Both companies are already widely regarded as experts in their individual fields. Consult Hyperion helps organisations to conceive, specify and develop innovative transaction services using new technologies, whilst RFI Global works closely with corporations on their product testing to ensure compliance and speed of electronic, wireless, and smart card products to market. By joining forces, the two companies will be able to offer customers service and advice at every stage of the product life cycle, from conception through implementation to product testing.

"We are delighted to be working closely with RFI as they have extensive in-depth knowledge of many product technologies and very robust testing processes. In the field of internationally interoperable contactless smart card schemes, such as MasterCard's PayPass and Visa Contactless programs, we aim to serve the market with an exciting blend of independent consulting and testing services" Neil Garner, director of Consult Hyperion.

"This partnership is a union of two independent, specialist organisations coming together to meet market needs. RFI-Smart is delighted to be working with Consult Hyperion to bring key skills in contactless payments to the smart card market," says Jean-Francois Girard, RFI-Smart Business Manager.

The partnership between Consult Hyperion and RFI Global will provide a comprehensive package of consulting and testing services to clients deploying smart card services. Consult Hyperion has been instrumental in the development of prototypes, specifications, and systems for MasterCard's PayPass, as well as other contactless payments schemes. As MasterCard's PayPass moves from a number of successful US pilots to the roll-out of a mature product, several other schemes are now following suit. As such, there is now a market need for consultancy and testing services to allow issuers, acquirers, retailers and technology vendors to integrate and certify scheme-compliant infrastructure.

RFI Global is comprised of various key business areas, including RFI-Smart, which specialises in accreditation and testing for smart card products.
RFI-Smart operates full service test laboratories for smart cards and smart card devices including PoS terminals, EFT software, card readers, ATMs, ticketing systems, SIM devices, identity cards and security systems.

Working closely with Visa International and MasterCard, RFI-Smart has full knowledge of EMV standards for compliance testing for all disparate areas of the payments process. RFI-Smart's expertise in this area will enable vendors to reach the market faster, whilst allowing retailers to comply with mandatory requirements. It can also assist the acquiring banks during the transition period to Chip and PIN with roll-out support and interoperability trials.