Microsoft .NET Framework

According to Microsoft, "the .NET Framework...is designed to fulfill the following objectives:

• To provide a consistent object-oriented programming environment whether object code is stored and executed locally, executed locally but Internet-distributed, or executed remotely.
• To provide a code-execution environment that minimizes software deployment and versioning conflicts.
• To provide a code-execution environment that promotes safe execution of code, including code created by an unknown or semi-trusted third party.
• To provide a code-execution environment that eliminates the performance problems of scripted or interpreted environments.
• To make the developer experience consistent across widely varying types of applications, such as Windows-based applications and Web-based applications.
• To build all communication on industry standards to ensure that code based on the .NET Framework can integrate with any other code."

The .NET Framework is a software environment that is available through the Windows operating system. It consists of two main components: the Common Language Runtime (CLR) and the .NET Framework class library. The Framework provides code execution management and objected-oriented class libraries for developing Windows-based applications and web services.

Applications based on .NET technology execute under Common Language Runtime, a platform that controls their runtime requirements using the concept of a virtual machine to separate the application from the CPU running it. Common Language Runtime manages code execution and includes functions to control memory and thread management, exception handling, security, and remoting, a process for making objects available across different domains or processes.

The Class Library is an extensive collection of object-oriented types or components for application development. These types are combined with other code to efficiently create Windows-based applications. They include standard command-line and user interface functions as well as applications based on ASP.NET, such as Web Forms and XML Web services. The Class Library also includes a number of features that support user interface design, data and data access, database connectivity, cryptography, web application development, numeric algorithms, and network communications. Third party components can also be integrated with these components.

Smart Cards and the .NET Framework

Smart cards such as the Gemalto .NET card can be leveraged to extend the Microsoft .NET Framework and service-oriented architecture. The Gemalto .NET card supports a subset of the .NET Framework Class Libraries to provide a programming model consistent with the full .NET Framework. It maintains classes suitable for smart cards and offers new classes for on-card application development and card management, including PIN, Transaction, and Content Manager classes.

Gemalto .NET smart card technology also supports multiple applications running on the same card simultaneously. Each on-card application is isolated from the others to ensure application safety and integrity. This enables developers to use the .NET Framework and its support for managed memory, security and language integration, for host of security services and applications.

More info:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/zw4w595w.aspx