Java Card: A Multi-Application Operating System for Smart Cards

Java Card is an open, multi-application operating system for smart cards. Diverse parties can develop applications for same smart card using their respective Java programming skills. The resulting applets run on the same card and co-reside independently. Thus, applications from various vendors can be combined after being separately developed.

Until the emergence of multi-application smart cards, each software application representing a product or service on a card was written for a card-specific operating system, which in turn was particular to a hardware (chip) or silicon platform supplier. In most cases, there wasn't even an operating system between the hardware layer and the card edge. A card issuer had to commit to a specific application developer, operating system, and chip for each service the issuer wished to provide. The issuer had almost no flexibility to change any of these components without having to invest funds in new software and/or hardware implementation. Cardholders were forced to carry a different card for each service or function. If a product or service to a cardholder changed in any way, the cardholder would have to receive a replacement card. Early smart cards were therefore costly and inflexible.

Java Card has changed the smart card proposition for both card issuers and cardholders. Java cards provide increased convenience and flexibility for users while delivering savings and a wealth of opportunities for issuers across all business sectors.

Java Applet Loading and Unloading

Java Card allows applications to be loaded on-the-fly. Thus, a smart card with a Java Card operating system can change features during its lifetime. This is beneficial for both the cardholder and the card issuer and eliminates time consuming paperwork.

EXAMPLE: A student who has been issued a smart card with a Java Card OS can load applications (Java applets) over the Internet and can change the set of available applications over the smartcard's lifetime. (Proper authorization would be required, of course.) This process can take place securely even over insecure networks. The student's card could contain an electronic purse and a metro travel application. Later, the student could add an electronic key for logical access the university network.

CardWerk offers Java Card Development and Consulting Services.

Please contact us for further information about our smart card development and consulting services.