Specifications standardise implementation of Open Mobile API to ensure global interoperability
SIMalliance, the global non-profit industry association that simplifies secure element (SE) implementation for the growth of secure mobile services, has today announced the release of its Open Mobile API Specification v2.05, together with the launch of the accompanying Open Mobile API Test Specification v1.0.
The Open Mobile API Test Specification v1.0 has been developed by SIMalliance in response to industry demand for a globally standardised approach to the implementation of the Open Mobile API. It outlines mobile device compliance to the Open Mobile API Specification v2.05 and defines test cases in order that conformance tests can be executed.
The Open Mobile API specifies how mobile applications may access different SEs in the mobile device, such as the UICC and embedded SE. It provides interface definitions and UML diagrams to support implementation across a variety of mobile platforms and programming languages.
The specification is closely referenced in the GSMA's own technical support materials, including the NFC Handset & APIs Requirements specification and the NFC Handset Test Book.
The publication follows an extensive period of public consultation, which concluded in November 2013. The specification has subsequently been adapted in accordance with industry feedback.
'The Open Mobile API Specifications enable the mobile industry to ensure consistency in SE access management between devices, promoting global interoperability,' commented Frédéric Vasnier, Chairman of SIMalliance. 'The release of our test specification will support mobile network operators, device manufacturers and developers with the successful implementation and verification of the Open Mobile API Specification in the most efficient way. The period of public consultation has been invaluable in this regard, we have been able to take into account change requests from the industry and also incorporate additional test cases requested by the GSMA.'
Added Pierre Combelles, head of mobile commerce, GSMA: 'The Open Mobile API plays a fundamental role in optimising the management of secure elements in mobile devices. The specification is used widely across our membership and has been deployed internationally in a wide range of devices. The latest version of the API, now complete with an accompanying test specification, will provide valuable technical support to the GSMA's own work, particularly within the areas of digital commerce and personal data, to drive interoperability across the mobile ecosystem.'
The next step for SIMalliance will be to liaise with GlobalPlatform to support the development of its Device Compliance Program, providing updates and adaptations to the Open Mobile API specifications in accordance with prevailing requirements.
