Java Card refers to a technology that allows small
Java-based applications (
applets) to be run securely on
smart cards and similar small memory footprint devices. Java Card is the tiniest of Java targeted for embedded devices. Java Card gives the user ability to program the device and make them application specific. It is widely used in
SIM cards (used in GSM mobile phones) and
ATM cards. The first Java Card was introduced in 1997 by several companies including former
Schlumberger's card division (then
Axalto) and Gemplus (both merged in
Gemalto). Java Card products are based on the Java Card Platform specifications developed by
Sun Microsystems. Many Java card products also rely on the
GlobalPlatform specifications for the secure download of applets on the card.
See more at Wikipedia.org...