The decision demonstrates FIME's commitment to contribute to the development of a standardized smart card infrastructure and GlobalPlatform's drive towards creating an open compliance ecosystem.

As a Participating Member, FIME will be entitled to contribute to all aspects of GlobalPlatform activity including its Card Committee which aims to define industry and technology neutral specifications for card and application management. It will also have an opportunity to participate in the Mobile and Government Task Forces, which play a key role in identifying market specific implementation guides for deploying GlobalPlatform technology, such as the GlobalPlatform UICC Configuration for the mobile sector.

Vincent Poty, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development for FIME, comments: "Having been involved in GlobalPlatform as a subsidiary of long-standing member, France Telecom, FIME is already acquainted with the association's activities and merit within the smart card sector. As a part of GlobalPlatform in its own right, FIME intends to actively participate in the promotion of the organization's initiatives and increase the visibility of its achievements and GlobalPlatform solutions on the international smart card scene."

Kevin Gillick, Executive Director of GlobalPlatform, adds: "GlobalPlatform is fully aware of the capabilities and expertise FIME has to offer and we are delighted that it has decided to cement this relationship through its own membership to GlobalPlatform. The move clearly demonstrates the company's support and dedication to achieve long-term market interoperability."

Further membership benefits for FIME include: the ability to participate in GlobalPlatform's Advisory Council, which provides direct access for members to the GlobalPlatform Executive Director and Board of Directors; all-member meeting attendance; and weighted voting privileges.