Smart Cards: The Global Information Passport : Managing a Successful Smart Card Program

Imagine a plastic credit card-sized computer that is already replacing the use of cash, charge cards, personal checks, forms of personal identification and more. In all corners of the world, "smart cards" are gaining greater visibility since they have been recognized as often being more intelligent, functional, and secure than the existing magnetic stripe or bar code cards. Smart cards, with embedded micro-processor/memory chips and features that range from storage to interactive computer processing, are allowing business professionals to embark on the wave of revolutionizing consumer transactions.
Illustrated by actual case studies, a global review of smart card applications, and profiles of key players in the industry, Smart Cards guides executives, professionals and entrepreneurs in their consideration of implementing smart cards as an enhancement to their current operation, or as a solution to a particular obstacle. It appraises existing smart card applications, contrasts strengths and weaknesses against other technologies and instructs how to manage a successful smart card program. Leaders in fields such as finance, retail, health care, government, security and transportation will witness success and failure factors of smart card projects and have access to the latest techniques to analyze the industry applications, competitors and resources required for managing a successful business.
Key highlights: Offers a world tour of smart cards and the application development process; focuses on how to select a smart card idea, develop the opportunity, and make it into a viable business; examines how to select the right technology for your particular enterprise; provides guidelines for the new manager of a smart card project - especially during early operations and expansion in selecting vendors, consultants and financing; and shows how to protect your smart card idea and application with special coverage of patents and trademarks.
Smart Cards is the essential book for anyone involved in identifying and evaluating a smart card opportunity, the resources required, the management structure, and the implementation plan in order to manage a successful business program.