SCM Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCMM, Prime Standard: SMY), a leading provider of solutions that open the Digital World, today announced its latest terminal for the German electronic health card program: the eHealth500 mobile terminal. The eHealth500 mobile terminal allows physicians and physiotherapists to access patient insurance and medical data during home visits, in nursing homes and retirement homes, as well as in emergency situations within or outside of hospitals. The terminals are able to read both the health insurance cards currently in use in Germany as well as the new electronic cards scheduled to be issued to 82 million German citizens beginning later this year. The devices can also read the health professional cards (HPC) issued to authenticate doctors and other health professionals, which, when inserted, allow doctors to access emergency information that may be stored on patients' electronic health cards and to temporarily store case notes for later transfer to their office networks. These mobile functions complement the desktop terminals that are expected to be installed in every physicians office, pharmacy, clinic and hospital.
"Based on an existing hardware platform, the eHealth500 mobile has been especially adapted to the German health care market and the strict security requirements of the German National Security Agency BSI (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnologie)," said Dietmar Wendling, vice president eGovernment of SCM Microsystems. "Combined with SCM's proprietary software, the result is a product that fulfills the requirements of healthcare professionals for security, reliability and the protection of their investments."
Software used in the eHealth500 mobile terminal adheres to the current specifications for "mobile card terminals with mini-connectors" of the gematik (Gesellschaft für Telematikanwendungen der Gesundheitskarte), the German healthcare organization overseeing the implementation of the country's eHealth card program. The terminal is also firmware upgradable to accommodate future updates as the program evolves and changes, ensuring its compliance throughout all stages of the electronic health card's implementation. Additionally, the German health insurance industry has agreed to subsidize the cost of the terminals, making them affordable for all healthcare professionals throughout the country.
The eHealth500 mobile design is ideal for mobile usage: navigation and function keys are clearly arranged and intuitive to use, the display is large and background lit. At the same time, the terminal is compact and convenient, fitting easily in a pocket or bag.
SCM expects to begin shipping its new mobile terminals in early 2009.
"The eHealth500 mobile once again demonstrates SCM's leadership in developing terminals that meet the demanding requirements of both the standards organizations and the doctors who will be reading electronic health cards on a daily basis," continued Wendling. "Our mobile terminal is the newest edition to a product line that includes both desktop and mobile solutions for one the world's largest public IT programs, where reliability, compliance and ease of use are of highest importance."
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About SCM Microsystems
SCM Microsystems is a leading provider of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to conveniently access digital content and services. The company develops, markets and sells the industrys broadest range of contact and contactless smart card reader technology for secure PC, payment systems, network and physical access, and digital media readers for transfer of digital content to OEM customers in the government, financial, enterprise, consumer electronics and photographic equipment markets worldwide. Global headquarters are in Ismaning, Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems web site at www.scmmicro.com.