NamITech Limited, the secure solutions provider within the Nampak Group, has successfully rolled out a student identification card system throughout the Potchefstroom University Campus and the Vaal Triangle Campus. The solution is based on the latest secure MIFARE contactless smart card technology.
To date, 22 000 cards have been issued to existing and new students and staff members. The initial application on the card provides the students with controlled access throughout the campus, payment at the university canteen and access to the library management system.
According to Clive Handley, Executive New and Emerging Business at NamITech, Potchefstroom University opted for the MIFARE contactless smart card technology for a number of reasons.
"The MIFARE technology has strong inherent security, is more suitable for a high throughput areas such as a campus, and the card will give the university the ability to easily enable future applications based around the requirements of a closed community. Such applications could include secure payment technology, Public Key Infrastructure [PKI] and digital certificates or even biometrics to ensure strong authentication of students."
As a result of the project, NamITech has gained valuable experience and knowledge of this relatively new technology. "We now have an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of MIFARE, and the possible field applications around it. Using this increased expertise, NamITech has developed its own MIFARE contactless card reader, which can be easily integrated into almost any existing card based access control solution," continues Handley.
One of the problems with traditional contactless cards is that they do not carry the same levels of security as contact-based smart cards. "The real benefit of MIFARE contactless smart cards is that they utilise all the security features associated with contact smart cards but through a contactless medium. The cards have read/write capabilities and sensitive information can be securely stored on the card," explains Handley.
Contactless smart cards, which do not require a firm swipe, are suitable for a number of high volume/low value applications, including public transport and access control.
Share
NamITech Ltd is the secure technology provider within the established Nampak group of companies, focusing on a number of key market areas to provide leading edge technology solutions.
At the heart of the company is the provision of secure end-to-end business solutions and the development and implementation of value-added applications stemming from the intelligent use of smart cards and the latest technology. NamITech`s core areas of expertise are secure card technology, payment solutions and enterprise security solutions. Trust is embedded in all its business solutions and NamITech brings accountability to the converging world of electronic transacting and commerce.
Editorial contacts