MasterCard has awarded a quality assurance certification to a PIN-entry pad and smart-chip terminal based on embedded Linux. The certification was granted to Trintech's Smart 5000 terminal, a hybrid device that can authorize transactions based on smart chips or PIN (personal identification number) entry.

Trintech's Linux-based Smart5000 terminal, pictured above, was certified as a secure PIN-entry device by Visa in October of 2003. It complies with the EMV chip-and-PIN payment authorization standard agreed to by MasterCard and Visa.

According to Trintech, MasterCard's TQM (total quality management) program consists of onsite auditing of all facets of the product lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, and field support. The program grants certification based on “Interface Modules” (IFMs); Trintech says the IFM used in its Linux-based Smart 5000 was granted certification, as was an IFM used in other Trintech products.

Toni Merschen, head of MasterCard's chip center of excellence, said, “Our [TQM] program is a key part of our strategy, and we are very pleased that Trintech has demonstrated its commitment to quality by successfully undertaking this evaluation process.”

Eamon Keating, GM of Trintech's payment division, said, “Trintech was one of the first vendors to rollout EMV-approved solutions. We are now one of the first to embrace MasterCard's [TQM] program.”

Trintech develops and manufactures its products in Ireland, and the UK, respectively. It's Smart 5000 was chosen by Shell for corporate-owned gas stations in Ireland and the UK in November of 2004.

Further details about the Smart 5000 terminal are available in our complete Device Profile.

 
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