ISMANING, Germany, May 27 SCM-Micro-Song-FeliCa
ISMANING, Germany, May 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SCM Microsystems,
GmbH. (Nasdaq: SCMM, Prime Standard: SMY), a leading provider of solutions
that open the Digital World, announced today that it has entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding with Sony Corporation to develop and supply
FeliCa(R) contactless card readers for international markets. Under the
arrangement, SCM will develop its own line of FeliCa products targeting the
enterprise, mobile and banking markets.
Initially, the product portfolio is planned to consist of FeliCa Physical
Access Control Terminals (PACT); additional products are under discussion
between the two companies. All SCM terminals and readers developed under the
cooperation are anticipated to be fully ISO 14443 and FeliCa capable and fully
support Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. SCM expects to introduce
the first readers in its FeliCa portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2008.
FeliCa is the de facto standard for contactless payment in Japan, which is
the most developed contactless market in the world with more than 250 million
electronic payment cards and FeliCa-enabled mobile phones in circulation
today. Created by Sony, FeliCa is based on radio frequency identification
(RFID) technology and enables flexible and secure contactless transactions,
making it useful for a variety of applications, including electronic cash,
points systems and ticket purchases. The word "FeliCa" derives from Felicity
Card, underscoring the card's aim to make daily living easier and more
convenient. The FeliCa card allows users to send and receive data at high
speed and with high security. As the card can be used over and over again by
rewriting the data, the system also is very environment-friendly.
"We are very pleased to be selected by Sony as a trusted partner in their
FeliCa initiative," said Felix Marx, Chief Executive Officer of SCM
Microsystems. "This is a significant achievement for SCM and the foundation of
what we hope will be a long-term relationship with Sony and other players in
the global FeliCa ecosystem."
"We are looking for experienced and reliable partners who have the ability
to help expand the FeliCa globally. We welcome the cooperation with SCM
Microsystems and look forward to making it a success," said Hiromasa Otsuka,
Corporate Executive Senior Vice President at Sony Corporation responsible for
the FeliCa Business Division.
About SCM Microsystems
SCM Microsystems is a leading provider of solutions that open the Digital
World by enabling people to conveniently access digital content and services.
The company develops, markets and sells the industry's broadest range of
contact and contactless smart card reader technology for secure PC, payment
systems, network and physical access, and digital media readers for transfer
of digital content to OEM customers in the government, financial, enterprise,
consumer electronics and photographic equipment markets worldwide. Global
headquarters are in Ismaning, Germany. For additional information, visit the
SCM Microsystems web site at http://www.scmmicro.com.
About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game,
communications, key device and information technology products for the
consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer
entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the
leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded
consolidated annual sales of approximately $88 billion for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2008. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/
NOTE: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These include our
statements contained above regarding the proposed arrangement between SCM and
Sony and SCM's development of FeliCa contactless card readers, including,
without limitation, the development and make-up of the initial product
portfolio, the development of any future products, the timing of SCM's
introduction of any such products, the compliance with various standards or
functionality of any such products and the long-term nature of the
relationship between the parties. These statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contemplated herein. The Memorandum of Understanding is a statement of the
intent of the parties and we cannot assure you that we will enter into a final
definitive agreement with Sony regarding the terms and conditions under which
they would provide support for us to develop FeliCa card readers, in which
case we it is unlikely that we would be able to develop or sell any such card
readers. In addition, there is no assurance that we will be able to introduce
FeliCa card readers to the market within the time frame that we anticipate or
at all. For a discussion of further risks and uncertainties related to our
business, please refer to our public company reports, including our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and subsequent
reports, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Note to Editors: FeliCa is a contactless IC card technology developed by
Sony Corporation. FeliCa is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation. All
other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE SCM Microsystems
