Gemalto smart cards contain a microprocessor, which securely stores data and applications, processes information and reacts to its environment. These features give smart cards the unique ability to provide secure, portable access to personalized services while protecting each user’s privacy and identity. Protiva smart cards run an operating system based on the .NET framework with full-sized smart card and small sized Cardlet™ form factor options. Cardlets are small smart cards about the size of a postage stamp that are placed in one of Gemalto’s Smart Card devices. When used in connected mode, they can plug directly into the USB port on a personal computer.