Press Release

National Bank of Oman Chooses Paragon Application Systems' FASTest Solution

October 31, 2013

Paragon software speeds pre-certification testing with the UAE Switch

(Holly Springs, NC— October 31, 2013) National Bank of Oman (NBO), one of the largest banks in the Sultanate of Oman, and Paragon Application Systems, a leading global provider of software testing solutions, recently signed an agreement, under which the bank will conduct pre-certification testing using Paragon's FASTest solution in preparation to apply for access to the UAE switch.

Banks require a UAE switch simulator to run EMV issuer and acquirer certification, before proceeding to online certification with the UAE switch. Using FASTest, NBO will significantly reduce the ePayment testing effort for EFT switches and POS devices.

In addition, the bank will use FASTest for UAE switch simulator to validate test transactions. Pre-certification testing enables the bank to catch and fix errors prior to online certification testing, thereby reducing the time and cost of online certification.

"FASTest will enable NBO to interface quickly with the UAE switch as it implements our new switch platform," says Moosa Al Jadidi, Acting Head Retail Banking at the NBO. "Paragon Application Systems is one of the leading technology providers globally, and we believe that this partnership will significantly enhance our ability to gain accreditation from the UAE switch. In executing this efficiently, we will continue to provide real value additions to our customers in the long-term."

"We are pleased to work with National Bank of Oman as one of our newest customers in the Middle East," said Doug Daggett, EMEA sales director for Paragon Application Systems. We recognize that financial organizations have a choice when it comes to selecting a partner for mission critical testing solutions. We appreciate the trust NBO has placed in us."

About National Bank of OmanNational Bank of Oman (NBO), the first local bank in the Sultanate of Oman, was founded in 1973 and is today the second largest bank in Oman. The Bank serves its customers in Oman through 59 Branches (including 2 Booths) and 148 ATMs as well as 5 branches in Egypt and 1 in U.A.E. NBO's Call Center enables customers to enjoy banking services 365 days of the year. Visit National Bank of Oman at www.nbo.co.om

About Paragon Application Systems
Paragon Application Systems is the leading, independent, global provider of ePayment simulation, configuration and testing software solutions to the financial industry. More than 590 financial institutions in over 85 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 blog at www.emv411.com or email info@paragonedge.com.