Product category:
Communications ICs (Wireless)
News Release from: NXP Semiconductors | Subject: Mifare DESFire chip technology
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 17 December 2004
Cards are just the ticket for German
footie fans
FC Cologne has implemented a multifunction contactless ticketing solution based on Philips Mifare DESFire chip technology.
FC Cologne has implemented a multifunction contactless ticketing solution based on Philips Mifare DESFire chip technology Since the beginning of October, season ticket holders for the RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne - one of 12 venues due to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup - have been able to access the recently rebuilt 51,000 capacity arena using a contactless smart card
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 23 Oct 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Event organisers such as football clubs are increasingly looking to smart card technologies as a way of providing comprehensive access control that is simple to use.
Globally, a growing number of clubs have already implemented Philips' smart card solutions for access to their stadiums, including PSV Eindhoven in The Netherlands and Real Madrid in Spain.
More than an access control system, the cards can also work as a loyalty card or electronic purse, enabling football clubs to design applications around their fans' needs.
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The FC Cologne implementation sets a new standard for the use of smart cards in a stadium environment.
By using both Philips' Mifare DESFire smart cards and Mifare DESFire SAM in readers for a secure ticketing infrastructure, the solution offers an unprecedented combination of speed of access, data security and future proofing.
The initial implementation will be further enhanced with additional services, such as cashless payment for a variety of services, all of which can be incorporated into the same infrastructure - including smart cards already in the field.
"By issuing contactless smart cards, we can provide unprecedented levels of functionality and scalability in our stadium, providing convenience and ensuring the safety and security of our loyal fans while providing them with an enhanced experience at every game", said Lars Nierfeld, Marketing Manager at FC Cologne.
"The cards have already proved to be an excellent addition to the grounds, and we're looking forward to taking full advantage of the solution's wide range of potential applications in the future".
Initially, the scheme is available to season ticket and membership card holders.
However, the standardised reader infrastructure supports a wide range of contactless media, enabling the scheme to be extended to all tickets - including paper ones - in the future.
Fully compatible with ISO14443 type A, Philips' open-platform Mifare interface standard is already the market leader in contactless public transport applications, providing event organisers with the possibility to easily link into these existing infrastructures.
Mifare is also compatible with the NFC technology that Philips jointly developed with Sony, providing the possibility of using NFC-enabled devices such as mobile phones to store electronic tickets.
"As the world's leading supplier of contactless ICs, we're pleased to be working with FC Cologne to provide this flexible and user-centric solution", said Jan-Willem Reynaerts, General Manager for Market Sector Transport and Logistics at Philips Semiconductors.
"It's a great example of how technology can be designed around its users, providing fans with a simple access solution and the club with the opportunity to offer tailored services, further enhancing the invigorating experience of live football".
Designed to meet the increasing demands for high-speed, triple-Data Encryption Standard (DES) secured contactless ticketing solutions, Mifare DESFire is an ideal fit for service providers and system integrators looking to develop convenient, multifunctional smart-card-based systems meeting the highest security standards for use in public transportation, event ticketing, identity, e-government, city loyalty and e-purse schemes.
"Mifare contactless solutions account for more than 80% of the contactless proximity transaction market worldwide", according to Derrick Robinson, Senior Analyst at IMS Research.
Philips has implemented solutions to meet a wide range of needs, including access control for NASA and the Sydney Olympic Games as well as ticketing for The Great Wall of China.
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