SEATTLE The Smart card vendor Gemplus and Texas Instruments Inc., the computer maker, have signed a technology-license agreement to provide smart card reader functionality to notebook and desktop computers.
The companies said the deal will help build the infrastructure necessary for the rising demand for electronic commerce, network security, and other smart card applications and services for PCs.
Texas Instruments will integrate Gemplus GemCore smart card interface into its UltraMedia CardBus controller devices, developing a new generation of CardBus products with built-in smart card functionality and EMV compliance. (EMV is a standard created by Europay International, MasterCard International, and Visa that ensures compatibility among payment systems.)
Incorporating smart card reader technology into desktop and notebook computers is an important step to help build the infrastructure necessary for secure information exchange, said Shalini Chowdhary, senior industry analyst for the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan Inc. The agreement provides a valuable solution for PC manufacturers whose users require optimal security, convenience, and flexibility when doing business on the Internet.
