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SCM Microsystems Introduces ExpressCard Smart Card Reader CardTechSecurTech, WASHINGTON and FREMONT, Calif., April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SCM Microsystems, Inc. , a leading provider of solutions that open the Digital World, today introduced a new line of smart card readers using the new ExpressCard(TM) specification developed by the PCMCIA standards organization. The new readers enable the use of full-sized smart cards or small form factor SIM cards with any desktop or portable PC through the use of an ExpressCard slot. The SCM readers are the first smart card readers to be introduced to the market for ExpressCard equipped computers, and are among the first devices in the world under the new high-performance hardware expansion standard. The SCM readers are designed to meet the requirements of the ExpressCard specification developed by the PCMCIA standards organization and will undergo ExpressCard compliance program certification later this year. ExpressCard products are expected to become generally available late in 2004. The technology will enable the addition of flash memory cards, wired and wireless communications hardware, security devices, and emerging applications by simply inserting a module into a notebook, desktop or other compliant system. ExpressCard technology supports sealed-box expandability in both desktop and notebook systems in a form factor that is roughly half the size of today's PC Card module but with improved performance. In addition, ExpressCard technology supports hot plug-n-play and auto-configuration. More than 95 percent of all notebook computers use PC Card technology for expansion. "SCM is demonstrating their support for ExpressCard technology with the introduction of these smart card readers. ExpressCard technology is an ideal vehicle for security applications that require small form factors, fast performance and are easy to implement," said Brad Saunders, chairman of the PCMCIA. "Their efforts, and those of other innovative companies, are driving momentum within the industry toward adoption of the ExpressCard standard for modular I/O expansion." Robert Schneider, chief executive officer of SCM Microsystems stated, "As a founding member of the PCMCIA standards body and the first company to develop smart card readers for the original standard, SCM is committed to once again leading the transition to ExpressCard. We look forward to bringing all the benefits of this new technology to our customers." SCM Microsystems' new ExpressCard SIM reader and smart card reader are based on SCM's proprietary STC II microcontroller. Both readers are Microsoft(R) Chip Card ID (CCID) compliant and support Microsoft class drivers. SCM Microsystems, an executive member of the ExpressCard working group, is among those supporting development of the new standard under the PCMCIA umbrella, including Dell, HP, IBM, Intel, Lexar Media, Microsoft and Texas Instruments. About SCM Microsystems SCM Microsystems is a leading supplier of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to conveniently access digital content and services. The company markets and sells its smart card reader technology for network and physical access and conditional access modules for secure digital TV decryption to OEM customers in the government, financial, enterprise and broadcasting markets worldwide. Global headquarters are in Fremont, California, with European headquarters in Ismaning, Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems web site at http://www.scmmicro.com/. Notes to Editors: ExpressCard is a trademark of PCMCIA. More information on this standard is available at http://www.expresscard.org/. All other trade names are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. DATASOURCE: SCM Microsystems, Inc. CONTACT: Manfred Mueller of SCM Microsystems, +49 89 95 95 5140 or ; or Deb Montner of Montner & Associates, +1-203-226-9290 or , for SCM Microsystems Web site: http://www.scmmicro.com/

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