These solutions bring together both companies best-in-class products: Datacard Affina Issuance and Affina Enterprise software solutions and Aconite's EMV Script Processor (ESP), EMV Transaction Enabler (TRxE) and Pre-Paid Value Manager (PPVM). Together Datacard Group and Aconite will deliver solutions and expertise in the following three areas: EMV Migration, Smart Pre-Paid and Enterprise card management.

"Combining our expertise in these key solutions supports our global commitment to innovation and our strategy to provide our customers with turn-key, market leading solutions," said Bob Beer, director of smart card marketing from Datacard Group.

"Aconite's expertise in scripting, authorization and pre-paid solutions will complement and strengthen our market position in both EMV migration and the development of smart card solutions for our customers," concluded Beer.

"This relationship reflects the synergy between our respective product offerings and positions us to respond to the strong demand for integrated and comprehensive EMV and smart card solutions," said Patrick Regester, EVP of Sales & Marketing at Aconite. "Together, we provide all the pieces of the puzzle that card issuers need to facilitate EMV migration and enable them to enter the pre-paid smart card market quickly and cost effectively."

At whatever stage a card issuer maybe with their EMV migration, be it early stage functionality or advanced development of their smart card offerings, the combined solutions are designed to integrate easily with existing host systems. With enhanced business solutions such as EMV scripting offline risk management and support for pre-paid cards, card issuers will be able to maximize their existing investments, and capitalize on new market opportunities with minimum disruption and risk to their business.

The companies will jointly market these EMV migration and smart card solutions; firstly in the UK and mainland Europe with plans to roll out to Asia Pacific and the Americas in the second half of 2007.