In 2001, HID Global had collaborated with Inside Contactless and delivered the iClass credentials for physical access control of identity solutions. Now the companies expand their partnership to bring in iClass virtual credentials for its (Near – Field Communications) NFC mobile phones. With this integration, users may no longer need to tag along plastic cards as this could work as a possible substitution for a variety of commercial and consumer identity applications.
This software relieves users from carrying their identity proofs everywhere. It not only includes physical access control but also secures PC log in, monitors time and attendance. Checking materials and equipments, authorizing access to office equipment and manufacturing machinery, retails payments of private label, prepaid transit passes and customer loyalty and membership programs should also be taken care of
Charles Walton, executive vice president of payments for Inside Contactless, stated, “The ability to support iCLASS virtual credentials within a mobile phone opens the door to a new universe of exciting applications, and this unprecedented capability will be available with the microread NFC controller from Inside Contactless. iCLASS has become a universal identity credential with many applications beyond physical access control, and microread’s unique iCLASS capabilities are a powerful differentiator which we will be able to offer to our mobile handset customers.”
Dr Tam Hulusi, senior vice president at HID Global, remarked, “We’re pleased to be able to extend our partnership with INSIDE because we both realize there is a tremendous opportunity for NFC and iCLASS virtual credentials to transform the corporate mobile phone, one that could even spill over into adjacent markets as the use of iCLASS credentials moves into more consumer-oriented applications. iCLASS-enabled mobile phones can be used just like traditional iCLASS contactless credentials with an HID iCLASS reader, adding new levels of convenience and flexibility, and with added new application features.”
The company is in the process of updating its microread NFC controller. After this process, the software should carry out the command set and protocol allowing users to communicate with HID iClass readers. Entrepreneurs using mobile phones with Inside’s iClass-enabled microread NFC controller with an associated secure element will gain support to this software.
The iClass virtual credentials, credentials management and crypto functions will be placed in a secure element after activation and provision by HID. This software will be available through HID Global’s Trusted Identity Platfrom secure delivery system.