Let’s decode the functioning of Smart Card Programmer together !

Smart card development is quite popular today. A smart card is almost like a mini computer, and calls for smart card programming to function smoothly. Almost each one of us must have seen a smart card that functions like a mini computer but differs from it in this regard that it’s devoid of any monitor or keyboard. To read the smart cards or update the data in the same, smart card readers are required.

The operating system of a smart card offers a platform for running different applications, and can be placed under two broad groups namely, Disk Drive and Secure device OS. If we talk about the first kind of operating system which is Disk Drive, we’d find that it encompasses a memory manager in active form that can carry out the on-demand loading of any file or application. In addition, it also does enable distribution of active files and their management.

JavaCard is one of the most popular smart card OS today that is based on Java Card technology and allows Java applets to run on an ISO compliant card through a standard API, and also allows for chip-independent implementation of different applications.

The primary advantage of Disk Drive approach is that the card can be conveniently substituted, and the whole substitution affair does not take a heavy toll on the pocket of the user. However, the point to note is that the start-up cost is bit on the higher side, and needs more free memory to address the application uploads likely to take place in the near future. As this approach involves extensive use of costly semiconductors, these smart cards are relatively more expensive. Also, the cost of maintaining security infrastructure is also higher as there exist several points of entry to the different functions of card system.

In the second approach, a smart card is treated like a safe device, and the admin plays the pivotal role of granting permissions to access these files. It’s only through the operating system that these files can be conveniently accessed and the data can be used thereon. There exists no alternate route to access these files as the user sets the data access rights. Once you get the permission to access file structure, you can then use the OS to run your applications and the commands get transmitted to the smart card through the reader, which helps the user to access the desired application.

Adam George is a well known writer. He has written many articles on various topics including outsourcing, Presently writing on Software services, Offshore Software Development , Java Card Technology and other Software testing services.