The program emphasizes research and development of new and existing smart card technologies, including the investigation of using this technology for remote Internet services, electronic commerce, and access authorization. The main focus of the research will be on enhanced data security using smart cards.
Smart cards are wallet-sized cards that look like credit cards in size and material.
They may have raised letters or numbers, photos, or logos much like credit cards. There is one key difference, however, the smart cards actually have tiny computers embedded in them. While it is primarily used as a photo ID, the M-Card may also be used for banking purposes, making small purchases from participating merchants, library services, and secure entrances to buildings. There are more than 94,000 M-Cards active today. Cards can be used at 56 merchants and 340 cashpoints, and at 23 reload devices.