NXP builds mobile ticketing capabilities for smart mobile devices

     NXP Semiconductors announced the launch of the Java Applet for MIFARE4Mobile, which will be installed in NXP's latest embedded security component to provide mobile ticketing support for a significant number of MIFARE Classic systems worldwide. The solution is now available in NXP's latest NFC solution, the PN65O, which integrates NXP's popular PN544 NFC controller and the newly enhanced SmartMX P5 Security Application Platform (Embedded Security component).

     The MIFARE technology platform has become the most widely used contactless technology on the market today, and is an integral part of public transportation solutions, ticketing systems, bonus points programs, access control, and more than 40 other applications worldwide. Support for a wide range of security components including embedded security units, UICC SIM and micro SD through the MIFARE technology platform's extensive licensing program.

     MIFARE4Mobile technology was originally developed by NXP Semiconductors to provide Mifare-based services such as bus ticketing, access control, and points management for NFC mobile devices, and enables the process from wireless installation to end-user interaction through the mobile user interface. MIFARE4Mobile was developed under the guidance of the MIFARE4Mobile Industry Group, an organization established in 2010 by leading players in the NFC ecosystem that is currently working on the next generation of MIFARE4Mobile specifications. The proposed specification is intended to support other MIFARE technology Platform products and is consistent with Global standards such as Global Platform.

     The current release of the MIFARE4Mobile specification is V1.01 and supports MIFARE Classic-based infrastructure. In its first Java Applet installation for MIFARE4Mobile, NXP Semiconductor has extended V1.01 capabilities to support multiple service providers with the same security element.

     NXP offers the industry's first fully integrated solution, integrating NFC RF, OS software stack, SmartMX-type security elements derived from dedicated ics such as passports and bank cards, and MIFARE4Mobile. MIFARE Classic customers will enjoy increased user convenience, a better interactive experience and superior RF performance, security and flexibility when making payments and taking transportation with their smartphones.

     Jeff Miles, vice president, Mobile Transactions, NXP Semiconductors, said: "The MIFARE4Mobile technology on the PN65O reinforces NXP's leading position in NFC and public transportation, demonstrating NXP's commitment to the convergence of mobile and transit applications. With several leading smartphone Oems starting to launch NFC phones, interest in mobile ticketing is growing among network operators and bus agencies. Delivering MIFARE4Mobile technology on NXP embedded security components and making it interoperable with MIFARE Classic infrastructure around the world is just the beginning. As an industry leader, NXP looks forward to moving forward with the development of the MIFARE4Mobile specification."

     NXP will continue to enhance and develop solutions that comply with existing and future MIFARE4Mobile specifications. As other MIFARE4Mobile versions are defined and normalized, NXP will introduce enhanced offerings in the future that will enable customers to use other MIFARE card simulations, such as MIFARE DESFire, and flexible multi-Mifare card management features in the company's PN65 family of solutions.

     David deKozan, vice president of strategic Solutions at Cubic Transportation Systems, said: "The NFC technology that supports MIFARE DESFire and Classic continues to attract the attention of transit agencies as it provides security to enable interoperating mobile ticketing and payment applications. We are excited to see NXP launch a solution with MIFARE4Mobile to bring a wide range of mobile ticketing, payments and related applications to transit users." Cubic is a leading payments and information technology and services integrator in intelligent transportation solutions with a broad global transportation customer base in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, Vancouver, Atlanta, Brisbane, Sydney and other cities.

     As Near Field communication (NFC) applications continue to gain popularity worldwide, NFC penetration in smartphones will exceed 45% by 2015 (source: ABI). NFC phones are increasingly becoming the mainstream product of choice for consumers, while contactless applications - including payments, bus ticketing and access control - continue to grow. As an industry leader, NXP has always been at the forefront of security and NFC technology, offering products with improved performance, smaller dimensions, smaller antennas and optimized packaging.