30-10-2009, 04:19 PM
ABSTRACT
The origin of smart cards began when consumer requirements for convenience and security outpaced the capabilities of magnetic stripe cards. Providing increased data storage and added security, smart cards were introduced in Europe in the early 1980â„¢s as stored value cards for payphones. These early smart cards were disposable, and were an effective means to reduce losses. Todayâ„¢s smart cards are re-usable, hold large quantities of data, speed transaction times, identify the cardholder, and even provide loyalty benefits. And this is only the beginning of the age of smart cards. The public demands that smart cards, like any new product, bring obvious benefit to the existing process. Regardless of the benefits to the proprietor, (accuracy, cost, savings, etc.) successful smart card programs must provide benefits to the consumer greater than the consumer-perceived effort in adapting the smart card behavior. The more challenging it is to understand and use the card, the greater the benefit must be. For example, consider the replacement of coins with smart cards in making small retail purchases. The public will accept this substitution only if smart card use derives a perceived benefit. It is not enough that the proprietorâ„¢s cash- handling cost is decreased. The consumer makes the final decision. This document summarises the current java Card technology also with the existing standards.
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