The present invention describes an improved communication architecture for smart card systems and an improved procedure for communication of the smart card applications using protected data carriers, particularly in the case where smart cards or smart card readers cannot be used. The improved communication architecture has a common virtual smart card interface between the respective smart card applications and the modules which facilitate access to the protected data carriers (smart cards). The modules allow access to either physical smart cards, virtual software smart cards or hardware smart cards. The common virtual smart card interface means that the application is completely independent of the respective module or the respective data carrier. Alternatively, the improved communication architecture additionally contains a virtual smart card adapter which communicates over the common virtual smart card interface with the respective smart card application. The different modules are attached to the smart card adapters and selected statically or dynamically by the smart card application. Virtual software smart cards which functionally imitate true physical smart cards can be linked over the virtual smart card adapter to communicate with a smart card application. This procedure is then particularly suited for when the smart card is lost or defective, the smart card reader cannot function, or for testing new smart card technologies.