6 6 2001

Live trials of commercial mobile value-added services by the foremost SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card suppliers have confirmed the interoperability of the latest Java Card(TM) 2.1 standard.

Conducted by the pioneering Spanish operator Telefonica Moviles(TM), the trial ran identical information-on-demand and pre-paid value-added service (VAS) applets on Java SIMs from Gemplus®, Oberthur Card Systems(TM) and Schlumberger(TM). This is the first full trial by a GSM operator, and sends a very positive signal to operators worldwide, as they plan their VAS deployment strategies.

``The implementation of real-world SIM Toolkit services using the new Java platform is a milestone for progress in mobile services,'' says Carlos Gomez Melendo at Telefonica Moviles. ``For us, the portability of this platform translates to faster development and more economic deployment of new services, because it avoids the multiple and complex validations required when using proprietary SIM technologies.''

Complete interoperability is seen as critical to shortening time to market for new value-added mobile services, by streamlining service delivery and maximizing flexibility of card supply, and the results of the trials will be welcomed by the global operator community looking to promote SMS-based services. This ground-breaking co-operative development by the three leading smart card suppliers will also benefit other SIM card providers worldwide, and will be made available to the smart card industry via the SIM Alliance association.

Telefonica Moviles has already deployed the highly successful ``Informacion'' info-on-demand service, and the sophisticated Activa pre-paid application with roaming capabilities on various SIM platforms. Not all these platforms are aligned on the same core technology and standards, and Telefonica Moviles was keen to put the concept of portability and interoperability of Java SIM cards to the test.

Initially developed in a few weeks, the Informacion and Activa applets were successfully loaded and executed on three different Java SIM platforms - GemXpresso® from Gemplus, SIMphonIC(TM) from Oberthur, and Simera® from Schlumberger.

``This convincing confirmation of interoperability reinforces the position of the SIM card as the preferred platform for mobile services,'' said Michel Canitrot, Vice-President, GSM & Public Telephony at Gemplus. ``Now the hard work has been done, our customers can plan their long term value-added service strategies with confidence.''

``As well as demonstrating the capabilities of Java cards, we've shown just how well we can all work together for the customer's benefit,'' said Stephane Mousse, Head of Marketing for Mobile Communications at Oberthur Card Systems. ``This augurs extremely well for future developments in existing and new generation networks.''

``We've always known that true interoperability was achievable, given the will on all sides - and now we've proved we can deliver it,'' said Xavier Chanay, Vice-President Mobile Communications Products, Schlumberger. ``And I have to say, it's particularly gratifying to see a valued and long-standing partner reaping the benefits.'' At a time when mobile operators are increasingly promoting the SMS channel, the latest Java SIM platform is seen as a key technology enabler for rapid and flexible deployment of data communications VASs. GemXpresso, SIMphonIC and Simera's SIMs support ETSI standards, including 03.19 and 03.48, as well as Java 2.1 and Open Platform 2.0 specifications.

About SIM Alliance

SIMalliance is a collaboration of the world's leading SIM card manufacturers Gemplus, Bull, Giesecke & Devrient, Graphium, Oberthur Card Systems, Orga Kartensysteme and Schlumberger. The alliance was formed to meet the convergence of the Mobile and Internet worlds and promotes standardised access to Internet content using existing SIM technology, existing Phase 2+ handsets and existing infrastructure. (c)2001 Gemplus S.A. All rights reserved. Gemplus and GemXpresso are registered trademarks and service marks of Gemplus S.A. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.