A reliable, easy-to-use combined PIN pad and smart card reader
is now available on new Epson systems, or as part of an upgrade
to an existing Epson solution.
Hemel Hempstead, 7 November 2003. All Epson systems
products - the IR-320 integrated system, MR-800 modular system
and SR-600 speciality system – can now be Chip and PIN
enabled. Developed as an open systems application, the smart
card reader, PIN pad and software also represents good news
for existing Epson system users, who will now benefit from
an upgrade path to the new technology.
Designed to meet the latest EMV hardware (Level 1) and
software (Level 2) standards (the international standard
for chip-based payment cards set out by Europay, Mastercard
and Visa), Epson's Chip and PIN offering has been developed
in partnership with Smart Technology Solutions (STS), a
software production and systems integration company focused
on providing smart card systems for the electronic point
of sale. The easy-to-use PIN pad and smart card reader is
controlled by STS's Emvelink software, which has already
been proven in operational situations with major retailers.
The tried and tested hardware and software technology enables
retailers to expedite their integration of smart card technology
before the liability shift deadline of 1 January 2005. At
this point, retailers – not card issuers – will
be liable for all fraudulent transactions which take place
using the old plastic card technology.
In line with Epson's open systems philosophy, Emvelink
is written in Java for maximum portability. Running on any
Epson touchscreen terminal, the software operates with an
EMV approved card reader, enabling the retailer to keep
pace with Epson's ongoing advances in hardware, while preserving
their investment in software and integration.
It's also an opportunity for retailers to differentiate
themselves as the more sophisticated chip cards will be
capable of supporting value added services such as self-scanning,
retailer loyalty schemes or an electronic purse in the future.
Derek Littlewood, Epson Resource Manager, commented: "Many
retailers may have delayed upgrading their EPoS systems
because of serious concerns over the complexity of the migration
process. Through its partnership with STS, Epson can offer
open, reliable and cost-effective hardware and software,
which can be easily integrated with existing systems. We
are confident it will benefit our existing customers, as
well as those wishing to take advantage of our highly-regarded
touchscreen systems."
Plastic card fraud cost the UK over £570 million
for this year and it's increasing at a rate of 30% per annum.
The main reason is that it is currently just too easy for
fraudsters to cheat the system by cloning a card or forging
the signature of the rightful owner. Chip and PIN is a card
transaction processing system which requires every payment
card to be embedded with a unique chip (establishing it
as the genuine article) rather than a magnetic stripe. In
addition, the card holder is obliged to provide their PIN
number, rather than a signature for card validation. When
fully implemented, the system is expected to have a very
significant impact on UK fraud losses.
Epson
Established for over 30 years as the world's premier printer
manufacturer, Epson has the widest range of PoS printers
and touchscreen solutions in the world, each designed to
be the best in its class, and built to meet quality and
performance criteria that set the industry standard.
Epson's best of breed thermal, inkjet and impact printers
for the point of sale have long been the choice of major
retailers in the UK and overseas. The company has also been
at the forefront of innovations such as 2-colour receipts,
single insertion cheque printing and drop-in paper load.
Together with its channel and system partners, Epson offers
system solutions for all retail and hospitality environments.
The company's range of fully integrated touchscreen terminals
includes the powerful Intelligent Register (IR) and SR-600.
For further details, please contact David
Ormerod, Epson Retail Technology Division (RTD), Campus
100, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 7TJ. Tel:
01442 227318
Email: dormerod@epson.co.uk
Web: www.pos.epson.co.uk
Press contact is Nicola Atkins at Vector Marketing
Communications, on Tel: 01442 877167 Fax: 01442 877769
Email: nicola.atkins@vector.co.uk
Web: www.vector.co.uk
