Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Financial Technology Partners Advises Solveras Payment Solutions on its Highly Successful Sale to TransFirst


FT Partners' Seventh Consecutive Highly Successful Payment / Merchant Processing Transaction, Solidifying FT Partners as Clear Leader in Sector

SAN FRANCISCOAug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial Technology Partners LP and FTP Securities LLC (together, "FT Partners"), are pleased to announce the completion of another highly successful transaction in the payments and financial technology sector, serving as sole strategic and financial advisor to Solveras Payment Solutions on its sale to TransFirst, a leading provider of transaction processing services and payment enabling technologies.  TransFirst is a portfolio company of private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe.
The transaction highlights FT Partners' long history of executing successful payment processing transactions, having represented industry leaders such as: Solveras, EDC, YapStone, Mercury Payment Systems, Custom House, Verus and Lynk Systems in successful transactions.
Solveras, headquartered in Arlington, VA, is an independent sales organization providing comprehensive payment processing services to small- and medium-sized merchants.  Solveras' unique franchise and telesales engine introduce an additional sales, marketing and partnership model to TransFirst's existing merchant services business.
"We're very excited about this outcome on many levels, as this is our 7th straight success in the payments space in as many attempts," said Steve McLaughlin, Managing Partner of Financial Technology Partners. "TransFirst is the perfect partner for Solveras and we are pleased to have worked with such a talented team at Solveras to help make this happen."
"The FT Partners team more than delivered on their promises, as well as their reputation for integrity and first class client service," said Brian Bates, Solveras' CEO. "I would highly recommend the FT Partners team to any CEO in the financial technology space and I certainly look forward to working with them in the future."
FT Partners was named "Investment Bank of the Year" in 2004 and 2006 and was also recognized as "DealMaker of the Year" in 2007, 2008 and 2009, in addition to receiving multiple transaction awards highlighting the outstanding achievements and results obtained for clients.
Selected FT Partners Transactions:
  • Solveras' sale to TransFirst / Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe
  • The $145 million sale of EDC to Cardtronics
  • YapStone's $50 million minority investment led by Accel Partners
  • Mercury Payment Systems' approximately 60% strategic investment by Silver Lake
  • The $370 million sale of Custom House to Western Union
  • The $525 million sale of Lynk Systems to The Royal Bank of Scotland
  • The $325 million sale of Verus Financial Management to Sage Group PLC
  • The $177 million Initial Public Offering for VeriFone
  • The $292 million debt recapitalization for VeriFone
  • The $300 million acquisition of iPay Technologies by Jack Henry
  • The $60 million acquisition of Goldleaf Financial by Jack Henry
  • The $245 million sale of Corillian Corp to CheckFree
  • The $40 million Series C financing for ViVOtech
  • The $45 million sale of Alogent to Goldleaf Financial

About Financial Technology Partners LP and FTP Securities LLC
FT Partners is the only investment banking firm focused exclusively on providing strategic and financial advisory services to CEOs in the dynamic financial services and technology sector. The firm offers strategic advisory services in mission-critical transactions including mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, LBOs, refinancings, recapitalizations and private capital raisings.  FT Partners was named "Investment Bank of the Year" in 2004 and 2006 and was also recognized as "DealMaker of the Year" in 2007, 2008 and 2009.  Any securities related transactions contemplated by or acted upon hereunder are conducted by FTP Securities LLC, a FINRA broker-dealer and a wholly owned subsidiary of Financial Technology Partners LP. For additional information, please visit www.ftpartners.com.
About Solveras
Founded in 2000, with operations in Arlington, VA, and Nashville, TN, Solveras Inc. provides complete electronic payment services to businesses and not-for-profit organizations nationwide. Products and services include software and processing support for MasterCard®, VISA®, American Express®, and Discover® credit card transactions, debit card processing, Internet-based virtual terminal systems, electronic check services and electronic gift and loyalty cards.  For additional information, please visit www.solveras.com.
About TransFirst
TransFirst is leading provider of secure transaction processing services and payment enabling technologies, offering innovative products and services designed with financial institution, independent sales organization, healthcare, e-commerce, government and merchant customers' unique needs in mind. Founded in 1995, TransFirst continues to attain significant market share and world-class expertise in growing and profitable industry segments. Built on a platform of personal service, customer commitment and flexible pricing, TransFirst is headquartered in Hauppauge, N.Y., and has operations facilities in Aurora, Colo.Broomfield, Colo.Omaha, Neb.Overland Park, Kan., and executive headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Company-wide, TransFirst currently processes approximately $30 billion in annual sales volume for thousands of merchants and financial institution partners. For additional information, please visit www.TransFirst.com.
SOURCE Financial Technology Partners LP and FTP Securities LLC

Vantiv Launches New Direct API Offering Fast, Secure and Flexible Integrations


Direct Platform Connectivity Improves the Merchant and Third-party Integration Experience

CINCINNATIAug. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantiv, LLC (formerly, Fifth Third Processing Solutions), is pleased to announce the availability of the Vantiv Direct API.  This simplified interfacing routine and logic is designed to expedite development onto the robust functionality of the Vantiv processing platforms.
The Vantiv Direct API offers ease of integration for large merchants, vendors and third parties, while shortening the certification cycle. Using the Direct API, Vantiv business partners can reduce integration times by 50% or more, while gaining a deeper integration conduit. This powerful API allows integrators to connect to a choice of Vantiv processing platforms and supports multiple settlement options for a wide array of tender choices. Developed by Vantiv's highly trusted partner, TrustCommerce, the Direct API features the safety, security, flexibility, and dependability for which Vantiv is known.
"Our new set of APIs is another step in our continued series of investments in open platform technologies and cloud computing to serve our customers more effectively," comments Bill Weingart, Chief Product Officer at Vantiv.  "The Direct APIs combined with our broad array of other connectivity options deliver a suite of technology services that our customers can utilize depending upon their specific needs."  
"As long-standing partners of Vantiv, TrustCommerce was proud to be selected to build and deliver this unique solution," saysRob Caulfield, TrustCommerce Chief Executive Officer.  "The Direct API provides a clear path for both merchants and integrators to achieve comprehensive, efficient, and increased processing functionalities now and in the future."
Vantiv believes that focusing on the future is a key component to being a leader in the payments processing industry.  
"Being committed and innovative are vital parts of ensuring success for our clients.  With that said our next phase of connectivity options will include expansion of web services tools to allow even greater flexibility to meet the future needs of our customers and partners," explains Weingart.  "We will expand the options of services beyond traditional payment choices available through our tools to include couponing, loyalty and alternative payments."
Large merchants and partners can access the Direct API from Vantiv's secure portal, which features full reference materials including technical documentation, software development kits (SDKs), sample source code, and more. As part of Vantiv's ongoing commitment to superior support, integrators will have access to technical experts to answer questions, should they arise.
About TrustCommerce
TrustCommerce is a leading provider of secure payment processing and risk management solutions. We serve companies of all sizes—from growing start-ups processing 1,000 transactions a month, mid-size companies processing 25,000 transactions a month, to Fortune 100 businesses processing millions of transactions per month from multiple locations. TrustCommerce safeguards the merchant-customer relationship by providing speed, security, reliability and a commitment to earn and keep merchants' valued trust. To learn more, visit www.TrustCommerce.com.
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 in Cincinnati, 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 one of the largest providers 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, visit www.vantiv.com.
CONTACT:
Lynn M. Rhoads, Senior Vice President
Communications Director
513.900.4942
Lynn.Rhoads@Vantiv.com
SOURCE Vantiv, LLC

EMV Training Academy Launches in the United States


New EMV Academy Fast Tracks EMV Migration for Banking and Retail

North American Curriculum to Support U.S. and Canadian Banking Migration to EMV Based Chip and Pin Card Payments

PASADENA, Calif.Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new U.S. based EMV Training Academy that supports the U.S. and Canadian banking and payment industries migration to more secure, effective and convenient EMV chip and pin technologies was announced today.  Led by a group of veteran payment industry professionals and key strategic technology partners, EMV Training Academy offers a broad range of EMV training courses, test tools and consultancy services to banks, credit unions, acquirers, issuers, card manufacturers and others, covering the North American contact, contactless and NFC mobile payment systems markets.
The transition to an EMV chip and pin infrastructure in Canada and the USA will help stem growing bankcard fraud estimated in the tens of billions of dollars.  Through the advent of new contactless and mobile technologies, it also provides an opportunity for banks, credit unions and other financial organizations to market a broader and more secure suite of products to consumers and businesses, creating new market opportunities in the process.  EMV Academy helps banks and others make the transition from less secure magnetic stripe debit and credit cards to new EMV chip and pin cards seamless.
"12 years ago, customers and partners collaborated to pioneer EMV in Europe creating a framework for a new wave of innovative payment technologies," noted Stewart Chalmers, EMV Academy Executive Director. "One simple principle sits at the core of our training curriculum – helping our clients succeed."  
"Given Visa's recent announcement laying out a specific timeframe for EMV migration, it became obvious to EMV Academy, its founders and technology partners that our EMV training roadmap and roll out must be accelerated to support the industry's migration," Gregg Smith, EMV Academy, Co-Founder.
The Academy provides a wide range of training courses, test tools and consultancy services.  These include:
  • Introduction to EMV
  • EMV, For Banking Executives
  • EMV For Journalists
  • Mobile/NFC
  • Contactless  
  • Card Payments Instant Card Issuance
  • Chip Training 1 & 2 day versions
  • 3-Day EMV, Contactless & NFC Mobile Fundamentals
  • Group & Custom Classes on request.

Compliance
EMV Academy services, and strategic partners products and training are developed in compliance with International Card Specifications EMVCo, VISA, MasterCard, EPCA and MULTOS. The EMV Academy's experienced instructors and its strategic technology partners have more than a decade of EMV payment industry training and expertise.
Group and Custom Classes:  
Customized group training is conducted onsite at your company or organization.
Faculty
EMV Academy instructors and partners have developed and implemented more than 100 EMV training programs worldwide.  At its core, the EMV Training Academy curriculum advances a more secure and seamless banking, and payment ecosystem.
About the EMV Academy
EMV Academy, Inc. is a U.S. based EMV training organization headquartered in Pasadena, California with instructors and technology partners throughout North America. The Academy and it staff of experienced EMV instructors provide state-of-the art, up to the minute EMV training, compliance, documentation and knowledge across the contact, contactless and mobile NFC payment markets in the U.S. and Canada.  Besides its training courses, the EMV Academy provides training on the latest product demonstrations, and access to a broad array of EMV test tools. To learn more or schedule a class, visitwww.emvacademy.com or contact stew@emvacademy.com.
Contact:
Stewart Chalmers
EMV Academy, Inc.
818-681-3588
stew@EMV Academy.com
SOURCE EMV Academy, Inc

Silicon Valley Bank Introduces International Online Payment Service


Internet Payment System Helps Companies Sell Overseas by Collecting Foreign Payments of All Major Types or Currencies

SANTA CLARA, Calif.Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the premier bank for the innovation sector, introduced a new service that will allow its clients to accept 85 different online payment types from their customers globally.  With SVB's Global Treasury Platform, companies that sell their products and services globally, can collect payments in foreign currencies, and automatically deposit those funds into their SVB multi-currency or in-country accounts. SVB's card processing services are provided throughMerchant e-Solutions and Adyen, its international card processing partner.
"Almost half of our business is outside the U.S.," said Derrick Morton, CEO of FlowPlay. "In order to maximize international revenue, it's important that we transact in the local currency and payment methods. Adyen has an incredible system for managing our complex currency and pricing matrix and with SVB's international presence we are able to make local deposits of these foreign currencies."
SVB clients now have the ability to accept electronic payments in local payment methods, such as credit or debit cards, PayPal, iDEAL, and Dankort among many others, in countries across EuropeNorth AmericaSouth America and Asia.
"Our tech-focused clients are selling internationally, even at their earliest stages, so we make every effort to make it easy for them to operate globally," said Pradeep T. Moudgal, Head of Global Cards and Merchant Services, Silicon Valley Bank. "Our clients will find our new payments service is extremely convenient, giving them the ability to deposit funds of any major currency directly into their SVB multi-currency or in-country accounts."
With enhanced merchant services from SVB, companies will also reduce processing expenses and cross-border fees, at the same time covering PCI (payment card industry) compliance requirements. Since the hosted payment Web page can be designed to mirror the look and feel of each retailer's Web site, it also ensures a higher conversion rate during the payment process.
"By accepting convenient, international payments, retailers have the opportunity to create new revenue streams overseas," saidPeter Caparso, U.S. President at Adyen. "With SVB and Adyen services, our clients can now accelerate customer payments, minimize chargebacks, help ensure PCI compliance, and mitigate fraud and risk."
About Silicon Valley Bank
Silicon Valley Bank is the premier bank for technology, life science, cleantech, venture capital, private equity and premium wine businesses. SVB provides industry knowledge and connections, financing, treasury management, corporate investment and international banking services to its clients worldwide through 26 U.S. offices and seven international operations.  (Nasdaq:SIVBwww.svb.com.
Silicon Valley Bank is the California bank subsidiary and the commercial banking operation of SVB Financial Group. Banking services are provided by Silicon Valley Bank, a member of the FDIC and the Federal Reserve System. SVB Private Bank is a division of Silicon Valley Bank. SVB Financial Group is also a member of the Federal Reserve System.
About Adyen
Adyen is the leading provider of global Internet payment and e-commerce technology solutions for mid, large and enterprise e-commerce merchants. Adyen's revolutionary Internet payment solution enables merchants to significantly increase online conversion by optimizing the online payment process. This "one-stop" solution can be implemented within days and connects companies to global customers through a growing offering of payment methods. Adyen clients include industry leaders such as Vodafone, Getty Images, ROIWorld (a division of A+E Networks), Popcap Games, Mango, Musicnotes.com and Branchout.  To learn more please visit the Adyen website at http://www.adyen.com.
SOURCE Silicon Valley Bank

SHAZAM Supports Adaptive Payments' Pentagon Mobile Payment Technology


DES MOINES, Iowa and FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla.Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The SHAZAM Network today announced in partnership with Adaptive Payments development of a new mobile POS application known as Pentagon. Pentagon is a mobile payments platform, which allows merchants to accept mobile PIN- and signature-based transactions using an iPhone®. SHAZAM will make the technology available to its nearly 1,500 community financial institutions and its merchant customer base.
The technology that supports the Pentagon mobile payments application is unique to the marketplace as it uses Adaptive Payments' 5DSecure™  five factor, dual channel authentication technology to authenticate PIN debit transactions quickly and securely. The Pentagon solution is capable of accepting and processing signature-based credit and debit transactions in addition to PIN debit, and is a first in the industry to promote a mobile device capable of processing both types of transactions securely. To further strengthen security, Pentagon uses 3DES to encrypt the mag stripe right at the read head. The transaction produces a Regulation E-compliant receipt that is delivered to consumers via SMS text message. Unlike some other mobile payment providers in this space that disintermediate existing relationships, Pentagon is "an open platform" specifically designed to be accessible to all merchant acquirer processors, allowing financial institutions to use the product without changing processors and to customize it to "make it their own."
"Adaptive Payments' Pentagon technology is taking mobile payments to a new level of convenience and security," said Mike Hollinger, SHAZAM president and CEO. "Merchants of all types and sizes will be able to quickly, cost-effectively and securely accept electronic payments anytime, anywhere using their mobile phone." Adaptive Payments is a strategic partner of SHAZAM, and an important merchant acquiring distribution channels for the next generation of mobile payment technologies.
"We are particularly proud of the security that we built into our Pentagon platform," said Shashi Kapur, Adaptive Payments CEO.  "We are an authentication company first and foremost, and adding PIN debit acceptance and PAN encryption to our mobile payment platform combined with our open platform approach is something that sets us apart from the rest. As payments continue to evolve from traditional card present and card not present environments to increasingly more mobile and online environments and new channels and devices that are sure to come, payment security and peace of mind for all stakeholders will be a key factor in separating those companies and applications that are successful from those that are not."
"SHAZAM especially likes the PIN debit functionality. PIN debit is more secure for cardholders and provides lower fraud risk for financial institutions and merchants," stated Hollinger. "Our financial institutions will benefit by allowing their cardholders to conduct secure PIN transactions practically anywhere they go."
In September 2010, SHAZAM and Adaptive Payments partnered to provide Internet PIN debit processing and gateway services for financial institutions across the nation. SHAZAM and Adaptive Payments are also working together on a Person-to-Person (P2P) solution, assisting financial institutions' customers in transferring funds directly from one person to another, most commonly using mobile technology in real time. In January 2011, SHAZAM made a strategic investment in the payment authentication company, and the two companies have partnered to expand access for financial institution customers to multiple payment options through multiple channels, without sacrificing security or functionality.
Kapur added, "We continue to benefit from our partnership with SHAZAM, not just in financial terms, but also from a consultative point of view by helping us navigate complex regulations and work directly with us and their customers to validate new concepts."
About Adaptive Payments
Based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Adaptive Payments is a payment authentication company that enables easy, safe, secure, and authenticated transactions to occur using the cardholder's PIN or other data that is known to the cardholder to authenticate debit and credit transactions. The company has developed payment solutions for Internet Sales, Money Transfer, Bill Payment, Prepaid Top Up, mobile overdraft opt in and mobile payments. These products are delivered across all payments card acceptance channels. All Adaptive Payments' solutions feature "5DSecure"- five-factor authentication using two unique channels for authentication separating the sales and personal data from the secure PIN or other authentication token.
About SHAZAM
The SHAZAM network was founded in 1976 and is one of the last remaining member-owned and -controlled EFT networks and processors in the industry. SHAZAM provides innovative and state-of-the-art EFT services to community financial institutions in 30 states. SHAZAM is a single source provider for ATM processing, debit and ATM card processing, card authorization services, merchant processing, Automated Clearing House (ACH) services, and information security solutions.
SOURCE SHAZAM; Adaptive Payments

David Duncan Appointed as General Manager of TSYS Brazil


COLUMBUS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TSYS announced today that David Duncan has been appointed as general manager for TSYS Brazil.
“David brings together a wealth of international experience, payment industry know-how and a deep understanding of TSYS, which will allow our Brazilian team to grow and prosper under his leadership”
A 14-year veteran of TSYS, Duncan most recently served a dual role as Group Executive for China and Southeast Asia while also supporting the corporate strategy group in mergers and acquisitions.
Duncan has spent the majority of his tenure overseas at TSYS’ global offices. When based in Japan, he was instrumental in the acquisition of GP Net, TSYS’ majority-owned joint venture in Japan, in 2000. Beginning in 2001, Duncan directed the company’s efforts in China, overseeing the development of China UnionPay Data Services, Ltd. (CUP Data), a TSYS joint venture, in 2006.
“David brings together a wealth of international experience, payment industry know-how and a deep understanding of TSYS, which will allow our Brazilian team to grow and prosper under his leadership,” said Gaylon Jowers, president of TSYS International. “His appointment represents the next step of our journey in today’s thriving environment in Brazil, one of the fastest growing payments markets in the world.”
Duncan will report to Kelley Knutson, executive vice president of TSYS International.
TSYS International also announces that Antonio Jorge (AJ) de Castro Bueno, the former acting general manager of TSYS Brazil, has been appointed Director of Business Expansion for the Latin America region.
“AJ has been instrumental in establishing TSYS in Brazil and has unique skills and capabilities which will help our business to grow further in Brazil and throughout Latin America,” said Duncan. “His main focus will be to increase our client base in Brazil and to seek opportunities in neighboring countries which will enable TSYS to expand our presence in the region.”
About TSYS
TSYS (NYSE: TSS) is reshaping a new era in digital commerce, connecting consumers, merchants, financial institutions, businesses and governments. Through unmatched customer service and industry insight, TSYS creates a better experience for buyers and sellers, supporting cross-border payments in more than 85 countries. Offering merchant payment-acceptance solutions as well as services in credit, debit, prepaid, mobile, chip, healthcare, installments, money transfer and more, TSYS makes it possible for those in the global marketplace to conduct safe and secure electronic transactions with trust and convenience.
TSYS’ headquarters are located in Columbus, Georgia, with local offices spread across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific. TSYS provides services to more than half of the top 20 international banks. For more information, please visit us at www.tsys.com.

eMarketer Sizes up the Mobile Payments Market

Mobile Payment Volume Worldwide, 2011 & 2015 (billions)

Sizing the Mobile Payments Market

AUGUST 30, 2011

Dramatic growth ahead


Mobile payments, though they have yet to take off substantially in North America, are a hot topic, with major companies like Google joining startups in the space and hoping to grab a slice of billions of dollars in potential transactions. Research firms disagree on the current size of the nascent market, but project strong growth in mobile payments and their users.


Juniper Research estimated in July that worldwide mobile payment volume would reach $240 billion this year. This forecast included both remote mobile payments (that is, payments for both digital and physical goods to a remote merchant via an e-commerce system) as well as payments made with a mobile phone at the point of sale, such as with a near-field communications device.

By 2015, Juniper predicted, worldwide mobile spending on remote and POS payments would rise to $670 billion, nearly triple this year’s figure.


Mobile Payment Users and Volume Worldwide, 2010 & 2011Gartner had a more conservative estimate for 2011 spending: $86.1 billion worldwide, a 76% increase over 2010 payment volume. The figure includes POS transactions made through various technologies as well as purchases made over the mobile internet. 


Gartner noted that in developed markets, the success of app stores and major retailers driving mobile sales means that most transactions in those locations are online purchases of physical goods.

Yankee Group also released an estimate of mobile payment transaction value in July, putting the total for 2011 at $246 billion, close to Juniper’s figure. Yankee Group estimated that two-fifths of mobile payment volume would come from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, while a third would come from Asia-Pacific.



Mobile Payment Transaction Value Worldwide, by Region, 2011 (billions and % of total)
Juniper Research also agreed on the top regions for mobile payments: North America, the Far East and China, and Western Europe. Juniper did not report a specific market breakdown based on region, however.

Keep your business ahead of the digital curve. Learn more about becoming an eMarketer Total Access client today.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile Pumping $100 Million into Isis

Report:Verizon,AT&T and T-Mobile pumping $100M into Isis rollout
Fiercemobilecontent
Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ),AT&T (NYSE:T) and T-Mobile USA reportedly plan to invest roughly $100 million in an effort to roll out Isis,their nationwide Near Field Communications-based m-commerce network slated to launch trials in early-to-mid-2012,…

See all stories on this topic »


Read more: http://nfcdata.com/blog/#ixzz1WR06lZ4D

Diebold to Unveil Prototype for World's First Virtualized ATM


Innovation from integrated self-service, security and services leader to be demonstrated at VMworld® 2011

Diebold harnesses virtualization technology to develop a more available, reliable, secure automated teller machine (ATM) and reduce the complexity of managing the self-service channel.

NORTH CANTON, OhioAug. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For nearly 20 years, onboard computing technology has been at the core of the automated teller machine (ATM). But today, Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) is leveraging virtualization technology to introduce a prototype for the world's first virtualized ATM. Diebold will unveil the innovation at VMworld® 2011 starting today through Sept. 1 in Las Vegas.
"Virtualization will fundamentally change the way Diebold – and its customers – deploy solutions to the marketplace. It enables unified management of a wide array of services and paves the way for orchestration of multiple channels," said Frank A. Natoli, Jr., vice president and chief technology officer, Diebold. "This development is an important milestone on Diebold's road map to leveraging cloud computing technology in the retail financial space. This technology is a game changer for our industry."
Diebold developed the virtualized ATM prototype in collaboration with VMware. The companies' vision for the powerful combination of their innovative self-service and virtualization technologies is to enable financial institutions to address their most critical business priorities: enhancing security and mitigating fraud, improving operational efficiency, delivering optimal consumer experience and growing and retaining their customer base. Diebold is working to identify financial institutions to serve as sites for a virtual ATM proof-of-concept study, moving the prototype toward achieving this vision.
"VMware delivers solutions that reduce complexity and enable more flexible, agile service delivery," said Parag Patel, Vice President, Global Strategic Alliances, VMware. "But that's not limited to the datacenter context. By collaborating with Diebold, we are bringing our innovations to the outermost reaches of banking, jointly delivering an innovation that extends choice, efficiency and control within the financial industry. We're delighted to be working so closely with Diebold to realize its vision for creating a more flexible, less complex self-service channel."
Virtualization of the self-service channel removes the onboard computer from the ATM, tying each terminal in a fleet to a centralized computing resource. In this scenario, the physical components of a single server provide resources to many "virtual" ATMs. The result is not only the consolidation and sharing of resources throughout a self-service network, but also across delivery channels, opening the door for more effective channel orchestration.
Consolidation will enable the establishment of a single secure datacenter, allowing for greater control and a secure location for IP addresses. Through better server utilization and unification of ATM management, virtualization will also boost operational efficiency, enable faster failure recovery and more rapid software upgrades and services deployment. In short, virtualization will lead to a lower total cost of ownership and increased ATM uptime.  
In addition to virtualization, Diebold's demonstration terminal at VMworld 2011 will showcase two continuously evolving technologies: biometrics for enhanced security and near field communications (NFC) – or contactless – technology for enhanced consumer convenience and security. The prototype was developed using the company's new, soon-to-be released ATM series, representing Diebold's most robust self-service terminals to date. The ATMs bring together all of today's advanced self-service functionalities – from accepting cash and check deposits and dispensing cash to full recycling in one ATM model. This comprehensive approach to the self-service channel leads to improved ATM cash management and greater operational efficiencies in the channel, as well as a decreased total cost of ownership.
About Diebold
Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services. Diebold employs more than 16,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in the Canton, Ohio region, USA. Diebold is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's website at www.diebold.com.
VMware, and VMworld are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions.
SOURCE Diebold, Incorporated

RushCard Debuts Mobile Apps for Smartphones


Members can now manage funds, transfer money on Android and iPhone devices and any other web-enabled unit

CINCINNATIAug. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- RushCard, the prepaid debit card for smart money management, has introduced free mobile applications that give RushCard members easy, secure, on-the-go access to their card information from Android and iPhone smartphones.
RushCard users with Android and iPhone devices can quickly and securely check their balance and review transaction and transfer history. The app also gives them easy access to the Card-to-Card Transfer feature, which allows them to send money to other RushCard members for a fraction of the cost of wiring, and iPhone users can "bump" phones to begin a transfer even more easily. Additionally, any Internet-ready mobile device can access all these features through a version of the RushCard account management website that is optimized for mobile phones.
The new apps and mobile site allow members who can't access a computer to get their financial information on the go, putting them in control of their money at all times.
"The Android and iPhone apps are yet another channel we've provided to members to help them manage their money on the go," said Ram Palaniappan, President of RushCard. "Since many of our cardholders are using web-enabled phones, the RushCard apps provide an invaluable money management tool for busy cardholders."
RushCard's mobile apps can be downloaded by searching "RushCard" in the Android Market at market.android.com or the App Store at apple.com.
To learn more about the Prepaid Visa RushCard, card fees and money management tools, visit www.RushCard.com or call 866 RUSHCARD. Check out www.flexyourfreedom.com for the latest personal finance news, tips, and polls to help you stay on the road to financial freedom.
About UniRush LLC
Headquartered in Cincinnati, UniRush LLC provides members with access to services that enable them to achieve their personal and financial goals.  The RushCard offers the more than 60 million Americans without access to a traditional banking relationship an array of basic financial services via the Prepaid Visa RushCard. Benefits of the program include direct deposit, card-to-card funds transfers, online budgeting tools, the ability to withdraw funds at more than 850,000 ATMs globally, the ability to use the card wherever Visa debit cards are accepted, and a suite of health products to help those underserved by the insurance industry. For more information about UniRush and RushCard visit www.rushcard.com or find us at Facebook.com/Rushcard or on Twitter @RushCard.
SOURCE UniRush LLC

NFC News Week of August 22nd – August 28th


It’s been a busy week in NFC and we wanted to bring you the headlines consolidated into an easy to navigate list.



Read more: http://nfcdata.com/blog/#ixzz1WQa6EmnX

Disqus for ePayment News