What is smart card?
Look like standard plastic cards
Equipped with an embedded Integrated Circuit (IC) chip
Can store information, carry out local processing on the data stored and perform complex calculations
Can be “ contact ” cards which require a card reader or “contactless” cards which use radio frequency signals to operate


Why consider Smart Card?
IF
A portable record of one or more applications is necessary or desirable
The records are likely to require updating over time
The records will interface with more than one automated system
Security and confidentiality of the records are important

THEN
The Smart card is a feasible automation solution for making data processing and data transfer more efficient and secure


Advantages of Smart Card:
Data capacity for highly security
Adherence to international standards
Established track record in real world applications
Expandability
Durability and long expected life span
Support multiple applications and secure independent data storage on one single chips