20,000 of Oberthur's CityGo Deployed by Transco (France)

October 10, 2011 02:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Oberthur Technologies CityGo USB Multi-Application Device Chosen by VIX TECHNOLOGY for DIJON’s New Fare Collection System (FRANCE)

NANTERRE, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

• 20,000 CityGo USB devices deployed
• Travellers can easily top-up their transport pass online from home

The Conseil Général de Côte d’Or, a French administration in the Burgundy region (200km south east of Paris) has chosen Oberthur Technologies to launch a new smart ticketing system for Transco, its public transport network. This convenient, secure and fast ticketing solution supplied and deployed by VIX Technology France, is using reloadable smart tickets as well as CityGo Calypso™ reloadable contactless cards and CityGo USB smart devices, both supplied by Oberthur Technologies.

CityGo USB is a versatile device designed for public transport. Its compact (5cm diameter) and its soft shape make it easy to grab in a bag or pocket and wave in front of a validator. It features a mini-card that contains the contactless transport application and bears the traveller’s name and picture. As a result, CityGo USB can be easily checked by controllers, as they would do with a standard transport card.

Deployment has started a few days ago with 20,000 units, the biggest deployment of smart transport devices ever. Pupils taking the Transco lines to school will receive a device free of charge, while other travellers will have the possibility to order them on the Transco e-store developed by Vix Technology.

CityGo USB’s other key innovation is its rotating casing that unveils a USB plug. The CityGo USB can thus be connected to a computer to access the transport operators’ website and perform online top-up. No need to queue up anymore! Thanks to its microSD slot, CityGo USB also becomes a mass storage device carrying personal files.

With these unique features, CityGo USB brings a lot of benefits. For transport operators, this innovative ticket dematerialisation solution increases customers’ satisfaction, decreases operating expenses and generates new sources of revenue through new services available. For travellers, CityGo USB becomes an everyday “companion” device.

About Oberthur Technologies

Oberthur Technologies is a world leader in the field of secure technologies: systems development, solutions and services for smart cards (payment cards, SIM cards, access cards, NFC…) and for secure identity documents, traditional and electronic (identity card, passport, health care card), production of banknotes, cheques and other fiduciary documents, intelligent systems to secure cash-in-transit and ATM. Oberthur Technologies has 6,800 employees through 40 countries and 65 sites. The Group posted 2010 sales of €979M.

Website www.oberthur.com

About VIX Technology

Vix Technology is an international provider of market-leading products and services to both the public and private sectors. Vix Technology builds market-leading product development and services businesses that develop and operate specialised, mission-critical solutions for the payments, telecommunications and transportation industries. With offices in 10 countries and over 800 employees, Vix Technology is a truly global organisation with a diverse portfolio of product and service offerings. VIX Technology France is currently delivering similar projects to the cities of Brest, Tours, Lorient and Quimper.

Website www.vixtechnology.com

E-Commerce + M-Commerce = $1 Trillion by 2014

October 10, 2011 06:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Research and Markets: World Digital Economy - Mass Adoption of E-Commerce and M-Commerce Channels. Over $1 trillion in Revenue Expected to Be Generated By E-commerce By 2014

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/559a47/world_digital_econ) has announced the addition of the "World Digital Economy - Mass Adoption of E-Commerce and M-Commerce Channels" report to their offering.

“World Digital Economy - Mass Adoption of E-Commerce and M-Commerce Channels”

The financial downturn has presented many positive opportunities for e-commerce and m-commerce, with consumers often turning to these purchasing channels as a way to save money during difficult economic times. This has coincided with increasing uptake of smart phones and broadband penetration. The future growth of this sector lies in further improvements to infrastructure, with around 40 countries around the world already indicating that broadband is seen as a national infrastructure and is critical to the development of the digital economy.

BuddeComm's new report, World Digital Economy - Mass Adoption of E-Commerce and M-Commerce Channels, offers a wealth of information on the increasingly important global e-commerce and m-commerce sectors. It explores key issues and opportunities and provides analyses, statistics, forecasts and trends.

The report includes broad statistical information and insights into the key trends impacting upon the industry including social media developments, cloud computing, the Internet of Things and digital advertising. It explores the key digital media leaders participating in this industry. The report also includes a unique perspective into how the e-commerce and m-commerce sectors are unfolding differently around the world by incorporating case studies from around the world.

Examples of Key Insights:

In June 2011 the OECD highlighted that the strength and dynamism of the Internet depends on its ease of access to high speed networks, openness, and on user confidence.

E-commerce and m-commerce have become very important areas of focus for mobile operators, Internet media players, financial institutions and payment processing firms alike. There have been a number of key developments recently, particularly in the mobile digital wallet space.

Websites which offer deals of the day such as Groupon have become popular and Google has another initiative underway called Google Offers. In the USA, close to $1 of every $10 dollars on discretionary spending is now spent online. Digital music sales generate billions in revenue worldwide each year and now accounts for around 30% of music companies trade revenues.

Companies Mentioned:

• Amazon
• Apple
• eBay
• Facebook
• Google
• PayPal

2011 Best of 4G Finalists Revealed

Annual 4G World awards honor movers and shakers of the 4G ecosystem.

4G World 2011

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--4G World and Connected Planet today announced finalists in the Best of 4G Awards. The awards recognize leaders in the development and deployment of 4G technologies and are presented as part of the 4G World 2011 Conference and Expo, happening Oct. 24-27 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. The event Web site is www.4gworld.com.

“The quality of the submissions really challenged our world-class advisory board and judging panel to select the top winners among these great entries.”

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 Best of 4G Awards. Winners in each category will be announced Monday, Oct. 24, at the 4G World VIP Press Party.

“Nominees for this year’s awards included some of the biggest names and best products in the 4G mobile and wireless ecosystem,” said Rich Karpinski, editor-in-chief for Connected Planet. “The quality of the submissions really challenged our world-class advisory board and judging panel to select the top winners among these great entries.”

Kathleen Mitchell, 4G World senior director of marketing, added, “4G technologies are beyond the curve in terms of innovation and creativity. And every year, we’re astonished at the advancement we see across the ecosystem. It’s exciting to be able to honor each of these forward-thinking companies, products and services at 4G World.”

Finalists for the Best of 4G Awards include:

• Best New Mobile Device:
  • Infomark
  • Nokia Siemens Networks
  • Samsung
• Most Innovative Network Deployment
  • Alcatel-Lucent
  • Gemalto
  • Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN)
• Best Mobile Commerce Solution
  • Aditux
  • Alcatel-Lucent
  • Pontiflex
• Best User Experience for Mobile
  • Alcatel-Lucent
  • Momac
  • NSN
• Best Mobile App for Tablet or Smartphone
  • Bitstream
  • LogMeIn
  • TerraWi
• Best New Network Infrastructure Solution
  • Broadhop
  • Huawei
  • Powerwave
  • Ruckus Wireless
• Best Overall Innovation in Mobile
  • Airspan
  • Alcatel-Lucent
  • Cisco

The final Best in Show category will be determined based on further vote on the collected category winners and announced at the show.

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 4G 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 a ubiquitous network takes hold in the mature markets of North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, operators are anticipating massive growth in broadband data usage and 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 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.

Before Activating Google Wallet: P-R-O-T-E-C-T With These Tips From IdentityHawk

October 07, 2011 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Even with Google Wallet’s built-in identity theft protections, you still need to be wary of hackers

NORWALK, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Google officially launched Google Wallet this week, a free app that facilitates “wireless and wallet-less” purchases via PayPass. This new app is in line with the emerging trend of paying for products and services with cellphones or digital wallets. While these evolutionary electronic payment methods can lighten a consumer’s wallet - they can also open access to heavy identity theft dangers.

“The first step you should take before using a digital wallet is going through the simple steps of PROTECT. Following these steps will help make sure that when you make your first purchases you do not open yourself up to the risk of identity theft.”

IdentityHawk^SM, a leading identity theft protection service, provides P-R-O-T-E-C-T tips for identity protection while using digital wallets:

1. Password protection. Smartphones often allow easy access to personal identity information - now they are starting to regularly keep account information. Password protection adds an extra layer to protect against digital identity thieves.
2. Read the fine print. This is recommended before signing any agreement, but particularly new electronic payment agreements, as they are a relatively new market. Know what you are getting yourself into - what risks are involved and what protections are offered.
3. Optimize credit card use. Whether you are paying with an actual credit card or you have “an app for that,” paying with a credit card will provide more identity protection than debit cards, pre-paid cards, or cash.
4. Take caution. Don’t share your personal identity information (SSN, account information, passwords, etc.) unless it’s absolutely necessary.
5. E-backups. Make sure you have hard copies of all your personal identity information in a safe place. Some identity protection services have e-wallet features, which is a secure place to keep personal identity information online as well.
6. Check your account activity online regularly and often. Make sure all the transactions reported on were made by you. If you find any suspicious activity, immediately contact the card issuer to dispute the charge. Google Wallet doesn’t provide the details of a transaction, only the date and time. So, extra account monitoring should be performed when using this feature.
7. Telephone numbers, know them. In case your digital wallet is stolen, make sure you know the number of your wireless provider so that you can call and cancel the service, report a theft, and what steps to take.

Said Jeff Paradise, executive director of IdentityHawk, “The first step you should take before using a digital wallet is going through the simple steps of PROTECT. Following these steps will help make sure that when you make your first purchases you do not open yourself up to the risk of identity theft.”

According to Nikki Junker, social media coordinator for the Identity Theft Resource Center, “Google has stated that even if a user were to download malware to a phone which would give hackers access to the phone’s entire Operating System, the chip which holds the financial information for Google Wallet transactions would remain safe. They even physically separated the hardware of the chip and the phone’s operating system. But, with hackers being as ambitious as they are these days, we have to wonder how long it will be until they figure out how to surpass these protections.”

About IdentityHawk
IdentityHawk is a leading identity protection service that aggressively zeroes-in on potential threats to help consumers safeguard their identity. Members are warned of potential identity risks so they can take better control to stop fraud before it starts. IdentityHawk is a product of FYI Direct, Inc., a leader in direct-to-consumer credit and identity protection services. For more information, go towww.identityhawk.com.

Mobile Device Security 2011-2016: Opportunities and Challenges

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

The Rise of Mobile Malware

2011 is witnessing an explosion of new threats targeting mobile devices. Data and ID theft, SMS fraud, rogue apps and covert espionage are infecting smartphones at an unprecedented rate. Malware such as Trojans, worms, spyware and spam are spreading across mobile platforms, already highly capable of stealing data, corrupting functions and usurping control. 

Visiongain research shows that the number of mobile malware more than doubled in 2011 from 2010 with over 200 new variants in the first half of 2011 alone, out of a total of 800 since 2003.

Securing the Mobile Ecosystem

Cybercriminals are actively exploiting the popularity of smartphones and tablets because of low user awareness of the risks, and lax security enforcement within organisations. This real and growing mobile threat is already a critical issue for the business segment and which CEOs must addressed now. 

By 2016, visiongain expects that almost every employee will have a smartphone that supports e-mail, can access the internet and install a variety of applications. Organisations have to learn to support complex and varied mobile operating systems and efficiently manage the security of all these platforms if they want to leverage the productivity benefits of smart devices.

A Growing Mobile Security Market

Security concerns are driving a fairly new market in mobile protection. The mobile security market is still in its infancy however. The fragmented nature of the mobile OS landscape has allowed for a number of varied companies to offer different mobile security solutions. Most of the leading IT software security specialists have expanded their suite of PC solutions to include mobile devices. 

In parallel, a number of smaller security experts specialising in mobile devices have appeared and their niche area of expertise have been on par with many established IT software security leaders. There is a small but fast-growing market specialising in mobile security which will gain momentum with the rapid adoption of smart devices and mobile internet in the face of a growing cybercriminal menace. Visiongain expects the mobile security market to reach $3.95 billion in global revenues by 2016.

What is Unique about this Report?

The mobile security market is fast growing because protecting mobile devices is rapidly becoming a top priority for both organisations. There are increasing opportunities for monetisation for vendors and security specialists. This report provides extensive insight into the rapidly developing world of mobile malware and the latest technological tools to counter mobile threats.

The report includes exclusive interviews with leading security experts from McAfee, AVG, Panda Security, Lookout, SmrtGuard, Mobile Security Labs, BullGuard, Telefónica and Vodafone, about the state of mobile malware and security.

The report details solutions by security software specialists, MNOs, OEMs, OTT providers and MDM vendors for mobile device and data protection for the individual, SMBs and large organisations. It offers recommendations on how to best counter threats and ensure maximum mobile protection. 

Don't miss out on a chance to anticipate the growing threat menace and efficiently protect endpoints in your organisation by buying Mobile Device Security 2011-2016 now.

Visa Adds Mobile Payment Pioneer to Help Lend a Hand for Mobile Financial Services to the Unbanked

Gavin Krugel, Senior Director at the GSM Association, joins Visa; tasked to accelerate the activation of mobile money programs in developing economies

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) today announced the addition of mobile industry veteran, Gavin Krugel to its global mobile team. Gavin joins Visa as Fundamo head of customer strategy and market activation, focused on the implementation of mobile money services across developing markets in Asia Pacific, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa. Gavin’s responsibilities include support for the activation of mobile money programs by customers of Fundamo, the recently-acquired mobile money platform that extends Visa products to unbanked consumers in developing economies.

“Gavin has a considerable track record of understanding the intersection of mobile technology with adjacent industries and leading efforts to bring innovative services to market”

Previous to Visa, Gavin was senior director at the GSMA, the global association that represents the worldwide mobile industry, where he led the GSMA’s mobile money efforts in international remittances and in making financial services available to the unbanked through mobile, such as the Mobile Money for the Unbanked and Mobile Money Transfer initiatives.

Gavin’s career includes significant experience in financial services, working at Standard Bank Group, Barclay’s subsidiary Absa Bank, Investec Private Bank, MasterCard Worldwide, and Mobile Money start up Cointel. In addition, he founded TroyTyla’s thinkmobilemoney consultancy in 2006 which supported several mobile money ventures in developing markets including some of the world’s best known deployments.

"Gavin has a considerable track record of understanding the intersection of mobile technology with adjacent industries and leading efforts to bring innovative services to market," said Bill Gajda, Global Head Mobile Product at Visa Inc. "His unique experience bringing together the complex worlds of the wireless and financial services industries ensures he will be a significant asset as Visa continues to roll-out its global strategy to commercialize mobile financial services around the globe."

About Visa

Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable digital currency. Underpinning digital currency is one of the world’s most advanced processing networks—VisaNet—that is capable of handling more than 20,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.

Contacts

Visa Inc.
Elvira Swanson, 415-932-2564
globalmedia@visa.com

Google’s Osama Bedier to Keynote at 4G World 2011

October 04, 2011 10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Google Wallet to headline the NFC Summit.

4G World 2011

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--4G World today announced a new addition to its acclaimed list of speakers for the 4G World 2011 Conference and Expo. On the heels of the recent Google Wallet launch, Osama Bedier, VP of Payments for Google and one of the leads in orchestrating the company’s new open commerce ecosystem, will keynote at the 4G World 2011 summit “NFC: Enabling New Revenue Opportunities.” The third annual 4G World takes place Oct. 24-27 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. The event Web site iswww.4gworld.com.

“Fresh from having launched the largest commercial U.S. NFC initiative to date, the expertise and insight he can bring to our audience will truly be invaluable.”

The NFC Summit, developed in conjunction with the NFC Forum, Near Field Communications World and Inside Secure, takes place Wednesday, Oct. 26, onsite at 4G World 2011. The executive summit assembles thought leaders representing the global ecosystem of NFC-based applications being deployed today. Bedier will take the stage at 9:45 a.m.

“We are excited to welcome Osama Bedier as an executive keynote for our NFC Summit,” said Nick Holland, Yankee Group senior analyst and program director for the summit. “Fresh from having launched the largest commercial U.S. NFC initiative to date, the expertise and insight he can bring to our audience will truly be invaluable.”

4G World is the largest event in the world covering the entire ecosystem of next-generation 4G technologies and business models that power the mobile Internet economy. For more details on the event or to register, visit www.4gworld.com.

Sponsors of 4G World 2011 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 4G 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 a ubiquitous network takes hold in the mature markets of North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, operators are anticipating massive growth in broadband data usage and 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 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

Yankee Group is the preeminent research and advisory firm equipping companies to profit in a mobile world. We research the attitudes, behaviors and usage patterns of mobile users and explore enabling technologies and emerging business models across the mobile ecosystem. Based on these capabilities, our analysts provide a range of actionable data, insights and advice to marketing, strategy and product executives driving the mobility revolution in leading companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.yankeegroup.com.

Heartland Payment Systems Releases First Actual Durbin Impact Statistics

October 05, 2011 08:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Heartland merchants receive millions of dollars through Durbin pass through program

QSRs and small-ticket merchants feel the pain of MasterCard^® and Visa^® fee changes

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just days after the implementation of the Durbin Amendment swipe fee reform on October 1, Heartland Payment Systems^® (NYSE: HPY), one of the nation’s largest payments processors, has released the first real-world data about the legislation’s actual effects on business owners across the United States.

“These savings are just the tip of the iceberg”

From the first to the third of October, Heartland passed along $1,779,568 in debit interchange reductions to its merchants across the U.S. Restaurant merchants received $671,652 of this reduction. The company estimates its average merchant will save more than $1,000 in the first year alone.

“These savings are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Bob Baldwin, president at Heartland. “Durbin Dollars should stay where they belong — in merchants’ bank accounts — and Heartland is helping business owners keep more of their hard-earned cash. Merchants shouldn’t take this for granted. They need to be vigilant in ensuring they receive the cost savings they deserve so they don’t unknowingly fall victim to processors looking to profit at their expense.”

The real effects of the Durbin Amendment have already started to take hold as evidenced in the statistical findings below derived from data collected between October 1 – 3, 2011 across Heartland’s portfolio of 250,000 merchant locations. Heartland has found:

• 65% of its signature debit sales volume qualified as regulated
• On average, there is a savings of $0.21 per transaction for regulated (vs. non-regulated)
  • The average signature debit non-regulated interchange fee per transaction is $0.44
  • The average signature debit regulated interchange fee per transaction is $0.23
• On average, there is a savings of 75 basis points for regulated (vs. non-regulated)
  • The average signature debit non-regulated effective rate is 1.55%
  • The average signature debit regulated effective rate is 0.80%

While the majority of merchants are realizing significant savings from the debit rate reductions, merchants that process a high volume of small-ticket transactions are actually paying more due to the elimination of MasterCard and Visa’s small-ticket interchange rates. As of October, the card brands are charging the same regulated rates as standard transactions of 21 cents plus one cent plus 0.05 percent of the transaction volume, which translates to increased costs on debit transactions less than $11. In Heartland’s portfolio, quick serve restaurants (QSRs), for example, are now paying an average effective interchange rate of 2.15 percent compared to the 2.08 percent they were charged under the small-ticket provision.

For more information on the Durbin Amendment, visit GetYourDurbinDollars.com.

About Heartland Payment Systems

Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. (NYSE: HPY), the fifth largest payments processor in the United States, delivers credit/debit/prepaid card processing, gift marketing and loyalty programs, payroll, check management and related business solutions to more than 250,000 business locations nationwide. A FORTUNE 1000 company, Heartland is the founding supporter of The Merchant Bill of Rights, a public advocacy initiative that educates merchants about fair credit and debit card processing practices. The company is also a leader in the development of end-to-end encryption technology designed to protect cardholder data, rendering it useless to cybercriminals. For more information, please visit HeartlandPaymentSystems.com, MerchantBillOfRights.org, CostOfABurger.com and E3secure.com.

Contacts

For Heartland Payment Systems
Leanne Scott Brown, 610-455-2742
LBrown@VaultCommunications.com

NEBA Introduces SMS Text Messaging System for Bank Credit and Debit Card Issuers

October 05, 2011 11:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

NEBA’s SMS Text Messaging System strengthens bank/customer relationships with near real-time communication and cardholder account data access

WAKEFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NEBA today announced it has leveraged its resources and expertise to implement Short Messaging Systems (SMS) Text Messaging Systems for financial institution credit and debit card issuers. The system provides one- or two-way consumer, event or system triggered short code messaging and is module-based, depending on need. A real time fraud alerts component, based upon Falcon fraud analytics system strategies, allows the card issuer expanded risk management capability. With SMS Text Messaging the issuer’s cardholders access near real-time, personalized, relevant credit card account data. The system works with existing digital voice capabilities allowing a card issuer to communicate via SMS Text Messaging, automated outbound voice messaging or other preferred channel.

“NEBA is excited to bring SMS Text Messaging to its card issuing members”

“NEBA is excited to bring SMS Text Messaging to its card issuing members,” said Ted Keith, NEBA’s President and CEO. “Cardholders benefit because they can conveniently request account information and receive personalized and near immediate responses. Issuers benefit because they can use it to help control fraud, strengthen their brand, differentiate their services, save money by reducing call center activity, and even add marketing messages that are tailored by cardholder attributes to SMS responses.”

NEBA’s SMS Text Messaging System, a one- or two-way consumer, event or system triggered system, allows bank credit and debit card issuers to provide up to the minute information when and where their financial institution customers want it. The system allows for easy integration via processor-established contracts with industry leading mobile network operators and seamless implementation with minimal IT resources. Support services include a customer service interface and SMS message customization. SMS Text Messaging capability enables card issuers to communicate with their customers while the fraud reduction-mobile alerts component offers a means of contacting cardholders to confirm fraud in real time. The system targets card issuers looking to differentiate themselves from the competition, attract and retain customers, reduce fraud, lower cost, and attract a higher value consumer segment.

About NEBA

Headquartered in Wakefield, Massachusetts and founded in 1969 as one of the twelve original MasterCharge Associations, NEBA provides financial institutions in the U.S. and Caribbean a full range of high-quality credit card issuing and merchant acquiring programs, products, and services, as well as the framework, support, and educational assistance banks need to operate profitable, effective payments card programs that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

NEBA members have access to the best in card-processing solutions including MasterCard and Visa cards. NEBA’s unique bundled programs are designed to speed program implementation and minimize the need to allocate bank resources. For more information about NEBA please visit neba.com.

Discover U.S. Spending MonitorSM Consumer Confidence Falls to Near-Record Low as Spending Intentions Drop

October 05, 2011 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Monitor Reports that 28 % of Consumers Rate Their Personal Finances as ‘Poor’

RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lack of consumer confidence was prevalent in September as the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor^SM dropped to its lowest level since February 2009.

The Monitor, a 4-year-old daily poll tracking economic confidence and spending intentions of nearly 8,200 consumers throughout the month, recorded a 3.5 point drop to 77.0 percent. This is only 1.3 points higher than the record low reported in February 2009. The same report also found that 66 percent of consumers rated the economy as poor, up 2 points from last month, and just 1-point lower than the record-high of 67 percent in February 2009, amid the height of the recession.

These September findings are a strong indicator that consumers across the board continue to have a deteriorating view on the economy, with 63 percent of Americans believing that economic conditions are worsening, a viewpoint relatively unchanged from last month when 64 percent said the same.

Attitudes Toward Personal Finances Reach New Low

Consumer sentiment toward personal finances also grew negative in September.

• A record 57 percent of Americans said their personal finances were worsening, a jump of 4 percentage points who said the same in August and 1 percentage point higher than the Monitor’s prior high of 56 percent in November 2008.

• Another record 28 percent of consumers rated their personal finances as “poor” – up from 25 percent in August and 2 percentage points higher than the Monitor’s prior high of 26 percent in December 2009.

• At the same time, the number of consumers who say their personal finances are getting better dropped 1 point from last month to 15 percent.

Record Number of Consumers Plan to Save & Invest Less, While Spending Also Tightens

As fewer consumers have money left over after paying monthly bills, they are planning to cut spending, and save and invest less in the month ahead.

• 44 percent of consumers will not have any money left over after paying monthly bills, up from 40 percent in August.

• 45 percent of consumers plan to save and invest less in the next month, up 3 percentage points from August-- a new record.

• 26 percent plan to spend less in the month ahead, up three points from August.

Discretionary Spending Intentions Fall

While discretionary spending intentions held steady in August, a majority of consumers were planning to cut discretionary expenditures in September.

• 52 percent said they will spend less on home improvements, up from 50 percent.

• 53 percent said they were pulling back on discretionary and entertainment expenses, such as going out to dinner or the movies.

• 52 percent report they plan to cut spending on major personal purchases, such as gym memberships and vacations, up two points from last month.

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers personal and student loans, online savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its Discover Bank subsidiary. Its payment businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visithttp://www.discoverfinancial.com.

Transact Network Announces 4 New Executive Director Appointments

GIBRALTAR, Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Transact Network's Board of Directors today announced that founder Kiran Sidhu will replace Colin Greaves as the Executive Chairman of the Company and Deependra Bhartari* is joining as Chief Operating Officer.

"Our rapid growth requires a larger set of executive directors. I am excited to succeed Colin as business leader of Transact Network.  I thank him for his time spent with us and wish him all the best with his return to his home in Newcastle," said Kiran Sidhu.

"We are excited that Deependra has joined Transact as Chief Operating Officer.  Deependra was instrumental in the successful growth of Party Gaming (now BWIN Party Gaming) as their Director of Transaction Services working with Party Gaming from start up through to their successful LSE listing.  After leaving Party Gaming, Deependra then spent the last four years building India's second largest online education company Next Education," added Kiran Sidhu.  "His extensive experiences in high growth situations where payments, technology and anti-fraud experience play critical roles augment the efforts that Transact Network is making in defining a leadership position in the prepaid space and in developing new payment services offerings within Europe."

"I am exited about the opportunity to work with Transact Network, I believe the company is well positioned in Europe and am looking forward to working with Kiran and the team at Transact," said Deependra Bhartari.

Also joining Transact is LeAnna Sidhu* as Marketing Director. LeAnna has extensive experience in marketing and advertising.  LeAnna served as president of YouTicket.Com, an online ticket-marketing portal.  In addition, she worked for Park Place Entertainment's Paris Las Vegas Hotel managing its marketing campaign during their launch.  Prior to her time with Park Place Entertainment, she served as Vice President of Advertising for Guess, Inc's baby and children's divisions operating under the licensee, Pour Le Bebe Inc.  At Transact Network, LeAnna is responsible for all corporate communication and related marketing activities.  In addition, LeAnna will also be working closely with Transact Network's co-brand partners on specific marketing initiatives within their respective target markets.

In addition, J. Francisco A. Turner is moving from his role as a Non-Executive Director to Business Development Director and will be responsible for developing new prepaid products and solutions, seeking new business opportunities, as well as overall client relationship management.  "We are very pleased that Francisco will be taking on a more day-to-day operational role in the business.  His extensive knowledge and experience in the financial services and prepaid industry will strengthen Transact's business expansion plans and also ensure that our clients objectives' are better supported going forward," said Kiran Sidhu.

Lastly, Damian Asquez, appointed earlier this year as the Company's Finance Director, will assume day-to-day operational management of the BIN sponsorship business.  "As our BIN sponsorship side of the business continues to grow it now requires senior leadership on a daily basis.  Damian is best suited for this task given his extensive experience in all the issues around this business segment," said Kiran Sidhu.

All four directors will be working at Transact Network's Gibraltar Headquarters.

* Subject to regulatory approval where required

About Transact Network

Transact Network is a MasterCard and Visa Europe Principal Member providing European BIN sponsorship and modular prepaid services.  Transact Network's electronic money and payment service permissions have been successfully passported to every EU and EEA member state enabling the issuance of prepaid card programs across Europe.  The Company's proprietary modular prepaid card service platform enables bespoke, scalable solutions, rapid implementation, low entry costs, reliable ongoing management and proven risk reduction.  The Company can implement a prepaid program from concept to launch in approximately 90 days. Transact Network is a licensed and authorized e-money institution by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission and has fully owned subsidiaries and offices in England, India and Bulgaria, as well as affiliate sales offices inFrance and Germany.

For more information about the types of products and services Transact Network provides please visit:http://www.transactnetwork.com.

SOURCE Transact Network

Record Attendance Expected at the Mobile Contactless Payment Innovations Summit, October 17-18th in Chicago

BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Strategic Solutions Network (SSN) will welcome an estimated 400 executives from leading retailers, banks, carriers and technology companies to attend its premier event October 17-18th, at the W Chicago City Center. The 3rd Mobile Contactless Payment Innovations Summit is part of the highly acclaimed Alternative Payment Systems Innovations (APSI) series of conferences featuring the top visionaries in the mobile space who will examine the disruptive nature, promises and challenges of the rapidly evolving mobile payments industry.

"We have developed the agenda to focus on the most advanced and value-added developments within mobile payments. This has resulted in over threefold audience growth since our Inaugural event last October," comments SSN CEO, Aron Barkan. "This illustrates that contactless payments is not just a trend, but will soon become a ubiquitous and universally adopted global solution."

Clearly, there is urgency for senior executives to incorporate a sophisticated mobile payments strategy into their overall business plan. The World Payments Report 2011 projects that mobile payments will grow globally from 4.6 billion to 15.3 billion transactions between 2010 and 2013 – at a rate of 48.8 percent per year. Additionally, a new study from Juniper Research has determined that the total value of mobile payments for digital and physical goods, money transfers and NFC (Near Field Communications) transactions will reach $670 billion by 2015, up 178% from the $240 billion estimated for 2011.

The two-day conference features best practice case studies, keynote presentations, panel discussion and networking sessions delivered by executives from leading companies such as Paypal, Google, Walgreens, Best Buy, Groupon, MasterCard, Bank of America, Nokia, The Home Depot, Polo Ralph Lauren, Jamba Juice, Discover Network, RadioShack, National Retail Federation, Barclaycard US, Citigroup, Verizon, National Restaurant Association, American Express and others.

For additional information, contact SSN at 561.674.0086 or visit www.paymentinnovations.net

About Strategic Solutions Network (SSN)

Strategic Solutions Network's (SSN) vision is to enable and promote the exchange of meaningful information in a timely and actionable manner through topic-specific websites and live events. SSN creates unmatched networking opportunities between end-users with vetted purchasing authority and leading solutions-providers. Created by a team of information industry veterans, SSN is well on the way to establishing an enduring reputation as the company to partner with for value-optimized, cost efficient information and thought leadership opportunities. www.strategicsolutionsnet.com

SOURCE Strategic Solutions Network