SCM Microsystems launches SDI Reader for secure contactless smart card applications
14 April, 2005
category: Biometrics, Contactless
A dual interface reader with contact and contactless capabilities to support the increased demand for badging and other personal ID applications, has been launched by SCM Microsystems. This combination makes it possible to integrate conventional single-purpose card applications onto one card. For example, the same card and type of reader might be used for building access and network access.
Dual Interface Reader Supports Personal Identification and Badging
LAS VEGAS, Nev. and FREMONT, Calif.–SCM Microsystems, Inc., a leading provider of solutions that open the Digital World, has announced the SDI 010 reader, a secure dual interface reader that combines contact and contactless interface capabilities to support the growing demand for badging and other personal identification applications utilizing contactless smart cards. The announcement came during the 15th annual CardTechSecurTech exhibition at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
The SDI 010 combines SCM’s years of experience in smart card interface technology with the convenience of contactless connections. The readers are ranked as the highest in interoperability and versatility and work with a broad range of 13.56 MHz contactless smart cards and passports including: Philips; MIFARE®; DESFire®; MIFARE ProX®; ATMEL and SHARP.
For convenience, contactless technology is the preferred interface for a range of new security applications that use smart cards to identify people, such as employees or citizens, and protect access to computers networks, buildings and borders. The enterprise, government and financial sectors are all beginning to use contactless smart cards on a broad basis.
The combination of contact and contactless technologies in one reader makes it possible to integrate a number of conventional single-purpose card applications onto one card. For example, the same card and type of reader might be used for building access (holding the card near the reader) and network access (inserting the card into the reader and supplying a password or fingerprint).
“The need for increased security affects all aspects of business and all industry sectors. SCM enables solutions that provide secure access from the door to the desktop,” said Robert Schneider, chief executive officer of SCM Microsystems. “SCM’s dual interface readers are unique in being able to read all the various contactless standards, which has been a major blocking point for interoperability.”
SCM’s SDI 010 Reader
The reader includes support for USB and all relevant security standards. Together, these features enable high performance, cost effective programs for secure logical and physical access in any environment. The contactless interface is PC/SC compliant which ensures a seamless integration to the contactless world for existing contact applications.
To date SCM has shipped several million smart card readers worldwide to major enterprises, financial institutions and government agencies, including more than 1.5 million units through systems integration partners for the U.S. Department of Defense Common Access Card program. The company holds more than 80 relevant patents.
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.