Press Release

Celebrating 21 Years in Payments Testing and Still Getting “Carded”

Independent ePayment Testing Solutions Provider Paragon Application Systems Celebrates 21 Years in Business

April 22, 2015

Independent ePayment Testing Solutions Provider Paragon Application Systems Celebrates 21 Years in Business

(Holly Springs, NC—April 22, 2015) Over the past 21 years, Paragon Application Systems has learned the truth of Jean-Baptise Alphonse Karr's famous quote, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." We still test transactions that originate with cards—though they have evolved from magnetic stripe cards to EMV chip cards—and new payment types, such as mobile, have emerged. Despite this, the fundamental need to test the reliability of electronic payments systems remains unchanged.

Paragon Application Systems was founded 21 years ago on the premise that there had to be a better and easier way to test ePayment transactions. Paragon's success for the last 21 years rests on deep expertise in electronic payments systems, the independence of the company, innovation in software solutions, and unwavering commitment to customer service.

Financial Message Expertise
As the provider of testing solutions for 600 customers in more than 90 countries, Paragon employees have in-depth knowledge of more than 114 different financial message formats, including ISO 8583, ATM, POS and more. Experience working with customers worldwide gives Paragon a deep understanding of the challenges customers face and the solutions they require to maintain reliable payment systems. Paragon subject matter experts share their testing and EMV expertise on the following blogs: www.testingrevolution.com/blog and www.emv411.com

Independent Testing Solutions Provider
Paragon's sole focus is testing. As such, Paragon is constantly thinking about testing and working to develop revolutionary testing solutions. Paragon believes that testing is more reliable if the testing solutions provider is independent from the solutions they test.

Innovative New Solutions
Today customers need solutions that are scalable, connect workers around the globe, support emerging payments and integrate with continuous delivery systems. Paragon's new testing solutions meet these needs. Paragon Web FASTest is a secure, cloud-based ePayment testing hub that connects globally deployed resources and offers testing on-demand. Paragon VirtualATM is a secure, server-based XFS ATM simulator that allows users to test ATM configuration files and XFS devices without relying on physical ATMs.

Outstanding Customer Service
To thrive for 21 years in business, happy customers are required. Paragon built its reputation on strong customer service and that commitment to service continues to drive the company. As one customer said, "Paragon's greater strength may be their very capable and willing support staff. Good software can only take you so far; great people take you the rest of the way."

"The past several years have seen evolutions in the payments and customer support landscape," says Bob Collins, Co-Founder and President of Paragon. "As organizations strive to maximize investment, the workforce has diversified to a worldwide network of users. Though this has presented new challenges, Paragon continues to provide innovative solutions and outstanding customer service—a cornerstone of our success."

"Everyone at Paragon recognizes that our customers are one of our greatest assets and treats them as such," adds Collins. "Through constant communications, our support and services staff stays in tune with our customers' needs—which in turn provides Paragon with information on industry trends and perspectives. This allows us to enhance our products to meet the most up to date requirements as well as prepare for the next wave of changes."

About Paragon Application Systems
Paragon Application Systems is the leading independent provider of ePayment simulation, configuration and testing software solutions to the financial industry. More than 600 financial institutions in over 90 countries use Paragon tools to improve quality and reduce time-to-market. Paragon's broad customer base includes major interchanges, processors, leading software providers, banks and credit unions. Visit Paragon Application Systems at www.paragonedge.com, follow our blogs at www.emv411.com and www.testingrevolution.com/blog, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter @ParagonEdge, @testpayments, Facebook, or email info@paragonedge.com.