What's MULTOS
MULTOS is an open, safe, multi-application IC Card Platform
with following characteristics.
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Common Platform |
Any differences in the hardware (Silicon) are managed by
the O/S itself, allowing the same Application to run on any platform, regardless
of which silicon is used.
By using a unified API (Application Programme Interface),
Applications can be developed independent of chip or chip version considerations.
The Application, once developed, can be used again, minimising development costs.
MEL;
the language specification used to develop Applications, is openly available.
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Addition and deletion
of Applications |
It is possible to add or delete Applications after the card
has been issued. This Application deletion or addition can be carried out over
non-secure networks; such as the Internet, safely and reliably, using a digital
certificate issued by MULTOS KMA.
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High Security and Reliability |
MULTOS has achieved the highest
level in Europe's Public Security Specification, ITSEC Level E6 High. Unauthorised
Access and/or communication between Applications co-resident on a card is
prevented by the use of ‘Firewalls’, effectively isolating each
Application from its neighbours. Because the MULTOS Scheme uses digital certification,
with very high reliability and safety, Issuers, Service Providers, or Cardholders
do not need to be aware of the full security system involved,
MULTOS specification is open to the public, and managed by
MAOSCO Consortium.
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About the MULTOS Scheme |
The following image describes the concept of the MULTOS System.
Circles represent parties involved in card issuance; arrows represent the flow
of products
and information.
The scheme is ‘Issuer-Centric’; the Issuer retains
control of the cards and has close communication with the KMA, Card Manufacturer
and Bureau. Bureaux manufacture and distribute the MULTOS Card to the Card
User, in cooperation with Application Suppliers and Issuers. It is possible
for the
Issuer to act as its own Bureau, performing all the required actions needed
to manufacture and distribute MULTOS cards.
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What's
MULTOS | Applications | Getting
Start | 
