Microsoft is entering the electronic wallet and smart card fields. "Globes" has learned that, at the beginning of January, the Redmond, Washington software company will unveil the beta version of a platform for developing smart card applications, based on the Windows CE operating system, intended for palm-top computers and embedded systems.
Initial details of Microsoft’s program were revealed during the Cartes 98 exhibition at the end of last October, but did not gain media coverage. It turns out that Microsoft is cooperating with two of the leading smart card companies: Shlumberger and Gemplus.
In addition, Merrill Lynch and Cable & Wireless have joined the venture, and will conduct the first trials. Merrill Lynch will use the new platform to develop a smart card giving access to the company’s secure information network via the Internet. Together with Cable & Wireless, an overall access strategy for secure information networks will be developed.
Details of Microsoft’s move also emerged in legal proceedings between an Israeli company and a former employee. It was revealed in the case that Microsoft conducted negotiations to buy Israeli smart card technology, but eventually decided to develop the technology itself, with the active assistance of an Israeli software engineer.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on November 25, 1998