Sinclair Subsidizing Outdoor EMV Upgrades for Dealers

Sinclair is helping dealers upgrade their network infrastructure to support outdoor EMV. Part of the network upgrade includes adding Mako managed switches and Mako 6600-M/LTE network firewalls.

ELGIN, IL, May 27, 2020 Despite the payment card industry moving the deadline to support EMV smart payment cards (chip cards) back to April 2021, Sinclair is offering subsidies to Sinclair-branded dealers to assist with upgrading dispensers to be outdoor EMV capable.

Typically, the Card Reader in Dispenser (CRIND) component of each dispenser is upgraded along with their network security equipment and network infrastructure in order to support outdoor EMV transactions. Sinclair-selected partner Mako Networks, a certified Managed Network Service Provider (MNSP) for Verifone, Gilbarco, and Fiscal Systems, is delivering the network security enhancements, as well as providing ongoing MNSP functionality for Sinclair dealers and wholesalers.

The Mako 6600-M/LTE all-in-one network appliance deployed during this process combines a managed firewall and zone router to deliver secure remote access for POS vendor support and software updates, which eliminates the need for a separate zone router (such as the EZR for Verifone Commander and the SZR for Gilbarco Passport) and simplifies the retail network. The 6600 series features built-in LTE cellular backup to ensure stores stay in business if their broadband is temporarily down. The upgrade also eliminates the MicroNode device for Gilbarco Passport users, resulting in faster payment transactions. As part of the network upgrade, Mako managed switches are also being deployed, allowing the location’s router, firewall, and switch to all be managed via a single cloud application: the Mako Central Management System (CMS).

“While the EMV POS implementation deadline has been pushed back to April 2021, the new deadline will be here before you know it,” said Simon Gamble, President of Mako Networks. “That’s why Sinclair decided to keep the subsidy for the upgrade program in place. We are pleased that our Sinclair deployments are going very well. We increased staff and inventory to meet demand, and I’m glad we did, because we are already seeing an unprecedented number of sites across all brands migrating to EMV-ready platforms.”

Upgrading to Mako technology brings advantages for Sinclair sites beyond replacing their zone routers and preparing sites for outdoor EMV. The entire Mako System—including Mako appliances, the Mako CMS, and onboard software—is PCI DSS certified from end‐to‐end, which makes becoming, and remaining, PCI compliant much more straightforward for Sinclair sites. This improves the level of service and value Sinclair delivers to retail and wholesale partners in meeting and maintaining the evolving security and compliance requirements found in a modern fuel station.

To inquire about Mako’s managed network appliances and services for your retail enterprise, contact Mako Networks at sales@makonetworks.com or +1 800-851-4691.