Gemalto is the first smart card player to successfully align its product with the functional requirements outlined by GlobalPlatform to manage applications on UICC technology.

GlobalPlatform, the international organisation which standardises the management of applications on secure chip technology, launched its compliance programme earlier this year. Gemalto is the first digital security player to achieve GlobalPlatform certification for a UICC product. In becoming GlobalPlatform qualified, Gemalto's UICC gives reassurances to those using its product that it has successfully met the required functionality needed to manage applications that reside on the UICC in line with GlobalPlatform Card Specification v2.2. The GlobalPlatform certification also confirms the UICC is adaptable and scalable to accommodate multiple-applications, and can support multiple-business models and multiple-actors within the mobile services landscape.

As the first full service testing facility to receive GlobalPlatform qualification for both its tools and ISO 17025 accredited laboratories, FIME has been entrusted by Gemalto to provide the expertise required to independently evaluate its product.

Kevin Gillick, Executive Director of GlobalPlatform, comments: "We are delighted to see the first GlobalPlatform certified UICC product come to market. The standardisation of this technology offers many industry benefits as it will essentially enable the market to build a trusted end-to-end solution. This is vital as more and more services are delivered through mobile devices, and the market evolves to incorporate many new stakeholders and support new technical and business partnerships."

Stephanie El Rhomri, New Services Marketing Manager at FIME, adds: "The development of standards is vital to create market stability, ensure applications operate as advertised once live in the field and can be appropriately managed. Engaging with an independent third party to deliver the testing activity provides all stakeholders with confidence, which is important as the secure mobile services ecosystem is still emerging. The work of the GlobalPlatform Compliance Programme plays a key role in delivering these assurances and creating a trusted, secure and sustainable mobile services marketplace. We foresee demand for GlobalPlatform qualifications growing throughout the coming year."

FIME recently announced that its Asian laboratory has also received GlobalPlatform approval, enabling the company to provide testing services in both Europe and Asia. It has also become the first full service testing facility to receive GlobalPlatform approval to deliver qualifications for the Basic Financial Configuration.