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
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- How to Choose Id Card Printers
- Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Card Printer
- 6 Questions to Ask When Purchasing an Id Card Printer
- The Best Choices for Id Card Printers
- Accessorized Your Plastic Card Printer
- Simple Ways on How to Take Care Your Plastic Card Printer
- Finding the Right ID Card Printer
- The Advantages of Having Your Own Plastic Card Printer
How to Delete Antispyware Shield Pro, Quickly and Easily. Uninstall this Spyware Before Certain Destruction!
By: Bob Walker | 31/12/2009One of the top concerns I have while browsing the internet is what files are secretly being transferred via websites of questionable content. Antispyware Shield Pro is an example of a virus that can be installed in this stealth manner through a Trojan. Once installed, this malware will attempt to trick you into purchasing a "full version", which will do nothing but sap you of your money.
Uninstall Malware Defense Easily - How To Remove Malware Defense Quickly
By: Bob Walker | 31/12/2009What's the deal with Malware Defense? Is it legitimate or is it a scam? If you're familiar with viruses, then you know that this software is malicious. It's the kind that will try to corrupt your entire system, block your programs, and scare you into purchasing what it claims as "full protection". It provides nothing of the sort. Its cousins are FakeAlert and AntiMalware spyware. You will want to get rid of this spyware immediately, because if you do not, you will be harrassed with fake warnings
Get In Touch With Norton Antivirus
By: James | 31/12/2009Antivirus has become one of the most essential software these days. Norton antivirus is considered as the most reliable antivirus software. There are many people who want to contact Norton antivirus before buying one. It can be quite easy to get in touch with them either through website or via phone.
Rising demand for Investigating services
By: Sleuth India | 30/12/2009The changing life style reveal the secret. Life today has gained such a tremendous pace that people rarely have time for themselves. This ultra-busy lifestyle coupled with extremely tense job requirements make people very impatient and intolerant. No wonder smallest of issues today lead to major differences.
Advice On Protecting Your Netbook
By: Mark Walters | 30/12/2009Useful information and advice on netbooks. Find out how to make a netbook as safe and secure as possible.
Tutorial to Unlock Windows XP Administrator Password!
By: Fiona | 30/12/2009The Windows XP administrator passwordis the password used to access the "Administrator" account. This account usually doesn't show up on the logon screen and most people don't know it exists. Usually that's okay because you won't need to use your computer under this account very often. There are a few times when you will need this password! When you're accessing the Windows XP Recovery Console or you're trying to boot into Windows XP Safe Mode, you'll need this password before you can contin
Lost or Forgot Computer Password? Reset Windows XP password!
By: Fiona | 30/12/2009If you have lost or forgotten your password for logging in to a computer running the Windows XP operating system, there are a few different options
Tutorial to Unlock Windows Vista Administrator Password!
By: Fiona | 30/12/2009Windows Vista administrator password is the password to an account configured with administrator level access in Windows Vista. There doesn't actually have to be an "Administrator" user account. What you need is the password to any account that can act as an administrator. You may need an administrator password in Windows Vista if you're trying to run certain types of programs or access certain Windows Vista password recovery tools.
Id Card Security - Lamination
By: Valerie Douard | 19/01/2009 | SecurityAn 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 | SecurityThis 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 | SecurityArticle about the different elements that make up an ID card.
Government Standards Lead the Way in 2009
By: Valerie Douard | 13/11/2008 | SecurityAn article about the standards for ID card printers in 2009.
Id Card Security
By: Valerie Douard | 28/10/2008 | SecuritySecure ID card printers are designed for all types of ID badging and Access Control applications.
Contactless Id Cards Lead the Way in 2006
By: Valerie Douard | 14/10/2008 | SecurityThis article discusses the growth of ID cards.
Quality & Simplicity Just Got Better
By: Valerie Douard | 06/10/2008 | HardwareThis 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.