Kulcsár Sándor <>
Magyar Telekom Nyrt.



Today, the different card systems and solutions based on intelligent cards have become organic part of our life. We use our cards every day to pay, to enter sites, to collect loyalty points, to identify ourselves and for countless other purposes; using them we try to make our life more convenient.

 

What problems do we face during the daily use of the cards?

·         If the card does not possess some kind of intelligence (e.g. the possibility of electronic identification), then its used cannot be measured… (e.g. presentable discount card systems)

·         If we start equip the card with intelligence, and its use becomes financially measurable (loyalty), or potentially embodies financial transactions (bank card), the issue of security comes forward. The safer the operation of the infrastructure, the more expensive it becomes, and this cost will eventually be paid by the card holder…

·         If only one service is installed on the card, all additional expenses have to be covered by this single service, so the temptation towards less expensive card systems becomes higher.

Final result: a huge variety of different cards, most of them without any intelligence whatsoever, and we don’t have them with us, just when we need them…

 

The above thoughts show towards intelligent, secure card systems and integration.

Along these thoughts, in 2010 a multi-stakeholder consortium of domestic companies – supported by MAG Zrt. and the National Office of Innovation – started to develop the Citypass Community Card System.

The objective was to develop a multifunctional, modular card system, which is capable of performing different tasks simultaneously, using the same infrastructure, thus reducing the “system costs” for each service, as well as the number of the cards kept in the card holder’s pocket or wallet.

 

Up to this date, it has proven its usefulness and viability in several areas. We use it as

·         City card

·         University card

Each of these descriptions refers to several modules and functions used:

·         Point registration and accounting system;

·         Credible electronic administration;

·         Identification, entrance authentication, eduID integration;

·         Use of library services and self-service printers;

·         Support of cultural events (“Festival card” services);

·         Micropayment (e.g. Social and Cafeteria card);

·         eTicketing (in community transport);

·         eMeeting;

·         eOpinion;

·         eBilling;

 

Our systems are being continuously developed, newer and newer functions are introduced. From these functions we have to specifically mention the Mobile Wallet efforts that open new dimensions, and as a result of which most of our intelligent cards will be integrated into our mobile phones (NFC), thus improving the user experience and comfort…