Advantages of Contactless Smart Cards

There are a number of advantages to consider when comparing contactless technology to contact smart cards and 125 kHz proximity cards:

1. Convenience: Given the choice, users will virtually always choose contactless over contact technology. Contactless smart card users do not have to worry about where to insert the card, how to insert the card, or how fast to slide the card.

2. Less Maintenance/Warranty: Contactless smart cards require very little wear and tear maintenance because they contain no moving parts and require no points of contact. As a result, most contactless smart cards come with lifetime warranties covering defects and workmanship.

3. Higher Security: Contactless products are uniquely capable of providing optimal transmission security with optional encryption and mutual authentication features. Mutual authentication is a three-way communication process between a card and reader using hashed, encrypted messages to authenticate each other without broadcasting a shared secret key.

4. Large Memory: Contactless cards have a data storage capacity approximately 100 times greater than that of a proximity card. Contactless smart cards can also process information, calculate mathematical formulas and perform other computing functions.

5. Enhanced Privacy: Even large biometric templates can be stored and verified using a single contactless smart card, allowing private information to stay in the possession of the card holder instead of being stored in a data base.

6. Versatile Form Factors: Unlike its contact counterparts, contactless smart communication can utilize a variety of credential technologies. Keychain fobs, watches and even stickers can be used as contactless credentials.

7. Multiple Applications: Carrying a contactless smart card is like carrying many cards in one. A single contactless smart card can manage multiple applications such as access control, payment systems, cashless vending, paring, mass transit, etc. Additional features and applications can be added to a contactless smart card as user needs evolve.

8. Future Protection: Contactless smart technology will no doubt soon replace mag strip and proximity technologies. Choosing contactless products now will avoid the use of obsolete and outdated systems while providing the best avenue for system expandability.