Fime is the first global laboratory and secure chip test tool provider to be accredited by EMVCo, the EMV standards body, to verify that a secure element (SE) has the required security and functionality to enable an end-user to select their preferred payment application in a contactless environment.
The ability to release products with this feature, which also ensures that the application chosen will be accepted by the point-of-sale terminal, represents a key milestone in bringing contactless mobile payments to market.
FIME's 'Global' test tool now has the capabilities to confirm that the application loaded on a SE meets the requirements outlined in the EMVCo Application Activation User Interface (AAUI) Proximity Payment System Environment (PPSE) Specification. This technical standard from EMVCo brings together the various components that make application activation possible within the user interface, defines the interaction with other contactless applications and entities active within the SE and contactless module, as well as specifies the behaviour of the PPSE in the mobile device.
FIME laboratories are accredited by EMVCo to officially test that SEs align to the EMVCo Specification before being brought to market.
Stephanie El Rhomri, New Services Marketing Manager at FIME, comments: "The ability to test and certify applications gives the market confidence that products will operate as advertised and offer true end-user convenience by being globally interoperable, regardless of the mobile handset or application selected. This is particularly important for contactless mobile payment applications, and standards - such as EMVCo - to ensure that a secure infrastructure is adopted which will provide long-term stability yet implementation flexibility to meet the needs of individual markets."
In addition to EMVCo PPSE testing, FIME is also accredited to confirm products meet the standards and specifications outlined by other industry bodies working in this space including GlobalPlatform, Isis and NFC Forum, as well as mandatory payment system approvals from American Express, MasterCard and Visa.
Stephanie adds: "Contactless technology is moving forward at a significant pace. Without doubt, it is a complex yet exciting landscape due to the diversity of stakeholders involved and the convergence of multiple business models and technology. The work of industry bodies to define the standards will reduce product development costs by offering clear guidelines for all parties and ensure contactless technology reaches its potential. We recognise the importance of creating the standards and continue to participate in various associations to develop the right tools, as well as work with clients to share this knowledge to support smooth and successful product launches."