Microprocessor Card Operating Systems
It's all about  Choices

At CardLogix we let you choose what's best for your business. We offer the widest array of choices in the market today. Each Card Operating System offers specific benefits and drawbacks.

There are predominately two styles of Card Operating Systems. The Classic  approach treats each card as a secure computing and storage device. Files and permissions to these files are all set by the issuer in advance. The only access to the cards is through the operating system. There is no back doors, no reconfiguration of file structures on the card. Data is read or written to the card through permissions set only by the issuer. The operating system performs a set of “applications” such as authentication and encryption as requested through commands sent to the card. This type of card is the most cost effective in many business settings because you only pay for the size and functions that you specify.

The M.O.S.T. Card Family from CardLogix  and the FIPS2000 system are products in this Style.

The second methodology is the Disk Drive approach to card operating systems. The OS has an active memory manager, this allows you to load onto the card specific “applications” and files. The Card Operating System allows for active file allocation and management. It is designed for card programs that have a long expected user life (4 years +) Multos, the CardLogix M.O.S.T.^TM OS, and the JAVA Card OS are examples of this approach.

The advantage of these cards is replacement costs for cards can go down but the first issuance individual card cost is more expensive. These card architectures  need a larger memory for future unplanned upgrades and a larger program memory to upload applets. This translates to larger semiconductors at a higher cost. This approach also comes with a licensing burden that is ultimately paid by the card issuer. Also, the security infrastructure costs are much higher to manage due to the multiple points of entry to the card system functions.