Rosh Pina-based OTI (Nasdaq: OTIV, Neuer Markt: OT5) announced today that it had entered into an agreement to provide its contactless smart card technology for use in the China National ID project.
Over 850 million people aged 18 and over are expected to use the new ID system through thousands of interfacing points. The new system - based on a contactless platform - will enable higher efficiency and reduce fraud and counterfeiting substantially, OTI says.
The company said it received an initial order for the engineering of the new products, but did not disclose the value of the deal.
Under the agreement, OTI will supply its microprocessor technology to a Chinese company chosen by the country’s Ministry of Public Security. The technology will enable production of contactless ID cards, and is fully compatible with ISO 14443 standards for contactless transactions, OTI says. A prototype is expected during 2003.
The China National ID project calls for the replacement of the laminated paper ID cards and manual checkpoints systems which have been utilized for the past 20 years, and which are currently being used by the residents of each province of the country.
Established in 1990, OTI (On Track Innovations) develops chip-based smart card technology for various applications, including product solutions for mass transit, parking, gas management systems, loyalty schemes, ID and secure campuses.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on 2 December, 2002