Data Cards to Combine Optical, Microchip Capabilities for PC Interface

Prototype hybrid smart/optical data cards from Drexler Technology Corp. of Mountain View, Calif., will link microchip cards to personal computers using Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard interface specifications. Drexler said it will put a microchip and an optical memory stripe on the same card to facilitate data transfers and interactions for potential applications in finance and medical insurance. US technology companies expect the cards and reading devices to become commonplace in electronic commerce.