London, UK. October 4, 2013 — A test specification promoting standardised implementation of Open Mobile API (application performance indicator) specifications among mobile network operators (MNOs) and handset developers is being proposed by SIMalliance to support an open mobile ecosystem.
SIMalliance
SIMalliance, the global non-profit industry association which simplifies secure element (SE) implementation, has now published the first release of its Open Mobile API Test Specification (v0.9) for public consultation. Mobile industry stakeholders with an interest in the Open Mobile API are being encouraged to post their comments on the document which is available online from the SIMalliance website. The Open Mobile API Test Specification is particularly relevant to mobile network operators (MNOs), device manufacturers and developers. The consultation period will run until the end of November 2013.
The Open Mobile API Test Specification v0.9 was developed by SIMalliance in response to industry demand for increased standardisation in the way that the Open Mobile API Specification is implemented globally. The Open Mobile API Specification, now at v2.04, enables mobile applications to access all types of secure element in the handset and is widely used across the world; it is referenced in the GSMA’s NFC Handset APIs & Requirements document and is currently implemented in more than 100 models of Android (NFC or near field communications) phones globally. The specification is freely available from the SIMalliance website.
The newly released test specification outlines mobile device compliance to the Open Mobile API Specification v2.04 and it defines test cases in order that conformance tests can be executed. The test specification will, says SIMalliance, lead to a less fragmented approach to the way the Open Mobile API Specification is implemented in handsets and other connected devices.
Frédéric Vasnier (pictured above), chairman of SIMalliance, comments: “Considering the scale of usage of the Open Mobile API Specification and the fact that there are variances in the way the specification is currently implemented by individual MNOs and device manufacturers, the creation of the Open Mobile API Test Specification was a logical step for the SIMalliance to take. The release of this document for public consultation is a landmark in reducing the implementation fragmentation which is challenging the industry worldwide; we look forward to engaging with the stakeholders that this specification has been designed to support.
“Following the consultation process, SIMalliance will prepare an updated release of the Open Mobile API Test Specification, which will be launched alongside an Open Mobile API Test Application and will implement all the test cases. Timescales for this launch will be determined by the feedback we receive on the test specification, but this is a priority work item for SIMalliance and one that we look forward to bringing to the market as soon as possible.”
The Open Mobile API Test Specification v0.9 is available to download at: http://www.simalliance.org/en/resources/specifications/. Feedback on the test specification is invited according to the process outlined in the overview of the specification document.
SIMalliance promotes the essential role of the secure element (SE) in delivering secure mobile applications and services across all devices that can access wireless networks. By identifying and addressing SE-related technical issues, and both clarifying and recommending existing technical standards relevant to SE implementation, the SIMalliance aims to promote an open SE ecosystem to facilitate and accelerate delivery of secure mobile applications globally.
SIMalliance members represent approx 90% of the global SIM card market and work with all global MNOs. As such, the SIMalliance’s membership can rightly claim to be responsible for delivering the world’s most widely distributed secure application delivery platform (UICC/SIM/USIM). SIMalliance’s members are Eastcompeace, Fundamenture, Gemalto, Giesecke & Devrient, Incard, Kona I, Morpho, Oberthur Technologies, VALID, Watchdata and Wuhan Tianyu. SIMalliance Strategic Partners are Comprion, Linxens and Movenda.