AMMI Announces AMOS, New Multi-Application Smart Card Operating System; Custom Smart Card Development Now Faster, Cheaper Than With Well-known Interpreters.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 1998--American Microdevice Manufacturing, Inc. (AMMI) has unveiled a multi-application smart card operating system that features the flexibility of well-known interpreters but without the costly overhead.

AMOS's high-level language implementation (written in C) reduces the time it takes for operating system customization and application development to days, rather than months, and AMOS can even be implemented for small batches, using AMMI's FLASH-based smart card.

Until now, the only choice system integrators had were fixed, off-the-shelf card operating systems with which to develop their applications. AMMI now gives the system integrator the ability to customize the OS in a fraction of the usual turn around time.

AMOS eliminates the slow transaction speeds and higher expenses associated with existing interpreter smart cards so system integrators can enjoy the increased design flexibility of the AMOS platform in AMMI smart cards at the same cost of other general purpose microprocessor smart cards.

Eric Le Cocquen, director of R&D for AMMI, said, "Our FLASH-based micro controllers are the ideal basis for systems where high efficiency and speed are needed. Now customers are no longer forced to use a standard product, with trade-offs in speed and cost. AMOS is the fast and economical alternative to slow and high-priced interpreter smart card operating systems."

AMOS fully supports secure messaging for authentication and confidentiality; DES and triple DES; and all ISO 7816-4 file types and file selection methods. AMOS is also compatible with ISO/IEC 7816 and ready for EMV 96.

First Application Secure Internet Access

The first AMOS application -- secure internet access -- is being developed for a major North American system integrator.

Distribution

AMOS is available now and is sold directly through AMMI to value-added resellers and system integrators.

About Smart cards

A smart card is a plastic card that carries a microprocessor chip and resembles a credit card or other magnetic strip cards. A smart card, however, can be used in many more applications because it contains a programmable microprocessor that allows the user to both store and change information on the card, much like a PC.

Additionally, because they can utilize very sophisticated cryptographic techniques, smart cards provide extremely high security, which also makes them more appealing for a wider range of applications than traditional magnetic strip cards.

Applications to date include electronic commerce (including purchases over the Internet), stored value with loyalty point schemes (e.g. merchant communities -- supermarkets, etc.) and contactless technology with a combination of applications: transportation and electronic purse (e.g. highway tolls or bus fares).

About AMMI

Founded in 1991 in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose, American Microdevice Manufacturing, Inc. (AMMI) is a leading manufacturer of Smart cards and Smart Card related services. The company offers a wide variety of products to meet the varying needs of customers, including contact, contactless and dual-interface smart cards.

AMMI is a smart card solution provider serving customers around the globe with its network of partners in all major countries.

AMMI's diverse product line serves the telecommunications, banking, security, travel, transportation, consumer shopping, healthcare and entertainment industries. In addition to a full range of smart card services like printing, personalization and packaging, AMMI provides consulting services and software development to develop entire card systems, including card readers and terminals.

AMMI is headquartered at 1830 Bering Dr., San Jose, CA 95112-2046. Telephone [phone]. Fax [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail], www.ammismartcards.com. -0-

Note to Editors: AMOS is a trademark of AMMI

CONTACT: AMMI, Global Smart Card Solutions

John Springett, 408/573-7070 x207

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