Smart cards are commonly used in the European Union and parts of Asia in applications such as banking transactions, mobile phones, and access control. This reference for computing professionals and students discusses smart card microprocessor technology with an emphasis on Java Card and the OpenCard Framework. A sampling of topics includes security issues, file structure and commands, debit and credit cards, and the development of Java Card Applets. The authors are smart card researchers and consultants in Austria. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)