New Mobile PC Card Standard Includes Support for Smart Cards

CARTES, Paris–SCM Microsystems, Inc., a leading provider of solutions that open the digital world, announced its new ExpressCard readers, offering high performance and scalability using the new ExpressCard interface specifications.

“The ExpressCard Standard represents the next-generation of PC Card technology for high-performance interfaces in both mobile and desktop environments,” said Brad Saunders, chairman, PCMCIA, the association that developed the standard. “Over the years, SCM Microsystems has demonstrated leadership in both their support of PCMCIA’s specification developments and their security product offerings based on PC Card technologies. It’s great to have them now offer the latest in high-performance smart card reader technology specifically for ExpressCard plug-n-play technology.”

The ExpressCard Standard (www.expresscard.org) delivers high-performance, modular I/O expansion to both desktop and notebook computers at a lower cost and in a smaller form factor than today’s PC Card technology. Users are able to add flash memory, wired and wireless communications, multimedia and security features by inserting ExpressCard modules into compliant host systems. ExpressCard technology leverages USB 2.0 and PCI Express to bring higher performance and ease of use to the end user while retaining the reliability, durability, and expansion flexibility of PC Card technology. The ExpressCard standard was developed by the PCMCIA organization, of which SCM Microsystems serves on the executive committee.

“We are pleased to help drive acceptance of the new ExpressCard standard with our new products,” said Robert Schneider, chief executive officer of SCM Microsystems. “We expect to begin mass production of ExpressCard readers in December 2005.”

SCM’s ExpressCard readers allow manufacturers to quickly qualify and easily integrate the new form factor, which is based on the ubiquitous USB interface standard and brings all related benefits, including high-speed performance, reliability and proven technology. The reader is based on SCM’s STC II controller chip, an embedded, single chip solution for smart card readers that supports multiple interfaces, multiple reader devices and all relevant security standards. The STC II chip was the industry’s first to offer On-board Flash, allowing future firmware and application enhancements. In addition, SCM’s ExpressCard readers are Microsoft® Chip Card ID (CCID) compliant and support Microsoft class drivers.

The new ExpressCard readers are compliant to the new RoHS (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive which will come into force on 1 July, 2006 and aims to protect human health and environment.

About PCMCIA PCMCIA (www.pcmcia.org) is a non-profit trade association founded in 1989 to establish technical standards for PC Card technology and to promote interchangeability among computer systems. Already a feature in almost every notebook and palmtop computer, PC Card technology empowers users to configure systems and create unique, integrated solutions to meet their computing needs. Based in San Jose, California, the association has a growing membership of 135 companies worldwide. The PCMCIA also has a specification development and co- publishing relationship with the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) covering PC Card and Smart Media technologies.

About SCM Microsystems SCM Microsystems is a leading supplier of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to conveniently access digital content and services. The company develops, markets and sells its smart card reader technology for PC, network and physical access and conditional access modules for secure digital TV decryption to OEM customers in the government, financial, enterprise and broadcasting markets worldwide. Global headquarters are in Fremont, California, with European headquarters in Ismaning, Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems web site at www.scmmicro.com.