Lausanne, Switzerland-based Comco SA is hoping to capitalise on the growth of on-line databases and laptop computers with the release of a new Smart Card application for laptop users. The card works with Comco-Modems, licensed exclusively from French firm Logicam SA, which are being installed in hotels, business centres and other sites. Some 50 should be in place by the New Year, and Comco is hoping for a worldwide base of 500 by the beginning of 1989. Users connect the laptop’s serial port to the Comco-Modem and can then use the Comco-Card to link into the host system – the card allows access to public X25 packet switched networks worldwide, with British Telecommunications Plc handling the UK provisions. Comco says the card is suitable for 90% of laptops, and the company plans to sell the service through British Telecom in the UK and on-line services worldwide. Comco will charge UKP60 for a 200-unit card – a six page document from Australia to the UK would use one unit – with Comco-Modems at around UKP700. Comco, a company whose major source of funding is Swiss Bank Corp, hopes the product will allow it to expand from its initial business as a data communication consultancy.
