|
What is SCAFI
What
is SCAFI | Focus | Principal
Activities | Why Join |
How to Join
What is Smart Card Forum of India?
The forum is a non-profit, multi-industry
organization promoting the wide spread acceptance of multiple application
smart card technology. The Forum has leading companies in banking, financial
services, telecommunications, computer, technology, health care, retail,
entertainment industries, as well as a number of government agencies
as members. The convergence of these major industry players is unprecedented
and represents a shared vision and commitment to providing an interoperable
platform for the delivery of a new generation of products and services
based on smart card technology.
What is SCAFI's focus?
The focus of the SCAFI is information exchange and member
interaction. Actual implementations of smart card trials, development
of standards and other activities specific to the business interest
of members take place independently of their participation in the Forum.
Central to the Forum's mission is education in the marketplace, the
development of business propositions and positions on public policy
issues. Members recognize that for smart cards to succeed, there needs
to be a critical mass of cards supporting applications of interest to
consumers, merchants, and to those organizations wishing to issue and
accept smart cards. Interoperability - compatibility between cards,
card-reading devices, and applications - is key to achieving the Forum's
mission, which is to accelerate the widespread acceptance of multiple-application
smart card technology.
What are the Forum's principal
activities?
To accomplish its
goals, the Forum has organized Events/Committees to explore and define
application requirements in key areas. Events/Committees
include: Education, Health Care, Interoperability, Multi-Application,
Network Applications, Retail, Technology, Telephony, Transportation,
and Travel & Entertainment.
The Educational Institute provides objective and timely information
on smart cards, related technologies, and smart card-enabled applications
through the educational courses.
Why should an organization join?
The market for smart cards is experiencing significant growth with
the recognition that the technology provides a platform for organizations
to package products and services that meet the needs of individual customers.
There are many compelling reasons why an organization should participate
in the work of the Forum including:
- Convergence of information technologies and developments in the
consumer electronic industry that are creating new opportunities for
the delivery of a wide variety of goods and services to the marketplace.
- Increased competition from new entrants wishing to deliver financial
and information services are causing traditional providers of these
services to look for new ways to retain and enhance their customer
relationships.
- Costs of smart cards are declining as production volumes rise. Enhancements
are being made to card security, storage and processing capabilities.
- Increased interest in the part of regulatory bodies and consumer
groups on the deployment of smart cards.
- Development of international standards and financial industry specifications
to ensure national and global interoperability in the use of smart
cards.
- Significant growth in the number of smart card application both
at the national and international level.
How does an organization join?
Those interested in joining the
Smart Card Forum should complete Membership
Registration which is available online on
this web site and submit it.
SCAFI's
Activities
|
