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Flexibility in Numbers for Easy Smart Card Migration

T he switch from magnetic stripe to smart cards doesn't have to mean a switch to all new equipment in order to read or update chip-imbedded card information. Datacard Group introduced eight packages that provide Visa member banks with the software, hardware and services they need to make the migration easy and cost-effective.

The packages are all Visa-approved and are offered under the Visa Global Smart Partner program. Specially negotiated prices for Visa member banks are designed to give Visa issuers around the world uncomplicated options for planning and executing a successful smart card program, including the migration to EMV chips. The packages simplify the issuance and card life cycle management of Visa-branded smart card products.

The eight Datacard solutions include everything issuers need to create, test, personalize and load smart card applications and applets on Visa smart cards. The solutions also include the necessary software and systems to manage cards and applications on cards after the customers have received them.

The variety and flexibility of the packages makes them adaptable for smart card programs of any size. Along with specific features, each solution includes:

- Complete turnkey solutions for the loading and personalization of Visa smart cards on virtually any high-volume or Datacard desktop system. - A development kit to assist in the creation and testing of Visa smart card applications and applets to run on Java and GlobalPlatform cards. - Systems to assist in the testing of the smart card loading and personalization process. - Systems and services for the creation and management of a complete, flexible multi-application smart card environment to add, delete or update information onto cards already issued.

"The turnkey nature of the solutions relieves the apprehension some member banks may have regarding the transition to smart cards and EMV chip cards," said Jim Harper, marketing director for Datacard's smart card solutions group. "We've made it extremely easy for card issuers participating in the Visa Global Smart Partner Program to build productive operations and capitalize on emerging smart card opportunities."

Datacard collaborated with Visa to develop the migration solutions for a variety of uses by Visa members. The eight solutions include:

- A smart card application development and performance testing kit. - Smart card personalization development and test systems for loading and testing applications. - Pilot/low-volume smart card issuance when embossing is needed. - Access to the Datacard central card issuance system for flexibility when card volume fluctuates. - High speed smart card issuance. - An option to outsource data management. - Two solutions for card life cycle management.

Datacard Group provides software, systems and professional services to build profitable card programs.

Datacard Group 11111 Bren Road West Minnetonka, MN 55343-9015 Phone: 952-933-1223 Fax: 952-931-0418 Toll Free: 800-621-6972, ext. 6930 www.datacard.com