Yankee Group Announces 2011 Best of 4G World Awards

June 15, 2011 03:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

Awards to be presented at 4G World Conference and Expo Oct. 24-27 in Chicago.4G World 2011
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yankee Group today opened the call for submissions to its 2011 Best of 4G World Awards. Open to any company, the awards recognize the best companies, products and innovations within the wireless and mobile supply ecosystem. The final selection of winners will be made by an independent committee and will be announced at the Meet the Press & VIP Party for 4G World 2011 on Oct. 24 in Chicago, Ill.  4G World is the largest event in the world covering the entire ecosystem of next-generation technologies and business models that power the mobile Internet industry and economy. This year marks the third annual 4G World awards. Winning entries will receive 4G World Wall of Fame recognition during the show, a filmed executive interview featured on the 4G World Web site, a profile in 4G Trends and visibility in a Best of 4G Awards Winners press release and Web site.

This year’s award categories are:

• Best new mobile device. Unique and thoughtful uses of connectivity in an everyday device.
• Most innovative network deployment. Innovative deployment strategies to deliver the next generation of wireless services.
• Most innovative network infrastructure. Innovative infrastructure solutions that help network operators use spectrum more efficiently and increase network capacity.
• Best mobile app for a smartphone or tablet. Cutting-edge content designed for the small screen.
• Best user experience for mobile. Creative solutions for seamless and simple experiences across a myriad of mobile devices.

• Best mobile commerce solution. Original solutions for mobile banking, transactions and couponing and near field communication.

• Best overall innovation in mobile. Groundbreaking contributions, be they application, device or network innovations, that have resounding implications across the industry.

In addition to these open nomination categories, all 4G World exhibitors will be eligible for the special Best in Show at 4G World Award, which will be voted on by conference attendees.

Award submissions are open until Aug. 29, 2011. For more information, and to submit a nomination, visit: http://www.4gworld.com/press/4g-world-awards/.

Sponsors of this year’s 4G World Conference and Expo include: Alvarion; Ericsson; Alcatel-Lucent; Ciena; Huawei; Juniper Networks; Nokia Siemens Networks; Qualcomm; Samsung; Airspan; Cavium Networks; Continuous Computing; Exalt; NetLogic Microsystems, Inc.; NetScout; Sequans; Stoke; Symmetricom; Tekelec; Sprint; 4G Trends; Connected Planet; Total Telecom; Wireless Week; Award Solutions; bnetTV.com; 3GPP; NFC Forum; TM Forum; UMTS Forum; Wi-Fi Alliance; WiMAX Forum; 4G Americas; ATIS; CDG; IMS Forum; NGN Forum; NGN Plugfest; Telecom Council of Silicon Valley; USTelecom; Wireless Communications Association International; Maravedis; Rethink Research; Senza Fili Consulting; Parks Associates; and Hot Telecom.

About 4G World

4G World is the first and only conference and expo covering the entire ecosystem of next-generation technologies that enable the mobile Internet revolution, including mobile network infrastructure, advanced devices, applications and content.

Yankee Group believes operator strategies for 4G network evolution will not be driven by technology, but by competition and market demand. As the Anywhere Network^® takes hold in the mature markets of North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, operators are anticipating massive growth in broadband data usage and are planning their network migration strategies and business models for monetizing mobile Internet services. 4G World offers them an opportunity to research state-of-the-practice business models and advanced mobile technologies and to learn from other operators about what works--and what doesn’t--as they migrate their networks to 4G. For more information, visit www.4gworld.com.

About Yankee Group

The people of Yankee Group are the global connectivity experts--the leading source of insight and counsel trusted by builders, operators and drivers of connectivity solutions for 40 years. We are uniquely focused on the evolution of Anywhere connectivity, and we chart the pace of technology change and its effect on networks, consumers and enterprises. Headquartered in Boston, Yankee Group has a global presence, including operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. For more information, visit www.yankeegroup.com.

Contacts

Yankee Group Events and Media
Kate Mitchell, +1-617-259-2320
Senior Director of Marketing
kmitchell@yankeegroup.com

At A Glance

Yankee Group

Source: via Business Wire Updated 01/20/2006 by company

Strategy Analytics: UK Mobile Operator Joint Venture Is Critical For Operator Success in NFC Mobile Payments

June 16, 2011 01:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

Everything Everywhere, Telefónica O2 and Vodafone to Leverage Scale

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to research firm Strategy Analytics, the newly announced mobile marketing and mobile payments joint venture between Everything Everywhere, Telefónica O2 and Vodafone in the UK is a positive move, and will enable these mobile operators to secure a position at the heart of the nascent NFC contactless payments ecosystem. The Strategy Analytics report, “Collaboration Essential to Operator Success in Proximity Payments,” underlines the importance of successful mobile operator partnerships to reduce fragmentation, boost scale, and help position strongly against competitors, such as Google Wallet.

“Customizable Mobile Contactless Payment Forecast: 2004 to 2015”

By working together mobile operators are in a better position to drive the availability of NFC handsets, a fundamental enabler of mobile contactless payments. The collaboration will also create scale, which will be more likely to attract payment service issuers such as banks and also drive interoperability. Nitesh Patel, Senior Analyst for Strategy Analytics, said, “Banks and retailers are interested in scale and reduced complexity. Banks do not want to work with each operator and handset vendor individually in order to enable all customers to make mobile payments. Similarly, retailers do not want to upgrade point-of-sale infrastructure to accept contactless payments if customers of only one or two mobile operators can use it. This multi-carrier agreement between Everything Everywhere, Telefónica O2 and Vodafone in the UK has the potential to overcome these challenges and allow operators to compete with solutions like Google Wallet, which will initially be limited to Android handsets only.”

The report, “Customizable Mobile Contactless Payment Forecast: 2004 to 2015,” estimates that mobile contactless spend in the United Kingdom will reach US$328 million by 2015. However, while this joint venture puts mobile operators in a strong position, it does not represent a home run.

David MacQueen, Director at Strategy Analytics, commented “Mobile operators do not have a long track record of success when it comes to collaborations. The Mobile Payment Services Association, a previous mobile payment joint venture launched by UK operators in 2003, failed to get off the ground and was subsequently dismantled. Furthermore, mobile operators are not well known for moving fast. So, while this joint venture is a positive step we remain cautious about its chance for success. In particular we look forward to seeing how the operators differentiate their respective payment offerings.”

About Strategy Analytics:

Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides timely and actionable market intelligence focused on opportunities and disruptive forces in the areas of Automotive, Broadband Home, Mobile & Wireless Intelligent Systems and Virtual Worlds. Headquartered in Boston, MA, with offices in the UK, France, Germany, Japan, S. Korea and China, Strategy Analytics works with clients through annual multi-client services, management team workshops and custom consulting engagements. For more information, please visit http://www.strategyanalytics.com.

Contacts

Strategy Analytics, Inc.
UK & Europe Contact:
Nitesh Patel, +44(0) 1908 423 621
npatel@strategyanalytics.com
or
US Contact:
Josh Martin, +1 617-614-0730
jmartin@strategyanalytics.com

Related articles

• O2, Vodafone and Everything Everywhere partner to bring the mobile wallet to life (thenextweb.com)
• A UK first - Accelerating mobile payment and marketing services for UK consumers (o2.co.uk)
• UK carriers band for NFC Payments joint venture (slashgear.com)
• UK Mobile Operators Join Forces on Mobile Wallet (pcworld.com)

Prepaid Industry Leaders to Meet in Las Vegas

June 16, 2011 11:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

The Prepaid Press Expo Hosts Fourth Conference

AVENTURA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Prepaid Press Expo announced today its slate of speakers for “The Prepaid Press Expo ‘11” to be held at the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, August 15-17, 2011. Speakers from a diverse group of prepaid companies, including Discover Network, (Boost Mobile) Sprint, InComm, PayPal, NetworkIP, Mercator Advisory Group, Lunex Telecom, Callture, Impact Mobile, CHARGE Anywhere and many others.

“Each year is bigger – more exhibitors and sponsors, more participants – and better. The Prepaid Press Expo is now the leading trade show for the converged prepaid industry.”

Each day of the three-day conference will kick off with a Keynote Address, followed by a lively interactive Town Hall meeting, with full audience participation between the Keynote Speaker and industry leaders.

Keynote Speakers for 2011 are:

Monday, August 15, 2011 – Andre Smith, VP of Prepaid Wireless, Boost Mobile

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 – Frank Squilla, SVP of Sales, InComm

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 – Farhan Ahmad, GM Prepaid & Director of Emerging Payments, Discover Network

Other sessions will feature panel discussions by industry experts, covering topics including prepaid long distance and wireless, prepaid debit and gift cards, virtual marketing, social network marketing, and mobile applications and payment systems. Each day will also feature a Product Showcase, offering new and innovative prepaid products.

“We have developed a very unique format,” said Gene Retske, Conference Director of The Prepaid Press Expo, “which has received high marks from participants. They like the ability for the audience to participate with the speakers and experts.”

Robin Tobias, President of The Prepaid Press Expo, was encouraged by the initial response to the fourth Expo. “Each year is bigger – more exhibitors and sponsors, more participants – and better. The Prepaid Press Expo is now the leading trade show for the converged prepaid industry.”

Registration information can be found on the company’s website, www.prepaidpressexpo.com. Discount codes are valid through June 30: TPPFREE for Free Exhibit Hall Pass; TPPDISC for 10% Discount on any Conference Registration.

Interested media, please contact rtobias@prepaidpressexpo.com for Press Pass information.

The Prepaid Press Expo thanks its sponsors for their support: NetworkIP, Auris Technology, Callture, Direct Wholesale, Epinz, Eureka Revenue Inc., Global Service Solutions, IDT, InComm, Lunex Telecom, Nobel, Total Call International, TWSI, DIGITALK and Red Pocket Mobile.

Contacts

The Prepaid Press Expo
Lisa Brown, 866-203-2334 ext. 505
Event Director
expo@prepaidpressexpo.com
www.prepaidpressexpo.com

New Consumers Union Report Criticizes Mobile Payments, Citing Liability Risks

PaymentsSource | Wednesday, June 15, 2011 - Will Hernandez

The emerging U.S. mobile-payments market could be putting consumers at risk for fraud, and a consumer-advocacy group is urging wireless carriers to protect its customers from unauthorized transactions. Consumers Union, a Yonkers, N.Y.-based organization and publisher of Consumer Reports, highlighted in a report released June 15 how consumer protections vary for different mobile-payment methods. It also pointed to how wireless-carrier contracts fail to provide necessary safeguards in the event of a billing error or a phone becoming lost or stolen (see report). Mobile Pay or Mobile Mess:  Closing the Gap Between Mobile Payment Systems and Consumer Protections 

read the entire story (free)

TCF Wants Debit Cap Delayed Until Federal Appeals Court Decides their Case

Debit Cap

Bloomberg reports that TCF Bank is "not happy" with regulators .12 cent debit cap and wants a federal appeals court to delay implementation until their case is heard..."A cap on debit-card swipe fees collected by the biggest U.S. banks should be delayed past a July deadline until a challenge to the law is decided, TCF National Bank argued to a federal appeals court...read more

“TCF will no longer be able to maintain its financial integrity,” the bank, a unit of Wayzata, Minnesota-based TCF Financial Corp. (TCB), said in court papers. 

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• Banking Industry Girds for Debit-Card War in Court (online.wsj.com)
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eWise and Affirmative Technologies Partner to Accelerate the Adoption of New Payment Alternatives

Image via CrunchBase

June 16, 2011 08:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Financial institutions, merchants and billers to benefit from rapid implementation

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--eWise, a payments and online financial management solutions provider, announced today that it has partnered with Affirmative Technologies to accelerate the adoption of new payment alternatives for merchants, financial institutions and billers. Through this agreement, both companies will provide their customers with new, integrated payment technology solutions that are scalable, customized, and secure.

“With Affirmative Technologies, we are able to employ our rapid implementation strategy to get financial institutions, merchants and billers up and running with alternative payment solutions more quickly and efficiently.”

Affirmative Technologies’ ACHNow and ACH Risk Manager will be integrated with Secure Vault Payments, made available through a partnership between eWise and NACHA. This integration taps into the core competency of eWise’s payment technology to deliver alternative payment solutions in a more streamlined and secure way.

“Bringing new payment solutions to market can be a daunting task. Through this partnership with eWise, we are simplifying the implementation process and adding value for our customers at the same time,” said George Bassous, Chief Executive Officer/Chief Technology Officer of Affirmative Technologies. “By integrating our respective technologies, we are able to offer our customers a one-stop shop for their payment needs, creating increased efficiency and economies of scale.”

ACHNow is a merchant front-end electronic payment data entry and consumer initiated payment presentment application that electronically submits transactions for payment through the ACH Network. ACH Risk Manager is a multifaceted ACH File Risk Management application designed to manage critical risk factors affecting financial institutions’ daily ACH operations.

Secure Vault Payments gives businesses the only online payment option that provides real-time authorization of funds and guaranteed payments for ACH transactions at costs typically lower than traditional and other alternative payment methods. It is also the only payment option that offers consumers online payment choice without sharing any personal account information.

“The payments industry is rapidly evolving and companies must adapt and innovate in order to remain competitive,” said Alex Grinberg, CEO of eWise. “With Affirmative Technologies, we are able to employ our rapid implementation strategy to get financial institutions, merchants and billers up and running with alternative payment solutions more quickly and efficiently.”

About Affirmative Technologies

Established in 1998, Affirmative Technologies, Inc. is a leading technology provider to the electronic payments industry, marketing software and Internet applications for processing consumer payments electronically via established Financial Institution-ODFIs, the ACH Network and Federal Reserve Banking System, through standalone or multi-client electronic payment processing Applications for Retail Merchants, Internet Merchants, Financial Institutions, Third Party ACH Processors-Senders, Independent Software Vendors, and Payment Aggregators.

About Secure Vault Payments

Secure Vault Payments^® enables consumers to initiate private and secure payments for purchases and bill payments through their financial institutions’ online banking platforms, using the ACH Network and eWise’s Online Banking ePayments technology. Financial institutions authenticate consumers and provide businesses with real-time authorization and confirmation of payment (ACH credit). Secure Vault Payments™ is a trademarked offering of NACHA — The Electronic Payments Association. To learn more, visit www.securevaultpayments.com.

About eWise

eWise is partnering with NACHA to provide the Secure Vault Payments network, utilizing its Online Banking ePayments (OBeP) technology and account management services. eWise is a payments and online financial management solutions provider with a reputation for providing innovative solutions that make transacting online easier and more secure. eWise offices in US, UK, China and Australia support some of the world’s top 50 financial institutions with solutions delivering outstanding, proven ROI for its customers and a better online experience for millions of end-users worldwide. For more information, visit www.ewise.com.

Related articles

• eWise Raises $14 Million For Online Payments Technology (techcrunch.com)
• eWise grabs $14M more for secure online payments (venturebeat.com)

Only 4% of Smartphones are Protected Against Malware

Just four per cent of smartphones and tablets are protected against malware (from v3 on 6-16-2011) The mobile security software market will be worth $1bn by 2013 as the need for protection on smartphones and tablets against a growing number of threats becomes essential, according to Juniper Research. The market will grow to $3.6bn by 2016 when over 277 million devices will be protected, up from just four per cent, or around 27 million, according to the firm's Securing and Protecting a Mobile Future white paper.... read more»

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Starbucks Strengthens Mobile Payment Footprint with Launch of Starbucks for Android App and Upcoming Rollout of Mobile Payment at Safeway’s Nearly 1,000 Starbucks Locations

June 15, 2011 04:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Customers Will Be Able to Experience the Fastest Way to Pay at More Than 9,000 U.S. Starbucks Stores with Their Android Device™

Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced the latest offering of the Starbucks mobile platform with the launch of Starbucks for Android™ app providing more consumers access to the fastest way to pay and other features to manage their Starbucks Card on-the-go. In addition, the company announced that Safeway, Inc., one of the nation’s largest supermarket chains, plans to rollout mobile payment in July at nearly 1,000 Starbucks in Safeway supermarkets across the United States, including the company’s Vons, Pavilions, Dominick’s, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Genuardi’s stores. Starbucks for Android is available through Android Market™ for Android phones running 2.1 or above and follows the successful rollout of Starbucks Card Mobile Apps on other platforms. With mobile payment capability at nearly 6,800 U.S. company-operated Starbucks stores and more than 1,000 Starbucks Target locations, bringing mobile payment to Starbucks Safeway stores will extend the reach of Starbucks mobile payment to roughly 9,000 Starbucks locations across the country.

“The expansion of our mobile payment footprint has been driven by customer interest and input. With the addition of Starbucks for Android to the Starbucks app line-up, a Starbucks mobile payment app may now be used on approximately 90 percent of smartphones currently in use,” said Adam Brotman, vice president, general manager, Digital Ventures at Starbucks Coffee Company. “Starbucks is committed to providing customers richer experiences – both in our stores and on-the-go. By expanding mobile payment capabilities to Android smartphones and with Safeway now offering mobile payment in its close to 1,000 Starbucks locations, we’re giving customers the opportunity to experience mobile payment in more ways and at more Starbucks locations.”

Starbucks for Android Features:

Starbucks for Android, available from Android Market, is available for Android phones running 2.1 or above and is designed to offer a rich user experience, specifically addressing Android interaction paradigms including device hardkeys and action bar softkeys. Starbucks for Android allows users to:

• Pay with your phone: Enjoy the fastest, more convenient way to pay at nearly 6,800 company-operated stores as well as more than 1,000 Target stores and coming this summer to nearly 1,000 Starbucks locations in Safeway stores. Just download the app, enter your Starbucks Card number, scan and go.
• Manage your card account: Access your Starbucks Card balance directly from your phone.
• Reload your card balance: Use your smartphone to reload your Starbucks Card using any major credit card.
• Check your My Starbucks Rewards status: Find out how close you are to earning your next free drink.
• Find nearby Starbucks stores: Save time by finding a Starbucks store near you.

Video

Starbucks Starbucks Delivers on Customer Requests

The introduction of Starbucks for Android and expansion to nearly 1,000 Starbucks in Safeway stores was fueled by customer requests and the growing customer interest in mobile wallets. “We’ve received a tremendous number of requests on MyStarbucksIdea for a Starbucks app for Android,” says Brotman. “We’re excited to introduce an Android app that our customers can use as part of their daily routines.”

Starbucks mobile offerings build on the popularity of the Starbucks Card and My Starbucks Rewards loyalty program. Today, one in five transactions in U.S. Starbucks stores are paid for with a Starbucks Card. “Our customers have shown us that they love the utility, convenience and fun of our mobile apps and especially the ability to pay with their Starbucks Card using a smartphone. My Starbucks Rewards members, in particular, have been quick to adopt mobile payment as part of their everyday visit,” says Brady Brewer, vice president Starbucks Card and Loyalty. “While mobile payment is the top feature, customers’ next favorites are the ability to reload their Starbucks Card and track their progress toward their next free drink in the My Starbucks Rewards program.”

Starbucks for Android is available for Android phones running 2.1 or above. To download Starbucks for Android, visit Android Market at https://market.android.com/.

About Starbucks Corporation

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

Android and Android Market are trademarks of Google, Inc.

About Safeway www.Safeway.com

Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on sales. The company operates 1,694 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $41.1 billion in 2010. The company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY.

U.K. Accelerates NFC Payment Push as O2, Vodaphone and Everything Everywhere Team Up

Ground breaking venture promises to accelerate the development of innovative mobile services for consumers and business customers

• Creation of a single ecosystem for m-commerce helping advertisers, retailers and banks to reach consumers through their mobile phones
• Consumers will be able to replace their physical wallet with a secure mobile wallet using Near Field Communications (NFC) technology to pay for goods and services
• Consumers will also benefit from relevant offers and coupons, delivered direct to their phone
• Everything Everywhere, Telefónica UK and Vodafone UK to provide start-up investment

Everything Everywhere, Telefónica UK and Vodafone UK today announce plans to create a standalone m-commerce joint venture (JV). The new entity, the first of its kind in the UK, will bring together the expertise and technology of the UK’s leading mobile operators, enabling the rapid development and delivery of new mobile marketing and payment services.

The JV will provide a single contact for advertisers, marketing partners, retailers and banks making it far easier to create m-commerce products and services. The JV will be open and available to all industry participants, maximising benefits to consumers.

The JV is subject to competition clearance and is aiming to launch before the end of the year.

Enabling mobile payments

The JV will deliver the technology required for the speedy adoption of mobile wallet and payments. This will enable consumers to transfer their entire physical wallet into a new secure, SIM-based wallet regardless of which NFC enabled mobile device, or mobile network they are using.

Companies and organisations that provide anything from credit, debit and loyalty cards to membership cards and transport tickets will be able to create secure mobile versions of their products. Consumers will be able to use their mobiles to pay for goods, services and travel using contactless technology (NFC) with one touch of their phone, or online via mobile or PC.

Enabling brands to reach consumers on the move

The new business will also provide a single contact point for advertisers, media agencies and retailers looking to reach consumers on their mobile phones.  The JV will enable them to book advertising space and create campaigns as well as provide offers, coupons and loyalty cards which can be stored on the phone and redeemed in shops. For consumers, the JV means that they will be able to receive discounts and offers from brands that are relevant to them and that they want to receive.

Everything Everywhere, Telefónica UK and Vodafone UK will continue to develop their own competing products and services tailored to their own customers, which will be based on the open platform infrastructure provided by the JV.

Tom Alexander, CEO of Everything Everywhere, commented: “This groundbreaking new business will unlock the true potential of commerce in the wire-free world.

“The benefits will be felt across the whole industry, allowing people to manage their money and make payments using their handsets, helping advertisers reach their customers on the move, and helping banks provide their clients with an easy and convenient way of making payments.

“And for partners operating in these industries, having a one-stop shop to deal with will make things quicker, easier and more efficient.  This Joint Venture will further reinforce mobile as the essential 21st century device at the heart of people’s daily lives.”

Ronan Dunne, Chief Executive Officer of Telefónica UK, said: “We are seeing an explosion in the m-commerce market.  Mobile advertising spend alone has more than doubled in two years as consumers embrace marketing on their handsets because it is now relevant to them and provides a great customer experience.

“The mobile marketing and payments market is extremely fragmented. By creating this new business we will underpin this nascent market, providing real size and scale, allowing consumers to benefit from new and innovative services, like the mobile wallet, and giving them more of the things they value, through offers and deals that are truly relevant to them. At the same time business customers will reach a vastly increased audience, utilising a single platform for sales, delivery and payment.

“This is not just something that is unique in the UK, but a JV that will create a model that many countries around the world could follow.”

Guy Laurence, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone UK, said: “Since Vodafone made the first ever call just 26 years ago, mobile phones have transformed people’s lives. Along the way, the mobile phone has become the one item people really cannot be without. It is the first thing they reach for in the morning and the last thing they check at night. Over recent years it has integrated new gadgets such as digital cameras and music players as they have become popular. The new generation of smartphones is even taking on desktop PC by providing internet on the move and removing the need to be in the home or office.

“Currently people take their mobile, wallet and keys when they leave home. In the near future, people will now start leaving their wallet at home, and in the mid term their keys may also be integrated into their mobile as NFC allows the mobile to act as a digital access card. The joint venture is the next phase in realising that ambition.”

Related articles

• O2, Vodafone and Everything Everywhere partner to bring the mobile wallet to life (thenextweb.com)
• UK carriers band for NFC Payments joint venture (slashgear.com)
• NFC in the UK Inches Towards Mainstream Adoption With Four Carriers' Marriage [Blip] (gizmodo.com)
• A UK first - Accelerating mobile payment and marketing services for UK consumers (o2.co.uk)
• O2, Vodafone, Everything Everywhere Team Up For M-Payment Push In UK (paidcontent.org)
• Everything Everywhere, Vodafone and O2 join forces for NFC (somobile.co.uk)

Avery Dennison RFID Introduces Its N-Zone™ NFC Inlay Product Line

June 16, 2011 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Industry-leading RFID Inlay Manufacturer’s Extensive Portfolio For Near Field Communications Set to Enable New Market Growth

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avery Dennison RFID, the world’s largest producer of UHF RFID inlays, today introduced its N-Zone™ line of near field communications (NFC) RFID inlays. The extensive portfolio promises to support the proliferation of innovative, high-performance NFC applications across the globe.

Near field communications uses short-range wireless technology for a wide variety of new mobile commerce, information exchange and social networking applications that will make many kinds of transactions simpler and more convenient. Market research projects that about 100 million NFC-enabled phones will be shipped in 2011, with shipments exceeding 500 million by 2015.

“NFC is reaching the tipping point,” said Maggie Bidlingmaier, global director of sales and marketing at Avery Dennison RFID. “NFC-enabled smart phones are rapidly proliferating, and consumers will quickly demand applications that the technology makes possible. Our N-Zone NFC tags were designed specifically to power these rapidly emerging solutions.”

The first products in the N-Zone line of NFC inlays utilize NXP’s ICODE semiconductors. Jeff Fonseca, NXP’s NFC global business development director, said, “Combining Avery Dennison’s inlay design expertise and our ICODE®, Mifare™ Ultralight™, and DESFire™ line of products to create best-in-class NFC inlays is a natural progression of our strategic relationship.” NXP and Avery Dennison are both members of the NFC Forum, the industry’s standards group.

Bidlingmaier said that among the many uses of Avery Dennison N-Zone tags will be the transformation of ordinary product labels and store environments into powerful media for branding and new customer experiences, as well as in “smart” posters and NFC-enabled mobile devices.

Avery Dennison RFID recently announced the shipment of its one billionth UHF inlay -- an industry first – and is a leading provider to the aviation, supply chain, grocery, healthcare and retail industries. Avery Dennison's work with retailers includes the development of the first commercialized RFID-based electronic article surveillance solution, which was launched by German apparel retailer Gerry Weber in 2010.

“With the worldwide reputation of the Avery Dennison brand in the RFID industry and our strong relationships with provider partners and end users, we intend to play a key role in the success of NFC technology,” Bidlingmaier said.

About Avery Dennison

Avery Dennison (NYSE:AVY) helps make brands more inspiring and the world more intelligent. For more than 75 years the company has been a global leader in pressure-sensitive technology and materials, retail branding and information solutions, and organization and identification products for offices and consumers. A FORTUNE 500® company with sales of $6.5 billion in 2010, Avery Dennison is based in Pasadena, California and has employees in over 60 countries. For more information, visit www.averydennison.com.

About Avery Dennison RFID

Avery Dennison RFID is the world's largest manufacturer of ultra-high frequency RFID inlays and recently celebrated the sale of its one billionth inlay, an industry first. Featuring high-quality, innovative UHF, HF and NFC products and technical services, Avery Dennison RFID is dedicated to enabling significant improvements in asset management, product quality, process improvement and consumer experience. With a broad network of provider partners, Avery Dennison RFID serves industries including retail, aviation, supply chain, grocery and healthcare. Find out more atwww.rfid.averydennison.com.

Various third-party trademarks or trade names used herein are the property of their respective owners.

Related articles

• Everything You Need or Wanted to Know About NFC (epaymentnews.blogspot.com)
• NFC in the UK Inches Towards Mainstream Adoption With Four Carriers' Marriage [Blip] (gizmodo.com)

Magnetic Stripe: One of IBM's "Top 100 Contributions to Society" About to Fall

The rise and fall of the credit card magnetic stripe

Four decades after its creation, the credit card magnetic stripe has revolutionized the way we make purchases and share personal information. New technology, however, is threatening to send the magnetic stripe the way of the VHS player.Before the familiar stripe vanishes for good, though, it's worth reflecting on the technology that IBM proudly named one of its top 100 contributions to society.

Read more: http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/history-credit-card-magnetic-stripe-1273.php#ixzz1PPiqiadO
Compare credit cards here - CreditCards.com

"Fifth Third" Processing Changes it's Name for the"First" Time (Vantiv)

Fifth Third Processing Solutions Changes Name to Vantiv

This is a brand page for the VANTIV trademark, which is owned by FIFTH THIRD PROCESSING SOLUTIONS, LLC in CINCINNATI, OH, 45263. Write a review about a product or service associate with this VANTIV trademark. Or, contact the ownerFIFTH THIRD PROCESSING SOLUTIONS, LLC of the VANTIV trademark through theLegal Correspondent listed with the U.S. for all licensing, use, and/or questions related to the VANTIV trademark.

 Status Update! On Sunday, May 22, 2011, status on the VANTIV trademark changed to NON-FINAL ACTION - MAILED.  On Monday, February 14, 2011, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for VANTIV. This trademark is owned by FIFTH THIRD PROCESSING SOLUTIONS, LLC, CINCINNATI, OH 45263. The USPTO has given the VANTIV trademark serial number of 85241733. The current federal status of this trademark filing is NON-FINAL ACTION - MAILED.

Word Mark:	VANTIV
Status/ Status Date:	NON-FINAL ACTION - MAILED 5/22/2011 Estimated Response Deadline: 11/22/2011 Respond to Office Action from $139 >>
Serial Number:	85241733
Filing Date:	2/14/2011
Foreign Filing Deadline:	Sunday, August 14, 2011
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Registration Number:	NOT AVAILABLE
Registration Date:	NOT AVAILABLE
Goods and Services:	Financial services, namely transaction and data processing services; payment transaction processing services; credit card services and credit card transaction processing services, debit card services and debit card transaction processing services; bank card services and bank card transaction processing services; stored value card services and stored value card transaction processing services; gift card services and gift card transaction processing services; electronic payment services, namely, e
Mark Description:	NOT AVAILABLE
Type Of Mark:	Service Mark
Published For Opposition Date:	N/A
Latest Owner:	FIFTH THIRD PROCESSING SOLUTIONS, LLC CINCINNATI, OH 45263 Why is this contact information displayed?
Mark Drawing Code:	Standard Character Mark
Design Search:	(NO DATA)
Register Type:	Principal
Disclaimer:	(NOT AVAILABLE)
Correspondent:	APRIL L. BESL 255 E... CINCINNATI, OH 45202-1971

CINCINNATI, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifth Third Processing Solutions, one of the nation's largest payment processors, today announced that it has adopted a new brand, name and logo.  Now Vantiv, the 40-year-old company will leverage its experience, broad capability and reach with new levels of innovation and service to address the evolving payment needs of its merchant, bank and credit union customers.

"Vantiv embodies and advances our strategic direction as we help our customers better achieve their goals," said President and CEO, Charles Drucker. "In our industry, every transaction is the most important one. With so much at stake, our customers expect more.  Vantiv is our commitment to deliver!"

As payment technology and consumer payment needs continue to change rapidly, Drucker emphasized Vantiv will continue to leverage its strong partner relationships and enhance investments in its best-in-class system platform, products and customer service.  The new brand signals the company's long-term commitment to product development, innovation and growth.  This includes added investment in areas such as eCommerce, mobile payment technology, pre-paid debit, fraud and security prevention and other emerging payment opportunities.

"Vantiv creates an opportunity for us to move beyond our already established foundation of success to bring our customers the innovation, guidance and leadership they should expect in this evolving payments environment," Drucker added. "As Vantiv, we will offer our customers even more collaboration, insight and performance."

The Vantiv brand will evolve over time across different parts of the company.  Some distribution channels will change and carry the Vantiv name and logo while others will continue to be known either as "Fifth Third Processing Solutions, Powered by Vantiv," or "NPC, a Vantiv company."

"We are leaning forward, and as new technology and products become available, we will offer advancements to our customers to help them grow their business," Drucker added. "This is just one of many ways we can evolve and be more than just a payments company. Our people and their commitment to our customers bring the Vantiv brand to life."

Vantiv will continue to operate from the Greater Cincinnati, Ohio area, with a new, 205,000 square foot headquarter office at 8500 Governors Hill Drive in Symmes Township set for completion later this month.

About Vantiv

Vantiv, LLC is one of the largest providers of payment strategies and technology solutions for financial institutions and businesses worldwide. Formed in 1971 and most recently known as Fifth Third Processing Solutions, LLC, the Company builds strategic partnerships with its customers, helping them become more efficient, more secure and more successful.  Headquartered inCincinnati, Ohio, Vantiv, LLC is a joint venture between Advent International and Fifth Third Bank, a subsidiary of Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB).

Vantiv, LLC supports more than 400,000 merchant and financial institution locations and 12,000 ATMs in 46 states and 8 countries. The company processes more than 11.4 billion ATM and POS transactions and nearly $400 billion in debit and credit sales volume annually.  Its subsidiary, NPC, is the largest provider of payment processing services exclusively focused on the small-to-medium merchant processing market. According to the Nilson Report (March 2011), the Company is the largest PIN Debit U.S. acquirer and third largest U.S. merchant transaction acquirer ranked by general purpose transaction volume. For more information, visitwww.vantiv.com.