Ecebs Partners with Aconite to Deliver Multi-function Transit and Payments Smart Cards
Ecebs Limited, a leading provider of smartcard software solutions with primary expertise in the transport industry, announced today that they will join in partnership with Aconite, a leading provider of software and consulting services for managing business applications on chips in smart cards, tokens or mobiles .This partnership will involve developing and delivering a smart card solution that will enable integrated multi-modal transport within an ITSO ticketing scheme environment. In addition, this solution offers the ability to have multiple applications on one card including e-purse in a retail environment and integration with third party legacy systems.
The success of this partnership relies on the unique specialist services from each company. Both Ecebs and Aconite are experts in their fields; Ecebs has exceptional transport experience in the ITSO environment and Aconite has an international presence in the payment arena. The combination of Ecebs' software for developing on-card applications and Aconite's back-office payment system will provide a fully integrated end-to-end solution. This will initially combine payment and transport applications based on international standards on one highly secure smart card.
The payment application will be based on global EMV specifications (chip and pin) while the transport application will be based on the ITSO specification. Smart card products developed and managed by the new combined solution could, therefore, be processed by any terminal complying with the ITSO and/or EMV specifications. This dramatically increases accessibility and flexibility in a wide variety of services. The possibilities of this technology are not just limited to cards; chip enabled technology such as mobile phones and smart tokens such as key fobs can also work well.
The flexibility of the multi applications gives the issuers the choice of how the smart cards are managed, from dual interface cards (contact or contactless) to transactions being processed online or offline. So what does this mean for the end user? It means they can top up their money using a variety of methods, access public transport with their smart card, withdraw funds from an ATM just like a bank account card, ease their payment experience while having piece of mind their money will be secure.
Alan Moody, Managing Director of Ecebs commented:
"There is obvious synergy in the combination of Ecebs and Aconite's existing smart card solutions. As an integrated solution, issuers developing and processing their smart cards on this technology will have all the facilities they need for successful delivery in a highly secure environment. Ecebs smartcard expertise has allowed us the opportunity to play a key role in the ITSO environment from its very beginning. Ecebs designed the ITSO Secure Application Module (ISAM). We also developed and continue to support the ITSO Security Management System (ISMS) which sits at the top of the pyramid of trust in the ITSO hierarchy. Ecebs HOPS software is currently running in Transport Scotland and processing in excess of 200,000 transactions per day. This amounts to approximately 80% of all live ITSO journeytransactions in the UK."
Patrick Regester, Aconite's SVP of Sales and Marketing commented:
"The advantages to transit operators in adopting solutions based on international standards are endless. Using the existing infrastructure is cost effective as there is no need to invest in an expensive new system. This can therefore provide a low cost closed payment solution, which can then easily migrate into an open EMV payment solution."
A cashless society with the acceptance and utility of smart cards is becoming ever more evident. There is an established trend towards issuing multi application cards that offer greater convenience to the consumer. This solution will give transit operators and scheme operators the powerful tool they need to create and manage innovative, multi-function smart card products whilst ensuring costs are kept to a minimum.
About Aconite
Aconite Technology Limited delivers software solutions and provides expert consulting services related to managing business applications on chips in smart cards, smart tokens or mobile 'phones to payment instrument issuers around the world. We provide a rapid and cost-effective route to implementing new customer propositions, entering new markets and complying with international standards.
Incorporating a unique blend of proven software and professional services, Aconite solutions can be tailored to meet individual business requirements without the need to replace legacy systems and with minimal impact on staff and processes. Based in the UK, Aconite operates across the globe, with a local presence in many markets.
For more information see: www.aconite.net
