Java Card

Hi all,

I've just joined this field as an apps developer for Java-enabled SIM card. I read about some specifications defined by 3GPP2 for (U)SIM card and JavaCard architecture. And I also visited a perso factory to have an overview idea of how SIM Card can be issued in the market :-)

However, there's a basic, even stupid from expert point of view :-), question that I would like to ask you here related to JavaCard SIM. Perso Phase will store personal data in the card (Creating file system, Personal Identity, valued-add applets such as SAT/WIB/CellBroadcasting). However, I've heard about SIM application used to differentiate the abused term SIM from UICC. It's said that SIM application is default selected application* in a SIM card to control the logical operations of a SIM (manage data - system files - and keys stored in the SIM). I checked out the profile (to perso) of a SIM but I haven't seen such an application.

As far as I understand about JavaCard (U)SIM, there must be an "application" (here I mean an "applet") in the card to "use" the data contained in the system files (SIM phone book or keys for example)? And this application will be "executed" automatically as long as the SIM is detected in the ME, it' this apps that replies to the ME for every request in order to authenticate user (SIM inserted) to the network and to establish a call/communication. I think this would be fore-mentioned SIM application? In this case, this application is "standardized"? and is implemented by whom (OS developer to integrate it into their OS release)? or by Card Issuer (Card personalizer?) (to perso it on the NVM of SIM card in the perso phase)?

Your answers would help me advancing faster in exploring this fantastic tiny world.

Thanks beforehand

Best regards,
DavidL