Java Card technology from Sun Microsystems is the leading force behind the adoption of smart card solutions for digital identity in America.
The global e-commerce player's Java Card technology is the only smart card technology approved by the US National Security Agency (NSA) and the US Department of Defense (DoD) as well as the three leading major payment associations MasterCard, Visa and American Express.
"The need for global smart card solutions with secure identification methods has become increasingly important in today's society," comments Peter Castle, senior systems engineer: Java at Sun Microsystems SA.
"Sun's Java Card technology meets the requirements of various institutions and businesses as it supports multiple, independently secure applications with a single smart card.
"This solves the historical problem of incompatibility among different smart card systems - once again highlighting the importance of Java's 'write once, run anywhere' functionality."
The DoD is issuing Common Access Cards to 4.3 million active duty US military personnel and eligible contractors. They required an open, multi-application smart card solution that met the security requirements of the US government. Says Castle: "Our technology meets the security requirements for cryptographic modules and is thereby considered an approved solution for the DoD and other organisations."
Robert Branderwie, deputy director, defense manpower datacenter, US DoD adds that Sun's smart card solutions provide the department's personnel with the digital keys for secure authentication and identification around the world.
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The US National Institute of Standards and Technology has certified the Schlumberger Cyberflex Access Java Card technology-based smart card to a FIPS 140-1 Level 2 certification and the Dallas Semiconductor 1955 Java-Powered Cryptographic iButton to a FIPS 140-1 Security Level 3 certification. In addition, the NSA has certified the process of issuing the DoD CAC.
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