Smart Bits: Gemplus Offers VendorsCard Reader Technology

Gemplus Corp., the French-owned smart card manufacturer, announced the availability of a smart card reader that can be incorporated in computers, keyboards, telephones, vending machines, and personal digital assistants.

Gemplus said a hardware manufacturer can add the smart card interface, Gemcore, for less than $10 per unit, depending on volume.

The company offers a licensing agreement that covers two components, the GIC100 Gemcore interface chip and a microcontroller that manages communications between the smart card and the larger system.

The product reflects Gemplus' commitment to open standards, such as those of the PC/SC WorkGroup, which is promoting smart card readability on personal computers.

"The Gemcore package provides the easiest, least expensive way for vendors to incorporate reader technology into whatever device they choose," said Regine Wojciechowski, Gemplus director of business development for North America.

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