PC/SC Workgroup Objectives
To meet its goals, the Workgroup identified a specific set of objectives:
- Provide ICC (smart card) and IFD compatibility requirements.
- Document standard interfaces for IFDs (Interface Devices).
- Document high level interfaces which abstract services supported by an ICC and associated device sharing and control mechanisms.
- Recommend general purpose ICC-based cryptographic and storage devices, designed to support existing PC and Internet standards.
To ensure broad applicability, the technologies are addressed in an application and vendor neutral manner.
The above core objectives have been met and documented in the PC/SC Specifications 1.0, which were released in December 1997. The Specifications define the architecture and key interfaces for a comprehensive and flexible solution for integrating smart cards with the PC, and can be down-loaded from the website.
The PC/SC Workgroup released the latest version PC/SC Specifications 2.01 in June 2005. In September 2005, information was corrected in Part 10 with regards to PIN structures, therefore, the most recent version is PC/SC Specifications 2.01.09
For the benefit of the industry, Workgroup members hope that the Specifications can form the basis for future open standards activity.
The Workgroup's work continues, as the Specifications are broadened in an ongoing Work Process.