News

Datacard software upgrade enables EMV compliance for card issuers

August 7, 2012

Minnetonka, Minn.-based Datacard Group, a provider of secure ID and card personalization solutions, today announced the availability of a software upgrade package that will help U.S. card issuers who use Datacard CardWizard issuance software to easily migrate to EMV-compliant smart card programs.    

The EMV technology upgrade package takes a phased approach, offering Datacard Group customers the ability to affordably integrate smart card personalization into their existing card-issuing environments.

The first phase of the EMV technology package upgrades the customer's current CardWizard software server and key management software, and installs a hardware security module provided by information security experts SafeNet Inc. The upgrade and HSM help customers meet worldwide standards and requirements for EMV compliant card programs, as well as compliance with Visa and MasterCard security recommendations.

The second phase of the technology upgrade package includes onsite installation, with a workshop that provides an introduction to EMV technology and an overview of migration fundamentals, EMV technology script development and management.

"With the rapid issuance and acceptance of EMV compliant cards throughout the world, as well as Visa and MasterCard announcing their plans to accelerate EMV technology migration in the U.S., it is important for card issuers to be ready to offer this technology in their card portfolios," said Ron Zanotti, vice president of financial instant issuance for Datacard Group. "Those that implement this EMV technology upgrade now will be in a prime position to offer EMV compliant cards when needed, thereby increasing cardholder service and satisfaction levels and easily meeting the industry's 2015 compliance timeline."

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