GlobalPlatform Advances its Connectivity with IP Networks
The international smart card infrastructure body, GlobalPlatform, has launched its Card Networked Framework v1.0, to enable the administration of a new generation of its smart cards, which can utilise TCP/IP communications and support web applications similar to those found on IT servers. This means that the smart card can securely, effectively and intuitively connect to the web. This connectivity not only enables the card to request updates to a management server, but also to use it as a medium to link online and personal content, before presenting this information to the cardholder. For example, it could offer a cardholder the opportunity to monitor recent financial transactions via their mobile phone without them having to actively log online.
The technology aligns with Java Card 3 Connected Edition Runtime Environment, and represents the second phase of the company’s migration to support IP connectivity, following the release of GlobalPlatform Card Specification Amendment B in 2008. The document details a variety of ways to upgrade a smart card program to facilitate IP network connectivity to ensure it accommodates a range of implementer requirements.
The company says that the framework will be of particular interest to mobile network operators as many of their networks are IP based and there is a long-term requirement to upgrade to 4G networks and capabilities. It is also relevant to government smart card programs as it offers easy communication between cards and the back office systems, which can significantly benefit wide-scale deployments requiring regular updates. The technology will continue to be relevant as further e-government services launch requiring intuitive connectivity.