The smart card management system, pma (platform management architecture), enables smart card issuers to handle the card’s entire lifecycle, from preparation and issuance to tracking and maintenance of multiple applications. The pma system automates the process of loading, deleting and changing applications, without needing to recall or replace the cards. Furthermore, the pma system enables the cardholder to update and modify applications in real time over the Internet and other consumer touchpoints, whether they concern credit/debit, loyalty scheme details, medical records or identity information.
Under the agreement, Logica will act as a reseller of the technology to its clients around the world. The combination of Logica’s project management, delivery and integration skills with the unique functionality of the pma system provides a complete solution to organisations wanting to issue multi-application smart cards. Logica offers the technical expertise needed to integrate the pma system with existing systems, and can enable access to different card-acceptance channels such as the Internet, mobile phones and multimedia kiosks.
The partnership is based on a long-standing relationship between Logica and Datacard. The companies initially worked together eight years ago to design and implement the security infrastructure for the MULTOS operating system. The resulting application was the world’s first non-military project to achieve an ITSEC level E6 accreditation.
The global market for chip cards is growing rapidly, driven primarily by a number of programs instigated by the main card schemes to replace existing magnetic stripe cards with secure smart cards built on the EMV (Europay, MasterCard, Visa) standard. The key business issue in initiating smart card adoption programs is the increasing levels of card fraud. Furthermore, the commercial success of financial institution smart card programs are expected to stimulate competition to release new chip-based cards.
According to Martin Kearsley, senior vice president and managing director of the Datacard Solutions Division, Companies are beginning to realise the potential of smart cards and how they can be exploited. Using the pma system, issuers can offer consumers a unique mix of applications on their cards or can lease space on them to host third party applications, giving rise to all kinds of new revenue streams. Our partnership with Logica will add value to our existing propositions, and will give us the ability to jointly offer innovative technology and integration expertise to our customers.
Tim Brew, Logica’s e-payments director, said: We have noted an increasing number of opportunities for smart card management systems in our dealings with customers over the last year, and have evaluated the various market offerings. We consider Datacard’s solutions to be best of breed, therefore it was a logical step to formalise our relationship with Datacard and add the pma system to our card solution portfolio. Multi-application smart cards are a growth area, and by forming this partnership we will ensure our place at the forefront of the coming card revolution.
