The decision to join demonstrates Athena's commitment to contribute to the development of card specifications, particularly in the areas of government and identity.

Athena, which has vast experience with large-scale ID projects, joins GlobalPlatform as a Participating Member. The organization, which works to provide developers, integrators, original equipment manufacturers and users with the optimal professional platforms for smart card integration and operability, will actively contribute in the organization's Card Committee, task forces and various working groups.

Ian Simmons, Vice-President of Engineering at Athena, comments: "Athena decided to join GlobalPlatform as a Participating Member to benefit from cooperation with other industry leaders. Our involvement in the Card Committee is important to us and our partners due to GlobalPlatform's work with government and identity card configurations. We are very excited to have the opportunity to influence the direction in which GlobalPlatform specifications are evolving."

Kevin Gillick, Executive Director of GlobalPlatform, adds: "GlobalPlatform is delighted to welcome Athena to the association. We look forward to supporting its development in the industry as well as benefiting from its contribution to our ongoing initiatives to simplify and accelerate the adoption of interoperable smart card technology."

Further membership benefits for Athena 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 voting privileges.