Hayes smartcard modem unveiled in Las Vegas

The world's first smartcard modem was the highlight of a host of new products from Hayes Microcomputer, demonstrated at the Comdex show.

The smartcard modem is designed for conducting cash transactions securely over the Internet. Smartcards from different service suppliers, such as banks, are inserted in the modem's smartcard reader, which then passes the user's details and transactions in encrypted form to the supplier.

Hayes sees Europe as the prime market for smartcard products, particularly for electronic trading, access to confidential data and for rechargeable electronic cash cards. The smartcard modem can be used to put cash on to these cards.

Hayes is also working on using smartcards to control Internet use within offices or families. Each user would have their own card with authentication requirements and usage limits built in.

The new modem will comply with the standard Smartcard communication protocols.