STS Products: Emvelink

Emvelink, a plug-in for the STS SmartNS framework, is an award winning software kernel that provides EMV processing. EMV is the global standard for smart card based debit and credit cards.

Diagram of Emvelink - The Smart Technology Solutions Limited software-based EMV Level 2 Kernel

What is Emvelink?

Emvelink is a fully functional EMVCo certified level 2 software kernel, designed with an open systems approach. Using a software based EMV Level 2 kernel provides easier upgrade and management, whilst ensuring a true scalable solution for any new application requirements, for example loyalty or e-purse. The convergence of technologies at the POS may also encompass new methods of payment such as transport cards or interaction with mobile phones - Emvelink has been designed in anticipation of integrating these different media.

STS won the Visa EU and CEMEA Chip Vendor of the Year Award 2002 with Emvelink for its potential to have the most impact on Chip and PIN roll out in those regions.

Proven Success

Emvelink is in live use in thousands of locations on both sides of the Atlantic. It is used by a bank in Canada over the Internet and by many major high street retailers in the UK. It processed the first integrated POS transaction in the UK Northampton trial and is currently used by over 50% of the top 10 UK retailers.

Emvelink Benefits

  • Written in Java - runs anywhere JVM is supported (including Windows, UNIX, Linux, Windows CE and Windows Mobile).
  • Can be deployed anywhere in the architecture in client or server configuration.
  • Protects hardware investment by providing the EMV intelligence in a software kernel.
  • Architectural design is open, flexible and carefully abstracted into business logic elements. This allows it to be readily adapted to the many, varied and changing business logic requirements of the card schemes without needing re-certification of the EMV level 2 kernel elements.
  • Simple to upgrade, maintain and modify in the field.

Using the SmartNS platform, different kernels and drivers can be easily added around the EMV kernel allowing flexibility with readers, applications and payment methods. Future in-store requirements for smartcards can therefore be delivered without further large scale investment to handle new applications.