Building on the strength of the CardWizard software as well as its Datacard® Affina® smart card software, the EMV technology upgrade package includes a phased approach, providing Datacard Group customers the ability to affordably integrate smart card personalization into their existing card issuing environments.

The first phase of the EMV technology package includes upgrading to the current CardWizard software server and key management software, as well as installing a hardware security module (HSM) provided by SafeNet, Inc, a global leader in data protection. The software upgrade along with SafeNet's HSMs will help customers meet worldwide standards and requirements for EMV compliant card programs, as well as compliance with Visa® and MasterCard® security recommendations.

The second phase of the technology upgrade package includes onsite installation, a workshop that gives the introduction to EMV technology and an overview of the migration fundamentals, as well as the complete EMV technology script development and management.

"With the rapid issuance and acceptance of EMV compliant cards throughout the world, as well as Visa and MasterCard announcing their plans to accelerate EMV technology migration in the U.S., it is important for card issuers to be ready to offer this technology in their card portfolios," said Ron Zanotti, vice president, financial instant issuance for Datacard Group. "Those that implement this EMV technology upgrade now will be in a prime position to offer EMV compliant cards when needed, thereby increasing cardholder service and satisfaction levels and easily meeting the industry's 2015 compliance timeline."

Currently, Datacard® solutions issue millions of smart cards everyday worldwide and the company has more than 300 EMV technology solutions implemented globally utilizing the Datacard Affina software platform. Datacard Group can also help educate and provide comprehensive consulting services on the technology.

Uniquely positioned in the market to help financial institutions design any card issuance program that fits their needs, Datacard Group offers a Secure Issuance Anywhere™ platform, which provides customers the flexibility to issue cards and credentials anytime, anywhere, with complete security. This integrated platform includes scalable and flexible hardware, software, supplies and global support-combining central issuance or instant issuance, as well as emerging NFC mobile issuance and EMV compliant programs into a single, integrated solution.