Consider what the smart card will be used for…
Some smart cards are suited to certain applications such as access, payment or transport ticketing. How much data needs to be stored on the card? Different types of smart card can hold different amounts of data; choose from memory only cards or micro-processor cards.
Is the card going to be used for one service or multiple services? Is there a possibility that in the future there may be services that can be added to the card, even if they are not needed now? Smart cards are particularly valuable when they combine a number of service applications.
Does the form factor need to be that of a plastic card, could the technology be more useful as a key fob, wristwatch or mobile phone?
Consider the true cost of ownership…
Irrespective of card, what does it cost to put a card into someone’s hand? Cards come in a variety of memory configurations, and are priced accordingly. Next they need to be printed and personalised and mounted on to a card carrier. Following this they need to be sent to the customer.
What about the next card or application?
Multi application smart cards can hold more than one application; a DESFire card can be used as an ENCTS concessionary travel card and hold other entitlements as apps. Cards such as these require applications to be added at the personalisation stage – i.e. before they are issued to a customer. If a local authority subsequently wants to add another entitlement or ‘app’ they will need to issue their customer with a brand new card at additional cost.
Rambus Ecebs native smart cards can be updated with new software and entitlements at the personalisation stage AND after they have been issued to a customer, this represents real savings for local authorities who can then easily add, delete or amend apps or entitlements for their customers.
Consider the security of the smart card…
Our native cards are certified to banking level security and hold more than 6 times the application data space of a DESFire 4k card. Ecebs offer a choice of payment applications, where one or more can reside on the same card as required.
The protection of customer data is paramount, as the use of cards increases for travel, e money schemes, proof of age, proof of entitlement etc. the importance of card security must be considered carefully. Ecebs have the knowledge and experience to provide the advice and smart cards that are appropriate for your needs.
