This is a dedicated section referring to the SmartPOS Terminal Certification process at SIBS. At SIBS we aim to ensure that our systems and Smart terminals execute transactions complaint with the latest protocol and brand specifications. We built this section to provide you visibility into the various stages of the certification process; outlining the specifications that suppliers must consider when bringing terminals to SIBS managed networks.

 

Let’s delve into some of the concepts and developments inherent to Terminal Certification at SIBS.

Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)

The SmartPOS HAL is a standard for the development of SmartPOSAPP* that operates independently to the Hardware. It utilizes an abstraction architecture based on the Android Interface Definition Language (AIDL). The AIDL enables the definition of the programming interface agreed upon by both the client (the high-level payment SMARTPOSAPP) and service (the low-level layer that takes care of the hardware) for communication through inter-process communication (IPC).

The HAL acts as an intermediary layer that facilitates the integration of multiple applications within the SmartPOS terminals (except Nexgo). Positioned between the SMARTPOSAPP and the vendor’s specific SDK, the HAL serves as a middleware. Its inclusion signifies that SmartPOS software interface is hardware-agnostic.

During payment operations the payment application resorts to the HAL to deal with card processing, PIN processing, security related processing, some level of user interface and printing.

*SmartPOSAPP: An Android application that runs on the SmartPOS hardware device that uses the HAL

Remote Key Loading (RKL)

RKL is the process of transmitting the DUKPT (Derived Unique Key per transaction) from our Key distribution Host (SIBS) to a terminal. This involves the use of asymmetric techniques for authentication and encryption on both ends, streamlining and securing the key-loading proccess. This not only improves operating efficiency but also enhances security, guarding terminals against tampering.

SIBS RKL protocol falls into certificate-based – we use certificates to transmit information rather than relying on keys.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

The Mobile Device Management is used to remotely manage applications multiple SmartPOS terminals, including tasks such as installing and uninstalling applications on the terminals.