[1258] in cryptography@c2.net mail archive
Re: Fortezza dying on the vine?
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (A. Padgett Peterson P.E. Informati)
Sat Jul 26 18:36:19 1997
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 1997 16:06:31 -0400 (EDT)
From: "A. Padgett Peterson P.E. Information Security" <PADGETT@hobbes.orl.mmc.com>
To: sommerfeld@orchard.east-arlington.ma.us
CC: cryptography@c2.net
Problem with smart cards is no so much the cards themselves or even
the admin (am working on that right now and not too difficult) but
the ->readers<-.
Expect three flavors - direct, dedicated readers (but don't hold your
breath - too many machines already have all IRQs in use). These will be
the most expensive - unless under $40-$50, forget it except for very
very nervous.
Second flavor would be a PCMCIA (PCCARD) carrier. Most notebooks today
have more than one slot.
Third (and I think essential for mass market) is a 3.5" floppy carrier.
Saw one over a year ago from Fischer but cost is a problem - must be under
U$10.00 to be sucessful.
Once the readers are available, then the cards *may* proliferate - problem
would be IMNSHO if "soft cards" spread first. People may then resist
more hardware at home & only POS devices will have readers.
Just some thoughts.
Warmly,
Padgett (UDA)
