TOKYO , Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SCM Microsystems Japan, Inc., a subsidiary of SCM Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SCMM, Prime Standard: SMY), announced today that it has joined the Shared Security Formats Cooperation (SSFC), an alliance of leading Japanese technology companies that aims to establish a securely shared new data format for contactless smart cards, enabling multiple security applications to be managed using a single smart card. SCM has joined at the customer partner level.
The SSFC alliance advances the use of contactless smart card technology in the enterprise environment by defining standards and specifications that promote interoperability between different smart card-based devices and applications. The organization's standards and specifications are shared exclusively among its member companies, and SSFC alliance members develop their access control systems, printers, CCTV surveillance cameras, PC software and other smart card-based solutions for the enterprise in line with these standards. To date, SSFC standards support FeliCa(R), the primary contactless technology used in Japan .
Before a shared standard was defined, an employee might need a different smart card for each security system in the workplace, for example, entering the office, logging on to a PC or network, using printers, or buying lunch in the company cafeteria. Taking advantage of a securely shared, standardized data format, the same employee can now perform all these functions with just one smart card. One single SSFC card can be used to manage multiple applications, and at the same time, the device linkage ensures a highly secure enterprise environment. For example, an employee can only use the equipment in the office if his or her ID card also has a door entry record.
"SCM Microsystems is pleased to join the SSFC alliance to promote the SSFC solution globally, with SCM's contactless devices, desktop reader/writers, access control terminals and other products," said Shunichi Fujii , president of SCM Microsystems Japan, Inc. "We continually look for ways to strengthen our leadership in interface technology for both contact and contactless smart card infrastructures. SSFC is an important platform to enhance and expand our reader technology for business usage."
In November 2008 , SCM announced an NFC-enabled multiprotocol smart card reader that is planned to support SSFC-compliant smart cards via the Microsoft Windows(R) application programming interface (API) provided by the SSFC alliance, and which will be initially targeted at Windows PC log-on applications.
SSFC alliance members include access control companies, printer vendors, security locker and security equipment manufacturers, CCTV surveillance system providers, PC software developers and others. The alliance carries out its work through committees that focus on various areas of interest, for example the enterprise market. It promotes the SSFC standard by formulating and updating SSFC specifications, creating business opportunities, and expanding the security business market.
About SSFC
Founded in 2005, the Shared Security Formats Cooperation (SSFC) is an alliance aiming to establish a new data format on contactless smart cards for greater enterprise security. The SSFC secretariat office is located at Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan . The alliance's mission is to ease the use of contactless technology in the enterprise environment by defining standards that member companies can follow when developing their own security solutions. As of September 2008 , more than 160 Japanese companies already have joined the SSFC. SSFC alliance members include access control companies, printer manufacturers, security equipment manufacturers, security locker manufacturers, CCTV surveillance system providers, and developers of PC software and other technologies.
About SCM Microsystems
SCM Microsystems is a leading provider of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to conveniently access digital content and services. The company develops, markets and sells the industry's broadest range of smart card reader technology for secure PC, network and physical access and digital media readers for transfer of digital content to OEM customers in the government, financial, enterprise, consumer electronics and photographic equipment markets worldwide. Global headquarters are in Ismaning, Germany . For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems web site at http://www.scmmicro.com.
Note: FeliCa is s registered trademark of Sony Corporation, Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation and all other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE SCM Microsystems
