Amazing Controls Introduces Secured Multiple Application Smart Card Operating System

Business Wire, Sept 10, 1997

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 9, 1997--Amazing Controls! Inc. announced the introduction of it's Amazing Operating System (AOS) based on Personal Cipher Card Corporation's (PC3) Secured Smart Card Operating System (SCOS).

This multiple application smart card operating system represents a new level in the development of smart cards. It allows the creation of up to 15 separate "virtual smart cards" within the confines of a single smart card. Each "virtual" smart card inherits the full security feature and abilities of the parent SCOS smart card.

This means that every application on the card can now create its own set of passwords for determining access permission to its files. This allows each application to have its own issuer key, personal identification number (PIN) and up to eight application keys.

"We are providing the smart card industry with the easiest to use and most robust operating system that is available to date," said Mr. Marya, President & CEO of Amazing Controls! "The purchase of this operating system fits in very well with our plans to offer a complete smart card solution to our customers and we are very pleased to have Mr. Wheeler join us as Amazing Controls! Chief Architect of Smart Card Operating Systems."

Mr. Wheeler, who has been working in the smart card industry since its inception said, "I am very pleased to be part of the Amazing Controls! team and endorse their strategy to provide the complete smart card solutions to their customers. The SCOS operating system is ideal for internet, government and electronic commerce because it allows customers to more closely control their own security and applications because the primary application is external to the card."

The AOS operating system provides for the following card options:

Executable Files

Files may be used to store programs. An AOS command permits routines stored in these files to be executed. Executable files can only be written by the issuer and their execution can be limited by requiring a password.

Electronic Purse

An electronic purse is available which supports both a "stored value balance" and a secured debit balance. It can be configured to operate as a credit card and can distinguish between on-line and off-line terminal transactions by relying on the card for performing the transactions. Optionally, transactions can be recorded in a history file. DES or RSA encryption is used for authentication and producing settlement certificates.

DES

DES, when enabled, can provide the following options. A secured PIN key used to identify the cardholder to the terminal. Application and issuing modules that can encrypt communications with the card and provide functions to assure data is recorded in the card without alteration or mislocation.

Applications modules perform as encapsulated encryption engines with key storage providing ciphering services. Issuing modules are special encryption engines which can be used to format cards.

RSA

RSA is a public-key cryptosystem used for both encryption and authentication. It takes place without any sharing of private keys: each person uses only other peoples' public keys and his or her own private key. Anyone can send an encrypted message or verify a signed message using only public keys, but only someone in possession of the correct key can decrypt or sign a message. -0-

Amazing Controls! Inc., previously US3 Inc., has its headquarters at 1615 Wyatt Drive, Santa Clara, California with a manufacturing and development division in Eindhoven, Holland and additionally, sales offices in London.

Amazing Controls! is a supplier of smart cards used in such markets as satellite T.V., telecommunications, loyalty schemes, identification cards, and transportation. US3, the smart card division of Amazing Controls!, has manufactured and supplied millions of cards to their markets since 1991. The company also provides readers, terminals and system solutions for intelligent building, lighting and show controls.

CONTACT: Amazing Controls! Inc.

BK Marya, 408/566-0300, ext. 105

Don Witmer, 408/566-0300 ext. 130

donw@amazingcontrols.com

www.amazingcontrols.com