Contactless Id Cards Lead the Way in 2006

<h1>Contactless Id Cards Lead the Way in 2006</h1>Author: <a title="Valerie Douard" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/valerie-douard/76289.htm">Valerie Douard</a> The cards industry has been predicting for a number of years that Contactless cards will take over, but it finally seems to be happening. While the security and convenience aspects of contactless cards over magnetic stripe cards are well understood, the adoption of contactless has been relatively slow, particularly in the US. But this is changing now. What is driving the widespread use of Contactless cards? •	Homeland security projects like the FIPS 201 card for US government agencies. •	National ID cards. •	Access Control applications for corporate and educational sites and airports. •	Payment card projects being driven by the major banks and credit card companies. While the high profile government and bank projects are getting the media attention, it's actually the use of contactless cards by companies, airports, and educational establishments for their own use which represents the greatest volume of contactless ID cards. The publicity caused by the government projects is making organizations think about the security and convenience aspects of contactless cards. ENCODING & PRINTING IN ONE For desktop card printing, the ID card printer, such as the Magicard Rio 2 or Tango 2, can be configured to have an inbuilt encoder. The encoder is used to program the personal details for the ID card (such as the user's unique ID number, name, and access privileges). This is done in the printer, usually just before printing the card. The ID card printer becomes a ‘one-stop card issuance station'; a complete, printed and encoded card can be immediately issued to the card holder. OVERCOMING PRINTING CHALLENGES Contactless cards do sometimes present a printing challenge. In the past, contactless cards were often ‘bumpy', with an uneven surface caused by the chip and antenna inside the card. The solution to putting an image on these cards was to print on a ‘stickyback' card, which is then stuck onto the contactless card; this is still used where the user wants to re-use contactless cards, but of course is not a very secure solution. Most contactless cards nowadays are flat and can be printed on consistently; however, some cards, particularly those that combine contactless technology with contact chips, can still be difficult to print on every time. This is where reverse-transfer printing comes in. Reverse transfer is a technology where the image is printed onto a re-transfer film, which is then laminated onto the card. This has the advantage that virtually any card can be printed onto, irrespective of surface irregularities or material type. The Magicard Prima reverse transfer printer can also be fitted with various contactless encoders for one-stop card issuance. In summary, the technology to print and encode contactless cards with desktop ID card printers is well established, and user's should not be afraid of specifiying contactless cards to enhance the security and user friendliness of their ID cards. By Andy Matko, Global Marketing Manager, Ultra Electronics Card Systems <a href="http://www.ultramagicard.com"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ultramagicard.com">http://www.ultramagicard.com</a></a>About the Author: I work as a global marketing and communications manager for Ultra Electronics Manufacturing card systems. I'm French and have now been living in the UK for 10 years. I graduated in business communications from the University of Rennes in France and post-graduated in International Public Relations at the University of Hertforshire, UK. I very much enjoy the creative side of my job, and most of all, the writing bit.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/contactless-id-cards-lead-the-way-in-2006-602182.html" title="Contactless Id Cards Lead the Way in 2006">Contactless Id Cards Lead the Way in 2006</a>

The cards industry has been predicting for a number of years that Contactless cards will take over, but it finally seems to be happening. While the security and convenience aspects of contactless cards over magnetic stripe cards are well understood, the adoption of contactless has been relatively slow, particularly in the US. But this is changing now.

What is driving the widespread use of Contactless cards?
• Homeland security projects like the FIPS 201 card for US government agencies.
• National ID cards.
• Access Control applications for corporate and educational sites and airports.
• Payment card projects being driven by the major banks and credit card companies.

While the high profile government and bank projects are getting the media attention, it's actually the use of contactless cards by companies, airports, and educational establishments for their own use which represents the greatest volume of contactless ID cards. The publicity caused by the government projects is making organizations think about the security and convenience aspects of contactless cards.

ENCODING & PRINTING IN ONE
For desktop card printing, the ID card printer, such as the Magicard Rio 2 or Tango 2, can be configured to have an inbuilt encoder. The encoder is used to program the personal details for the ID card (such as the user's unique ID number, name, and access privileges). This is done in the printer, usually just before printing the card. The ID card printer becomes a ‘one-stop card issuance station'; a complete, printed and encoded card can be immediately issued to the card holder.

OVERCOMING PRINTING CHALLENGES
Contactless cards do sometimes present a printing challenge. In the past, contactless cards were often ‘bumpy', with an uneven surface caused by the chip and antenna inside the card. The solution to putting an image on these cards was to print on a ‘stickyback' card, which is then stuck onto the contactless card; this is still used where the user wants to re-use contactless cards, but of course is not a very secure solution. Most contactless cards nowadays are flat and can be printed on consistently; however, some cards, particularly those that combine contactless technology with contact chips, can still be difficult to print on every time. This is where reverse-transfer printing comes in. Reverse transfer is a technology where the image is printed onto a re-transfer film, which is then laminated onto the card. This has the advantage that virtually any card can be printed onto, irrespective of surface irregularities or material type. The Magicard Prima reverse transfer printer can also be fitted with various contactless encoders for one-stop card issuance.

In summary, the technology to print and encode contactless cards with desktop ID card printers is well established, and user's should not be afraid of specifiying contactless cards to enhance the security and user friendliness of their ID cards.

By Andy Matko, Global Marketing Manager, Ultra Electronics Card Systems

http://www.ultramagicard.com

I work as a global marketing and communications manager for Ultra Electronics Manufacturing card systems. I'm French and have now been living in the UK for 10 years. I graduated in business communications from the University of Rennes in France and post-graduated in International Public Relations at the University of Hertforshire, UK. I very much enjoy the creative side of my job, and most of all, the writing bit.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/contactless-id-cards-lead-the-way-in-2006-602182.html

Article Tags: Cards, Printers

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

How to Read Your Credit Card Statement

Play

How to Vanish A Card Into Thin air

Play

Lightening Card Snatch Trick Tutorial

Play

Card Color Change Magic Trick Tutorial

Play

How to Do A Cool Street Magic Card Trick

Latest Security Articles
More from Valerie Douard

Clearing up misconceptions about biometric security systems

By: Mcctv | 16/11/2009
Clearing up misconceptions about biometric security systems

Appreciating convergence of security technologies

By: Mcctv | 16/11/2009
Appreciating convergence of security technologies

Norton 2010 Free Trial, Norton 2010 Product Rebates, and Norton 2010 Security Software Coupon Codes

By: Bill Ryan | 16/11/2009
The items listed are the best ways to save money while protecting your computer from all of the threats that can harm your computer and your privacy nowadays. All of the Norton 2010 Product Rebates, Norton 2010 Software Coupon Codes and Norton 2010 Free Trials are available at the leading Norton Software Resource, Norton Security Store.

Keylogger—How to Remove Keylogger from Your Computer?

By: Emma Qiu | 16/11/2009
Most computer users may be familiar with Trojans, Worm, Fishing, Malware, etc. But probably few of them know much about Keylogger. Keylogger is one kind of malicious programs that would steal user’ private or important information and finally result in cash loss, especially for those people who run business or make transaction online. So we have to figure out what is Keylogger and the bad results it will bring; then find out the proper way to fix it.

Would the best antivirus software download benefit you?

By: johns smith | 16/11/2009
Nowadays, virus is the most talked-about topic among all age groups. Children often encounter the consequences of a virus while playing games and the professionals need to rely on the task-completion with speed and accuracy. During the bout of their deal with the system, a virus can be encountered anytime

10 Points to keep your network secure and safe from hackers and viruses

By: seo ssl | 14/11/2009
This articles is keen to provide information about Secure your online transaction from hackers and viruses. Know about how to protect online portal with SSL certificates from hackers.

Enabling a safer internet

By: MFrizzi | 13/11/2009
The positive approach to web security a safer internet: the positive approach to web security One newly infected webpage is discovered every 4.5 seconds.

Free yourself to do more, while securing your business simply and cost-effectively

By: MFrizzi | 13/11/2009
In tough economic times, with tightened budgets and heightened competition, it’s vital for businesses to secure their systems and data against a growing field of threats. However, implementing and maintaining full-spectrum protection can be a heavy drain on financial and human resources if not done right. A more efficient approach to security means that resources – both human and physical – are freed up to improve and expand other areas. The end result is your business becomes more efficient, f

Id Card Security - Lamination

By: Valerie Douard | 19/01/2009 | Security
An article about the uses, benefits and features of ID card lamination.

Id Card Security - Types of Blank Id Cards

By: Valerie Douard | 05/01/2009 | Security
This article lists the different types of ID cards available, and the applications they are used in.

Anatomy of an Id Card

By: Valerie Douard | 12/12/2008 | Security
Article about the different elements that make up an ID card.

Government Standards Lead the Way in 2009

By: Valerie Douard | 13/11/2008 | Security
An article about the standards for ID card printers in 2009.

Id Card Security

By: Valerie Douard | 28/10/2008 | Security
Secure ID card printers are designed for all types of ID badging and Access Control applications.

Id Card Lamination for Extra Protection & Security

By: Valerie Douard | 21/10/2008 | Hardware
An article about using ID card laminators and printers.

Contactless Id Cards Lead the Way in 2006

By: Valerie Douard | 14/10/2008 | Security
This article discusses the growth of ID cards.

Quality & Simplicity Just Got Better

By: Valerie Douard | 06/10/2008 | Hardware
This article discusses the strategy review for Magicard in 2006. The article considers the significance of Asian markets, the increased use of contactless cards, and how smaller companies are buying ID card printers.