First Data has launched Clover Flex, a smart payment terminal designed to work as either a handheld or countertop device, according to a press release.

First Data said that Clover Flex harnesses the full power of the Clover platform. The solution can accept PIN entry, NFC, mag-stripe cards and electronic gift cards, and can process EMV chip cards in less than three seconds, according to the announcement.

First Data said Clover Flex is the first PCI PTS 5.0 certified smart terminal available on the market. It can be used as a standalone device or integrated with the broader family of Clover products for a connected commerce experience.

Clover Flex is designed for simple software integration, and is available to independent software vendors, value-added resellers, software developers, and system integrators through First Data's recently formed integrated solutions group.

"We have made significant investments in innovation at First Data over the past four years, especially with the Clover platform, where we strive to give businesses access to cutting-edge technology," First Data President Guy Chiarello said in a statement. "We are thrilled to bring this latest innovation — Clover Flex — directly to the palms of our business clients' hands."