It can be a bit intimidating when you look down the smartcard readers list and realize exactly how many options you have. The breakneck pace at which technology moves can intimidate even the most tech-savvy businessperson. Fortunately, there are a few basic concepts you can use to navigate the sea of options.
From PC-based smartcard readers to handheld devices, there are many possible smartcard configurations. In many ways, the smartcard reader you pick has more to do with the type of benefits you're trying to get from it.
As most suppliers of smartcard readers can tell you, smartcard readers provide many potential benefits to a company. Here are some of the benefits:
1. Use a smartcard reader system alongside a security system to monitor and restrict access to sensitive areas;
2. Limit access to computer resources with PC-based smartcard readers and add an extra layer of information security;
3. Use smartcard reader products to track employee hours; and,
4. Smartcards and readers come in a number of different formats, including PC-based USB smartcard readers, hand-held smartcard readers and full-blown smartcard reader systems.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose a PC-based USB smartcard reader
If you intend to use a smartcard reader that's based on PC technology, choose one that uses USB. While there are smartcard readers that utilize a PC card slot in a laptop, USB smart card readers are the most versatile PC-based smartcard readers.
I recommend: Discover and compare smartcard readers through
NexTag. The Envoy Data USB SCR331 Smart Card Reader, available from
The Nerds, is an excellent solution, whether you've got a laptop or a desktop computer. Another option is the Keytronic 104-key keyboard USB w/smart card reader, available from
Mwave.
Consider fully developed smartcard systems
If your company needs more than just a single smartcard reader and a few smartcards, you need to check out the options smartcard reader suppliers offer. Providers of smartcard readers can custom-design a smartcard solution that exactly meets your business needs. Working directly with a provider of smartcard readers insures that your system functions in the way you need it to function.
I recommend: Request samples from manufacturers of smartcard readers, such as
Atmel. Alternatively, if you already know what sort of smartcard reader system you want, fill out a project questionnaire from
Smart Card Integrators, Inc., another manufacturer of smartcard readers.
Look into handheld smartcard devices
These devices save you the hassle of setting up PCs everywhere you'd like to use smartcards. Your security or identification needs become mobile, and can go anywhere you can carry one of these devices.
I recommend: Get handheld smartcard reader systems such as those
Blackberry provides. The Lenovo ExpressCard 54 Smart Card Reader, available from
Pricegrabber, is another possible solution.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Smartcards do have a relatively high failure rate. Often, the smartcard reader will fail to read a smartcard because the chip inside the smartcard can be prone to breaking. Consider card enclosures to protect employee smartcards.
The official source of SmartCard Readers is the SmartCard Readers page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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