Smart Card Technologies and Global Markets -- Focus on North America

Report Highlights

• In 2011, 6.2 billion smart cards were shipped. Smart card shipments are forecast to reach 6.8 billion in 2012 and 11.1 billion in 2017, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2012 to 2017.
• In dollar figures, the global smart card market was worth $4.7 billion in 2011. It is expected to reach nearly $5.1 billion in 2012 and $7.3 billion in 2017, at a CAGR of 7.4%.
• In 2011, 980 million cards were shipped in North America. In dollar figures the North American smart card market reached $775 million in 2011. The market is expected to reach $833 million in 2012 and $1.1 billion by 2017, a CAGR of 6.3%.

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INTRODUCTION

STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVE

BCC’s goal in conducting this study was to determine the current status of the global smart card industry and assess its growth potential in recent years (2011 and 2012) and make an educated forecast for the near future (2017).  We were particularly interested in knowing what is happening in the smart card market and knowing how smart card projects are being implemented worldwide.  In addition, we were interested in the market potential for emerging smart card technologies.  The goal of the study also involves grasping basic smart card technologies that are available and in use.  Our key objective was to present a comprehensive analysis of the current smart card market and its future direction.

REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY

The smart card is the most sophisticated and advanced technology used mainly for payment and authentication purposes.  The smart card market is growing at an amazing pace, and we are interested in knowing the trends this market will follow.  It will also be interesting to know how smart cards are being utilized for enhancing our daily lives and businesses and making them secure.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

This study is an extensive collection and analysis of market data that defines and explains how the smart card industry is developing and what its prospects are in the long term (2012 to 2017).  The study includes the market findings of smart card projects implemented worldwide and also encompasses smart card usage and its acceptance by the public.  This study can be of immense help to companies that are into card manufacturing, chip manufacturing, system integration and for the companies dealing with security issues.  This study can additionally be of help to project managers, system developers and distributors who wish to exploit the smart card as one of their identification and authentication options.  Government institutions and private company owners can also benefit from this study by gaining an understanding of how to secure and simplify their work with the use of smart cards.

SCOPE AND FORMAT

The scope of the study includes major smart card technologies, smart card types, platforms, its standards and various applications of the smart card.  A major focus of the report is the market scenario of the smart card industry.  This report discusses various smart card projects that are being implemented or that are planned around the world.  The report is divided into easy-to-follow chapters such as an overview, applications, markets etc., while the markets are divided geographically and breakdowns are given by region, market segment and technology.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used in preparing this study.  Information sources included professionals employed by smart card manufacturers and project implementers; press releases, annual reports and news from periodicals and company websites.  The report has also sourced various companies’ public relations officers for the specific queries and figures required for the report.

AUTHOR CREDENTIALS

Amit Gud is a freelance writer and a published author working with various magazines and e-zines worldwide.  His expertise includes technical writing covering smart cards, IT, technological trends along with lifestyle features and world affairs.  His articles and features appear regularly in print as well as in online media.  His works have been published in the Indian Express and the Mid-Day, two of India’s top newspapers, in the Mini World and English Zone, Japanese lifestyle magazines, Publisher’s Auxiliary, a community newspaper magazine, Vision Magazine and others.

Amit holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Kansas State University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pune, India, with a specialization in operating systems and software storage technology.  He has industry experience working with multiple Forbes 100 companies, including NetApp, VMware, Red Hat, Akamai and Symantec.  He has published research papers in technical journals and conferences.  Recently, his Master’s thesis was published as a book, titled ChunkFS: A Recovery-Driven File System Design Approach: Improve the File System Recovery Time.

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DISCLAIMER

This publication provides informative material of a professional nature.  It does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice, nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide or an endorsement of any given product or company.  This information is intended to be as accurate as possible at the time it was written and was undertaken on a best-effort basis.  The views expressed are those of the author and do not make any warranty, express or implied, for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information, or for the interpretation of data or its use by others.  Projections involve risks and uncertainties that include but are not limited to technical risks associated with technology development, government regulatory approvals and access to capital.  The author assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages that may result from one’s reliance on this material.