FIME smoothes Mastercard M-Tip migration path for banks

FIME has launched a new range of services especially adapted to MasterCard’s M-TIP process. These services will enable banks to optimize their time to market whilst also ensuring that their products conform to the payment scheme’s requirements.

Several years ago MasterCard put in place the TIP certification process for acquirer banks. The aim of this process is to check that acquirers’ banking terminals, connected to the MasterCard network, respect MasterCard’s specifications and recommendations.

From July 2010 onwards, the M-TIP process will gradually replace the TIP process for the validation phase. The M-TIP process was developed to facilitate the validation cycle of terminals in the bank environment by reducing the number of tests to carry out, therefore accelerating EMV migration. Starting January 1st 2011, it is anticipated that all projects concerning the integration of “contact” payment terminals will be carried out following the
M-TIP process. Contactless terminals (PayPass™) and on-board terminals will continue to follow the current TIP process.

FIME has been preparing for the launch of the M-TIP process since the end of 2009 and already accompanies banks today in their steps towards a MasterCard M-TIP certification. FIME offers its clients services specially adapted to the launching of an M-TIP certification process: training on the process, guidance throughout project preparation, as well as on site technical support to ensure that the M-TIP certification project is successful.

FIME has also updated the ETEC Verify for TIP test tool in order to bring its clients the benefits of more automation and rapidity in their M-TIP preparation. This tool enables cost reduction in the certification process whilst respecting the rules and deadlines defined by MasterCard. It relies on the test results obtained with the Subset M-TIP cards from ETEC 2010 (a tool approved and referenced by MasterCard as an official validation tool for the MTIP process).

“We are very happy to say that FIME has totally satisfied MasterCard’s requirement criteria. We are extremely pleased with our collaboration”, said Christian Delporte, Head of Chip Engineering at MasterCard Worldwide.
FIME has accompanied MasterCard in the TIP certification process for many years, not only
by providing experienced consultants but also by supporting their sales relations with banks.

Pascal Le Ray, CEO of FIME confirms: “Our worldwide network of consultants specialized in MasterCard’s TIP process enables us to provide support and guidance throughout the entire certification process to banks wishing to carry out a MasterCard certification. Our ambition is to become the leading consultancy provider for banks for the integration and certification of terminals in the banking network. We would like to thank MasterCard for
trusting us for the past seven years.”

FIME is a worldwide supplier of test solutions in the domain of smartcards, RFID and NFC. Providing an overall and integrated service consisting of laboratory testing, test tools, consulting and innovation through dedicated R&D, FIME holds a strong position as a real business accelerator.

A pioneer in testing contact cards during the 1990s, today FIME is providing its leading abilities in the contactless world with over 180 employees in branches in Belgium, Canada, China, France, India and Taiwan.