The development of the microprocessors, designed by Gemplus specifically for this project, was certified in January 2005. Compliant with the latest JCB smart card specifications, these microprocessors enable international transactions. The modules will be delivered to Toppan Printing Co., a strategic alliance partner of Gemplus in Japan, which receives the orders from JCB. Toppan Printing Co. will embed, personalise the cards and deliver the finished product to JCB. The cards will be equipped with JCB’s own smart application, J/Smart. Additionally, the cards will contain the smart card loyalty application, ‘Plet’s’, which allows customers to exchange their points for premiums or discounts at participating retail outlets. For some years now, Japan – especially JCB – has led the Asia-Pacific region’s EMV migration, making it the second-most active region globally following Europe. In December 2004, JCB acquired one-third ownership in EMVCo, the standards definition organisation for EMV founded by Visa and MasterCard. JCB has an equal voice to Visa and MasterCard and the share in EMVCo allows JCB to accelerate the EMV-enabling of its chip cards. steve.lacourt@gemplus.com www.gemplus.com