STMicro, Aspects collaborate on Java SIM card solution

25 Feb 2003 — STMicroelectronics and Aspects Software Ltd have signed a license agreement to provide a system solution for a Java Card technology based GSM SIM that is expected to decrease development time and speed time-to-market for card manufacturers and network operators.

The terms of the agreement will enable the combination of the ST19WG34 secure microcontroller in ST’s 0.185m EEPROM technology, with Aspects OS755 GlobalPlatform compliant Java Card OS with integrated GSM Phase 2+ Release 1999 SIM applet. The solution will also provide a migration path to 3G Universal SIM technology.

The solution also allows the development of SIM toolkit applets with Aspects tools, while maintaining the freedom of integrating third-party application developments.

“By coupling Aspects’ technology with the ST19WG34, we will provide a ready-to-use JavaCard solution for GSM Phase 2+ SIMs that will serve the growing customer base that want to add an advanced SIM product to their portfolio in a time and cost effective manner,” said Alain Jarre, director of the mobile business unit within ST’s Smartcard division.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today’s convergence markets. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2002, the Company’s net revenues were $6.32 billion and net earnings were $429.4 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

About Aspect Software Ltd

For over 10 years, Aspects has been involved in the smart card industry: taking part in standards development, developing test tools and offering consultancy and training. Recently, we have focused on smart cards for the telecommunications market. We develop tools and test suites for testing SIMs and USIMs as well as handsets. Our testing tools are used by card and handset manufacturers to develop and test products. They are also used by network operators to test cards and handsets. Our testing tools use flexible Java APIs that take testing beyond standards conformance.

Aspects’ tools consist of a hardware platform and a number of software applications in three areas:

• Spying/monitoring: tools that monitor the communication between card and handset without interrupting it. These are invaluable for debugging and error finding.
• Card testing: tools and test suites that simulate the handset end of the communication. You can write repeatable tests to ensure that a card works as it should.
• Handset testing: tools and test suites that simulate a SIM or USIM and let you write and test the handset behaviour thoroughly.