LONDON -- NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) says its ATM application solution for chip (or smart) cards in Denmark has passed all the applicable EMV Level 2 tests and is set to become EMV Level 2 approved by Visa and EMVCo.
After receiving EMV Level 1 approval in February 1999, NCR becomes the first ATM manufacturer to support end-to-end chip (or smart) card transactions. Migration to chip card technology, which is occurring now in European markets such as the UK, is seen as a step in countering plastic card fraud and, in particular, as a means of preventing the rising threat of counterfeit card fraud.
The EMV Group was established in 1993 and consists of representatives from Europay, MasterCard and Visa. Together they devised industry specifications for chip cards, terminals and applications to ensure consistent, secure interoperability. EMVCo ensures that single terminal and card approval processes are developed at a level that will allow cross payment system interoperability through compliance with the EMV specifications.
NCR's application complies with the EMV 3.1.1 Credit and Debit Chip Card specifications developed by EMVCo.
With EMV approved hardware (Level 1) and EMV approved software (Level 2), an ATM deployer can now provide the support required for end-to-end chip transactions. With the appropriate upgrades to the ATM switch and host software, the transaction acquirer can demonstrate compliance to the international card scheme mandates and qualify for any incentives made available under the chip migration program.
"This is the culmination of a great deal of work to solve a difficult technical problem. With around 300 different software applications in use in Europe alone, the development of the 'NCR FBD EMV Application Kernel' will make the task of individual ATM deployers easier in obtaining approval for their applications," said Christophe Primault, vice president, global marketing and communications at NCR's Financial Solutions Division.
