Welcome today announced that its smart transaction software (XLS) now supports cards equipped with Visa Smart Secure Storage (VS3) to access loyalty points, coupons, special promotions and other data stored in a chip card's memory.
XLS already supports the existing proprietary data management methods built into cards that are available today. This includes the lowest cost EMV cards as well as dynamic GlobalPlatform compliant multi-application smart cards. As a result, banks can begin with existing card technologies, and when cards with the VS3 utility become available, users of XLS will be able to take advantage of the benefits of VS3 with minimal impact. The new VS3-based cards will be able to coexist with XLS-based cards, providing a seamless migration during the transition.
"With Visa Smart Secure Storage, members can implement one application supporting multiple value-add programs, thereby maximizing and efficiently using space on the chip," said Denny Jensen, senior vice president, Consumer Product Platforms, Visa International. "Card issuers worldwide are looking for reliable solutions to leverage migration to EMV. Visa members can now benefit from Welcome's XLS VS3-enabled solution."
"Because XLS compatible data management methods can be built into Visa smart cards, Visa member banks do not need to invest in special systems to load dedicated data management applets to cards," said Aneace Haddad, chairman of Welcome. "This means that value-add features are easily available to Visa members in a cost-effective manner. Issuers are able to get maximum value out of their EMV investment by using to the fullest all the features EMV offers."
Visa Smart Secure Storage is designed to allow multiple programs to access and share data without requiring a distinct applet for each individual application. Use of a single applet simplifies applet management for card issuers. For example, when Visa Smart Secure Storage is pre-loaded on cards, there is no need to invest in systems that manage the dynamic addition and deletion of multiple applets on cards.