The qualified status was achieved for extending the existing GlobalPlatform qualified test tool with a new test suite. This test suite validates the card compliance of the new GlobalPlatform Basic Financial Configuration, after successful completion of the GlobalPlatform TestFest process.

The 'Collis GlobalPlatform Basic Financial Configuration Compliance Test Suite' can be used to test whether a smart card aligns with the GlobalPlatform Basic Financial Configuration for the banking sector. Test labs can use the Collis Test Suite to offer GlobalPlatform certification services to companies that provide smart cards to the banking sector. This tool can be used by other parties as a pre-certification tool. They can test a product's adherence to GlobalPlatform's Specifications prior to the official certification process. GlobalPlatform will list the card as 'qualified', once it successfully passes tests performed by the Collis GlobalPlatform Basic Financial Configuration Compliance Test Suite in an approved GlobalPlatform laboratory.

To achieve GlobalPlatform qualified status, test tools must support GlobalPlatform's functional requirements. The tool needs to be run correctly against a number of products during a GlobalPlatform TestFest.

Compliance of smart cards to GlobalPlatform's Basic Financial Configuration is essential to confirm that smart cards that operate within the payment market behave as agreed and expected by the industry. This is also essential to achieve a uniform infrastructure allowing third parties to load secure applications on a bank card.

Dirk Jan van den Heuvel, CEO at Collis, said: "We are pleased to have achieved qualified status for our Collis GlobalPlatform Basic Financial Configuration Compliance Test Suite through the GlobalPlatform TestFest process. Compliance of smart cards to setting standards is essential to achieve a uniform infrastructure allowing third parties to load secure applications on a smart caard. We are excited that our tools keep getting certified by recognized industry bodies such as GlobalPlatform, as it strengthens our position as the market leader in secure transaction technology."

Kevin Gillick, Executive Director at GlobalPlatform, added: "We are delighted that Collis has shared its expertise and participated in the compliance program certification process. We believe this important work will lay the foundation in realising long-term interoperability within the smart card market. On behalf of GlobalPlatform, I would like to congratulate Collis on achieving GlobalPlatform qualified status for the Collis GlobalPlatform Basic Financial Configuration Compliance Test Suite."