Watchdata joins the consortium as an Observer Member. In this capacity, Watchdata will be able to closely monitor the discussions and output of all GlobalPlatform technical committees and will join other member organizations by participating in GlobalPlatform’s Advisory Council. The Council proposes work tasks and initiatives for the association and serves as a consultant body to the GlobalPlatform Executive Director and Board of Directors with regard to business and implementation issues. Bob Beer, GlobalPlatform Chairman: “I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Watchdata on behalf of GlobalPlatform. As a truly global organization, GlobalPlatform works closely with its members to drive the implementation of its specifications in all geographies of the world. Watchdata’s significant presence in China and the Far East, amongst other markets, will help GlobalPlatform to extend its reach even further into a number of rapidly growing smart card markets. This will enable a wider audience to learn about the benefits of standardization and take advantage of the GlobalPlatform Specifications which are freely available today.” www.globalplatform.org