Hello bvbflog-ga,
Getting the information you’re looking for was a tougher project than
I expected but I think I’ve tracked down the information for you on
the first use of phone and gift smart cards. In the process of digging
for the history of these cards I collected a lot of links that discuss
the evolution of the card technologies as well as their implementation
and use in various countries. The timeline is filled with overlapping
activities in the various stages of development and implementation.
The main trends are that prepaid phone and gift cards were much more
readily accepted in Europe and the rest of the developed world than in
the US. As smart card technology is rapidly evolving, new uses are
being developed. In the course of my research I discovered that there
are special magazines and organizations dedicated to the topic so I’ve
include these for you in case you want to continue your explorations.
If any of this needs clarification, please don’t hesitate to ask.
czh
==================
SMART CARD HISTORY
==================
(a) the first point of sales (POS) activated phone card,
(b) the first reloadable POS phone card,
http://www.active-phone-calling-cards.com/history_of_phone_cards.html
The history of phone cards.
1976 -- The first prepaid phone cards were produced and put on the
market in Italy to combat payphone vandalism
1984 -- France experiments with chip-based "smart cards" which will be
used for reloadable phone cards.
http://www.westernunion.com/info/aboutUsHistory.asp
1993 -- The Western Union Phone Card service is the first branded,
pre-paid and disposable telephone card offered in the U.S.
http://www.telestial.com/prepaid_more.htm
Telestial Wireless Solutions for Travelers
Introduction of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)
Prepaid GSM cards have been on the market since 1995 when they first
appeared at the German operator D1 ….In September 1995 the operator
TMN in Portugal released a Prepaid service called Mimo, which was the
first rechargeable service on the GSM market.
(c) the first gift card,
(d) the first POS reloadable gift card
http://www.cardwerk.com/smartcards/smartcard_history.aspx
History of Smart Cards
1986 In March, 14,000 cards equipped with the Bull CP8 were
distributed to clients of the Bank of Virginia and the Maryland
National Bank. Also, 50,000 Casio cards were distributed to clients of
the First National Palm Beach Bank and the Mall bank.
http://www.smartcard.co.uk/resources/articles/finance.html
September 1992 saw the launch of a major initiative in Europe using
Smart Cards … DANMØNT is the programme name for a new national payment
system under development in Denmark (Population 5 million). Its
ultimate goal is to become an open system electronic purse whereby
cardholders will carry a prepaid DANMØNT card for widespread use in
spending small monetary amounts.
This is the first appearance of what will be called gift cards or
stored value card systems.
http://www.smartcard.co.uk/resources/articles/finance.html
Smart Card Group – The International Smart Card Industry Guide 1995-96
Finance: History, Development & Market Overview
This is a detailed review of the evolution of the smart card industry,
including dates of various product tests and introductions.
http://www.phonecard.org/history_phone_card.html
History of Phone Cards – Timeline
=============================================
BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF SMART CARD INDUSTRY
=============================================
http://www.storedvalue.com/cashcard.html
http://www.kars-unlimited.com/svc_guide.htm
Stored Value Cards – These sites give an excellent overview of the
stored value card (including gift card) industry.
http://www.wnim.com/issue11/pages/pressinfo.htm
Stored Value Cards market size
http://www.oberthurusa.com/pns-sc-sc101-apps.asp
Future trends in the development of smart cards.
http://www.elsop.com/wrc/in_card.htm
Electronic Software Publishing Corporation
Credit Card Processing 101 - A Brief Tutorial
This is a very long collection of links dealing with everything
involved with the credit card processing industry.
http://www.banktech.com/
Bank Systems and Technology Online
Magazine for bank executives
http://www.cardweb.com/professionals.amp
Cardweb.com
Magazine of the US payment card information network
http://business.cisco.com/prod/tree.taf%3Fasset_id=83315&ID=48300&ListID=44691&public_view=true&kbns=1.html
Evolution of Retail
This is a long article addressing the changing POS technology
landscape
http://www.banktech.com/story/BNK20021106S0018
Visa Promotes Contactless Cards
Contactless cards are the next evolution in smart cards.
===============
SEARCH STRATEGY
===============
history POS card
POS "gift card"
stored value card
first phone card history |
