Martin S. Nicklous

Web Application Servers

In recent years, the World Wide Web has evolved from a network of static information to a dynamic application deployment and management system.

The Service Layer

The OpenCard Framework service layer shields the application programmer from smart card details. This layer abstracts the smart card and on-card applications. Figure 10.1 shows the general structure of this layer.

What Pervasive Computing Is All About

The upcoming industrialization of the 19th century was a result of the steam engine, which was developed by James Watt. Energy was used to extend the power and strength of the workers and soon became a key factor of the economy. Since generated energy could not be transmitted over distances at those times, the engines and machines were concentrated at those locations where energy was produced. Large mills and plants were the typical symbol of that era.

Smart Card Readers and Terminals

To write and read data to a smart card or to execute a command on a smart card, it is necessary to have a physical connection with the card. To make the connection with a contact card, it has to be inserted in a smart card acceptance device. In this chapter we give an overview of the different types of card acceptance devices.

Portals and Access Services

We are facing a flood of information every day. It is a challenge to find the information we need and filter out all the non relevant data. Portal services help to get a more structured and user centric access to content. They provide channels bundling content related to specific topics. The physical network access can be part of the offering too. The portal company often exposes the front-end interface integrating other embedded service providers, which contribute content or applications. That concept is quite similar to today’s shopping malls.

Internet Protocols and Formats

This chapter provides an overview of standard protocols and formats used for data communication on the Internet.

Travel and Business Services

The travel industry evolved from centralized reservation systems, which were only accessed by travel agencies, to direct customer interaction using the Internet. The next step is extending the availability of travel agency services to ubiquity, allowing travelers to take advantage of these services with the help of mobile devices, even at the time these travelers are already on the road. It seams to be self-evident that many early adopters of Pervasive Computing devices were mobile professionals, traveling frequently on business.

Information Access Devices

Handheld computers comprise the largest group of Internet connectable pervasive devices. They are small, lightweight, and fit into pockets. A stylus is used to tap on a touch screen to activate applications or enter data. Currently two major operating systems are applied on handheld devices: Palm OS and Windows CE.

OCF and e-business

Today, a lot of companies and businesses are transforming into e-businesses to improve their internal efficiency, to improve the link to their suppliers, and to reach new markets via the Internet. The rising number of e-business transactions and increasing transaction values make security a top priority. As a result, integration of secure tokens like smart cards into e-business applications becomes more and more important (see Chapter 3).

Introduction to OpenCard

The history of the OpenCard Framework begins in 1997 with the introduction of the Network Computer. Companies like Sun, Oracle, and IBM worked on Network Computers to combine the advantages of a desktop computer with the low administration and maintenance cost of a terminal. The first Network Computers already contained smart card readers, and since Java is the language of choice on Network Computers, the idea of a Java framework for smart card access was born.