The decision here is based on the level of security desired versus the cost of the card. (See the description of each here). An example of two different EMV rollouts currently underway are the UK, using SDA, with France and Malaysia using DDA. MULTOS step/one is for SDA and MULTOS is for DDA.

The question here is really pointing to the business reason for migrating to EMV and what the bank expects to get out of the whole project. If there is a possibility (and this may even be after the card is issued) that the EMV cards could be used for other purposes in addition to basic payments, then multi-application cards are required.

All Keycorp MULTOS and MULTOS step/one products contain multiple applications pre-loaded in ROM, plus the ability to have more applications loaded later.

Smartcard platforms can be either proprietary or open. The advantages of an open platform are: specifications are available to implement the platform, develop applications and issue cards. In some cases the specifications are managed by an open consortium. The benefits of an open platform is that there is greater choice in vendors across the supply chain. Keycorp is a keen supporter of open platforms and our focus is on our MULTOS product family.

This is possibly the most important option to consider when choosing smartcard partners. When it comes to compatibility, it would seem most prudent to choose a platform that can offer fully interoperable solutions from multiple vendors. Changing suppliers of chip, issuing system or card manufacturer should not affect the application, certifications or in-house card systems. This is where MULTOS leads the field with 3rd party type approval ensuring system wide compatibility and interoperability.

When it comes to the dynamic environment of payment systems, technology and new business opportunities and challenges, it is difficult to assess what future options may be required. That is why it is important to consider how much flexibility the smartcard technology provides. What appears to be the cheapest solution might be costly to add features in the future. Does the same platform provide SDA and DDA solutions utilising the same card issuing system, or do you need to re-invest? These issues must be considered because EMV migration is unquestionably a complex project. Choose MULTOS and take the risk out of these decisions.

So much focus can be placed on the EMV migration, that possible additional benefits smartcards (and EMV infrastructure) bring can be overlooked. EMV migration, obviously also includes the upgrade of payment terminals. These new terminals are able to deliver value-added services to combine with additional applications loaded on the smartcard.