By Christine Kern, contributing writer

The Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA), the industry association for the point of sale (POS) technology ecosystem, has announced the creation of EMV Central, a new resource page on the RSPA website designed to support the association’s EMV education and awareness campaign.

The resource page includes several files for download, including “EMV at a Glance,” and “EMV General Overview,” and “EMV FAQs for Developers.” The site also includes a link to the webinar held February 12 that provided an overview of how VARs can start the conversation with merchants about the EMV transition and how to become the EMV trusted advisor to your clients.

Among the information available through the new resource is the EMV primer page. According to the “EMV at a Glance” resource, effective October 1, 2015, merchants will assume liability for fraud loss if the loss was the result of non-compliance with EMV terminal requirements. Although the U.S. is not mandating this technology, merchants are not only transitioning to EMV to avoid bearing liability for fraudulent card transactions, but also to strengthen security.

The second resource, “The EMV Overview,” outlines requirements for merchants in the EMV transition, and also highlights the need to implement end-to-end encryption for tightest security, suggesting that adding Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) and end-to-end encryption are recommended as best practices. The source also provides a list of additional resources that might be helpful for making the EMV conversion.

The third resource, “EMV FAQs for Developers,” delineates the three levels of EMV certification, and highlights the differences between being “EMV ready,” and “EMV capable.” It also discusses semi-integrated approaches and situations when a direct integration to EMV would be most suitable, among other common questions. This resource also highlights the fact that EMV is not a mandate for merchants, developers, or dealers. It merely shifts the liability if merchants chose not to migrate to EMV.

VARs can share information on the website when talking to their clients about the EMV transition and what it will mean for them. By clearly identifying the steps and options in the program, VARs can find the best fit for their clients.