Thursday, July 7, 2011


http://www.ebay.com
July 07, 2011 09:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

eBay Inc. to Acquire Zong

Zong strengthens PayPal’s leadership position in mobile payments and digital goods
SAN JOSE, Calif. & MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--eBay Inc. (NASDAQ: EBAY) announced today that it has agreed to acquire Zong, a leading provider of payments through mobile carrier billing, for total consideration of approximately $240 million in cash. Zong leverages connections with more than 250 mobile network operators around the world, offering localized, secure and easy-to-use payments capabilities for digital goods and services in 21 languages and 45 countries. Combined with PayPal’s leading global payment platform serving 100 million active accounts worldwide, the company expects that Zong will add complementary technology and talent that help strengthen PayPal’s leadership position in mobile payments and digital goods.
“Our customers love the convenience of paying with their mobile numbers – a number they know by heart, and a device that they always have with them”
Zong allows consumers to easily pay for purchases from their mobile phones or computers through direct carrier billing. Consumers simply enter their mobile phone numbers. Then, in a matter of seconds, Zong verifies that number and clears the payment on the customer’s existing wireless service account.
With Zong, PayPal will have greater ability to offer consumers even more choices in how they want to pay – virtually anytime, anywhere. Both Zong and PayPal help to enable digital goods merchants to increase conversion, because they offer a faster, easier way for consumers to pay without leaving the merchant’s site.
“Commerce is changing. With mobile phones, we walk around with a mall in our pockets. PayPal helps to make money work better for customers in this new commerce reality – no matter how they want to pay or what device they’re using,” said Scott Thompson, president of PayPal. “We believe that Zong will strengthen this value by helping us reach the more than 4 billion people who have mobile phones, giving them more choice and security when they pay.”
“Our customers love the convenience of paying with their mobile numbers – a number they know by heart, and a device that they always have with them,” said David Marcus, CEO of Zong. “We look forward to extending our services to PayPal’s more than 9 million merchants around the world. And we’re committed to working with carriers and merchants to help them drive more sales across devices.”
PayPal is an industry leader in mobile payments and digital goods. PayPal expects to transact more than $3 billion in mobile payments in 2011. Currently, more than 8 million customers are making purchases on their mobile phones through PayPal, driving up to $10 million in mobile payments per day. PayPal offers Mobile Express Checkout for merchants, PayPal Mobile Payments Library for developers, PayPal payment apps for iPhone, Android, Nokia and Blackberry, and location-based shopping with Where.
Earlier this year, PayPal launched PayPal for Digital Goods, a new product that lets buyers pay in two clicks without leaving their gaming experience or content site. In 2010, PayPal processed $3.4 billion in payments for digital goods.
eBay Inc. does not expect the acquisition of Zong to have a material impact on its financial guidance as issued in conjunction with its first quarter earnings release on April 27, 2011. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2011.
About eBay Inc.
Founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif., eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) connects millions of buyers and sellers globally on a daily basis through eBay, the world’s largest online marketplace, and PayPal, which enables individuals and businesses to securely, easily and quickly send and receive online payments. We also reach millions through specialized marketplaces such as StubHub, the world’s largest ticket marketplace, and eBay classifieds sites, which together have a presence in more than 1,000 cities around the world. For more information about the company and its global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com.
About PayPal
PayPal is the faster, safer way to pay and get paid online. The service allows members to send money without sharing financial information, with the flexibility to pay using their account balances, bank accounts, credit cards or promotional financing. With 100 million active accounts in 190 markets and 25 currencies around the world, PayPal enables global commerce. PayPal is an eBay (Nasdaq:EBAY) company. PayPal is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. and its international headquarters is located in Singapore. More information about the company can be found at PayPal.com.
About Zong
Zong is a leading mobile payments platform for sellers of digital goods and services. Zong leverages direct connections with mobile network operators around the world to provide a secure payment solution with best-in-class connectivity and service quality. Zong is a mobile payment provider for Facebook Credits and is also accepted at over a thousand digital merchant sites. Reaching 3.2 billion mobile users through over 250 carrier connections, Zong provides localized payment capabilities in 21 languages and 45 countries. Zong is based in Menlo Park with offices in Geneva, Paris and Dusseldorf, and is backed by Matrix Partners, Advent Venture Partners and Newbury Ventures. For more information, please visitwww.zong.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the receipt and timing of regulatory approval for the transaction, the possibility that the transaction may not close, the reaction to the transaction of Zong’s customers and merchant and carrier partners, PayPal’s plans for Zong, the future growth of Zong’s and PayPal’s businesses, the reaction of competitors to the transaction and the possibility that integration following the transaction may be more difficult than expected. More information about potential factors which could affect our business and results is included in eBay's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, its Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other periodic filings. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to eBay on the date hereof, and eBay assumes no obligation to update such statements.

Contacts

PayPal, Inc.
Anuj Nayar, 408-967-5730
press@paypal.com
https://www.paypal-media.com/
or
eBay Inc. Investor Relations
Tracey Ford, 408-376-7205
http://investor.ebayinc.com
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Mobile Phones: Hot New Industry (Fortune,1984)

Blast from the Past…..this is a 1984 article about “mobile phones as a hot new industry”….
Excerpt……..Right now only well-heeled, must-have-one individuals and those who can write it off can afford the hefty tab of cellular service.
Editors Note: Every Sunday, Fortune publishes a classic story from our archive. This one is a step back in time to August 1984, when we lived in a world where only the wealthiest among us could afford a mobile phone -- and even then they were usually tethered to their automobiles. Even though the phones were $2,500 -- or $4,000 for a truly portable one -- analysts saw the promise of the budding wireless networks.
Read full 1984 article here……via Mobile phones: Hot new industry (Fortune, 1984) – Fortune Features. via CNN Money

Buyers are rushing to get cellular phones in their cars at $2,500 each. Experts say the price is sure to go down -- and demand way up.
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Mobile Phone Biometric Security; Analysis and Forecasts 2011 - 2015

Sqwizz has a Biometric Sensor and PIN Pad
NEW YORK, July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:
Mobile phone biometric security is a strategic analysis of the market for mobile phone biometric security products and services. This 200+ page report includes an investigation on current mobile phone biometric technologies. A detailed market analysis is supported with unique interviews with key stakeholders in the mobile phone biometric security ecosystem. Forecasts for growth opportunities, global and regional, are also included for the five years from 2011 until 2015.
Key questions that this report raises:

• What technologies (biometric modalities) will dominate?
• What sectors will see the biggest growth?
• What are the business models?
• What opportunities exist?
• What will the impact be if a major handset manufacturer embeds biometrics?
• How does regulation affect the market?
• What is the current and future size of the market?
• Which regions will see the fastest adoption rate?
• Is there a compelling business case for using mobile phones for biometric security?
• Will the combination of NFC and mobile payments have a positive effect on the market for mobile phone biometric security?
• What are the main drivers and barriers for the adoption
of mobile phone biometric security?
• Who will dominate in the market?
• Is this a growth market that is good to invest in?

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ProPay Appoints Greg Pesci President and Chief Operating Officer

July 07, 2011 06:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
LEHI, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ProPay (www.propay.com), an industry leader in Merchant Services, End-to-End Payment Security, credit card processing, and mobile payment services, is pleased to announce that Greg Pesci has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. Over the past two years, Pesci has been serving as ProPay’s Chief Operating Officer. Under Pesci’s leadership as COO, ProPay has continued to grow revenues in a down economy and has substantially increased its earnings. Pesci has also championed several key initiatives including ProPay’s global payment strategy and secure social mobile payments strategy (Social M-Payments)—a new technology that was the First Place Winner of the 2011 ETA Technology Showcase Challenge. Gary Goodrich, ProPay’s Chief Executive Officer since 2000, will continue in the CEO role.
http://www.propay.com
“ProPay is a great company with vast opportunities for the future”
Pesci has more than 12 years of experience in the financial institution and payments arena. Prior to joining ProPay in 2006, he served as Associate General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Product Development for Merrick Bank Corporation. In addition, Pesci has served as Counsel in the Patent Division for Procter & Gamble. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations; a master's degree in Organizational Behavior; and a law degree with honors from Brigham Young University.
“We’re pleased to promote Greg to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer,” said Gary Goodrich, ProPay’s Chief Executive Officer and Director. “Greg’s management of company operations has resulted in ProPay’s ability to deliver superior products to market faster and has improved overall operating efficiencies.”
“ProPay is a great company with vast opportunities for the future,” said Pesci. “I’m grateful for the trust that Gary and the other Board members have placed in me, and I’m excited to advance ProPay’s growth in the global payments arena and to assist in driving the market for secure social mobile payments.”
Note to editor: Picture available upon request.
About ProPay
Since 1997, ProPay has provided simple, secure, and affordable payment solutions for organizations ranging from the small, home-based entrepreneur to multi-billion-dollar enterprises. ProPay is a leading provider of complete End-to-End Payment Security solutions designed to significantly reduce the client organization’s risk of having sensitive payment data compromised. ProPay is the recipient of the prestigious 2010 ETA ISO of the Year award. ProPay is a 14 year old, privately held company, headquartered in Lehi, Utah. For information, visit www.propay.com.

Contacts

ProPay, Inc.
Scott Nelson, 801-341-5300
marketing@propay.com
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3rd Edition of CARTES in Asia: 28-29 March 2012

July 07, 2011 06:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Save the Date for the 3rd Edition of CARTES in Asia: 28-29 March 2012

CARTES in Asia 2011
CARTES in Asia 2012
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After a successful second edition, CARTES in Asia is now established as a large-scale event dedicated to smart technologies in Asia-Pacific. The participation of the leading companies in the smart card industry, the quality of the audience in the conference and the increased number of visitors coming from 61 countries have confirmed the high potential of the event. Indeed, CARTES is developing with the most dynamic region in the world: Asia Pacific is expected to provide 44% of card payment volumes globally by 20121, NFC payment transactions are booming and ID security projects are being implemented in many countries.
“The next edition will be concentrated on two days, to ensure the best ROI for our exhibitors and to facilitate the organization of visitors coming to Hong Kong”
The next edition of CARTES in Asia will take place on 28 & 29 March 2012, at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. “ The next edition will be concentrated on two days, to ensure the best ROI for our exhibitors and to facilitate the organization of visitors coming to Hong Kong” explains Isabelle ALFANO, CARTES Exhibitions Director. “ A full agenda will be proposed to make the most of the event: the opening ceremony will be followed by the Asian Card Summit and the Asian SESAMES Award announcement on the first day. In the evening, the networking cocktail will gather the smart community in a friendly atmosphere. On the second day, several key round-tables will be proposed to the attendees ”.
A powerful combination of exhibition and conferences will be offered to all participants, mixing international expertise and a strong focus on APAC markets. Keynote sessions and round-tables will be organized on the hottest topics such as NFC & Contactless applications, E-transactions & E-banking, the cashless economy, Mobile payments and financial services, Trust and privacy, RFID and Internet of things…
CARTES in Asia exhibition & conference provides a real showcase for technological innovations displayed on the stands but also competing for the Asian SESAMES Award. More than 3,000 decision makers in the banking, telecom, retail, transportation and security sectors from all the APAC countries will be able to discover the latest products and solutions from the smart security industry.
Major institutional partners have already renewed their support to CARTES in Asia (APSCA, CIITA, Global Platform, RFID China, SIM Alliance...).
The Asian markets are booming: save the date for the annual meeting of the smart technologies industry in Asia!
About CARTES in Asia
Date: 28-29 March 2012
Place: Hong Kong - AsiaWorld-Expo
Organiser: Comexposium
1 The Nilson Report

Contacts

B̩reng̬re BONNET РCommunications & Marketing Director
berengere.bonnet@comexposium.com
Ph.: +33 (0)1 76 77 11 70
or
Caroline BONDY – Communications Manager
caroline.bondy@comexposium.com
Ph.: +33 (0)1 76 77 11 68 - Fax: +33 (0)1 53 30 95 14
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Retail Decisions Expands Payment Processing Capabilities to Meet Growing Need for Alternative Payments

http://www.redplc.comJuly 07, 2011 07:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time

ReD now accepts Amazon Payments, Green Dot,
Mazooma, Google Checkout, Moneybookers and Ukash

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Retail Decisions (ReD), a world leader in payment fraud prevention and payment processing, has expanded its payments types by adding six new payment methods to service the growing popularity of alternative payment methods as consumers look for a wider choice of options online.
While credit cards continue to be the top online payment choice, consumers are increasingly demanding multiple payment options. ReD’s online retailers will now be able to accept payment through Amazon Payments™, Google™ Checkout, Green Dot®, Mazooma™, Moneybookers, and Ukash™.
Credit card’s share of online payments is expected to decline from 60% today to 44% by 2012 and already 41% of online consumers prefer alternative payment options over credit cards*. Fraud-conscious consumers are increasingly reluctant to provide credit card details and alternative payment options such as eWallets are seen as more secure.
Carl Clump, CEO of ReD, commented; “ReD has supported alternative payments for some time but the addition of these six new methods expands our expertise in alternative payment processing. It is important that ReD meets the changing needs of consumers and online retailers internationally, taking into consideration payment preferences which vary dramatically across cultures. For example, in the US and UK the trend is the growing use of debit cards, rather than credit cards, but in the Far East many people use eWallets to pay for items ordered online. The emergence of alternative payment options has attracted new online shoppers, who previously had a variety of concerns about ecommerce or no access to credit cards. This in turn has created a new opportunity for online merchants and we are delighted to be able to offer this service to our clients.”
*Javelin Strategy & Research, Online Retail Payments Forecast 2010-2014
About ReD
Retail Decisions (ReD) is a world leader in payment fraud prevention and payment processing. A specialist supplier to the payments industry worldwide, ReD has over 21 years experience in the fraud prevention market. Its blue-chip international clients come from the global telecommunications, retail, travel, petroleum, banking and the broader e-commerce sectors. They include Air China, Comet, John Lewis, Singapore Airlines, Shell, Tesco Mobile, Chevron, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Walmart.
The company has offices in Australia, China, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States, with representation in India, Korea, Japan and South America.
More information about ReD please visit: www.redplc.com

Contacts

SkyParlour Ltd
Angela Yore and Kimberley Waldron
Mobile: +44 7738 822956 & +44 77850 724 157
Email: angela@skyparlour.com & kimberley@skyparlour.com
or
Retail Decisions (ReD) Ltd
Carl Clump, CEO and Kami Boyer, Head of Global Marketing
Tel: +44 1483 728700
Email: ceo@redplc.com and kboyer@redplc.com
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UniCredit Uses Gemalto’s Contactless Sticker for Mobile Payment in Slovakia

July 07, 2011 01:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 
AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, announces the selection by UniCredit Slovakia, to provide Optelio contactless stickers for its first commercial mobile payment deployment. The bank, part of the major financial institution UniCredit Group, is the first to market with a contactless debit payment service in Slovakia. UniCredit Group is a leading European bank with strong roots in 22 countries and an overall global network embracing approximately 50 markets through over 9,600 branches. The Optelio contactless sticker has achieved MasterCard certification and complements a full set of Gemalto services already available for mobile payment.
http://www.gemalto.com
“The MasterCard® Paypass™sticker, which we named StickAir, is another unique product modelled upon requests and needs of customers of UniCredit Bank”
The Optelio sticker is a microprocessor-based secure personal device that provides a compatibility solution to enable contactless functionality for handsets that don’t have contactless features built-in. By simply attaching the Optelio contactless sticker to their mobile phone, UniCredit customers will be able to use the contactless feature on payments under EUR 20, while larger amount transactions will require a PIN code. Payments can be made in fast food restaurants, cinemas, supermarkets and other retail outlets across the Slovakia, with its established contactless payment market of over 3,000 acceptance points in place.
Combining diminutive size with the highest communication performance with the terminal, Gemalto’s Optelio contactless sticker has been designed to work on any handset model. Gemalto also provides sticker personalization, packaging and delivery to the end user as part of the service to UniCredit.
“The MasterCard® Paypass™sticker, which we named StickAir, is another unique product modelled upon requests and needs of customers of UniCredit Bank,” commented Monika Kohútová, Head of Retail Banking Division of UniCredit Bank. “It can be issued in relation to any current account open with UniCredit Bank and our customers can affix the StickAirwherever they want, like for example to the rear of their cell phone. Consumers are already accustomed to swiping their travel card to ride the public transportation in Slovakia so we believe contactless technology will also gain user adoption in the payment domain.”
“Moving to contactless is more than just changing the technology, it is also changing long-standing consumer habits,“ added Christoph Siegelin, vice president Sales, Central Europe at Gemalto. “By turning any handset into a payment device, Optelio contactless sticker makes the speed and convenience of mobile contactless payments available for UniCredit to deploy immediately.”
About Gemalto
Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) is the world leader in digital security with 2010 annual revenues of €1.9 billion and over 10,000 employees operating out of 87 offices and 13 Research & Development centers in 45 countries.
Gemalto is at the heart of our evolving digital society. Billions of people worldwide increasingly want the freedom to communicate, travel, shop, bank, entertain, and work—anytime, anywhere, in ways that are convenient, enjoyable and secure. Gemalto delivers on the growing demands for personal mobile services, identity protection, payment security, authenticated online services, cloud computing access, modern transportation, e-healthcare and e-government services. Gemalto does this by providing secure software, a wide range of secure personal devices, and managed services to wireless operators, banks, enterprises and government agencies.
Gemalto is the world leader for electronic passports and identity cards, two-factor authentication devices for online protection, smart credit/debit and contactless payment cards, as well as subscriber identification modules (SIM) and universal integrated circuit cards (UICC) in mobile phones. Also, in the emerging machine-to-machine applications Gemalto is a leading supplier of wireless modules and machine identification modules (MIM). To operate these solutions and remotely manage the software and confidential data contained in the secure devices Gemalto also provides server platforms, consulting, training, and managed services to help its customers achieve their goals.
As the use of Gemalto’s software and secure devices increases with the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world, the Company is poised to thrive over the coming years.
For more information visit www.gemalto.com, www.justaskgemalto.com, blog.gemalto.com, or follow @gemalto on Twitter.

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