VeriFone, IBM complete second phase of SET interoperability testing

IBM and Hewlett-Packard Company's VeriFone division

announced that they have completed the second phase in an extensive series of

interoperability tests against their SET-based (Secure Electronic Transaction) payment

products. The two companies are working together to facilitate implementation of the

highly secure protocol by merchants wishing to expand their range of banks/acquirers.

Previously, merchants have been restricted to working with just one platform. The new

interoperability allows merchants to process transactions with any banks/acquirers that

utilize HP or IBM products. With the increased usability of SET, merchants also can reduce

the risk of consumer fraud.

IBM and HP's VeriFone division began interoperability

testing in 1997. Highlighted in the second phase is interoperability between VeriFone's

Internet payment software and IBM's Payment Server, VeriFone's and IBM's Payment Gateway.

In addition to their individual efforts, IBM and HP are actively participating in SETCo's

Interoperability Festival.

In conjunction with these efforts, IBM and HP have updated

an interoperability reference guide to contribute their experiences to the industry and

advance SET interoperability solutions. Interoperability Reference Guide for SET Secure

Electronic Transaction 2.0 shares the companies' interoperability experiences and

technical guidance gathered during the interoperability testing phases.