Network International licenses ACI software for multi-app smart cards

Using ACI Smart Chip Manager, Network International will be the first provider in the Middle East to issue multiple application smart cards with both payment and loyalty functionality. ACIs software will also help Network International with its Europay, MasterCard and VISA (EMV) migration. In order to seize market share, Middle East banks are continually striving to introduce new and innovative services to their customers. With the January 2006 EMV deadline approaching, the more advanced banks are introducing multiple applications on chip cards as part of their EMV migration. Network International continually strives to create and maintain competitive advantage in the region by offering advanced services to its bank customers and looked to ACI to provide differentiation through innovative card technology. Network International is the first card provider in the Middle East to offer EMV compliant debit cards featuring an integrated loyalty application. By combining the enhanced security of EMV with a new delivery channel for customer loyalty, Network International enables its customers to deliver value-added services to the end user. Network International has worked with ACI Worldwide for 13 years and currently employs ACIs flagship BASE24 payments software to handle transaction processing. Network International required a proven, flexible infrastructure that would enable it to introduce additional services to its customers securely via the EMV chip cards. Supported by ACIs local office in Bahrain, ACI Smart Chip Manager will help Network International manage the lifecycle of chip cards and update application parameters. It will also support personalisation of any smart card and the post-issuance of new applications to card schemes.