The PC/SC Workgroup was formed in 1996 to address limitations in existing standards, from a personal computer/smart card application perspective.
Specifically, existing standards complicate the integration of smart card devices, and do not adequately address interoperability between products from multiple vendors.
Workgroup members identified the following goals :
- Standardize interfaces to Interface Devices (IFDs).
- Specify common PC programming interfaces and control mechanisms.
Workgroup efforts are guided by the following considerations:
- Work with the industry: Ensure that new solutions are able to encompass existing products and applications as much as possible. Encourage and participate in the development of solutions which meet the needs of the industry at large.
- Provide results: Make the results of Workgroup efforts available on a royalty-free basis
