MULTOS is a Multi-Application Operating System for Smart Cards- Ideal for the Highest Security Needs

MULTOS is a multi-application operating system for smart cards that is ideal for the highest security needs. MULTOS is the first, open, high security, multi-application operating system for smart cards (hence 'MULT-OS'). The beauty of this system is that diverse parties can develop applications to run on the same card so that the applications can co-reside both independently and securely. This way applications from various vendors can be combined, all securely independent of each other.

Early smart cards were costly and inflexible. Until the emergence of multi-application smart cards, each software application representing a product or service on a card was written for a specific operating system, which in turn was particular to a hardware (chip) or silicon platform supplier. Before MULTOS, a card issuer had to commit to a specific application developer, operating system, and chip for each service the issuer wished to provide to its customer base. The issuer had almost no flexibility to change any of these components without having to invest funds into a new software and/or hardware implementation. Consumers had to carry a different card for each service or function they wished to benefit from. If the product or service changed in any way, the cardholder would need a replacement card.

As the leading high security, multi-application operating system, MULTOS has changed the smart card proposition for both issuers and cardholders. MULTOS provides increased convenience and flexibility for users while delivering savings and a wealth of opportunities for issuers across all business sectors. The open nature of the MULTOS platform allows anyone to issue cards, write applications, implement the operating system on a specific chip, manufacture smart cards, or provide value added products which support MULTOS.

Secure Multi-Application Smart Card Operating System

Silicon providers undergo rigorous testing to prove security, tamper resistance, and inter-operability. We believe that MULTOS as a smart card platform provides the highest level of security. Applications are isolated from each other; a system of firewalls makes sure that data cannot be accessed without proper authorization. Application providers do not need to trust each other nor even have any relationship with each other.

MULTOS Application Loading and Unloading

MULTOS allows applications to be loaded on-the-fly. This means that a smart card with a MULTOS 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 a MULTOS OS, can load applications over the Internet, thereby changing the set of available applications over the smart card's lifetime. One day the smart card could contain an electronic purse and a metro travel application. The next day (with proper authorization ) the student could add an electronic key to access the university network. This is extremely efficient and beneficial for both the cardholder and the card issuer and can be done securely over insecure networks.

CardWerk offers MULTOS Development and Consulting Services.

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