supports all credit bureau-approved connectivity options.

With simultaneous connections to all three credit bureaus and support for multiple threads and multiple sockets, the MERit Credit Engine provides quick response for your interactive credit applications, and impressive throughput for your high-volume and batch credit report retrieval applications.

The MERit Credit Engine maximizes speed, security, and availability using the  Internet, data circuits, or modems.  By providing direct access to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, the delays and transaction costs of third-party services are eliminated.

Device connectivity is handled by standard 32-bit TAPI handlers provided with Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows 98/XP. Protocol connectivity - the proprietary bureau protocols and TCP/IP - are handled transparently by the credit engine.

Credit Bureau Internet Access

Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union each have protocols for credit bureau Internet security.  The MERit Credit Engine supports them all: Experian NetConnect, Equifax Internet STS Connectivity, and TransUnion Net Access.

• Always-on connection to bureau data.
• Uses Secure Sockets
• Compatible with common infrastructure.
• Availability subject to bureau policies.

Note that the Internet connections used by the MERit Credit Engine are separate from those used for browser access to Internet credit portals. Thus, they are quick, and can be integrated into custom systems without requiring the use of a browser.

Data circuit

• Always-on connection to bureau data.
• Avoids Internet security issues.

Modem

• The three bureaus have extensive nationwide networks with local and toll-free modem access, directly to bureau data.
• The MERit Credit Engine centralizes modem access and handles queues so that each workstation does not need to have a modem.
• After call establishment, data retrieval speeds compare favorably all other methods of data access.
• MCE software can be configured to maintain the connection between requests during periods of high activity.
• The three bureaus can be be handled with the same modem, separate dedicated modems, or shared modem pools.
• Avoids Internet security issues.