When asking our ISO who issued a Vantiv account if the account can be set up with Payflow Pro as a gateway, they responded it depends on if Payflow Pro supports Vantiv IBM network vs Vantiv Tandem. Does anyone know what the difference is with these two networks and why one might not be supported on 3rd party gateways?
Thanks
I'm probably not the right person to answer this in its entirety, but I can provide a little background that might help.
Up until a few years ago, we had two "Core" platforms. One was referred to as Tandem and one as RAFT. You integrated wit the Tandem platform using a specification called 610, while RAFT uses a Worldpay variation of ISO 8582. We retired the Tandem platform, while maintaining support for 610 (basically ported the 610 interface to RAFT), so merchants/developers would not have to re-code. The result is that we have a single IBM based Core platform that supports both 610 and ISO 8583.
Here's the part I'm not sure about. It sounds like the representative you spoke to is saying that support depends upon your integration method - 610 (once for the Tandem platform) or ISO 8583.
Probably not everything you need to know, I hope that helps,
Tom
Thanks Tom. That clarifies things a bit. Basically I think what my ISO was telling me that 'their' integration with vantiv uses IBM but he thought that the Tandem was the more common. Then said that if Payflow Pro uses Tandem then my vantiv account might not work with Payflow Pro. Although I got a sense that he was relaying info and maybe not having the full picture.
Even if my ISO (who's also a gateway) uses IBM for Vantiv integration and Payflow Pro uses Tandem (I have no idea) I don't know if that matters. Our Netsuite ERP integrates with payflow to process and we don't use our ISO's gateway or apps anyway.
I think I get it. So, if you are not using your ISO's gateway, but going through Payflow for this processing, then I think Payflow might be best able to answer your question. I know (or at least I'm pretty sure) Payflow is an integrated partner on the Worldpay eComm platform (yes, another platform). They act as a Presenter, submitting transactions from various merchants. The merchants still need to be set-up on our platform, so we know who the merchant is, where money gets settled, etc, and so they have access to reporting for reconciliation and other tasks. I only mention this, because it may be that the account set-up for you by the ISO is (say) 610 (old Tandem), but Payflow is integrated using 8583. I'm just guessing, but it's possible that if you might need a second account (Merchant ID on our systems) to allow transactions to be submitted using the other method. For example, when we (eComm) have a merchant that will be submitting transactions to both platforms (eComm and RAFT), they need to have accounts on both platforms.
Thanks again Tom. I appreciate your help with this.
So basically I need to ask Payflow Pro if their integration with Vantiv is WorldPay eComm ISO 8583. Is that the correct terminology?
Then I need to ask my ISO if they use that same one.
I only really care about the PayPal Payflow Pro side of things in terms of processing since we don't use our ISO's gateway.
So, if they list Worldpay as a direct integration, I would think that's the way to go. Of course, I'm saying this without knowing all the details, but I can tell you that we are porting current Worldpay US customers from the old Worldpay US platform to the RAFT platform. This does not require any change in coding on your end, or in your case on Netsuite's end. We are doing it so it is seamless for our merchants.
In answer to your other question - about what to ask. I think you should leave platforms out of it and just ask Payflow if their integration to Worldpay supports what you want to do in the manner you want to do it...if that's the way you decide to go.
Tom
I'm going to research the direct integration route with Netsuite/Vantiv/Worldpay since that would be ideal if that works for us.
In terms of Payflow Pro, I just read this which I THINK is encouraging as well...
"Specifically referring to Vantiv's eCom/Litle platform, a direct integration is currently supported with Payflow Pro."
Yes. I was pretty sure Payflow has a direct integration to us. It sounds like you have a plan of attack. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.
Have a good Thanksgiving,
Tom
Sorry. One more question. The ultimate goal for us is processing payments through our Netsuite ERP system. They support three gateways including Payflow Pro but they do also list WorldPay. What are the chances that now that Vantiv and WorldPay are the same company?
With our luck these days I bet they use an older integration since they've had that integration for many years.
It's difficult figuring all of this out when various apps and gateways just say... yes we support vantiv, etc. and it's difficult to find people that know the details.
I think I get it. So, if you are not using your ISO's gateway, but going through Payflow for this processing, then I think Payflow might be best able to answer your question. I know (or at least I'm pretty sure) Payflow is an integrated partner on the Worldpay eComm platform (yes, another platform). They act as a Presenter, submitting transactions from various merchants. The merchants still need to be set-up on our platform, so we know who the merchant is, where money gets settled, etc, and so they have access to reporting for reconciliation and other tasks. I only mention this, because it may be that the account set-up for you by the ISO is (say) 610 (old Tandem), but Payflow is integrated using 8583. I'm just guessing, but it's possible that if you might need a second account (Merchant ID on our systems) to allow transactions to be submitted using the other method. For example, when we (eComm) have a merchant that will be submitting transactions to both platforms (eComm and RAFT), they need to have accounts on both platforms.