With nearly 20,000 visitors, CARTES & IDentification has affirmed its position as a leading global event for smart technologies and digital security.
 
On its 23rd year, CARTES & IDentification stayed on course despite the global financial crisis. From the Congress to the SESAMES Awards and the high numbers of visitors at the stands, it has demonstrated great dynamism. With record attendance of 30,188 visits over the three days*, the 2008 event was a good vintage. The trade show was marked by numerous impressive innovations, the high quality of solutions presented by the exhibitors and an enthusiastic and optimistic business environment. Next year’s exhibition is already being planned: from November 17th to 19th, 2009.

The international event for smart technologies and digital security.
 
The trade show confirmed its international scope with 481 exhibitors, 78% of whom were from outside France; 19,752 visitors, 63% of whom were from abroad; and 132 countries represented. The United States was the guest of honor for this year, which meant heightened attendance by American exhibitors (the third highest country represented for the first time), as well as many specific conferences.
 
The 21 conferences on offer over the three days welcomed 1,500 delegates. Amongst these, 85% were from outside France and 15% from France. Numerous hot topics were tackled (contactless, m-payment, biometrics, convergence, securing of transactions, etc.). The high point of the Congress was the opening "World Card Summit" conference, during which industry leaders presented the key market trends and their strategic visions. Eurosmart gets this chance to release in sneak preview global card market figures for 2008 and forecasts for 2009.

Contactless everywhere
Again this year, contactless technologies were the hot topic. The NFC Zone, organized in partnership with the NFC Forum, placed great emphasis on wireless technologies: demonstrations of applications in everyday life, educational presentations of new prospective and prototype products using contactless. Many stands from all around the world also revealed their contactless innovations and applications (m-payment, transport, access control, machine to machine, etc.).

Smart objects become part of everyday life
Contactless technologies developed by the smartcard industry have freed up traditional payment, ticketing and access control applications. So we can say that although the format is changing, the function remains the same. With contactless came a family of communicating and secure objects whose links with the traditional smart card remain.
For instance, watches, USB keys, bracelets, key rings, and many other smart objects were demonstrated at the trade show, in particular at the “Smart Devices” exposition.
 
Identification confirms its vitality
The IDentification trade show, dedicated to identification and authentication technologies, took place for the second year running alongside CARTES and was attended by 76 companies. Over the three days, this was the right place where visitors could discover the companies offering emerging technologies in the fields of biometrics, securing of documents and transactions, authentication, physical and logical access control, as well as e-government procedures.

The new Kontron MediClient 104 is a fanless medical Panel PC with a durable, lightweight plastic housing that offers IP65 protection and can be tailor-made to suit OEMs’ corporate designs. Despite its compact size, the Kontron MediClient 104 offers a comprehensive set of interconnects including dual Ethernet (10/100), dual USB 2.0, serial RS232 (opt. RS422/RS485) and an optional CAN bus interface. VESA arm mounting makes the fanless Kontron MediClient 104 the easy-to-integrate medical HMI for a wide spectrum of cost-sensitive OEM medical applications in operating theaters, emergency stations and other infection-sensitive areas that require sharp graphics and intuitive user interfaces in a space-saving, robust and hygienic design.

Scalable up to the Intel Celeron M processor with 1.0 GHz, the cost-optimized Kontron MediClient 104 features up to 1024 MB of RAM and a Compact Flash socket plus an optional 2.5 inch HDD for data storage. The 800x600, easy-to-read bright (230 cd/m²) TFT touch screen, which is usable with gloves and stylus pens, is resistant to disinfectants and detergents. The plastic housing (ABS UL94V0) is scratch-proof, corrosion resistant and chemical resistant for long life and easy cleaning.

Shock and vibration resistance, thermal stability and compatibility with EN60601-01 are standard features of the Kontron MediClient Panel PCs, as is long-term availability of at least 5 years. The fanless cooling concept not only reduces noise but also ensures very high reliability with a MTBF of more than 40,000 hours. The CE, FCC, cULus certified Kontron MediClient complies to US:FCC47 CFR PART15, Class A level, EN61000-6-2 and EN55022/A (CISPR22) regulations.

The Kontron MediClient 104 is available now. Windows CE.net, Windows XP Embedded and Embedded Linux are available as standard operating systems along with numerous protocols, including http, XML and RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol).

Innocore Secures Significant, 5 Year Agreement

Innocore Gaming Ltd, one of the leading manufacturers of PC based gaming platforms announced the signing of a 5 year agreement with Octavian Global Technologies Inc. to supply their DPX®  based hardware platform for future Octavian gaming applications.

Under the terms of the Strategic Supply Agreement Octavian will implement Innocore’s recently launched DPX® -S410 PC based hardware including the EFS slim efficiency enclosure in Octavian’s product line-up for the next 5 years.

Edward Price, Managing Director of Innocore, commented “The agreement with Octavian is a significant one for Innocore and a great reference for some of our key selling points; reliability, know-how of the gaming industry and a pro-active approach to customer service. Our global footprint will provide support for Octavian in worldwide markets, on both technical and operational matters. We are very pleased to be working with such a key player as Octavian and we look forward to a successful partnership over the coming years…”

Harmen Brenninkmeijer, CEO of Octavian, said: “This agreement is central to our strategy of extending our Maverick EGM and Games Kit range, and also our line-up of gaming platforms. The Innocore platform’s blend of performance, connectivity, security and value is an excellent fit for Octavian’s cabinet and gaming platform offering. As such, the agreement will help Octavian to provide further cost-effective choices for gaming operators, machine manufacturers and distributors in casino, AWP (Amusements With Prizes) and lottery markets worldwide.”

“The complete system offering from Innocore represents a compelling example of ‘Total Lower Cost of Ownership’ to Octavian; providing us with a significant saving. Within the agreement, topics that were key to us such as protected manufacturing rights were included in a win-win set-up, giving us a feeling of security and confidence that is absolutely necessary when entering a co-operative deal of this importance…” Peter Moffitt, President of Octavian added.

Koen Stomph, Sales Director at Innocore added “The system based on the recently released DPX® -S410 provides Octavian with a true all-in-one solution, with powerful integrated graphics, state-of-the art security features, all required I/O and, with the Intel GME965 chipset, the guarantee of a very long availability.   Time-to-market was significantly reduced through our standard software offering of peripheral support. As a part of the agreement, we will also provide support for integration into Octavian’s cabinet, making a quick and smooth implementation possible.”

The agreement was signed at Innocore House, Innocore’s newly opened offices in Newcastle, by Innocore Managing Director, Edward Price and Peter Moffitt, President of Octavian Global Technologies .

Developed by Kontron, the credit card sized open-standard nanoETXexpress Computer-on-Module form factor (84 mm x 55 mm) for developing ultra-mobile mini-computer devices based on x86 processors with 45nm technology now has its first second source partner: AAEON.

In response to the increasing demand for ever smaller Computer-on-Modules with ever better performance-per-watt values, AAEON is presenting its first nanoETXexpress Computer-on-Module at the electronica trade fair in Munich. Conforming 100 percent to the COM Express specification in terms of the location and assignment of the pinouts, the nanoETXexpress open-standard form factor offers the highest investment security for the next generation of ultra-mobile designs. Other Computer-on-Module manufacturers are expected to launch further nanoETXexpress modules soon.

We support the nanoETXexpress form factor because it fits perfectly into our product portfolio. We have already implemented the Intel Atom processor on our COM-U15 COM Express Computer-on-Module. The step to implementing the nanoCOM-U15 was therefore easy. The new COM perfectly fits the requirements of small Mobile Internet Devices (MID) and similarly sized, long-term available embedded computer solutions. Above all, for our OEM customers nanoETXexpress means maximum investment security for their designs , explains Peter Yang, AAEON Product Manager ECD, responsible for Computer-on-Modules at AAEON.

Ever since the availability of the 45nm Intel Atom processor OEM customers have been exploring the new possibilities opened up by this processor and the new form factor technology. As a result, the demand for nanoETXexpress is growing rapidly. This is a clear sign that the market has accepted nanoETXexpress and we are delighted to have AAEON on board as the first competitor to officially follow this small form factor trend. More companies will soon follow to give nanoETXexpress a big push towards adoption in the PICMG specification, says Joseph Behammer, Director of Marketing of Kontron's Embedded Modules Division.

PICMG certification
The PICMG COM Express specification currently incorporates the basic and extended form factors. Kontron is now heading an initiative to incorporate the nanoETXexpress (84 mm x 55 mm) and slightly larger microETXexpress (95 x 95mm) form factor, which is already supported by five different manufacturers, into the COM Express specification. Upon successful acceptance, these will be known as COM Express ultra and COM Express compact respectively. Certification will establish a comprehensive specification that guarantees OEMs the highest degree of reliability and long-term availability to reduce design risks to a minimum. Competing mini Computer-on-Modules come with significantly higher design risks since no other specification recognizes different sized modules.

The nanoETXexpress form factor was derived from the guidelines of the PICMG COM Express specification and follows the specification 100 percent (as far as the dimensions permit). The only differences are the size of the form factor and some of the mounting holes. This enables scalability with COM Express Computer-on-Modules of different sizes. More important for nanoETXexpress customers, however, is the high reliability and wide spread know-how for COM Express conforming designs as well as a universally recognized standard that allows customers (according the Pareto Principle) to meet 80 percent of all market requirements with one major form factor specification only.

The latest nanoETXexpress specification and design guidelines for carrier boards can be downloaded free of charge from http://www.nanoetxexpress.com/. Other suppliers of embedded computer technology are encouraged to develop Computer-on-Modules that accord with this specification.

The Kontron Industrial Silent Server (KISS) family has a new, high-performance member that brings the density and processing power of data processing centers to industrial applications: the Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 with Intel quad-core processors is one of the most compact, robust, quietest and fastest high-availability industrial servers for densely packed long-lifecycle applications.

The new Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 industrial server packs scalable performance up to the Intel Core2 Quad processor Q9300 with 4 x 2.5 GHz as well as 8 Gigabytes of DDR2 dual-channel RAM into an industrial server with an installation height of just 44 mm. This makes the Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 the perfect fit for densely packed real-time embedded multi-processing applications; such as industrial test and measurement with simultaneous data collection and evaluation; control and visualization of imaging technologies in medical and industrial applications; as well as for the broad field of simulation technology and applications that require parallel processing of several video and/or audio streams. Security applications suitable for the Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 also require reliable, space-saving server cluster solutions for video surveillance with automatic image recognition/face recognition in facilities management, public areas and subway/railway stations as well as mission-critical solutions, such as railroad control centers.

In addition to outstanding performance, the Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 industrial server comes with built-in Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT) 3.0 remote management engine that offers enhanced security and remote management for easier maintenance, higher system availability and, therefore, reduced total costs of ownership. Remotely carrying out tasks such as installing a new OS, or setting BIOS parameters without the need for additional remote management hardware, or an on-site presence is of particular benefit for applications with densely populated server racks where the individual servers are difficult to reach. When using the Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 companies with centralized administration and maintenance teams can also take advantage of Intel’s Active Management Technology. 

The Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 industrial server offers a wide range of interfaces for flexible customization. For applications that need the dedicated processing power of high-end 3D GPUs, there is an optional PEG interface. The Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 also offers an optional 1 x PCI Express x 4 slot, as well as 2 x PCI 32 Bit slots, 6 x USB 2.0, 2 x Gbit Ethernet, 1x VGA and 2 serial ports. In addition to its shock and vibration protected internal 3.5” HDD, the Kontron KISS-1U server has enough space to accommodate another 3.5“ HDD or 2 x 2.5“ HDDs, also shock and vibration protected. The optional KISS Stor Slim RAID 1 sub-system provides enhanced data safety via 2 x 2.5” HDDs in a single, hot swappable carrier. State-of-the-art system security is provided by Intel Trusted Execution Technology and an on-board trusted platform module – TPM 1.2 – for software and data protection. The Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 PSU with a controlled fan has optional 24 V DC and 48 V DC for direct connection to industrial power grids.

With a MTBF of 50,000 hours (approx. 5.7 years of continuous operation) the extremely robust and shock resistant Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 industrial server systems ensure high availability and minimum maintenance and operate reliably in temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the temperature-controlled and ultra quiet fans are hot swappable for easier servicing. The Kontron KISS systems come with either a desktop housing or a housing for mounting in a 19 inch cabinet. OEM custom designs are also available upon request. The front panel, which is lockable, offers IP2x protection and optional IP5x. Designed for continuous operation, the KISS systems are CE certified and UL suitable.

The high-availability Kontron KISS 1U PCI-760 server supports Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 200x Server and Vista and is available as a preconfigured standard system or can be customized as needed and delivered as a tested and independently certified solution.

The EMEA and APAC manufactured KISS 1U PCI-760 systems are available now. North America manufactured KISS 1U PCI-760 systems are expected to be available in Q1 09.