In addition, the Gemalto product is compliant with APACS (the UK payment association) specifications. With this convenient device, banking customers use their payment card and their Personal Identification Number (PIN) code to securely access online services, just as easily as they do at point-of-sale terminals. It has already been selected by major banks across Europe and close to one million units will be shipped this year. According to a Dec 2006 report by Frost & Sullivan, Gemalto holds the world's leading position in smart card reader solutions.

Pocket reader is extremely convenient as it is independent from the PC configuration, giving users the freedom to perform online transactions wherever they are, at home or in an Internet café. Having inserted their banking card into the reader, users are prompted to enter their PIN code. Then the device formats and displays a unique and non-reusable numeric password computed by the card, allowing two-factor authentication of its owner.

For financial institutions, this consumer-oriented solution is perfectly adapted to large-scale deployments, as it is based on the payment card and requires no software installation. It ensures the highest levels of security for online transactions, as opposed to static password-based schemes, which will increase consumers' confidence in using e-banking services and contribute to reducing online fraud.

Pocket reader is part of a complete end-to-end solution from Gemalto including the authentication software implemented in the bank's IT system and fulfillment services. These range from customization of the readers with the bank's look and feel through to delivery to the end user. This comprehensive offering ensures peace of mind to Gemalto's bank customers, allowing them to focus on their key activities.