Mr. Olearo,
I assume your question specifically refer to the security aspect of "E-COMM" across the Internet. I am not going to address the technical issue in detail; I believe you are more interested with the business issue.
A smart card is similar to a floppy disk with an electronic lock built-in. The read/write process itself is very secure(card owner has a secret key); unless with the proper electronic key, the smart card could be self destructive after certain unsuccessful attempt to unlock. The confidential data retrieved from the smart card require software encryption in order to ensure highest security during the internet transmission process. Once data is outside of the smart card, the software encryption takes over until it reaches it's intended destination. Smart card adds another level of security to existing software encryption. Software encryption is a MUST for secured data transfer across the Internet. Smart card will enhance the security. The Microsoft "PC/SC" platform had been established for application developers to adapt their product easily into the PC environment. Microsoft and a number of big smart card manufacturers had joined to promote smart card for the PC environment.
The smart card is not going to replace software encryption. In order for smart card to take off in North America, one of the biggest hurdle is the infrastructure to support it. Magnetic card readers could be found almost everywhere. To replace these readers or install smart card reader to coexist with these readers takes time. The high cost of smart card reader also slow down the popularity of smart card. BIT recognize the huge potential to supply low cost smart card reader for the PC, Network Computer, Terminal and portable standalone version. Our smart card reader chipset allows us to provide an economical solution as an after market add on to the PC keyboard with a target price less than the cost of a 3.5" floppy disk drive. If the user want to add smart card capability to the PC, just purchase the BIT smart card keyboard add on for the price of a 3.5" floppy drive (or less) and easily attached to the keyboard. The product is expected to be available for delivery last quarter of 1998. There are a lot of applications ready to roll out that require smart card capability in the PC environment. I can give you some examples: Home ATM - Electronic purse, loyalty program (instant update), electronic ticketing (airlines, concerts, movies), electronic coupons etc. BIT is well position to become one of the earliest supplier to bring a product to market that fulfill this requirement. Imagine the number of PC world wide that run Window 9x and NT O/S, our goal is to capture a good percentage of the global market. |
