Card Services International (CSI) : Newsletter : August 1997

ISSUE 4 - AUGUST 1997

Welcome to CSI-Digest. The primary objective of this FREE 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.

Regards,
Sarah Flynn, Editor

Frost & Sullivan:
A look at the Driving Forces Behind Smart Cards

In a new report looking at the market for smart cards in Europe, Frost & Sullivan predict that the annual revenue value of this market is set to rise from US$861.2 Million in 1996 to US$2.4 Billion by 2003. Banking products, electronic commerce, pay-TV and GSM applications are expected to fuel this forecasted growth.

News.com:
Netscape supports Smart Cards

August 6: Netscape and others have unveiled a new set of products designed to support smart cards, aimed at freeing users from needing desktop PCs. This initiative will enable users have full access to all their PC services, corporate networks, and email at home, in the office or out on the road.

Microsoft:
Microsoft releases Smart Card Development Kit

August: Microsoft has announced the availability of a development kit to allow smart cards work with Windows 95 and Windows NT. Many of the world's top hardware vendors, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Siemens Nixdorf, have announced support for the Windows smart card platform.

News.com:
Sun Microsystems acquires Smart Company to boost Java Card

August: Sun's ability to add Java to smart cards received a boost through the purchase of a Silicon Valley start-up.

TechWire:
Smart Swatch Watches in Sydney

Swiss watchmaker Swatch is testing consumer acceptance of its new smart swatch watch in western Sydney. The watches allows users avail of an electronic purse product, have security access, and purchase bus tickets on a contactless basis. The current trial involves several hundred people.

Gemplus:
Gemplus Announces Support for Microsoft Smart Card Development Kit

August 12: Gemplus has announced that its full range of smart cards and card readers will support the Microsoft Smart Card development kit based on the PC/SC Workgroup standards.

Schlumberger:
New multi-media payphone

August 21: Schlumberger have launched its new web-compatible payphone for Europe, allowing telecom companies deliver powerful new services to their customers. Accepting magnetic-stripe or smart cards, these phones will offer voice, fax, e-mail and Internet communications.

Yahoo:
Scotiabank POS for Visa Cash Smart Cards

August 18: Scotiabank will receive the first Canadian, all-in-one debit, credit, cheque authorization and smart card solution for use with VISA Cash. The terminals will be supplied by International Verifact Inc..

Philips Semiconductors:
Public Key Cash Card Trials from Visa & Philips

August 20: Trials are being scheduled by Visa International in Japan, and the UK, of a merchants' smart card built around a public-key cryptography chip from Philips. The Visa Cash trials are the first high-volume trials using public-key cryptography in a financial application.

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