduce fraud and forgery of travel documents, ultimately improving security for travellers, Philips has been liaising with the South African Government to help it identify and analyse opportunities to implement its own e-Passport .
"Most e-Passports will include Philips' world-leading secure contactless chip technology as they are the only chips that meet the high security and memory requirements of the e-Government projects currently underway," notes Ganzera. "In fact, the 72 Kbyte EEPROM memory, high-security chip, part of SmartMX smartcard controller family exceeds the specifications for e-Passports set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)."
The Department of Home Affairs also has plans to start replacing current ID books with a HANIS (Home Affairs National Identity System) in 2007 while all ports of entries are in line for a major overhaul to become compatible with electronic systems.
"The opportunities for secure contactless technology in South Africa are endless," enthuses Ganzera. "In the pipeline for Philips are e-ticketing opportunities for the 2010 World Cup and Gautrain. Philips believes the time is right for South Africa to embrace contactless technology, particularly if it is to continue to play its leading role as the business and communication hub of Africa."
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