Updated Test Specification and New Test Application from SIMalliance Enable Verification of Correct OMAPI Implementation on Handsets
Test tools can now be developed to validate that devices are configured to run SE-based mobile applications in a standardised way
31 July 2014 – SIMalliance, the global non-profit industry association which simplifies secure element (SE) implementation to drive secure mobile services, has launched a new Open Mobile API (OMAPI) Test Application v1.0 and released an update – v1.1 – to its OMAPI Test Specification. These developments make it easier to implement and verify the use of the OMAPI Specification in handsets, encouraging greater standardisation in SE access management across mobile devices.
The OMAPI, which is referenced by the GSMA and is currently implemented in over 150 models of Android NFC smartphones, specifies how mobile applications may access different SEs in the mobile device, such as the UICC and embedded SE. Its correct integration across handsets is essential to ensure the interoperability of SE-based mobile applications across different devices.
Following publication of the OMAPI Test Specification v1.0 in April 2014, the OMAPI Test Application v1.0 has now been released as a complementary free-to-download test application. It allows developers, OS providers and handset manufacturers to easily check the implementation of the OMAPI Specification in a device.
In parallel with this work, SIMalliance and GlobalPlatform have been working closely to align the OMAPI documents with GlobalPlatform’s forthcoming Device Compliance Program. With the SIMalliance Test Application v1.0 and the future GlobalPlatform compliance program, the industry will have all the tools needed to ensure the smooth development and integration of OMAPI, and to certify its implementation on devices.
SIMalliance has also released an update to the OMAPI Test Specification. The Test Specification v1.1 outlines mobile device compliance to the OMAPI Specification v2.05 and defines test cases in order that conformance tests can be executed. The OMAPI Test Specification v1.1 incorporates updates requested by industry stakeholders, including GlobalPlatform.
Frédéric Vasnier, Chairman of SIMalliance, comments: “The OMAPI is a valuable specification, which enables the mobile industry to ensure consistency in SE access management between devices. The release of the OMAPI Test Application is significant news, as it offers developers, handset manufacturers and OS providers the opportunity to use test tools to perform a simple check on a device and verify that the device has correctly implemented OMAPI. This will lead to efficiencies during development and simplify the process of bringing standardised SE-based mobile applications to market.
“We are also pleased that the industry has given a warm reception to the first OMAPI Test Specification launched earlier this year. Following its release in April we have engaged with a number of bodies, including GlobalPlatform, and have responded to their feedback in the release of v1.1. By developing the OMAPI Test Specification in consultation with key industry stakeholders, we have sought to ensure the highest levels of robustness and relevance.”
Gil Bernabeu, GlobalPlatform’s Technical Director, comments: “GlobalPlatform and SIMalliance have been working together for a number of years to ensure the highest levels of interoperability between a connected device and a secure element, to support industry requirements.The release of SIMalliance’s latest OMAPI Test Specification, which addresses change requests submitted by GlobalPlatform, is an important output of this collaboration, and the OMAPI Test Specification will be adopted and implemented by GlobalPlatform in upcoming compliance program updates.”
The OMAPI v2.05 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 next focus for SIMalliance’s OMAPI Working Group will be to integrate specifications for native programming languages into the current version of the specification.
All SIMalliance OMAPI resources – including OMAPI v2.05, the OMAPI Test Specification v1.1 and OMAPI Test Application v1.0 – are available to download from the resources page on the SIMalliance website. SIMalliance continues to invite industry feedback on its OMAPI resources. Comments should be sent to OMAPI@SIMalliance.org.
About SIMalliance (Security, Identity, Mobility)
SIMalliance is the global, non-profit industry association which simplifies secure element (SE) implementation to drive the creation, deployment and management of secure mobile services. The organisation 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 86% of the global SIM card market. As such, the SIMalliance’s membership is responsible for delivering the most widely distributed secure application delivery platform in the world (UICC/SIM/USIM).
SIMalliance members are Eastcompeace, Fundamenture, Gemalto, Giesecke & Devrient, Incard, Kona I, Morpho, Oasis Smart SIM, Oberthur Technologies, VALID, Watchdata and Wuhan Tianyu.
SIMalliance Strategic Partners are Comprion, Linxens and Movenda.
