The new card is based on GlobalPlatform Specifications, uses Java Card technology and comprises an Operating System and EMV applet, which have both received approval from Visa.



A unique feature of the card is that the EMV payment applet is integrated with the GlobalPlatform-based Operating System in the ROM of the chip, rather than being stored in the external memory. This offers issuers better performance and much higher security, which is a key consideration, particularly for EMV payment applications.



Another key feature which is enabled due to the card's GlobalPlatform and Java functionality is its post-issuance download capability. Issuers from the financial and banking community will be able to load new applications, such as electronic signature or identification applications, onto cards once they have been issued to cardholders.



Since the Advantis JCrypto GP Cards - as with the rest of the card products included in the Advantis family - are based on the SERMEPA strategic model which is open to different providers, they allow issuers multi-sourcing opportunities, as different card manufacturers can supply the Advantis products.



Carmen Carnero Silvo, Deputy General Manager at SERMEPA and GlobalPlatform Board Member, comments: "SERMEPA is pleased to become one of the first providers of a Visa-certified EMV card product based on open standards in Europe. Most EMV card programs launched in Europe to date have been based on proprietary solutions and this presents issuers with some limitations. By bringing the Advantis JCrypto GP Card to market, SERMEPA provides issuers wishing to deploy open EMV payment products with an alternative, unique and totally secure solution."



Bob Beer, Vice President of Business Development at Datacard Group and Chairman of GlobalPlatform, adds: "As an active Full Member of GlobalPlatform, SERMEPA has always demonstrated commitment to the development and promotion of interoperable smart card speccard specifications across the card, device and systems infrastructure. The launch of their new card product, based on GlobalPlatform Specifications, is a real milestone, not only for SERMEPA but also for GlobalPlatform. It is a clear demonstration that there is a strong demand for open and interoperable EMV products within the payments industry and the launch of this product will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the rate of adoption of GlobalPlatform technology throughout Europe and indeed world-wide."



The Advantis JCrypto GP Card is part of the SERMEPA family of Advantis products. All the Advantis products have been developed with the possibility of being implemented by multiple providers and as such, any card manufacturer, pre-personalizer or personalizer can include them in their portfolio.