Smart Card Essay

1333 Words3 Pages

For the past 20 years, consumers have used some form of electronic commerce. As explained by González (2001) , ...a smart card can generally be defined as a plastic card with dimensions similar to traditional credit/debit cards, into which an electronic device has been incorporated to allow information storage. Frequently, it also has an integrated circuit with data processing capacity. Smart cards are normally separated into two categories: memory cards and microprocessor cards, commonly named smart cards for their capability to do data processing and the sophisticated algorithms embedded in them (isaca.org).
This paper will discuss how the Smart Card has evolved and changed the way independent consumers and companies have implemented smart card usage into their daily activities. Additionally, it will compare the advantages and disadvantages. Case in point, a Smart Card can be used to allow people to gain entry into their work place, a gated community or pay for merchandise without using cash.

What is a Smart Card?
Do you or someone you know live in a gated community? If so, to gain access into the secured area of the community requires the use of a smart card. (MIT, 1997)… The official definition of “Smart Card” is an integrated circuit card with memory capable of making decisions. Smart cards typically have three or four components: a plastic card, a set of electronic contacts, an electronic integrated circuit and, in some cases, a magnetic band. (González, 2001) …The lack of security and a fear of hackers are some of the reasons that have caused the slow growth in online interactive commercial transactions among individuals and enterprises, generally called consumer–to-business (C2B) e-commerce.
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...ic diseases. Another use is storing electronic prescriptions, as well as, encrypting patients' medical data. The cards are used in countries such as the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Sweden and South Africa. (eweek, Horowitz, 2012)
Smart cards have been in use for at least a decade, they are just starting to take off in the United States. Smart cards are much more popular in Europe than in the United States. In Europe, the health insurance and banking industries use smart cards extensively.
According to Brian Horowitz of eWeek, the market for smart cards in health care and government will reach $72 billion in value by 2016, according to a report by ABI Research. The March 22 report, "Smart Cards in Government and Healthcare Citizen ID," concludes that the smart card market will peak in 2014 and then level off at close to $15 billion. B. Horowitz, (2014).

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