Welcome to the February issue of CSI-Digest. The primary objective of this newsletter is to keep you informed of major global smart card industry developments on a monthly basis.

We will also let you know, where in the world you can meet with us, and will update you on any news relating to CSI.

In March, the world's premier Information and Communications Technology exhibition takes place in Germany. CeBIT '98 will run from Thursday March 19 to Wednesday March 25, in Deutsche Messe, Hannover.

CSI will be located in Hall 23, Stand A41, and we would welcome any of our readers to the stand. If you do not have an entry pass, and would like one, please email us with your contact details on info@csi.ie and we will do our best to get one out to you.

At CeBIT '98, CSI will be demonstrating the extensive multi-application capabilities of CardBASE2000^®, including Electronic Purse, Loyalty, Bill Payment, and Funds Transfer.

So do drop in and see us.

Regards
Sarah Flynn, Editor

IDC:
E-Commerce in Western Europe to Reach USD30 Billion by 2001

According to a recent report by the IDC, total internet commerce revenues in Western Europe will grow from USD1 billion in 1997 to USD30 billion by the year 2001. This increase will be driven primarily by the increase in the average transaction amount in the business to business sector.

Killen and Associates:
Smart Phone Cards to Reach 500 Million by 2002

Using smart cards, mobile telecommunications companies will have the opportunity to create cross-marketing partnerships with banks and retailers. Thus enhancing customer loyalty through offering the cardholder with a co-branded card. This is according to a report "Smart Card Opportunities for Phone Card Providers" by Killen and Associates.

SJB:
Report Shows Smart Cards can Reduce Fraud, Increase Profits and Cut Costs

According to a new report "The Smart Card" by SJB Services, the smart card market is growing at close to 50% a year. The report claims that as many as 3 billion to 4 billion smart cards will be issued in the year 2000 compared with the 800 million issued in 1996.

Gemplus:
Verifone and Gemplus launch Digital Wallet Pilot

Verifone and Gemplus recently announced the launch of a pilot that will combine Verifone's digital wallets and Gemplus' smart cards. Due to commence in France this summer, the pilot claims to be the first to integrate SET protocol with smart card technologies.

TechWeb:
Siemens introduces Fingerprint Reading Smart Card Chip

At SmartCard '98, Siemens demonstrated the identification capabilities of a smart card chip that doubles as a fingerprint reader. The surface of the chip is covered with touch-sensitive sensors that read fingerprints and relay the image to a database where the identity of the card user can be checked against a registered fingerprint. Siemens have said that this chip should be available by the end of 1999.

Yahoo News:
US Drugstore Implements Smart Card gift program in 3,900 outlets

By mid 1998, US Drugstore Rite Aid will have enabled the introduction of a store value/gift card program using smart card technology by installing over 25,000 smart card terminals in its 3,900 stores across the US. According to Bob Kostosky of Rite Aid, "Migrating to smart cards enables us to reward our customers through a convenient and secure integrated system……and opens up a new area of products and services to be marketed toward our customers".

Yahoo News:
Motorola Forms Smart Card Joint Venture in China

Motorola Smartcard Systems Business and China Huaxu Golden Card Co., have formed a joint venture that will promote China's IT initiative. This will be achieved through providing solutions aimed to dovetail with existing legacy systems and provide applications that will be compatible with Chinese people's work and lifestyles.

Intellect:
Intellect signs agreement with Banco Do Brasil

Brazil's largest bank, Banco Do Brasil has contracted Intellect to install smart card readers in its ATM network. The program is part of the bank's drive to prepare for easy migration to multiple smart card schemes and to consolidate its position as the leader in technological developments in Brazilian retail banking.

Mondex:
Mondex gives 1st Demonstration of its Multi-Currency Capabilities

Mondex demonstrated its multi-currency capabilities in New York this month, when a Mondex card issued by HongKong Bank in Hong Kong dollars, was loaded with US dollars at a Chase Manhattan Bank ATM in New York and used to pay for breakfast in US dollars.

Diebold:
Diebold to Implement First Multi-Financial Campus Net

Diebold Inc. is providing a smart card system that will allow Penn State University students to use their identification cards to link to the financial institution of their choice. They will allow students to add stored value to their identification cards directly from their checking accounts and use the cards for multiple applications.

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