GlobalPlatform and STIP Device Technology Explained
Reference Manual for GPD/STIP Device Specifications Launched to Help Software Developers Create Interoperable Applications
4 August 2003 - A Users’ Guide to the device specifications jointly developed by the GlobalPlatform Device Committee (GPD) and the Small Terminal Interoperability Platform Consortium (STIP) has been released today to give software developers a set of guidelines to follow when writing applications for devices supporting GPD/STIP technology*.
The ultimate impact of the GPD/STIP Users’ Guide will be to increase the number of developers with the knowledge and ability required to produce applications that are interoperable across all types of small devices, including mobile phones, EFT-POS terminals, PC-connected secure readers, payphones, parking meters, vending machines and PDAs.
In addition to facilitating global application development, the GPD/STIP Users’ Guide, which was written by STIP member Calton Hill, will also give developers a greater understanding of the GPD software architecture and the STIP software framework by explaining the technologies in a structured, easy-to-follow reference document.
Jean-Paul Billon, Chair of both the GlobalPlatform Device Committee and the STIP Consortium, comments: “The value of the GPD/STIP Users’ Guide to the smart card acceptance device industry, lies in its ability to simplify otherwise complex information on the emerging GPD/STIP technologies and make it relevant to software developers in the form of a comprehensive reference manual.
“It will have an enormous impact on the industry as it will increase competition, give more organizations the opportunity for added value and generally drive the industry forward. The Users’ Guide complements the GPD/STIP Simulator that was recently announced by GlobalPlatform. Developers can use the guide to learn about the technology, then go on to develop their own applications using the simulator as a testing workbench. Subsequently the applications can be deployed on real devices that have a STIP-compliant platform.”
Steve Rooney, Managing Director of Calton Hill, says: “Calton Hill is delighted to be working with GlobalPlatform and the STIP Consortium. I am certain that the Users’ Guide will become the standard reference work for designers and developers working with the emerging GPD/STIP technologies. Along with the Users’ Guide we are also releasing two example applications, which are referred to extensively throughout the guide to illustrate the concepts.”
The Users’ Guide, example applications and simulator are all available for free download from the GlobalPlatform public web site: www.globalplatform.org
*GPD/STIP technology is based on an application programming interface (API) which allows the same on-device code to run on a wide range of card acceptance devices.
To arrange an interview with a GlobalPlatform spokesperson or for further media information, please contact Lee’ann Connell or Sarah Bayne at Sinclair Mason on Tel: + 44 (0) 113 237 0777 or e-mail: leeannc@sinclairmason.com or sarahb@sinclairmason.com
About GlobalPlatform:
Driven by over 50 cross-industry member organizations, GlobalPlatform is the leading, international association, focused on establishing and maintaining interoperable specifications for single and multi-application smart cards, acceptance devices and systems infrastructure that deliver benefits to Issuers, service providers and technology suppliers.
These specifications are known as the standard for smart card infrastructure, thanks to their balance of technical superiority and business justification.
GlobalPlatform specifications are available royalty-free and have been adopted in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia by many public and private bodies. Currently, there are over 20 GlobalPlatform-based smart card implementations world-wide and by December 2003, estimates predict 40 million GlobalPlatform cards will be in global circulation.
GlobalPlatform is an independent, not-for-profit organization and its strategy is defined and prioritized by a Board of Directors.
About STIP Consortium:
The Small Terminal Interoperability Platform (STIP) Consortium was created in 2000 by a group of payment terminal manufacturers to design a common application programming framework for devices involved in secure transaction. The STIP Consortium published in 2002 the version 2.1 of its specification, which is a major and stable release.
The STIP Consortium and GlobalPlatform have signed an agreement of cooperation that results in the endorsement of STIP 2.1 as the foundation of the GPD specification. The STIP Consortium is actively working on two declinations called profiles of the STIP technology, one for EFT-POS terminals, which is now complete, and one for mobile devices still under completion. Another organization, FINREAD www.finread.com has also endorsed the STIP technology and has defined a profile specific for secure personal card readers.
The STIP Consortium has currently 16 members from across US, Australia, China and Europe, including the major EFT-POS manufacturers, Verifone, Hypercom, Ingenico, Thales, Schlumberger, Sagem, Intellect, Shera, Cybernet, software platform providers, Trusted-Logic, Silicomp, Cardsoft and Calton Hill, and for now two major players of the mobile phone industry, the chipset maker Texas Instrument and the mobile phone operator Orange that are working on the completion of the STIP mobile profile. For more information about STIP Consortium, visit www.stip.org
About Calton Hill Limited:
Calton Hill is the world's first software developer focused on designing and developing smart card applications to the STIP API. They design and develop secure applications for fixed and wireless m-commerce transaction environments, offering software products and consultancy services to merchants, acquirers, financial institutions and systems integrators. For more information, visit www.caltonhill.com or call Steve Rooney on +44 131 228 4326, steve.rooney@caltonhill.com.
