Athena Smartcard Solutions, smart card technology innovator announced the acquisition of Aspects Software's smart card OS assets including the Aspects OS755 Java Card and development platforms. The OS755 Java Card product family includes innovative FIPS approved operating systems for Identity and multimedia (SD/MMC), Visa approved banking and GSM solutions.

This move strengthens Athena's smart card expertise, adding open platform products to its established line of cryptographic smart cards. The timing of the acquisition coincides with recent large scale project wins for Athena in the Enterprise, Financial and Government sectors and an increase in demand for the company's leading Unified Badge solutions. Athena will now be able to better support its customers from the expanded office network in the US and the UK, joining Athena's offices in Japan and Israel and its world-wide distributor and partner network.

"The acquisition of the Aspects Java Card assets is an important step for Athena as we strive to continue and offer our customers the most advanced and secure smart ID solutions. Following the acquisition, our expanded team includes some of the industry most innovative and accomplished Java Card professionals and together with our experienced native OS and cryptographic middleware group we are able to answer the needs of the most demanding customers" commented Masaru Kosaka, Chairman, Athena.

The acquired technology is already integrated within the new ASECard Crypto J multi-application PKI smart card which will be available soon in contact and dual interface, ISO7816 and ISO 14443, versions.