Hypercom puts smart cards to use; T7GE Terminals, S7SC smart card PIN pads and new Token Tracking System software provide solution for Hong Kong

Business Wire, Oct 19, 1995

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 1995--Hypercom, Inc., a leading manufacturer of point-of-sale (POS) products and networking systems, today announced that their terminal, networking and system software has been installed for the Hutchison Whampoa and Overseas Trust Bank (OTB) smart card loyalty project in Hong Kong following the successful completion of a pilot on October 12, 1995.

The embedded microchip cards, which conform to the VISA, MasterCard, Europay (VME) specifications and are issued by OTB are used in conjunction with the Hypercom T7GE terminal at merchant locations. The service relies on Hypercom Network Access Controllers (NACs) as well as Hypercom's smart card loyalty program software called the Token Tracking System (TTS).

Howard Mandelbaum, Hypercom's director of smart card strategies and initiatives said, "The use of the Hypercom T7GE terminals, S7SC smart card PINPad, NACs and TTS software proves our company's capability, performance and commitment to be a major participant in the smart card arena. Hypercom can not only deliver smart card terminals, but the company also offers backroom systems that allow easy adoption of smart card applications."

The major breakthrough in this system is that it's the first worldwide VME chip-based system installed (the card will be used by over 12 million VISA merchants worldwide). The card, known as the COMPASS VISA' card, and the Hypercom terminal and software system has a built-in accounting and redemption functionality that will be very attractive to consumers and merchants who are participating and instituting the loyalty program at supermarkets, department stores and hotels in Hong Kong.

Michael Sun, managing director for sales for Hypercom Asia said, "We're very pleased that Hypercom's hard work and commitment to the project has come to fruition." He went on to say that "we created the Token Tracking System, Key Management System' (KMS) and the PINPad Initialization System' (PPIS) as the backbone of the program." OTB is pleased with the system performance experienced during the pilot and will be rolling out the rest of the program shortly.

In addition to the Hutchison Whampoa and OTB project, Hypercom is actively involved in managing a number of smart card initiatives worldwide. For instance the company has been selected by Bradesco, the largest bank in Brazil, to implement a smart card-based combined debit, credit, stored value system and loyalty program.

Hypercom, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a POS terminal and network technology specialist, and the fastest growing POS terminal supplier. Hypercom sells its products in 34 countries through 36 global distributors. The company maintains manufacturing facilities in the USA, Australia, Brazil and Hong Kong. Fiscal year 94-95 sales were $206 million. Al Irato is president of Hypercom, Inc.

CONTACT: Hypercom, Inc., Phoenix

Al Irato, 602/866-5399

or

Wilson McHenry Co.

Quinn Daly, 415-638-3400

Internet: qdaly@wmc.com