SmartSoft Solutions at the CeBIT...

SmartSoft, Turkey's leading company in card payment systems and chip card Technologies, will participate in the CeBIT which will be held in Germany between 01-05 March 2011. At the expo, where Turkey will be the guest country, SmartSoft will share its newest technologies that were developed for the banking and finance sector with expo visitors.

SmartSoft, who is moving ahead with confident steps in becoming the global company of the year in the card payment systems and chip card technologies field, is participating in the CeBIT that will be held in Hannover Germany. At the expo, SmartSoft will introduce its newest technologies, systems and products at its stand, located in the 11th Expo Hall stand  F 25/4, to international visitors.

With regards to participating in the expo, SmartSoft General Manager Murat Goksenin Guzel  stated "We are presenting high technological products and solutions that are customer satisfaction oriented for our customers in five continents. In 10 years, we have become the preferred solution partner for banking and finance networks in Turkey. Turkey is in a strong economic growth. We will have the opportunity at the expo in Germany to introduce the innovations of the banking sector to the entire world."

With SmartSoft products, life is becoming easier...

At the expo, SmartSoft will display the Palmaris Instant Issuance System, which is a turnkey solution contact and contactless EMV and magstripe cards that can be personalized at the branches. The Palmaris Instant Issuance System draws attention with its security, management, and quality control features. In addition to this, it supports the latest technologies in EMV like PayPass, payWave, and Near Field Communication (NFC). The product was awarded the "Most Innovative Payment Software" Award by EPCA/ECR and is successfully used in many countries including Italy and Canada.

Another product that will be launched at the expo is SMSP. The SMSP Mobile Solution Platform product is a complete NFC solution that provides innovative contributions to the rapidly spreading payment technologies in the world and Turkey. Also, it fulfills all of the Mobile Network Operators (MNO) and Service Providers require.

About SmartSoft Information Technologies

SmartSoft offers software solutions and services for the Payment Industry and focuses on card based payment processing and chip based financial card issuance. By offering a wide range of products like smartcard personalization, card management, and mobile payment solutions, SmartSoft helps its clients to improve their card business and get involved with new business areas. By successfully implementing a wide array of worldwide innovative projects, SmartSoft is now a pioneer in the field and enjoys its rapidly increasing market share in both horizontal and vertical markets.

CardSmart Kosovo 24 November 2010, Hotel AFA, Prishtina/Kosovo

SmartSoft and Idea Communication gathered decision makers from the entire banking, retailer, insurance, telecom industries and government representatives from institutions related with payment technologies by jointly organizing SmartGroup's traditional CardSmart concept event in Prishtina.

Following the opening speech of Mrs. Teuta Sahatqija, General Director of Idea Communication, Mr. Florin Lila, Deputy CEO of ProCredit Bank Kosovo, talked about the current payment infrastructure and the foreseeable vision of the banking industry in Kosovo in his speech.

The event continued with SmartSoft General Manager Mr. Murat Guzel's speech, which focused on advanced city banking solutions. The latest Loyalty Applications and Instant Issuance Solutions were the topics in the following sessions.

SmartSoft was delighted to host the respectable participants of CardSmart Kosovo, thanks to Idea Communication, their reputable partner in the Balkan region 

SmartSoft and Zebra collaboration in Indian market

SmartSoft has participated in Zebra ID University Event organized by Zebra Asia team from Singapore. During this event, SmartSoft presented « PALMARIS Instant Issuance« solution. Zebra has organized this seminar as an Education and Networking platform for market players and partners with a great opportunity to meet and discuss on card-issuing and solutions in each vertical market. Organization has taken place in 2 cities for 2 days with the attendance of 30-40 partners of Zebra in Indian market.

Main objective of the event was to introduce SmartSoft solutions to Zebra partners to explore the possible collaboration area in Indian market.

From SmartSoft, Erdal YAZMACI, International Sales & Channel Director, has attended to the organization.

Again, another first in the world from SmartSoft: EMV - VMPA & MMP Analyzer

SmartSoft, which has combined its expertise in contact and contactless payment systems with mobile payment systems, developed a VMPA & MMP Analyzer product.

Users are able to analyze VISA and MasterCard banking applications in detail using microSD and compact SIM cards, which are integrated with mobile phones, via the VMPA & MMP Analyzer prepared according to the latest mobile specifications indicated by VISA and MasterCard.

The VMPA & MMP Analyzer, which was designed by SmartSoft engineers, is compatible with previous technologies such as contact, PayPass, and payWave and provides the opportunity to test and analyze mobile banking applications conducted with previous technologies. This way, banks can analyze how their new mobile banking products are received in the markets where the mobile transition is not yet completed and personalize relevant mobile banking applications with improvement.

Product Development Director, Eshabil Bülbül, made the following comments about the VMPA & MMP Analyzer: “Turkey is one of the first countries in the world where mobile payment applications are implemented. Banks are in need of such a product that allows for analysis and that is also instructive with regards to the transit to mobile payment technology. Today, the VMPA & MMP Analyzer fully meets the market's requirements and has started to being used in Turkish banks, which are going through this transition.  Due to mobile payments being very new for the world, we get a lot of requests worldwide with regards to this product.

Advantages of the VMPA & MMP Analyzer:

•      Entails the latest mobile specifications for VISA and MasterCard
•      Compatible with the previous specifications such as contact, PayPass, and payWave
•      Tests and analyzes mobile banking applications by simulating different terminal types 
•      Simulations of fraud attacks by interfering with the transaction flow by using parametric and user-friendly screens
•      Sending online EMV scripts to banking applications with mobile scripting

For further information regarding the product, please contact product@smartsoftww.com.

SmartSoft was at CARTES 2010 (7-9 Dec 2010, Paris/France)

SmartSoft was present  at CARTES Exhibiton, meeting with respectable clients and partners and demonstrating solutions at partner booths.

Booths SmartSoft was present;

MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS

EMVCo certified PayMech EMV and Contactless Level 2 Kernel application integrated to Maxim USIP secure chip platform.  

NXP SEMICONDUCTORS

PROCEED Prepaid Solution based on NXP JCOP31v2 chip version and NXP JCOP operating system with java 2.2.1 under global platform launched for Aktifbank.

ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES EUROPE

Award-winning Palmaris Instant Issuance solution as integrated to ZXP Series 8™ retransfer card printer of Zebra.

MASTERCARD

The very first Maestro card with a touch based keyboard and digital display, offered by Turkish Economy Bank by collaborating with MasterCard and SmartSoft, has been demonstrated in MasterCard Booth.

WATCHDATA - DIT MOBIL LAUNCH

MicroSD based mobile payment solution of Bank Asya, the "DIT Mobil", developed in collaboration with Watchdata and SmartSoft,  has been launched at CARTES 2010. The first contactless transaction via a mobile phone has been conducted at Watchdata booth.

We would like to thank our guests visiting us at CARTES 2010 and all our well-regarded partners.

SmartSoft General Manager Murat GÜZEL, was a speaker in the Mutli Applications section of the Conference, with the sub-topic “World's most advanced public card banking applications” referring to SmartSoft's chip based city card solution with loyalty application.

New Mobile Payment Platform with microSD NFC Technology : "DIT Mobil"

Bank Asya, a leading interest-free bank in Turkey and Watchdata, a worldwide leader in innovative data security and smart card technology solutions, announced today their collaboration to provide microSD-based mobile payment solution in Turkey, the “DIT Mobil”. Consumers could expect better experience and convenience tapping their mobile phone on different mobile payment services brought by DIT Mobil.

DIT Mobil utilizes Watchdata's SDpass™ technology that allows the implementation of multiple payment applications, such as retail, transportation and many others on a single and highly secure portable device. DIT Mobil is the latest member of DIT Card family that aims to provide city cards, campus cards and mass public transportation solutions in Turkey. DIT MOBiL utilizes MasterCard's innovative contactless technology MasterCard PayPass™ that provides consumers a fast and convenient alternative to cash.

“We are very excited and honored to work with Bank Asya and bring such innovation that provides better convenience and security to consumers,” says Jianhua Yu, regional sales director for Watchdata EMEA. “Watchdata continues to provide stakeholders of mobile payment the innovation that makes the future of payment possible today. The launch of DIT Mobil could provide the key to unlock the vast potential of new payment technologies to be implemented in Turkey and across Europe.”

DIT Mobil is as a complementary part of the DIT Project and city card solution of Bank Asya. DIT Mobil will be used in all EMV contactless terminals including Bank Asya's bus validators, ferry turnstiles, taxis and many others. Furthermore, all KGS tollway gates will accept DIT Mobil. DIT Mobil would allow users to pay by simply tapping their mobile phone in front of a secure point-of-sale (POS) contactless terminal, providing them with the convenience of shorter transaction and queue times and a quick and hassle-free retail experience.

“Mobile Phones and Payment Cards are the most indispensible assets of modern life. DIT Mobil is gathering all advances of both environments in one solution.” says Cemil Özdemir, President and CEO for Bank Asya. “Project team have designed an easy to use and highly secure product. I would like to thank participants of this innovation project on behalf of Bank Asya.”

Bank Asya and Watchdata works closely with MasterCard to ensure that payment and chip security comply with the most advanced smart card security standards available. MasterCard is helping Bank Asya to transform financial services with mobile innovation to fulfill a global market need. The collaboration hopes to achieve high acceptance rate of the microSD-based solution as the Near Field Communications (NFC) technology of choice in the field of cashless payment.

The integration of DIT Mobil and Bank Asya's existing contactless mobile environment will be done and adapted by SmartSoft.

SmartSoft Information Technologies, MasterCard M/Chip third party accredited vendor and pioneer in the sector, provides services for card payment system and smartcard technology, and implement innovative projects throughout Europe and the world. As a personalization solution provider of DIT Mobil, SmartSoft Information Technologies is proud of being the part of this innovative project, which will be one of the forerunners in NFC world.

Given that millions of current mobile phones offer microSD support, DIT Mobil combined with MasterCard's contactless PayPass™ technology allows Bank Asya to migrate its current DIT card programs to the mobile platform.

Mobile "SIM" Based NFC Technology at Transportation

An agreement between BankAsya and Turkcell makes it possible for motorists to pay tolls on bridge and toll roads via their mobile phones, eliminating the need to carry special cards.

The new system will install the features of the Card Pass System on mobile phones, spreading the utilization of contactless mobile passage solutions based on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. However, the system will not require the possession of an NFC-compatible mobile phone.

The joint BankAsya-Turkcell project also marks the opening of contactless mobile applications for everyone in Turkey, previously only used locally for some test applications. The plan is to launch the system by February 2011, and any interested individual can start benefiting from the system just by getting a specially designed SIM card from Turkcell Communication Centers (TİM). Customers can charge these cards with credits or, if they want, they can immediately start using them by just registering their credit card information to AsyaCard DIT, a prepaid multi-application chip and PIN card combining the power of MasterCard EMV OneSmart features with an integrated municipal toll and transit application.

Security Peaks in Branch Card Issuance with Palmaris and Zebra ZXP8

SmartSoft and Zebra, pioneers in EMV payment processing solutions and card printers to engage in financial card Instant Issuance partnership. 

SmartSoft is proud to have completed the integration of the award-winning Palmaris Instant Issuance solution with the new advanced technology  ZXP Series 8™ retransfer card printer from Zebra , launched at Bank Administration Institute (BAI) Retail Delivery Conference on Oct.19, 2010.

The Palmaris Instant Issuance Solution available since 2005 has established a broad customer base, and boasts one of the widest implementation of instant issuance solutions in Europe including 150 branches of one major bank. SmartSoft continues to develop and provide best of class technologies to its customers.  The SmartSoft Palmaris solution offers issuers the fastest, most secure, and most cost effective way of card issuance, bringing customer satisfaction, leveraging the technology of the high performance and high quality ZXP Series 8 retransfer card printer, that includes advanced encryption features to protect sensitive data during network transmission.

The SmartSoft Instant Issuance product is capable of supporting all of today's technologies covered by EMV, as well as many of the future global needs. Based on a nearly a decade of experience working with some of Europe's largest banks and financial institutions, SmartSoft  continues develop new features for the Instant Issuance products, as a result of the close working relationship with these financial institutions .

Zebra's Secure Issuance printer, in conjunction with leading application providers, is capable of printing fully activated debit, credit and ATM cards on flat, non-embossed cards. Leveraging the technology of the ZXP Series 8 retransfer card printer, the Secure Issuance printer features a locking mechanism to protect the input, reject and media inside the printer from unauthorized access, obstructed view of input and output hoppers, and includes encryption to protect all sensitive cardholder data during network transmission. It also meets industry security specifications for smart card encoding such as EMV Level 1 Type Approval, which tests for compliance with the electromechanical characteristics, logical interface, and transmission protocol requirements defined in the EMV Specifications.

SmartSoft  Product&Marketing Vice President Ozgur Altuntas quoted “we are extremely pleased to become the first company supporting Zebra's new leadership product, that will enable the customers to issue their cards instantly in a most secure and fastest way.”

Zebra Technologies EMEA Product Manager Richard Powlesland quoted  " we are very pleased to have SmartSoft as a partner supporting our new ZXP Series 8 instant issuance card printer, SmartSoft's knowledge of Instant Issuance and years of experience will greatly help our new mutual customers”

About Zebra Technologies

Zebra Technologies Corporation provides the broadest range of innovative technology solutions to identify, track, and manage the deployment of critical assets for improved business efficiency. Zebra's core technologies include reliable on-demand printer and state-of-the-art software and hardware solutions. By enabling improvements in sourcing, visibility, security and accuracy, Zebra helps its customers to put the right asset in the right place at the right time. Zebra serves more than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies worldwide. For more information about Zebra's solutions, visit  www.zebra.com.

About SmartSoft Information Technologies

SmartSoft  offers software solutions and services for Payment Industry, focusing on card based payment processing and chip based financial card issuance.

Offering a wide range of products, like smartcard personalization, card management and mobile payment solutions, SmartSoft helps its clients to improve their card business and get involved in new business fields. By successfully implementing a wide array of worldwide innovative projects, SmartSoft is now a pioneer in the field and enjoys rapidly increasing marketshare both in horizontal and vertical markets.

With the establishment of Credo and Cordis in 2009, SmartSoft was reorganized under SmartGroup by expanding its service network in end-to-end banking technology solutions with SmartSoft, in vertical market hardware products with Credo and in loyalty card processing with Cordis. Thanks to innovative solutions developed in compliance with the International Card Specifications namely EMVCo, VISA, MasterCard, EPCA and MULTOS, SmartSoft has been duly approved, recommended and awarded by many worldwide renowned institutions such as EPCA, MasterCard, VISA, EMVCo, MULTOS, SESAMES and ISO. In 2010, SmartSoft has become MasterCard-accredited vendor globally for providing guidance to issuers and acquirers who are preparing for contact chip implementation.  SmartSoft also provides technical support during execution of chip and contactless migration projects.  www.smartsoft-it.com

Visit SmartSoft at CARTES !

7,8,9 December 2010; Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, France SmartSoft is pleased to invite you to see its innovations at CARTES exhibition in Paris, between 7-9th of December, 2010.

As being one of the pioneer companies in payment systems with many award-winning solutions, we will be presenting our breathtaking solutions with our partners this year.

You can find SmartSoft solutions in below booths :

MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS (Hall 3, C 055)

SmartSoft will present its EMVCo certified PayMech EMV and Contactless Level 2 Kernel application integrated to Maxim USIP secure chip platform.

ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES EUROPE (Hall 3, E 112)

SmartSoft will present award-winning Palmaris Instant Issuance solution as integrated to Zebra ZXP Series 3 and P430i thermal card printer of Zebra.

NXP SEMICONDUCTORS (Hall 4, L 001)

SmartSoft and NXP will present PROCEED Prepaid Solution based on NXP JCOP31v2 chip version and NXP JCOP operating system with java 2.2.1 under global platform launched for Aktifbank.

ELECTRONIC TRADE SOLUTIONS (Hall 4, L 120)  

SmartSoft and ETS will present EMV Level 2 Kernel Solution on ETS terminals having the chance of conducting full online transaction with SmartSoft ISO Host Simulator.

GHIRLANDA SMARTCARD SOLUTIONS (Hall 4, M 088)

SmartSoft and Ghirlanda will be presenting Central Personalization Software and lately developed validator for public transportation use. Visitors will also have the chance to be informed about the end to end payment solutions set of SmartSoft. Ghirlanda, as a reputable VISA and MasterCard certified personalization office in Italy, personalizing 6 Million Cards a year with SmartSoft’s PALMARIS Central Personalization Solution since 2007, for %45 of card market in Italy.

DenizBank (Dexia) has selected SmartSoft's OCEAN issuing and acquiring solutions

Much faster and higher quality service with OCEAN

Since July, DenizBank(Dexia) who has been using SmartSoft's product OCEAN, believes that the products and experiences provided by SmartSoft have an important advantage for them. DenizBank(Dexia) Information Technologies and Support Operations Assistant General Manager Dilek Duman shares information about the product OCEAN and their collaborations with SmartSoft;

Could you please tell us how the need originated?
The Card and POS world are rapidly developing environments. We are seeing that this upcoming term will be a term where cash will no longer exist but rather banking services will be offered with prepaid cards. The card market is heading towards many different goals regardless of whether this is in transportation, city and municipal infrastructures or even mobile. To be strong in this sector, it is very important to be ahead. With regards to products relating to cards, you have to be a leader, fast, and you must offer your customers the best service available. For this reason, we needed a well developed card infrastructure. Each of the top 5 banks in the sector purchased a credit card package from abroad and converted them into their own credit card packages. Our preferential listing, when we chose our package, was that it be a new technology, it be parametric, and that it be a product that could rapidly develop new products. During our search, the only solution we came across was SmartSoft's product, OCEAN. Of course, because the product was developed 100% by Turkish engineers, this added additional value.

What is OCEAN?
As DenizBank(Dexia), between the years 2005-2007, we completely renewed our banking infrastructure and switched to Inter-Next by Quantis. The most important deficit within this structure was the credit card and POS software. With SmartSoft's product OCEAN, we have covered this deficit. Technically, OCEAN is a good package, it's easy to manage. Technologically, it's an accurately structured package. Now, we have a credit card and POS solution that is completely integrated. OCEAN is now Inter-Next's credit card and POS infrastructure.

How did OCEAN make a difference with DenizBank(Dexia)?
As you know, credit cards and POS are very important products for banks. The variations of products and services offered are increasing each day. With OCEAN becoming a part of our infrastructure, the products and services we offer our customers are now in an embedded structure and it will be possible to offer the same quality through all of our channels. This way, we will be in the market with even more innovative credit card products. These products will be specific products of DenizBank(Dexia). These products, developed with the knowledge here, will be offered to the market rapidly. This is the most important advantage of our choosing SmartSoft's product, OCEAN.

Also, developing new products with new technology, in terms of software, is much easier. When an idea arises concerning credit card products, we have the chance to actualize it much faster. In order to make a difference, even the shortest duration in obtaining a provision for our customer is of great importance. This new infrastructure has brought us to a much better place. We need to touch our customers in the same way from every distribution channel in order to make a difference for the customer.
Technology is a rapidly developing world and SmartSoft is a company that keeps track of these technologies, especially regarding cards and POS. In this sense, the solutions they have developed are parametric and meet the user's needs much quicker. The positive aspects of this parametric structure were appealing for us as a customer. SmartSoft, in this sense, is the right business partner for us.

By collaborating with SmartSoft and MasterCard, TEB (BNP Paribas) started a new era in banking

The World's first Maestro card with a display will be used by TEB (BNP Paribas) customers 

This new generation Maestro card with a touch based keyboard and digital display is offered in the world for the first time by TEB (BNP Paribas).  By collaborating with MasterCard and SmartSoft, TEB (BNP Paribas) actualized the “Maestro Card with a Display” where passwords for internet banking will be obtained and new features will be added to the card in 2011.

With their investments in the field of innovations, the Turkish Economy Bank (TEB (BNP Paribas)), which offers innovative and creative banking products and services to its customers, has introduced a first in the world by offering the “Maestro Card with a Display” to its customers. The “Maestro Card with a display” idea, originating from TEB (BNP Paribas), was actualized with MasterCard and SmartSoft after approximately two years of deliberation. The “Maestro Card with a Display” will be used for the very first time in the world by TEB (BNP Paribas) customers and will then be carried into other countries by MasterCard.

Because of it being interactive, the TEB (BNP Paribas) Maestro Card with a Display is defined as the “new generation payment card” and with its integrated battery, touch based keyboard, and digital display, it produces a single-use password for card users for their internet banking transactions and internet shopping. The TEB (BNP Paribas) Maestro Card with a Display has the standard size and thinness of a bank card and offers practicality by removing the need for instruments that produce a single-use password and the passwords that are sent via text messages to mobile phones. This feature of the TEB (BNP Paribas) Maestro Card with a Display makes internet banking safe.

“With the TEB (BNP Paribas) Maestro Card with a Display, We've Exceeded Turkey's Borders”

Turkish Economy Bank Card Products Management Department Director, Bulent Ersoz indicated that as TEB (BNP Paribas), whether it be in personal banking or credit cards, they have done many of the firsts in the sector with the innovative products they have offered and added that “With the Maestro Card with a Display, we have exceeded Turkey's borders and earned the title of first in the world” Ersoz continued “The ‘TEB (BNP Paribas) Maestro Card with a Display' was generated by our Card Marketing and Product Development team and has been on our agenda for approximately two years and we engaged in very detailed efforts with MasterCard in this project. In the near future, we will be adding new features to this card. We are also going to ensure that the TEB (BNP Paribas) credit cards have a display too.”
Bulent Eroz also noted that as TEB (BNP Paribas), innovation and creativity are the basis of their growth and regeneration goals and added that “In order to keep up with the rapid changes and developments of the banking sector, we see innovation as our most important strength in carrying our position ahead within this competition”.

“Innovative applications in the Turkish payment systems set examples for the world”

MasterCard Southeastern Europe General Manager Mete Guney indicated that “In the field of payment systems, Turkey has become one of the most novel countries of Europe and the center of innovation. In the years to come, in concordance with the era's requirements aimed at meeting the consumer's expectations, Europe's first cyber card and Europe's first touch free card have been offered for the first time to Turkish card users by MasterCard. As the last link of novelties, we are happy to offer our first Maestro card with a display, in collaboration with TEB (BNP Paribas), to Turkish users. The Turkish payment system sets an example in the world with its innovations and its developed infrastructure where the newest technologies are applied.”

With regards to the synergy developed in the TEB (BNP Paribas) and MasterCard project, SmartSoft General Manager Murat Goksenin Guzel emphasized that safety was a priority and that they developed a project that would simplify the life of card users. Also, he indicated that they were ecstatic that the Maestro Card with a Display would be carried to other countries by MasterCard.

SmartSoft was Listed among Turkey's Fastest Growing Top 50 Technology Companies in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ Ranking  

Actualizing significant achievements in the banking sector and providing important competitive advantages to its customers by offering a wide array of innovative solutions as a result of visionary initiatives taken in the second half of this decade, SmartSoft is now aiming even higher.    

As only very few technology companies in the world are able to do, SmartSoft is now offering the world markets innovative solutions that are needed by a bank within the framework of a 360-degree payment system entirely developed by a Turkish technology company.

Between 2007 and 2010, SmartSoft has successfully completed completed 8 one-of-a-kind projects worldwide while receiving numerous awards in Turkey and abroad in recognition of these breakthrough accomplishments. In order to adapt valid payment system protocols imposed worldwide by the relevant certification authorities and develop new business models and technologies for its customers, SmartSoft, as a system integrator, is actively cooperating with the banks and certification authorities. SmartSoft, as one of the select licensed companies inducted into the MasterCard worldwide program for providing consultancy services under its own brand, has also realized the first contactless credit card project in payment processing arena in Europe. 

SmartSoft was listed among Turkey's fastest growing top 50 technology companies in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ ranking and is planning to finish 2010 with a business growth performance above the average annual growth rate expected by the IT sector in Turkey. Companies, listed in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ ranking, will also compete in the Deloitte Technology Fast EMEA 500™ competition where the fastest growing top 500 technology companies operating in Europe, Middle East and Africa will be determined.    

140% Growth

Following this significant achievement, SmartSoft General Manager Murat G. GUZEL proudly stated, “We are truly honored to be included in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ 2010 Turkey ranking. In comparison to the same period last year, we have increased our revenues by 140% in the third quarter of this year despite the global crisis. This performance achieved as SmartSoft in 2010 will no doubtedly serve as an important indicator for our future goals. We are also glad to participate in the Deloitte Technology Fast EMEA 500™ competition where we will compete with 49 esteemed candidates selected in Turkey.” 

OCEAN beat the speed and performance record with 35 milliseconds response time at 1000 TPS transaction volume…

In the stress test, which was conducted in the lab with Paragon's test tools, OCEAN reached maximum performance with a 35 milliseconds response time at 1000 tps transaction volume.

SmartSoft  OCEAN was tested with Paragon's FasTress solution and certfied was certified that it stands 1000TPS transaction volume without problems.

Paragon conducts makes tests related with payment systems and with its solutions Paragon serves 450 customers in 80 countries.

SmartSoft General Manager Murat Göksenin Güzel explanined the reason why they needed this test:

“In Turkey and in the world, card payment systems is the fastest in the transaction process and customers are more sensitive to transaction time. While SmartSoft is developing its solutions, SmartSoft prioritizes getting higher performance for these two points. We needed to certify our high performance, which were obtained from these tests, for banks which have the Ocean infrastructure and a real atmosphere, and according to our evaluations we preferred Paragon FASTress because they are the best in their field.

During the tests, our performance, which we already knew, was approved by an international company.”

As a result of tests, related to the OCEAN online system performance, the report prepared by Paragon stated that the Ocean System had perfect success with the 10 minutes maximum transaction volume (~900 TPS). Tests were performed on the average system components.

Parameters of the tests were reported by Paragon in the below;

FASTress Analyses
Run Time: 10:03 Minutes
Transactions: 559,809
Declines: 0
Timeouts: 0
AVG TPS: 933
AVG Response Time: 63 milliseconds
Max Response Time: 197 milliseconds
Min Response Time: 35 milliseconds
Active Instances: 1

The Paragon team, influenced from test results, made the following comments;

“In the tests we observed a very surprising system performance. In ten minutes with the maximum transaction volume, the timeout transaction unit performed at the zero point in the system. The recorded minimum transaction time was 35 milliseconds and maximum transaction response time was 197 milliseconds. This was the best performance we had ever seen.”

OCEAN, provides all the solutions of the bank related with the card, POS and ATM operations, was supported with the many new products and functions besides its performance via insertion of its new features.

SmartSoft Vice President Ahmet Akgün explained Ocean's reaching point;

“OCEAN was developed on a framework architecture with standard codes. We hold our claim of providing the best and most special solutions to banks via OCEAN Payment Systems solutions with its upgraded version 4.5, its functionality, performance, and speed.

SmartSoft will continue to carry out future performance and technologies to the present and banks that use SmartSoft solutions will be ready for the upcoming technologies as of today.”

Dubai, U.A.E. –

As of, May 19, 2010, 3SC Technologies and SmartSoft have announced an official partnership in the finance industry where they will collaboratively search for new business opportunities throughout the Middle East.

“3SC Technologies makes technology simpler by providing an integrated suite of world class Software, Solutions, Services and Consulting in EFT and the payments industry. Our principal focus is the provision of advanced technology software solutions for the payments industry, the design and development of which is based on many years experience of implementing and supporting card payment systems” said Max Shaw, CEO of 3SC Technologies and added “In our efforts of continuously follow the payments arena and our market to implement new products or plan necessary changes on existing products, we have partnered with SmartSoft to bring Smart Instant Financial Card Issuance, Near Field Communications based payment solutions and Integrated Testing Tools”

.Mr. Murat Guzel, General Manager of SmartSoft, noted “As a worldwide trend-setter in payment industry, SmartSoft is penetrating into fast growing markets including Middle East with strong partners like 3SC Technologies” and continued “Together with 3SC Technologies we can address the strong interest of the entire Middle Eastern market and team up with them to offer smartcard personalization and EMV migration solutions and city/transportation solutions that have historically been successful in our payment solution business to the banks.”

About 3SC Technologies:

3SC Technologies is a MENA based system integrator, providing class-apart Electronic Funds Transfer payment software solutions in the Card Management System, ATM/EFTPOS Switch, Instant Card Issuance, Fraud Management, Anti-Money Laundering, and many more domains. 

3SC makes technology simpler by providing specialized Performance Monitoring, SLA Management and Enterprise Reporting solutions that enables organizations to manage the uptime and availability of their business-critical technology infrastructure and applications, covering areas such as IT Infrastructure, IP Telephony, ATM/POS Networks, Web Applications, and more.

Headquartered in Dubai, 3SC Technologies is a one-stop-shop of Implementation, Integration, Optimization, Development, 24x7 Support and Knowledge Services for the Banking and Financial, Telecommunications, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Power, Retail, Automobile, ITES, High-Tech, Medical, and Life Sciences industries.

About SmartSoft:

SmartSoft, established in 2001, is rapidly acquiring leadership in the financial payment solutions arena. Some of the competitive offerings from SmartSoft include Payment Process Systems, Cards Personalization, Fraud Management Solutions, SmartCard Lifecycle Management, EMV Solutions, and Testing Tools.

By monitoring payment technologies, such as  EMV and contactless payment standards, very closely since 2001 SmartSoft has been developing payment solutions in order to support issuing and acquiring institutions to manage their card business and is dedicated to excellent product quality, innovative solutions, and customer satisfaction.

In addition, SmartSoft offers solutions for different domains like Transport, Campus Solutions, Healthcare, City Card, etc. and develops unique solutions like EMV and Contactless Instant Issuing Systems, which was awarded by EPCA as the “Most Innovative Software Solution“. SmartSoft is rapidly increasing its market share.

Shell and Migros Collaborated in a Loyalty Program...
SmartSoft's Shell and Migros Project

To increase customer loyalty and to supply mutual gainings for their customers, Shell who wants to collaborate with Migros preferred to work with SmartSoft for the special solutions.

The Shell Club Smart Card, which was issued with SmartSoft solution having a Money feature, ensures that their owners earn points for expenditures at both Shell and Migros while having the opportunity of using their points at Shell and Migros according to their preferences.

The project's infrastructure, which started in May 2010, was completed in two months and presented to Shell in July 2010.

Within the context of the project, solutions offered by SmartSoft are listed below:
•     Loyalty Card FEP (Back office) Solution
•     Shell and Migros System Integrations
•     Terminal and terminal software
Cards were presented to customers on August 16, 2010 by Shell. With the terminal applications, all previous information and points from the old Shell Club Smart Card were transferred to the new card and existing employees continued to take service without any interruptions.   
•     Active integration coordination with the both sides of the system
•     Implement new applications in a short time
•     Active service for large card amounts
•     Secure infrastructure
•     Continuous and completely online working system
Modules and integrations in the context of project were presented.
•     Terminal and terminal management system: ensures accepting Money Club cards into Shell's existing pump integration and campaign applications.
•     FEP: answers all of the transactions coming from the POS in the fields.
•     Migros online client: a bridge which ensures connecting Migros online services for the authorization of point inquiry, expenditure, and cancellation for the Migros card that comes to the Shell station.
•     Migros' services: ensure online service for transactions of point inquiry, expenditure, and cancellation for Shell cards that go to Migros.
•     Shell Global Card System (LCMS) Integration: is an integration application to follow all of Shell's transactions globally with the LCMS system.
•     Migros Integration: an integration application to ensure confirming transactions in Shell and Migros.

With the this collaboration, Money Club Card and Shell Club Smart Card customers can use their points that were earned from participating Shell stations, Migros, 5M, Tansaş, Şok, Macrocenter, and online market for purchasing fuel from participating Shell stations or receiving a discount for market shopping.

Shell IT Department Manager Berk Ertürk, who is responsible for the project, made the following comments:  

“We preferred the SmartSoft solution at the end of the looking for a solution to ensure active campaign management for the associated loyalty program application of Shell and Migros. We believed that SmartSoft would be able to complete the system very fast and present it to the market and this was the most important reason why we preferred SmartSoft. The Loyalty and Campaign management system of the SmartSoft solution program, ensured and enabled the launching of an active, secure, flexible and parametric infrastructure, and structure of the system. Now, with the this new infrastructure and collaboration with Migros, we serve our customers much faster.

Many thanks to the Shell, Migros and SmartSoft teams who worked in the project for their successful, fast, and altruistic efforts, and also I congratulate the three teams for the success of project.”

Many thanks to the Shell, Migros and SmartSoft teams who worked in the project for their successful, fast, and altruistic efforts, and also I congratulate the three teams for the success of project.”

Denizbank (Dexia) Payment System Preference SmartSoft Ocean and Proceed Solutıons

Denizbank (Dexia) OCEAN and PROCEED Implementation Project

Within the scope of Denizbank's (Dexia) OCEAN and PROCEED upgrade project, which was completed as of July 2010, the following solutions were provided;

• OCEAN Payment Processing Solution
• ORIGO EMV Migration Solution
• PROCEED Prepaid Card Management Solution
• PALMARIS Mass Card Issuance Solution
• PALMARIS Instant Card Issuance Solution
• IFS Risk Management Solution
• STN Smart Transaction Network

The project aiming to change the payment infrastructure of Denizbank was completed by a joint team comprised of Denizbank, Intertech and SmartSoft in just six months. As a result of this successful implementation, the Denizbank payment system operation was moved to OCEAN and PROCEED solutions without any interruptions. The Fraud Management System, which was developed by SmartSoft, was implemented within the scope of the project. The module aims to minimize the possibility of fraud during transactions of issuing and acquiring. Two more important features of the implementations include instant issuing and Mass card personalization. Use of the PALMARIS Instant Issuance enables the Bank to issue and deliver cards in the branch in ten minutes.

Denizbank's (Dexia) main goals of this project;

• High system performance
• Increase of transaction successful callrate
• Advanced software technology solutions
• Full integration of payment system with back office system of the Bank
• Smooth data migration
• Minimum time for new product launch
• Certified and secure system SmartSoft system modules implemented during the project;
• OCEAN POS Management Module
• OCEAN Merchant Management Module
• OCEAN Adaptive Transaction Switch
• OCEAN Cardholder Management
• OCEAN Credit Card Management
• OCEAN Commercial Card Management
• OCEAN Clearing and Settlement
• OCEAN Dispute and Chargeback Management
• OCEAN Collection
• OCEAN Cardholder Statement
• OCEAN Loyalty and Campaign Management
• OCEAN Bonus Network Support
• PROCEED POS Management Module
• PROCEED Merchant Management Module
• PROCEED Prepaid Card Management
• PROCEED Campus Card Management
• PROCEED Stadium Card Management
• PROCEED Transportation Card Management
• ORIGO EMV Migration
• PALMARIS MASS Card Issuance Solution
• PALMARIS Instant Card Issuance Solution
• IFS Risk Management Solution

Project achievements;

• 2x times better performance for online
• 3x times better performance for statement and end of day.
• High availability, clustered architecture.
• Newer technology, totally service oriented architecture.
• More flexible solution and shortened time to market.
• Campaign management solution enables any type of campaign.
• Card and machine vendor are independent, more secure card issuing,
• Prepaid, campus, stadium, and transportation card management solutions.

TEB (BNP Paribas) Preferred OCEAN, SmartSoft Solutions, for Issuing and Acquiring Operations

TEB (BNP Paribas- OCEAN Transit Project

TEB (BNP Paribas) preferred OCEAN, SmartSoft Solutions, to gain competitive advantages and to implement new products, new services rapidly, reliability, and flexibility.

Within the scope of this project; the solutions below were offered to TEB (BNP Paribas):

• OCEAN Payment Processing Solution
• IFS Risk Management Solution
• PALMARIS Mass Card Issuance Solution
• PALMARIS Instant Card Issuance Solution

The project took 16 months with TEB and SmartSoft personnel with great efforts. The OCEAN solutions was developed and designed according to the needs, applications, products, and functions of TEB via SmartSoft's personnel. Within the scope of the project, Instant Issuing and Mass Card issuance solutions were offered to the bank. With the Instant Issuing project, the bank was able to issue and deliver cards instantly. So, the bank gained a competitive advantage in the market. In addition, the bank preferred the Fraud Management System that minimizes fraud transactions and includes special solutions to prevent fraud loses.

Below listed is the bank's purpose for changing its infrastructure at the beginning of the project:

• Flexible and parametric infrastructure which can be developed inside the bank
• Advanced software technology to be able to develop innovative projects
• Approved and secure payment systems infrastructure
• High system performance
• Continuous system availability
• Compatibility with the bank systems

Within the scope of the project, SmartSoft installed the following modules to the bank:

• OCEAN POS Management Module
• OCEAN Merchant Management Module
• OCEAN ATM Management and Monitoring
• OCEAN Adaptive Transaction Switch
• OCEAN Cardholder Management
• OCEAN Credit Card Management
• OCEAN Debit Card Management
• OCEAN Commercial Card Management
• OCEAN Clearing and Settlement
• OCEAN Dispute and Chargeback Management
• OCEAN Collection
• OCEAN Cardholder Statement
• OCEAN Loyalty and Campaign Management
• OCEAN Bonus Network Support
• ORIGO EMV Migration
• PALMARIS MASS Card Issuance Solution
• PALMARIS Instant Card Issuance Solution
• IFS Risk Management Solution

After the project, SmartSoft obtained the performances as listed below:

• 2x increased performance (online)
• 3x increased performance (statement and end of the day)
• 99,99% system clearance rate
• Vendor independent infrastructure
• Working compatible with banking systems successfully.

Turkiye Finans Performs their System Operations with SmartSoft's OCEAN Solution

SmartSoft Turkiye Finans Payment Systems Project

Türkiye Finans is now using SmartSoft solutions to increase their customer portfolio in the dynamic payment systems market and become superior under the competitive market conditions. Türkiye Finans, which needed a new software infrastructure to increase its effectiveness in the market, chose SmartSoft Solutions after engaging in a meticulous research and decision process. All of the payment systems solutions needed by Türkiye Finans were developed by SmartSoft and implemented in March 2009 as the result of a long-term project which started in November 2007.

Solutions provided for the bank by SmartSoft, within the project scope:

• OCEAN Payment Processing Solution
• PROCEED Prepaid Card Solutions
• IFS Scenario and Neural Based Risk Management Solution
• PALMARIS Mass and Instant Card Issuance Solution

After successful and dedicated efforts of the SmartSoft and Türkiye Finans teams, all of the solutions and products were developed for the bank and were enhanced with several special products and applications. The bank started to provide instant card issuing services for its customers with the Instant Issuing solution, which was provided for the bank as per the scope of the project. The SmartSoft PROCEED solution and prepaid card products, which are very important in the market, have made important contributions to the bank in increasing its customer portfolio.

The bank's purposes for changing its infrastructure at the beginning of the project are listed below:

• Flexible and parametric infrastructure that can be developed inside the bank
• Advanced software technology to be able to develop innovative projects
• Approved and secure payment systems infrastructure
• High system performance
• Continuous system availability
• Compatibility with the bank systems
• The ability to offer Vendor's independent service

SmartSoft solution modules established to the bank Within the project

• OCEAN POS Management Module
• OCEAN Merchant Management Module
• OCEAN Adaptive Transaction Switch
• OCEAN Cardholder Management
• OCEAN Credit Card Management
• OCEAN Commercial Card Management
• OCEAN Clearing and Settlement
• OCEAN Dispute and Chargeback Management
• OCEAN Cardholder Statement
• OCEAN Loyalty and Campaign Management
• OCEAN Bonus Network Support
• PROCEED VALIDATOR Management Module
• PROCEED Merchant Management Module
• PROCEED Campus Card Management
• ORIGO EMV Migration
• PALMARIS MASS Card Issuance Solution
• PALMARIS Instant Card Issuance Solution
• IFS Scenario and Neural Based Risk Management Solution
• STN Smart Transaction Network Management Solution

Benefits of the SmartSoft solutions to the bank:

• Flexible and parametric infrastructure that can be developed inside the bank
• Advanced software technology to be able to develop innovative projects
• Approved and secure payment systems infrastructure
• High system performance
• Continuous system availability
• Compatibility with the bank systems
• The ability to offer Vendor's independent service

Latest Success on EMV L2 Kernel Project

SmartSoft is pleased to announce that the company has finalized one more EMV L2 kernel project with Vivotech in Santa Clara, California. The official certification letter from EMVCo was received on April 6, 2010 after passing all approval tests in the first attempt. Certification was received as a multi-configuration kernel allowing it to be used in more than one terminal configuration, without requiring a new certification. The new version of SmartSoft EMV/Contactless Level 2 Kernel application supports the latest version of EMV/Contactless standards and is certified by EMVCo version 4.2.a. It is also compliant with the latest version of PCI/PED standards for PIN and data security. Canada Interac domestic EMV specifications are also supported in this version of implementation.

Vivotech chose SmartSoft after attending the SmartSoft 3 day Smart Academy EMV training program. SmartSoft is proud to be a partner of Vivotech the leader in Near Field Communication (NFC) mobile payments, loyalty and marketing applications and contactless NFC readers.

SmartSoft is proud to be a partner of Vivotech, the leader in Near Field Communication (NFC) mobile payments, loyalty and marketing applications and contactless NFC readers. SmartSoft has been giving EMV/Contactless Level 2 Kernel porting and certification services since 2002 for many terminal vendors ranging through Kiosk to Validator manufacturers. The expertise of SmartSoft on EMV is not only for Level 2 Kernel services but covers a wide product spectrum including terminal applications development, testing tools, and back office systems as well.

SmartSoft participated in BT Platform Finance and Banking Program…

SmartSoft participated both as an exhibitor and a speaker in the event aimed at the finance and banking sectors, which was organized by Interpromedya and held on May 25th at the Suleyman Demirel Cultural Center. Sectoral participants enthused over General Manager Murat G. GUZEL's speech where he shared his views on the prepaid systems, debit, and prepaid card implementations while citing SmartSoft's highly successful projects in these areas.

At the “BTHaber Lets You Speak as the Market Debates” panel, SmartSoft Director Erdal YAZMACI elaborated on the fraud prevention solutions developed by SmartSoft while specifically emphasizing the importance of security in card payment systems in retail banking. Mr. YAZMACI predicted that “As the use of prepaid banking cards expands, so will the use of prepaid cards, which were initially developed by SmartSoft for the transportation sector, in campuses, parking lots, water and electric meters; therefore, this technology will enable banks to organize campaigns in these segments.”

SmartGroup Brings Together the Architects of Card Technology at CardSmart Bosphorus    

Newest trends in card technology were discussed by local and international experts at the CardSmart Bosphorus Conference…

The 2nd CardSmart Bosphorus Conference was held on May 6, 2010 at the Istanbul Point Hotel Barbaros. Members of the finance and card technology sectors were brought together at this conference where a wide variety of topics from the development of card payment systems in Turkey to a new generation of card technology and from internet-based payment systems to security features embedded into smartcard payment systems were addressed.

Just like last year's conference, the 2nd CardSmart Conference also drew great attention with the participation of a great number of local and international speakers and participants. BKM (Interbank Card Center) Assistant General Manager Pelin KABALAK, TURKCELL Mobile Finance Department Manager Ali SALCI, SmartSoft  Director of Chip Payment Solutions Division E. Ozgur ALTUNTAS, PLASTKART General Manager Ali YILDIZ, TUBITAK (The Scientific & Technological Research Council of Turkey) Smartcard Operating System (AKIS) Project Manager Mustafa BASAK, SmartSoft  Director of Payment Processing Solutions Division Ahmet AKGUN, and VISA Senior Relationship Manager Osman INEGOL were among the participating speakers from Turkey. Meanwhile, international speakers representing MASTERCARD, ORACLE and GEMALTO shared the latest developments in card technologies around the world.

SmartSoft General Manager Murat G. GUZEL, who had delivered the keynote address at the conference, stated that Turkey has been making important progress and breaking new ground in card and payment systems. “We have the banking know-how. Our goal is to make Turkey an R&D center” stated Mr. GUZEL, indicating that today, in terms of technological advancement, the banking sector in Turkey is 10 years ahead of the United States and 5 years ahead of Italy. Murat GUZEL also pointed out that prepaid cards would be further developed in 2010 while mobile payment systems would materialize after the second half of 2011.

In her speech, BKM (Interbank Card Center) Assistant General Manager Pelin KABALAK called attention to the developmental speed of the card payment sector in Turkey. Ms. KABALAK also noted that total number of credit cards issued in 2002 was 16 million; however, it has reached a total of 44.4 million in 2009 while credit card turnover has totaled 82.5 billion Euros.

One out of five users in Turkey will have an NFC compatible cell phones

Pointing to serious increase in the number of ATMs, Ms. KABALAK has stated that the total number of ATMs in 2003 was 12,857; however, it has reached a total of nearly 35,670 in 2010. Ms. KABALAK reminded that Turkey was the third country that had adopted EMV standards in Europe continued:

“Very rapid change is an issue here. First, we have transitioned from magnetic stripe cards to EMV chip cards, and then to contactless cards. Surveys conducted for NFC (Near Field Communication), which seems to be the near future alternative for payment systems, demonstrated that 90 percent of survey participants will purchase NFC compatible cell phones. A majority of the survey participants have indicated that they would change their GSM operators because of NFC while 1/3 of survey participants have indicated that they would change their banks. It is predicted that, by 2014, 20 percent of all cell phone users in Turkey will own a NFC compatible cell phone.”

“Data security level has reached 90 percent”

MASTERCARD Product Development Project Manager Sebastian POCHIC, who was another quest speaker at the conference, shared information from pilot studies conducted by MASTERCARD on home banking security features with the conference participants. “Customer pilot studies on MasterCard Security Channel are expected to be completed in 2010 and will be actualized in 2011” remarked Mr. POCHIC, indicating that MasterCard SecureCode® will allow users to perform all their banking transactions securely from their homes.

In his speech, ORACLE Security Product Director Michael BUERGER has also shared studies conducted by ORACLE on card fraud and developments achieved in this area with the conference participants. Mr. BUERGER pointed out that only a few years ago the main goal was to ensure IT security whereas today infrastructure security has gained importance, and thus data security level has reached 90 percent.

SmartSoft at RFID Symposium

As a speaker, SmartSoft participated in the TUBITAK-sponsored Symposium held on June 10th at the ITU Suleyman Demirel Cultural Center. In his speech, Ozgur ALTUNTAS, Director of Chip Payment Solutions at SmartSoft, announced that the developmental work on the actual commercial model intended for NFC and Mobile Payment Systems was recently launched and that SmartSoft was once again involved in the forefront of these activities. Mr. ALTUNTAS also reminded that MasterCard® and Visa®, being the rule makers and trendsetters in the sector, renewed their standards and consequently cell phone manufacturers  began producing NFC-enabled phones.

ORIGO MOBILE, which is our bank-based Mobile Scripting product operating within the NFC and Mobile payment ecosystem, allows actualization of mobile payment application for cell phones. This system also allows both easy and instantaneous online payment of traffic tickets that are issued while driving, via the bank using an e-wallet application embedded into the cell phone while earning discounts granted to instant payments.

EMV L2 Kernel project

We are pleased to inform that SmartSoft has finalized one more EMV L2 kernel project with a US terminal vendor and obtained the official certification letter from EMVCo after passing all tests in the first attempt of type approval tests. Certification has been received as a multi-configuration kernel allowing to be used in more than one terminal configuration without requiring a new certification. A new version of SmartSoft EMV/Contactless Level 2 Kernel application supports the last version of EMV/Contactless standards and is certified by EMVCo version 4.2.a. It is also compliant with last version of PCI/PED standards in terms of PIN and data security. Canada Interac domestic EMV specifications are also supported in this version of implementation.

SmartSoft has been obtaining EMV/Contactless Level 2 Kernel porting and certification services since 2002 for lots of terminal vendors ranging through Kiosk to Validator manufacturers. The expertise of SmartSoft on EMV is not only for Level 2 Kernel services but covers a wide product spectrum,  including terminal applications development, testing tools, and back office systems as well.

VendorSmart

On April 14, 2010, VendorSmart was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. While SmartSoft participated in this meeting, speakers from MasterCard and Gemalto were of great interest.

Strong Authentication solutions to secure both e-Banking & e-Commerce and EMEA customer's experience

Connected authentication solutions, opens the doors to new and enhanced online banking services and growth revenue for banks

Gemalto
e-Banking and e-Commerce market trends in Europe
Solutions deployed and on field across Europe

Speaker: Philippe Regniers

Customers’ cases:  The UK (Barclays success story) and French experiences (Groupe Banques Populaires & Caisses d’Epargne - BPCE) Product Focus: EZIO Optical reader and EZIO Display Card, portability and trendiness, the keys to customer’s acceptance

Product Focus: EZIO Connect reader, enabling secure online subscription
Speaker: Pierre Heinrichs

SmartSoft
Smartnet CAP/DPA

Speaker: E. Özgür Altuntaş

MasterCard
Bank@Home Solutions

Speaker: Sebastien Pochic

SmartGroup Penetrated the Balkans Market with its Innovative Payment Technologies Solutions

This year, the CardSmart Bosphorus Macedonia was performed for the first time by SmartGroup at Stone Bridge Hotel in the 12th of March, 2010.

At the meeting, where "Payment Technology Innovations in the World" issues were discussed by the chiefs of the sector, attracted great interest. Some of the solutions discussed at the meeting were PALMARIS SmartInstant (Instant Issuance System), PALMARIS SmartNFC (Near Field Communication Migration System), PROCEED (EMV Prepaid Card Management System), ORIGO (Online Chip &Card Applications and EMV Script Management System), ORIGO Smartnet Bank@Home (Chip Management and EMV Scripting System in online banking), and ORIGO SmartSecure CAP/DPA (Online banking EMV security solutions) in addition to OCEAN (payment processing solutions).

SmartSoft is Completed MasterCard Accreditation as a Training and Consultancy Service Provider

SmartSoft is Completed MasterCard Accreditation as a Training and Consultancy Service Provider

The 2006 EPCA/ECR Award Winner will provide technical expertise to banks for chip implementation

SmartSoft is delighted to announce that it has become a MasterCard-accredited vendor for providing guidance to issuers and acquirers who are preparing for contact chip implementation. SmartSoft will also deliver technical support during execution of chip and contactless migration projects.

With its history of supporting issuers during their chip and contactless migration, SmartSoft is delighted to now extend its professional training & consultancy services to the MasterCard accreditation level. SmartSoft had already successfully co-operated with MasterCard Worldwide in the delivery of one of its first end-to-end contactless transportation solutions.

SmartSoft has also demonstrated technology leadership with its implementation of several cutting-edge systems to support MasterCard chip products. These product range includes PALMARIS SmartInstant (Instant Issuance System), PALMARIS SmartNFC (Near Field Communication Migration System), PROCEED (EMV Prepaid Card Management System), ORIGO (Online Chip &Card Applications and EMV Script Management System), ORIGO Smartnet Bank@Home (Chip Management and EMV Scripting System in online banking), andORIGO SmartSecure CAP/DPA (Online banking EMV security solutions) in addition to OCEAN ( payment processing solutions).

Chip Payment Solutions Director, Özgür ALTUNTAŞ commented "We are very happy to see the technology of MasterCard expanding rapidly and we are glad to support their technologies with our solutions and services as fast they develop."

SmartSoft training materials are updated in line with MasterCard requirements, and SmartSoft EMV consultants participated in a training program with MasterCard. As a result of this program, SmartSoft became an accredited consultancy and training company for MasterCard contact technologies.

Partner Management Director, Erhan SEÇKİN also commented "Becoming accredited by MasterCard has been a natural evolution for us. We have not needed major training sessions because of our extensive experience with MasterCard technologies developed over the last several years."

Christian DELPORTE, Head of Chip Engineering at MasterCard commented: “We are pleased that SmartSoft, a recognized consultancy company in the smart card arena, has matched our criteria and been accredited as part of the MasterCard Vendor Accreditation Program for contact technology. SmartSoft has demonstrated its expert knowledge of chip technologies applicable to MasterCard-branded products in the course of our accreditation process. We trust that our customers will benefit from the guidance and technical support services delivered by SmartSoft. MasterCard will inform its customers about the accredited companies via the MasterCard OnLine™ website.”

SmartSoft Event: New Architectures in the Banking Retail Card Package

The OCEAN application aroused great interest in the industry in our organization that took place at the Oracle LinkPlus Partner Hub on March 4, 2010.

OCEAN is a payment processing solution that enables payments any time, any place, with any device. Its modular and flexible architecture, OCEAN provides the industry with a complete solution for, issuing and acquiring financial institutions, processors - service provider, retail, private, and corporate banks. OCEAN solutions, build on a common framework designed for high speed transaction processing and efficient management of card products to cover any financial institution’s business needs. Flexible architecture allows customers to build and manage several products on a single platform.

Single OCEAN installations may support the processing of more than one institution, running different products, and using different currencies on different locations and timezones.

MasterCard chose SmartSoft as the most innovative technology firm in banking.

While announcing that MasterCard PayPass card has surpassed 1,000,000 milestone, MasterCard Southeast Europe distributed its first MasterCard® PayPass™ awards in Turkey during a ceremony.

SmartSoft, who drew attention with the projects conducted with MasterCard®, was deemed worthy of “The Most Innovative MasterCard® PayPass™ Product Support Award in Turkey”.

SmartSoft, which has broken much new ground in developing creative solutions for the banking sector, with its innovative approach, is one of the leading developers and implementers of smartcard technology in the world.

Innovative Capacity of SmartSoft Was Verified Once More With the ISO Innovation Award!

The Innovation Awards, organized for the first time by the Istanbul Chamber of Industry, were awarded to its recipients in a ceremony held on the December 15, 2009 at the WOW Convention Center.

SmartSoft, who passed a severe evaluation process in six categories, stood out expressly with the innovations realized in the category of human resources amongst the largest holding companies of Turkey and was honored by an award in the Human Resources category. As a result, it was noted by the Istanbul Chamber of Industry that the company, who provides services to a competitive sector such as banking industry, has internalized innovation, by not only being a pursuer of constant technological developments but also by having a mission to guide.

SmartSoft has included one more ring into its awards chain with the ISO Innovation Award. The awards won by SmartSoft or won by the organizations SmartSoft has provided products/services are as follows:

. The "Excellence in Payment Innovation" Award from EPCA in "Most Innovative Software Product" category in 2006 
. Finalist in Sesames Awards in Transport category among 223 companies (one of the first three companies) in 2008
. The "Best Cash Displacement Initiative" category in the scope of "Visa Europe 2009 Best Card & Payment Sector Awards" in 2009 with AsyaCard DIT,  Bank Asya's innovative contactless credit card (Service provider: SmartSoft). 
. The 2009 "Best New Credit Card Product Launch" Award for Bank Asya's AsyaCard DIT, contactless credit card at the Cards & Payments Organization (Service provider: SmartSoft).

SmartSoft provides high technology focused services and products for more than a hundred customers over five continents with a team of 100 young and dynamic employees, where 70% is composed of engineers and twenty domestic and foreign business associates. The company that was founded in 2001 by three young, entrepreneurial engineers, currently led by our CEO Ayse Nil SARIGOLLU and keeps expanding through the global markets as being one of the pioneer companies in the chip card software industry through participating systems that supports employee's personal development and rewards their innovative creativity and capacity. Our company has completed its infrastructure study of 360-degree Human Resources Application, which has not yet been executed in Turkey; however, plans to put into practice by 2010.

A New ERA With A New Generation - Card Pack by SmartSoft

A New ERA With A New Generation - Card Pack by SmartSoft
SmartSoft, one of the SmartGroup companies, has started a new era by creating a new generation card management system "OCEAN" which meets all of the card payment system demands of the banking sector.

High Performance, Parametric and Modular Card Pack... "OCEAN "
SmartGroup CEO Ayse Nil SARIGOLLU notes that at this point "OCEAN was created by our engineers using the latest software technologies for our customers so they would be able to develop products faster in competitive market conditions. We are extremely proud to be releasing such a high-tech architecture product aimed at our customers' service.

Advanced Level Loyalty Applications Integrated with the SmartPack Chip Pack...
Our group company SmartSoft's "SMARTPACK" Chip Pack, which is the very first in many areas around the world, is integrated with technological software like OCEAN instant issuing, fraud, and CAP/DPA giving applications, which are among new generation City Banking concepts and ready to use in Transportation, Car Parks, and Campus.

Rich Loyalty Applications...

OCEAN provides its users with a competition advantage in the market by increasing cardholder and merchant loyalties through an extensive and modular loyalty applications library. We are extremely excited because OCEAN is going to operate in seven banks as of 2009. We are considering the demand for our product as the proof of the quality of our product...

Completed her words with ...

We are extremely excited because OCEAN, which has only been serving for two years  now, is going to serve seven banks as of 2009 and the product we developed is proving its quality against opponents. We foreseeing that in 2010-2011, our market shares will be over 65% with OCEAN."

SmartSoft CTO Hasan Yassıbas says at this point "We created OCEAN by analyzing the latest software and database technologies. We think that our pack will replace these types of old packs in a competitive environment within a short time because the technology of existing applications in our sector is not valid anymore. Because of its short time period of software development creating a technological advantage, once OCEAN has been set up on the customer's system, it has a structure which helps customers earn more in the long run.

Revolution in Application development with the OCEAN Framework

With the "OCEAN + Framework", which offers the advantages of new generation software technologies, all applications are developed by a standard method. The framework provides quick product release into the market by reducing application development costs in terms of time, period, and labor. The OCEAN Framework provides its users with application development which is free from code development for daily report needs. With this, OCEAN users gain full control over the system.

Latest Technologies used...

For instance, code development behind the frame has been reduced to almost 1 week (5 working days) from 30 days with the OCEAN Framework,  which prepares automatic frame and codes. Few of the arguments that separates OCEAN from other card packs are as listed below;

Operating System Independence: It can work on Windows, Linux, and Unix platforms automatically without the need of adaptation.

Latest Version Software Languages: It supports monitoring software, works either as Web or Client, which are developed by Visual Studio.Net,
Database Independence: Oracle versions 10G and above, all the versions of Microsoft SQL Platform without any modifications.

Load Distribution and Pack Multiplexing Methodology: While the system is working online it has the ability to adjust the TPS (Transaction per Second) according to specific algorithms and to do the load distribution when its multiple module becomes active automatically.

Integration Convenience with Other Systems (Web Services): OCEAN was created with a service oriented architecture (SOA). Integration costs between web services and different technological platforms have been removed. All of the systems that can call Web services are able to communicate with OCEAN without facing any problems.

Special Application Development Platform (OCEAN Framework): Because of its modular framework structure, OCEAN function layer and code layer are separate, fast product development can be done, and it gives the opportunity to prepare some of the client frames either Web based or Client based within the same module."

 

SmartSoft achieves a first in the Kahramanmaras Municipality where the City Card Concept fuses Transportation Campaigns with OFFLINE Contactless Bank Cards

The transportation leg of the "City Card Framework System", which is a product of SmartSoft's two-year R&D efforts, was introduced to the press by Kahramanmaras Deputy Mayor M. Nedim Tepebasi and BankAsya Vice General Manager Mustafa Buyukates on May 9, s2008.

SmartSoft CEO Ayse Sarigollu commented on the matter and noted that “ The Smart City Framework”, which we have been working on its design and development for over two years, was finalized through the highly dedicated efforts of our team. As being the first of its kind in the world in terms of the technology used and many systems integrated in its design, with to this system, our clients will be able to easily use transportation vehicles and other payment points operated by the municipalities as if they were a member merchant."

Thanks to the City Card Framework, transportation and other different payment points each are becoming a member merchant

Today conventional methods employed by the banks for card marketing strategies (such as payment installment plan campaigns, advertisement, workforce etc.) are resulting in serious costs. By introducing our clients to the "CITY BANKING" concept, our "City Card" enables them to implement the latest technologies employed by MasterCard and Visa (MasterCard's PayPass MChip and Visa's payWave) in dual interface chip technology base at the city payment points. With the city campaigns offered by the system, card marketing burdens of the banks are alleviated meanwhile potential customers feel the urge to own a bank card and "City Card" issued by our client distinguishes him from other bank cards.

SmartSoft is the only company in Europe that can provide this end-to-end technology. With our accurate analysis of European competition, performed with 14 resellers marketing SmartSoft products in different countries worldwide, we believe that it is our rightful pride as well as our clients' to be the only company in Europe that can offer this particular end-to-end technology without needing another company.

Today, conventional methods for card marketing strategies employed by the banks (such as payment installment plan campaigns, advertisement, workforce etc.) are resulting in serious costs. By introducing our clients to the “CITY BANKING” concept, our “City Card” enables them to implement the latest technologies employed by MasterCard and Visa (MasterCard's PayPass MChip and Visa's payWave) in the dual interface chip technology base at city payment points. With city campaigns offered by the system, the bank's card marketing burdens are alleviated while potential customers feel the urge to own a bank card and the “City Card” issued by our client distinguishes them from other bank cards.

"City Banking" with MasterCard's PayPass MChip and Visa's payWave technologies

While there are just a few banks worldwide that can produce cards equipped with contactless interface (without loyalty), it is truly an honor for our team, as well as the Turkish Banking sector in terms of the level of technology attained and the ability to implement the City Banking concept on this card.

With many different applications of the "City Card Framework" projects, most of which we believe to be the first of their kind in the world and will be launched in the near future, we are aiming to bring in new customer segments for our clients through the "CITY BANKING" concept and technological campaigns.

Banks are minimizing their card marketing costs through SmartSoft's "CITY BANKING” concept.

SmartSoft Technical General Manager Murat Goksenin Guzel expressed his views on the matter and said that "The SmartCity system is an integrated framework system that combines many integrated and modular systems ranging from bank card printing systems to special software on terminals (validators) and from campaign management systems to bank back-office systems that work in unison.  Due to this structural characteristic, we are striving to enable a bank to manage not just the transportation system but all low-payment channels in the city. Within the context of this goal, we have realized our first pilot implementation with a public transportation project."

This system  will enable clients to organize cross-campaigns between such low-payment channels like public transportation vehicles, fan cards, gas stations, pre-paid meters, auto parks, etc.

A bank provided card equipped with this system will be able to perform cross-campaign transactions with a single card mapping between such low-payment channels like transportation vehicles, fan cards, gas stations, pre-paid meters, auto parks, universities, and schools.

Instead of the Mifare® card technology, a new and safer era has begun with the introduction of a refillable and universally usable bank cards through which common campaigns can be organized  within all city payment points and member merchants

The Mifare® technology used today in transportation systems is a manufacturer-based product that requires special solutions at refilling points, and most importantly, it employs symmetrical coding in terms of security and as a result, the significance of bank cards is increasing tremendously. With their unmatched ability to set up a very advanced firewall through symmetrical and asymmetrical algorithms, to sense fraud attacks, deny transaction requests through risk assessment parameters when necessary, and their universal usability  at all ATM and POS devices regardless of the bank and previous investments made, bank cards provide advantages that are incomparable to Mifare® technology.

For the first time in the world, BankAsya has implemented  this technology in a public transportation system without needing a contractor

While contactless bank cards have been usable with the member merchants, from now on, they will also be used at city payment points (such as public transportation vehicles, auto parks, meters, etc.). With a loyalty program and a concept that we call "CITY MONEY", we will implement cross-campaigns between these payment channels. We have no doubt that this system will also constitute an important channel for bank in the actualizing card marketing strategies.

All ATM and  POS devices  are transformed into refilling stations with EMV methodology and security

Thanks to this system, while costs incurred from special card refilling devices and special back-office operations related to Mifare® technology are eliminated, refilling and managing of EMV cards is made possible through all the POS, ATM and Kiosk channels for which the investments have already been realized.

The BankAsya Card is a display of the first prototype "CITY CARD" implementations in the world

The new Bank Asya card supports PayPass MChip 4.0 PAD, payWave VLP, CAP, DPA, CAS, and 7 different payment channels to be used at various locations throughout a city. We are printing the cards with our Instant Issuing System which won the 1st prize in two categories at the EPCA/ECR (Innovative Banking Awards) organization. As SmartSoft, our goal is to provide our clients with much more than just a card with a contactless interface.

With just a single card;

- PayPass MChip is among  top 10 banks in Europe (Very soon payWave-transit implementation),
- First pilot implementation in the world with City Card Loyalty Campaigns,
- First "City Card EMV BackOffice" Management System in the world,
- Internet Log On with CAP/DPA Profile,
- First time in the world TOP_UP from Internet Banking to Card (SmartNet),
- Toll Bridge Passage with Mifare® CAS Implementation (CAS)
- "City Money" management system with PAD Management

With new product launches to be announced in the near future, our greatest goal is to present important opportunities for our clients in the card sector both at home and abroad.

Another first from SmartSoft... Would you like an ATM in your house?

Nowadays, with the widespread use of contactless cards, banks have started to reach a wider range of customers by engaging in city card and transportation projects. After credit cards migrated to chip cards, banks have started chip bank card operations.

The most important feature of this new application is that chip bank cards can also be used as electronic wallet and pass in transportation.

The target for chip bank cards, which is set for the near future is, will be able to be topped up with money directly through ATMs. At the same time, the chip cardholder will be able to top up either from his/her bank account or credit card account. After top-up, you can do your transportation, health, and food payments by using the money topped up in the chip card easily.

SmartSoft Business Solutions Director, Business Development Ozgur Altuntas announced the good news by noting that "It is not feasible to keep ATM's everywhere. In the next phase, everybody will be able to use internet banking for topping up money on chip cards and for activating new applications."
"SmartSoft" is again the first company in the world setting chip card standards, which MasterCard and Visa released for internet banking shopping and security to be used as money top-up and pin change points. By means of the "ATM for every house" concept, in addition to the convenience of bank customers changing chip card PINs without going to ATM, POS or bank branches, this is a feature for topping up chip cards with money when needed for sea transportation, metro, and bus that will exist over the internet.

The other important thing is that, while chip cards are being used in the field, banks can block the cards using a block script. To unblock the relevant chip card, either a new card should be issued or special terminals are needed. Because of the lacking of special terminals in the sector, cards that have been blocked by SmartNet, which works under the "ATM for every house" concept, will be easily unblocked over internet.

There aren't any examples of this application throughout the world and it will be an industrial standard in the near future.

By the help of this system, electricity, water, natural gas, ticket, and money top-up on cards through low payment channels like transportation, supporter card, prepaid counters,  and parking lots, will be able to be performed. By the help of this system, which is an incredible convenience for customers, banks will make customers' lives much easier. On the other hand, a part of the crowd which may just happen to be in bank branch or at ATM, will be shifted to internet banking by encouraging customers to take advantage of technological conveniences and thus, the payment systems network will provide service with full performance.

 

Bank Asya Deploys SmartSoft's Instant Issuance Solution to Deliver MasterCard EMV Cards in a Matter of Minutes

Over 50,000  Turkish Cardholders Empowered by EMV Instant Issuance proving system scalability and demonstrating  security best practice.

Istanbul, January 15, 2009 – SmartSoft, a leading provider of complete payment solutions, today announced that its EPCA* award-winning EMV Instant Issuance solution has been deployed by Bank Asya in over 150 locations across Turkey. The system has been used to already issue already over 50,000 MasterCard EMV cards, each uniquely personalized and embossed for the cardholder in a matter of minutes. This is by far the largest implementation of an EMV Instant Issuance system in Turkey, and further demonstrates the progressive nature of EMV deployment in that market. * 2007 European Payment Consulting Association award for innovation (www.epcaconference.com)

Bank Asya, supported by the SmartSoft SmartCity technology platform, is one of a number of banks in Turkey leveraging their investments in the EMV infrastructure. In 2008, the bank launched the ASYAcardDIT, a multi-application card that combines MasterCard® PayPass™ for public transport and “Dynamic Ticket Calculation” with value-added programs such as two factor authentication for internet banking logon, top-up of MasterCard Pre-Authorized Debit, and PIN change. The cards also have an implementation of MiFare used to access toll roads and are one of the many card types that can be issued instantly to cardholders.

The ASYAcardDIT can be issued as a prepaid card, or as a MasterCard Pre-Authorized Debit card from Bank Asya. The SmartSoft OCEAN Card Management System, which is part of the SmartCity platform, manages the prepaid cards, and supports the flexible loyalty and marketing programs.

Toni Merschen, Group Head, Chip at MasterCard Worldwide said, “The security guidelines governing EMV instant issuing, which was released by MasterCard last year, prescribe a high level of security that is appropriate for this specific issuance environment. SmartSoft took on the challenge and produced a compliant solution that demonstrates our vision of the future – cardholders  can receive secure payment instruments in a way that is convenient to them, and are empowered to begin using their cards immediately.“

Murat Guzel, Chief Project Officer at SmartSoft, said, “SmartSoft, as a leading provider of MasterCard technologies in many fields such as transportation, city card and instant issuance, is proud to have deployed what we believe to be the largest implementation of an instant issuance solution in the world at Bank Asya. Our solution ensures the most effective way of gaining new customers and satisfying existing ones, considering that banks spend around €100 on marketing efforts to acquire an active account, it is important to allow the cardholder to begin using it immediately. Alongside the MasterCard M/Chip 4 EMV application, PayPass M/Chip 4; Loyalty; Transportation; Prepaid and Toll collection applications are all personalized simultaneously in a few minutes allowing use in shopping centers, transportation points, and highways immediately. Cardholders also start to benefit from special marketing campaigns immediately.”

About SmartSoft :

SmartSoft, established in 2001 is a software development company based in Istanbul / Turkey and is recognized by the banking industry as a key player in the chip card software development technology.

Dedicated completely to EMV, payment technologies solutions and smart card software, SmartSoft developed solutions to support issuing and accepting institutions to manage their card business, most of which are certified/accredited/awarded by global card brands such as EMVCo, MasterCard, EPCA/ECR and SESAMES.

SmartSoft is monitoring EMV and chip-based standards very closely and is dedicated to excellent product quality, innovative solutions (contactless, instant issuing) and customer satisfaction.

SmartSoft assists its customers by providing following solution groups :

• Transportation and City Card Systems (SESAMES Finalist in 2008)
• Instant Issuance System   (EPCA Awarded in 2006)
• Card Management System (ATM, POS Management, Acquiring and Issuing Systems, Loyalty and
Prepaid Systems, etc.)
• Credit/Debit/Merchant/Internet Fraud Systems
• EMV Scripting & Topup Management & Secure Internet Access Solutions
• Test & Quality Assurance Tools
• Card Personalization Systems
• Level 2 Kernel Solutions
• NFC Solutions
• Training and Consultancy

About MasterCard Worldwide :
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes more than 18 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.

About the MasterCard® OneSmart™ Program:
MasterCard OneSmart is a comprehensive smart card program designed to help MasterCard customers around the world plan, develop and launch successful smart card products. It leverages the technical superiority of chip, including applications, complex data, and encryption, to provide the best possible solutions for cardholders With a complete range of chip-based products and platforms, best-in-class migration services, technical expertise, and customized marketing support, the MasterCard OneSmart program delivers the added control, flexibility and security that today's banks and cardholders are looking for in payments..

SmartSoft Proves Performance of SRM Fraud System Using Paragon's FASTress

SmartSoft is pleased to announce a significant increase in the performance of their Smart Risk Manager (SRM) Credit/Debit Card and Merchant Fraud system.

SRM is a highly effective fraud detection and prevention system with multiple configuration options that best assist banks in stopping fraudulent activity.  Running in near online and online modes, the SRM system produces instant warnings for both operators and customers. SRM couples Neural Network technologies with a rules-based system to best combat fraud and provide the ability to take instant action.

A few simulations were conducted to measure the SRM performance by configuring with online and near online scenarios. FASTress, from Paragon Application Systems, generated 35-40 transactions per second (TPS) into SmartSoft's OCEAN Authorization System. SmartSoft's Payment Processing Solution OCEAN, then forwarded these ATM and POS transactions with various message attributes into SRM.  SmartSoft's SRM Fraud System was previously configured with 120 scenarios or rules, 79 of which were configured to run online.  The average response time of SRM was 140 milliseconds.

In a second configuration, FASTress generated over 50 TPS into a SRM system configured with 110 scenarios, 10 of which were configured online.  In this instance SRM responded in an average of 17 milliseconds.

“Today banks typically do not use more than 10 to 20 online rules because of the adverse performance impacts of online fraud detection,” says Erdal Yazmaci, SmartSoft Product Management Director.  “These tests prove that SRM can perform quite well with more than 80 online rules.”

“We are extremely happy to work with SmartSoft on this important venture,” said Jim Perry, Paragon's Vice President of Sales and Marketing.  “FASTress is a tool that we are seeing an increasing interest in because it provides the processing power to thoroughly test and validate mission critical systems.”

About SmartSoft SRM System 

SmartSoft has been developing SRM Credit/Debit and Merchant Fraud system since 2003. Implemented in many banks, the system helps the banks to catch the suspicious transactions. Running in online/near online modes, the SRM system produces instant warnings for the operators and customer. As supported by Neural Network techniques additional to Object Oriented Scenario Definition Language, the system offers the best way to detect the fraud cases and takes instant actions.

 

About Paragon Application Systems

Paragon Application Systems is a leading global provider of e-Payment simulation, configuration, and testing software solutions to the financial industry.  More than 450 financial institutions in over 80 countries use Paragon tools to improve quality and reduce time-to-market.  Paragon's broad customer base includes major interchanges, processors, leading software providers, merchant acquirers, banks, and credit unions.  Visit Paragon Application Systems at www.paragonedge.com or e-mail: info@paragonedge.com.

About SmartSoft

SmartSoft, which was founded in 2001 to develop chip-based EMV and payment software,  provides services for card payment systems and smartcard technology. Becoming aware of the EMV chip-based systems gap in the sector, SmartSoft effectively put its R&D company characteristics into action with EMV chip based solutions. SmartSoft, who had also entered the payment processing solutions arena in the second half of the current decade, is now among the leading companies manufacturing a wide range of products for horizontal and vertical markets. 

MasterCard OneSmart program helps banks to develop new chip-based added value applications quickly and easily.  Using the AsyaCard DIT, Bank Asya customers can pay at over 109,000 merchant locations worldwide as of 1Q2008, using MasterCard PayPass contactless technology with a simple tap. The card also includes MasterCard®   Chip Authentication ProgramT   (CAP), a secure two-factor authentication technology, which allows customers to securely access online account information.  The PC-connected version of the CAP personal card reader for AsyaCard DIT also enables cardholders to securely top-up offline balances for PayPass payments and to securely interact with public transport applications.

Bank Asya's innovative  approach  of putting toll and transit functions onto contactless smart cards has allowed them to seize the opportunity offered by the Kahramanmaras Public Transportation Project, a municipal initiative in Eastern Turkey. AsyaCard DIT owners can also use their cards on the tolls on motorways and bridges, including the two bridges over the Bosphorus Straight in Istanbul that connects Europe and Asia. With the full support of MasterCard and using the leading edge technologies offered by Turkish payment software provider, SmartSoft, Bank Asya issued a unique card that has this many built-in features for the first time.
AsyaCard DIT holders can also receive their cards immediately in the banks' branches (instant issuance), avoiding the usual wait for a card to arrive.

"This highly innovative multi-solution from Bank Asya proves that MasterCard OneSmart program brings real value to payment card products," said Toni Merschen, Group Head Chip at MasterCard Worldwide, "It's great to see that banks in Turkey are now reaping the rewards of the effort that they all put into migrating to chip and PIN (EMV) technology."

Bank Asya's Executive  Vice President Mustafa Buyukates  said "Bank Asya continues to provide its valuable customers with a variety of new and exiting products with the motto "Different Solutions for Different Expectations". While we examine carefully the needs of our customers through different  distribution channels, we serve our client base with the latest technological developments in the banking sector and will continue to follow the developments in the credit card technology and provide these services to "ease the customers' life'. "

About MasterCard Europe
MasterCard Europe  is the entity responsible for managing MasterCard Worldwide?s business in Europe - for Europe. With headquarters in Waterloo, Belgium, MasterCard Europe works with 51 European countries organized administratively into three customer areas, incorporating the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), mature markets and the developing markets of Europe, stretching as far afield as the eastern border of Russia. Through its network of local offices, MasterCard Europe can understand and meet the diverse needs of customers in the very different types of markets throughout Europe, enabling people to do business in their own way in their own language.

Through MasterCard Worldwide, MasterCard Europe offers its European customers and consumers access to leading payment services throughout the world. MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 18 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories.  For more information go to www.mastercard.com.

About the MasterCard® OneSmartT Program
OneSmart is a program that leverages the technical superiority of Chip [applications, complex data, and encryption] to provide the best possible solutions for cardholders. By extending our transactional and security expertise, we bring additional value to MasterCard brands for banks and cardholders alike.

About Bank Asya
Bank Asya is a leading Turkish bank that provides a wide range of banking products and services to its commercial and retail customers with number of issued credit card reached over 1.000.000 individual card members. Bank Asya provides banking services through its network of 124 Bank Asya branches located primarily in Western and Southern Turkey. Bank Asya also offers its services through alternative distribution channels such as ATMs, call centre and internet banking.

About SmartSoft
SmartSoft is a software development company located in Istanbul, Turkey, specializing in chip card software development technology. Dedicated completely to EMV, payment technologies and smart card software, it has developed a wide range of products, most of which are approved by global card brands, to support issuing and accepting institutions to manage their card business. SmartSoft is monitoring EMV and chip-based standards very closely and is dedicated to excellent product quality, end to end / innovative solutions (contactless, instant issuing) and customer satisfaction.

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The Most Advanced City Card Implementation in Europe is Realized through Collaboration between E-Kent...

Aktif38, the first city card of Turkey and Europe, was operationalized in Kayseri.
Inspired by their new retail banking vision, Aktif Bank, who had recently undertaken the project involving fee collection operations for the transportation system in Kayseri, has now operationalized, via its subsidiary called E-Kent, Aktif38 which is Turkey's first city card implementation specifically designed for the city of Kayseri. Aktif38, which embodies a chip technology and is based on a prepaid system, will be used in all transactions such as public transportation, shopping and dining that is necessary for maintaining daily life in the city. These personalized cards will also offer special discounts as well as bonus points.

At the press conference, Aktif Bank Deputy General Manager in Charge of Retail Banking Operations Murat Emre DUMAN pointed out that the prepaid nature of Aktif38, which will be valid for all transactions involving every aspect of daily life, will allow Kayseri residents to perform their daily transactions securely and pleasantly while earning bonus points and without becoming indebted.

From the neighborhood farmers market to the grocery store, from the pharmacy to the bakery, from public transportation to the supermarkets, Aktif38 will be valid at many points of sale. Thanks to its prepaid system, Aktif38, while eliminating the need to carry cash, will prevent the cardholder from becoming indebted. As Aktif38 does not charge any interest for the transactions performed, it also saves time with its contactless transaction feature. Moreover, Aktif38 serves as an assistant to be called upon during emergency situations to provide assistance. Kayseri residents will also be able to get help by calling the Aktif38 Call Center upon encountering difficulties involving plumbing, electrical wiring, lock changing, window breaking, and emergency medical conditions.

SmartSoft opens its USA office

SmartSoft, a global leader in payment solutions announces the opening of its North American Marketing and Sales Offices  and announces the hiring of Gregg Smith as SmartSoft's North American Marketing and Sales Manager. 

As an electronics industry veteran, Mr. Smith has been in the financial transactions industry since 2007 and has been involved in PCI, EMV and Instant Issuing products in both hardware and software implementations. Previously, Mr. Smith held senior sales and marketing positions in the semiconductor industry, most recently as Vice President of Sales, North America and EMEA for Zilog until 2007. In 2007 he began working for Innovacard/Maxim designing in the MIPS based USIP POS terminal on a chip, and for SmartSoft selling EMV L2 kernel products to NA POS terminal manufactures.

As credit card safety through EMV and EMV products become more important in North America, Mr. Smith will lead the programs for SmartSoft to introduce the many products that are already successful for SmartSoft in Europe, such as Fraud Management, Instant Issuing, NFC Mobile, and EMV testing tools, as well as build the support infrastructure in Canada and the United States.

E-NEWS

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November - 2009
Innovation Awards, which was organized for the first time by Istanbul Chamber of Industry, have gone to the prize holders, in a ceremony held on the 15th of December, 2009 at WOW Convention Center.
Read More...

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December-2009
Innovation Awards, which was organized for the first time by Istanbul Chamber of Industry, have gone to the prize holders, in a ceremony held on the 15th of December, 2009 at WOW Convention Center.
Read More...

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May - 2009
Transportation leg of the "City Card Framework System", which is a product of SmartSoft's two-year R&D efforts, was introduced to the press by Kahramanmaras ..
Read More...

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April - 2009
Nowadays, with contactless cards being used widespread, banks have started to reach wider range of customers by doing city card and transportation projects. After credit cards migrated to chip, banks have started chip..
Read More...

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February - 2009
One of the SmartGroup companies, SmartWay, has started a new era by a new generation card management system "OCEAN", which meets all the card payment system demand of the banking sector.
Read More...

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January - 2009
Over 50,000 Turkish Cardholders Empowered by EMV Instant Issuance proving system scalability and demonstrating security best practice.
Read More...

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MasterCard and Bank Asya Launch One of the World's Most Versatile and Advanced Chip Cards

Thanks to MasterCard® OneSmartT program, Bank Asya customers in Turkey can use a single card for both contact and contactless payments, perform secure remote transactions, and pay to cross the Bosphorus bridges.

Waterloo, Belgium, July 1, 2008 -- MasterCard and Bank Asya have launched Asyacard DIT - a multi- application chip and PIN card, combining the power of MasterCard EMV OneSmart features with an integrated municipal toll and transit application to create one of the world's most versatile and advanced chip cards. The card also offers the additional benefits of MasterCard® PayPassT contactless technology.

MasterCard OneSmart program helps banks to develop new chip-based added value applications quickly and easily. Using the AsyaCard DIT, Bank Asya customers can pay at over 109,000 merchant locations worldwide as of 1Q2008, using MasterCard PayPass contactless technology with a simple tap. The card also includes MasterCard® Chip Authentication ProgramT (CAP), a secure two-factor authentication technology, which allows customers to securely access online account information. The PC-connected version of the
CAP personal card reader for AsyaCard DIT also enables cardholders to securely top-up offline balances for
PayPass payments and to securely interact with public transport applications.

Bank Asya's innovative approach of putting toll and transit functions onto contactless smart cards has allowed them to seize the opportunity offered by the Kahramanmaras Public Transportation Project, a municipal initiative in Eastern Turkey. AsyaCard DIT owners can also use their cards on the tolls on motorways and bridges, including the two bridges over the Bosphorus Straight in Istanbul that connects Europe and Asia.

With the full support of MasterCard and using the leading edge technologies offered by Turkish payment software provider, SmartSoft, Bank Asya issued a unique card that has this many built-in features for the first time. AsyaCard DIT holders can also receive their cards immediately in the banks' branches (instant issuance), avoiding the usual wait for a card to arrive.

"This highly innovative multi-solution from Bank Asya proves that MasterCard OneSmart program brings real value to payment card products," said Toni Merschen, Group Head Chip at MasterCard Worldwide, "It's great to see that banks in Turkey are now reaping the rewards of the effort that they all put into migrating to chip and PIN (EMV) technology."

Bank Asya's Executive Vice President Mustafa Buyukates said "Bank Asya continues to provide its valuable customers with a variety of new and exiting products with the motto 'Different Solutions for Different Expectations'. While we examine carefully the needs of our customers through different distribution channels, we serve our client base with the latest technological developments in the banking sector and will continue to follow the developments in the credit card technology and provide these services to 'ease the customers' life'."

About MasterCard Europe
MasterCard Europe is the entity responsible for managing MasterCard Worldwide's business in Europe - for Europe. With headquarters in Waterloo, Belgium, MasterCard Europe works with 51 European countries organized administratively into three customer areas, incorporating the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), mature markets and the developing markets of Europe, stretching as far afield as the eastern border of Russia. Through its network of local offices, MasterCard Europe can understand and meet the diverse needs of customers in the very different types of markets throughout Europe, enabling people to do business in their own way in their own language.

Through MasterCard Worldwide, MasterCard Europe offers its European customers and consumers access to leading payment services throughout the world. MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 18 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com

About the MasterCard® OneSmartT Program
OneSmart is a program that leverages the technical superiority of Chip [applications, complex data, and encryption] to provide the best possible solutions for cardholders. By extending our transactional and security expertise, we bring additional value to MasterCard brands for banks and cardholders a like.

About Bank Asya
Bank Asya is a leading Turkish bank that provides a wide range of banking products and services to its commercial and retail customers with number of issued credit card reached over 1.000.000 individual card members. Bank Asya provides banking services through its network of 124 Bank Asya branches located primarily in Western and Southern Turkey. Bank Asya also offers its services through alternative distribution channels such as ATMs, call centre and internet banking.

About SmartSoft
SmartSoft is a software development company located in Istanbul, Turkey, specializing in chip card sdoftware development technology. Dedicated completely to EMV, payment technologies and smart card software, it has developed a wide range of products, most of which are approved by global card brands, to support issuing and accepting institutions to manage their card business. SmartSoft is monitoring EMV and chip-based standards very closely and is dedicated to excellent product quality, end to end / innovative solutions (contactless,instant issuing) and customer satisfaction.

Overview participation 2010

·         Oracle-SmartSoft OCEAN Implementation OCEAN Meeting
Date: 11 February 2010
Location: Oracle Partner Hub Istanbul

·         Academic IT Conference
Date: 11-12-13 February 2010
Location: Mugla Universtiy Mugla

·         CardSmart Macedonia
Date: 12 March 2010
Location: Stone Bridge Hotel

·         VendorSmart
Date: 14 April 2010
Location: Grand Hyatt Istanbul

·         CESSCA Meeting
Date: 22 April 2010
Location: The Regent Esplanade ZAGREP

·         CardSmart Bosphorus 
Date: 6 May 2010
Location: Point Hotel Barbaros, Istanbul

·         Reseller Meeting
Date: 7-8-9 May 2010
Location: İTÜ ARI2 Conference Hall, Istanbul 

·         Cardist Card and Smart Techcologies Exhibition & Summit
Date: 13 May 2010
Location: International  Lütfü Kırdar Congress & Exhibition Center, Istanbul

·         Card Middle East Dubai
Date: 17-18-19 May 2010
Location: Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai, UAE

·         BT Platform
Date: 25 May 2010
Location: Süleyman Demirel Congress Center, Istanbul

·         RFID Symposium
Date: 10 June 2010
Location: ITU Süleyman Demirel Congress Center, Istanbul

·         Cartes
Date: 7–8–9 December 2010
Location: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center

 

E-NEWS

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October - 2008
AsyaCard DIT, innovative, contactless credit card of Bank Asya, has been selected to "Best Card Alternative To Cash" in the scope of Visa Europe best cards awards of which the first one was organized.
Read More...

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September - 2008
Transportation leg of the "City Card Framework System", which is a product of SmartSoft's two-year R&D efforts, was introduced to the press by Kahramanmaras ..
Read More...

---

July - 2008
Thanks to MasterCard® OneSmartT program, Bank Asya customers in Turkey can use a single card for both contact and contactless payments, perform secure remote transactions, and pay to cross the Bosphorus bridges..
Read More...

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