Guaranty Bank Protects Customers with IronKey Online Banking Security

Uses award-winning IronKey Trusted Access to reduce risk of account takeover and theft

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. AND SUNNYVALE, Calif. – March 14, 2012 – Guaranty Bank is enhancing online security to protect customers from cyber thieves targeting online banking users of ACH and wire transfer services.  The innovative community bank in Springfield, Missouri, which reaches its 100-year milestone in 2013, is offering commercial customers IronKey’s Trusted Access to give them secure access to the bank’s site at the point most vulnerable to malware attacks – the customer’s PC. The industry analyst firm Gartner estimates that cybercriminals have robbed banks, businesses and municipalities in the U.S. of more than $3 billion using financial malware. 

IronKey Trusted Access will be required for all cash management customers and offered to all business banking customers. Trusted Access allows the bank to meet and exceed new Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council (FFIEC) guidance with which all financial institutions must comply in 2012 to reduce the risk of online banking fraud. 

“As a community bank, Guaranty takes pride in offering products and services that are custom fit for our customers’ needs, saving them time and making the most of their investment,” said Dana Montgomery, vice president and director of Corporate Services for Guaranty Bank. “With Trusted Access we know that our customers are protected against the latest attacks no matter what computer they’re using for online banking.  Trusted Access provides us a competitive advantage in promoting the bank and attracting new customers.”

The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) estimates that 39 percent of all computers are infected with crimeware designed to steal account information. Today's anti-malware software fails to detect these threats at least 75 percent of the time according to real-time research from SpyEye Tracker[1]. The FFIEC found these attacks compromise “virtually all forms of authentication.” As a result, online banking account takeovers are growing at over 150 percent per year based on research recently published by FS-ISAC (Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center). 

Trusted Access is offered to banks in a combination of software and cloud-based network services.  The software can either be downloaded or run from a secure USB device.  The Trusted Access Platform provides financial institutions with multiple layers of security integrated to dramatically reduce the risk of online banking fraud.  Trusted Access launches a protected, virtualized operating system and Web browser that will only work with IronKey’s Trusted Network and only allows the end user to access bank-approved sites using the secure browser. The secure Web browser protects online banking sessions from known and unknown crimeware. Unlike other approaches, Trusted Access assumes a client’s computer is already infected with the latest zero-day attack that would go undetected by anti-virus and other software technologies.  Even if a computer is infected with malware, the online banking session remains safe, secure and private.

“With IronKey Trusted Access, Guaranty Bank is providing its customers an effective means to prevent online banking fraud and meet the new FFIEC guidelines,” said Arthur Wong, CEO of IronKey. “The bank is taking proactive measures to protect the bank’s valuable reputation in the community from a problem that is costing the industry billions of dollars each year.”

For more information about Guaranty Bank and their Trusted Access offering, visit www.GBankMo.com or call 1-417-520-4333.  More information about IronKey Trusted Access is available online.

###

About Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc.

Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:GFED) has a subsidiary corporation offering full banking services. The principal subsidiary, Guaranty Bank, is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, and has nine full-service branches in Greene and Christian Counties and Loan Production Offices in Taney, Wright, Webster and Howell Counties. In addition, Guaranty Bank is a member of the TransFund ATM network which provides its customers surcharge free access to over 100 area ATMs and over 1,600 ATMs nationwide. For more information visit the Guaranty Bank website: www.gbankmo.com.

About IronKey

IronKey’s award-winning Trusted Access helps financial institutions reduce the risk of online fraud, achieve compliance with Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) guidelines, and acquire new customers with a competitive advantage. More than 70 financial institutions secure their brands and billions in customer online payments with IronKey.

Ranked as the 14th best venture-funded company in The Wall Street Journal's "Next Big Thing," IronKey cloud-based services power Trusted Access and partner solutions, including Imation secure storage devices.  IronKey is freeing enterprises from the high cost, risk and complexity of managing the extended enterprise.  IronKey cloud services are used daily by over 3,000 enterprises to manage online access and data for over one million users.  Visit www.IronKey.com for more information.

Resources
Watch Trusted Access in Action: Crimeware Attacks Defeated guided demonstration.

“Protecting Online Banking Customers from Evolving Cyber Crime Threats” -- webcast explains the latest bank phishing attacks, the ZeuS Trojan and SpyEye, and why anti-virus software, firewalls and other conventional safeguards are not able to stop these attacks.

BillMyParents SpendSmart™ MasterCard® Card Receives Category Win at 2012 Paybefore Awards

SOURCE: BillMyParents

March 14, 2012 09:31 ET

BillMyParents Lauded for Best Youth/Student/Campus Prepaid Program

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - Mar 14, 2012) - BillMyParents, Inc. (OTCQB: BMPI) (OTCBB: BMPI) has been named the 2012 Paybefore Awards best in category winner for Best Youth/Student/Campus Prepaid Program for the BillMyParents SpendSmart™ MasterCard^® card. In its 6^th year, the prestigious annual Paybefore Awards recognizes excellence throughout the worldwide prepaid and stored value industry. BillMyParents was one of three prepaid program finalists vying for the best in category distinction.

"BillMyParents is taking prepaid to teens where they are and in a language that resonates with them," said Loraine DeBonis, editor-in-chief of Paybefore and chair of the judging panel. "The company also reaches out to parents in meaningful ways and is getting results. BillMyParents is gaining significant ground with its SpendSmart MasterCard card because of its remarkable outreach as well as card features, including transaction alerts and real-time parental controls that promote responsible spending."

"It's an honor to have been recognized by Paybefore for having the best program in our category with our BillMyParents SpendSmart MasterCard card," said Mike McCoy, BillMyParents' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our goal is to be the best solution for families to manage and teach responsible teen spending, and with this win we can celebrate the acknowledgement that what we've created stands out and meets consumers' needs."

Paybefore publications are the leading source of industry news for the global prepaid community. The judging panel consisted of five industry experts who weighed competing program entries submitted from around the world in multiple categories. Criteria for winners included the demonstration of outstanding innovation, execution and excellence within each category.

For more information about BillMyParents, please visit: www.BillMyParents.com

Datacard Group Enables Enterprise Bank to Instantly Issue Debit Cards

Datacard^® CardWizard^® Issuance Software Installed in Enterprise Bank’s 19 Branch Locations

MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Datacard Group, the world leader in secure ID and card personalization solutions, today announced that Enterprise Bank has selected the patented Datacard^® CardWizard^® issuance software and FCP 20/20 card printers toinstantly issue debit cards to their consumer and business customers.

“In addition to offering us the best overall solution – including products, proven integration, professional services and support – we chose Datacard Group because of their thorough understanding, expertise and knowledge of the industry”

The bank has installed the CardWizard issuance software and associated hardware in 19 banking locations throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. New customers who open a checking account with Enterprise Bank, as well as existing customers who need a replacement debit card, can simply walk into the branch and receive an unembossed personalized debit card in a matter of minutes.

“Being able to place a debit card in the hands of our customers immediately gives Enterprise Bank an edge over our competition,” said Brian Collins, senior vice president and eBanking & payment service director for Enterprise Bank. “Instant issuance has given us an innovative marketing tool that we can use to optimize our debit card program, and we have found that it is ultimately increasing customer retention, acquisition and cross-selling opportunities for us – which in turn helps our overall profitability.”

The new instant issuance program also enables Enterprise Bank customer’s to PIN and rePIN their debit cards at the branch locations. By enabling the customer to select their own PIN at time of issuance, there are no additional steps required for activation before the card can be used at point of sale terminals. This helps increase card usage rates, as well as cut down on costs associated with sending cards and PIN mailers through the postal service.

“In addition to offering us the best overall solution – including products, proven integration, professional services and support – we chose Datacard Group because of their thorough understanding, expertise and knowledge of the industry,” added Collins.

Currently, Datacard solutions issue millions of cards everyday worldwide and the company has thousands of instant issuance installations throughout the world, including both magnetic stripe programs as well as EMV^®-compliant smart card programs.

Uniquely positioned in the market to help financial institutions design any card issuance program that fits their needs, Datacard Group offers a Secure Issuance Anywhere™ platform, which provides customers the flexibility to issue cards and credentials anytime, anywhere, with complete security. This integrated platform includes scalable and flexible hardware, software, supplies and global support–combining central issuance or instant issuance, as well as emerging NFC mobile issuance and EMV-compliant programs into a single, integrated solution.

TSYS Executives to Speak at Global Commercial Cards and Payments Summit

March 14, 2012 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

COLUMBUS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TSYS announced today that two of its executives have been chosen to participate in the Commercial Payments International Global Cards and Payments Summit 2012, March 21-22. The theme of the two-day event is “Driving Profitable Growth.”

“Dissecting the Opportunities and Challenges of Profitable Growth”

Kelley Knutson, executive vice president, TSYS International Services, will present in a session entitled, “Going Global — Leveraging Your Supplier for Portfolio Growth.” He will be discussing the global industry make-up, and trending both from a value proposition and underlying needs of the market. Knutson will discuss issues that keep issuers awake at night as they explore global expansion, as well as looking at what commercial service will look like globally as the industry moves forward.

Keith Pierce, group executive, TSYS Commercial Services, will be part of the advisory board discussion, “Dissecting the Opportunities and Challenges of Profitable Growth,” on March 21.

The summit will be held at the Hilton New York in New York City, from March 21-22, 2012. For more information, visithttps://www.commercialpaymentsinternational.com/events/detail/the-global-commercial-cards-payments-summit-2012/.

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Discover Financial Services Announces First Internationally-Issued Discover Cards

Image via CrunchBase

March 14, 2012 08:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Diners Club del Ecuador Sociedad Financiera to Issue Discover Cards; Leverages Strong Diners Club Market Share in Ecuador

RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) today announced it has expanded its franchise agreement with Diners Club Ecuador (DCE) to include issuance of Discover cards in Ecuador. This is the first time in company history that Discover cards will be issued beyond U.S. borders.

“This agreement gives us the opportunity to expand our financial services product portfolio and introduce consumers in Ecuador to the Discover brand, which has a proven track record of success in the U.S.”

As part of the agreement, DCE has been given the exclusive rights to issue Discover cards in Ecuador and will sub-license the issuing rights to Banco Pichincha, the largest bank in the country. Currently, DCE owns a market share of more than 40% by sales volume in Ecuador through their Diners Club products, and the complementary Discover card product was designed to further grow market share in the country. Discover cards will be processed on the Diners Club network in Ecuador, which boasts 100% merchant acceptance.

The new Discover card will initially offer a basic version of Discover’s award-winning cash rewards program, Cashback Bonus, which includes up to 1 percent cash back on all purchases. New card products and features will be rolled out over time, as “cashback” is still a new concept in Ecuador. Cash rewards can be redeemed for a gift card once cardmembers earn $20 (USD) or a statement credit once they earn $40 (USD).

“Discover clearly will benefit from the success of the Diners Club Ecuador franchise, which is a dominant force throughout the country,” said Diane Offereins, EVP and President of Discover Payment Services. “By leveraging DCE’s strength and expertise in-market, Discover has a tremendous opportunity to build its brand globally and share its most compelling attributes – including best cash rewards, service and value – with the people of Ecuador.”

“This agreement gives us the opportunity to expand our financial services product portfolio and introduce consumers in Ecuador to the Discover brand, which has a proven track record of success in the U.S.,” said Pablo Salazar, president of Diners Club Ecuador.

For more information, please visit www.discover.ec

Discover Financial Services Announces New $2 Billion Share Repurchase Authorization

March 13, 2012 04:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend of $0.10 Per Share

Company Receives Non-Objection from the Federal Reserve as to its Capital Plan Including Proposed Capital Actions through March 31, 2013

RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS) today announced that its board of directors has approved a new share repurchase program, authorizing the company to purchase up to $2 billion of its common stock. The program expires on March 22, 2014, and may be terminated at any time. The share repurchase program replaces the prior $1 billion program that had $575 million of remaining authorization.

“We are pleased to announce the increase in our authorized share repurchase program and the continuation of our dividend to common shareholders, which increased by 67 percent last quarter”

The company’s board also declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share of common stock, payable on April 19, 2012, to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 5, 2012.

“We are pleased to announce the increase in our authorized share repurchase program and the continuation of our dividend to common shareholders, which increased by 67 percent last quarter,” said David Nelms, chairman and chief executive officer of Discover. “These actions reflect the strength of our capital position and its resiliency across a range of potential economic scenarios, including the supervisory stress scenario prescribed by the Federal Reserve Board’s 2012 Capital Plan Review. We believe our capital plan leaves us well positioned for continued growth and responsible returns of capital to shareholders while maintaining significant opportunistic flexibility.”

The company expects to make share repurchases from time to time based on market conditions and other factors, subject to legal or regulatory restrictions.

Security and Privacy Concerns Remain for Smartphone and Tablet Users

MARCH 14, 2012 

Brands must reassure consumers that privacy protections meet expectations

Cost may be the top consideration when internet users around the world decide which PCs, tablets and smartphones to buy, but security and privacy issues are not far behind, according to data from Edelman.

Edelman’s February 2012 research found that just under half of internet users consider data security and privacy issues when they choose a smartphone—about the same as for a personal computer—and slightly fewer took this into consideration when purchasing a tablet. For both PCs and mobile devices, price and ease of use were more important factors than privacy when buying, and tablet purchasers took into consideration product warranties more often than security.

Despite the fact that security is not consumers’ primary concern when purchasing a smartphone, companies that want to foster consumers’ mcommerce habits need to factor in privacy as they develop mobile retail platforms. Smartphone security is important because the devices tend to go with their owners everywhere. Security is not as paramount on tablets, however, as these devices are often used at home, where the presence of a desktop or laptop computer may be the hub for secure activities like banking, reserving tablets for more basic web-browsing activities.  read more at eMarketer

By Year End 2016, 96% of All U.S. Mobile Handset Sales Will be Smartphones

Image via Wikipedia

SOURCE: iGR

March 13, 2012 06:00 ET

New Research Report Forecasts by Year-End 2016, 96% of All U.S. Mobile Handset Sales Will Be Smartphones

iGR Research Majority of Growth in the U.S. Smartphone Market Segment Will Occur Prior to 2014

AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire - Mar 13, 2012) - Within 2011 alone, U.S. users were buying considerably more smartphones than they were in 2010. By the end of the year, approximately 76 percent of handsets sold were smartphones. This is notable, as only approximately 33 percent of U.S. mobile handset sales were attributable to smartphones in 2009.

iGR's new market research report, U.S. Smartphone Forecast, 2011 - 2016, previews the expected sales for 2011-2016 both in terms of non-smartphone, and smartphone devices and mobile operating systems (OSes). Recent trends within the market are also discussed and applied to the conversation about the future of handset sales to end users through 2016.

Some of the factors that led to this increase across U.S. users include: a rise in upgrade and replacement sales as non-smartphone users transition to smartphones, enterprise user trends (more personal liable smartphones in use), advancements in mobile device hardware and software, carrier network developments (e.g., increasing 3.5G availability), and increased consumer demand for mobile devices that fit a portable, data-driven lifestyle.

These trends, and others, provide support for the upward swing in total mobile handset sales, but particularly that of smartphones, in the U.S. through 2011, and are expected to continue. In fact by 2016, iGR expects approximately 96 percent of U.S. handset sales to be comprised entirely of smartphone sales.

"The growth in the U.S. smartphone market has been very strong in the last few years," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry. "But as the market becomes saturated, smartphone sales growth will slow. For OEMs who are hoping to gain, or regain, market share in the U.S., the time to act is now. By 2014, we believe the majority of the smartphone sales growth will be over."

At present, the smartphone market has hit something of a design impasse, with all OEMs attempting to out-design Apple with a 'shiny black glass block' design approach (although materials vary, the design similarities between smartphones are amazingly small at present). And given the growth in smartphone sales together with the very high market entry costs, iGR believes it unlikely that significant new OEMs will enter the market in the next few years.

iGR anticipates that the majority of growth in the U.S. smartphone market segment will occur prior to 2014. This suggests that equipment vendors and manufacturers, as well as software developers, are likely to see the greatest gains should they enter the market earlier on. Such front-loaded expansion also indicates that certain mobile OSes, especially Apple and Android who are the current market leaders, may be better poised for sustained long-term growth than other mobile OSes who are either just entering the market or currently faltering or repositioning.

The following key questions are addressed in the new research study:

• What were U.S. handset sales from 2009 - present?
  
• What were U.S. smartphone sales from 2009 - present?
  
• What are the current U.S. wireless device trends?
  
• What are current U.S. wireless consumer trends?
  
• What are the current trends in U.S. wireless services?
  
• What are the anticipated U.S. handset sales for 2012-2016?
  
• What are the expected U.S. smartphone sales for 2012-2016?
  
• Which smartphone operating systems are expected to prevail in 2012-2016?
  
• What are the expected sales for the major smartphone OS in the U.S. in 2012-2016?
  

The new report can be purchased and downloaded directly from iGR's website from the following link: U.S. Smartphone Forecast, 2011 - 2016.Alternatively, contact Amanda Louie at (512) 554-1701 or at Amandal@iGR-inc.com for additional details on this report as well as information on the Wireless and Mobile Landscape advisory service.

U.S. Smartphone Forecast, 2011 - 2016:https://igr-inc.com/Advisory_And_Subscription_Services/Wireless_And_Mobile_Landscape/us_smartphone_forecast_2016.asp

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Betapond Partners With Intel to Make Traditional Retail Shopping More Social, Mobile, Personal

March 13, 2012 06:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Betapond, a VC-backed technology company specialising in Facebook mobile marketing solutions, will join Intel at the Retail Business Technology Expo this week in London’s Earls Court.

Betapond previously exhibited its suite of Facebook mobile marketing solutions at Sony Pictures Studios in Hollywood.On the Intel stand (#440), Betapond will demonstrate an interactive digital sign powered by 2nd Generation Intel® Core® i7 Platform. The digital sign will be personalised for any consumer who interacts using Facebook on their smartphone. Large retail and entertainment brands use Betapond’s mobile marketing products to convert passive footfall into engaged social consumers, deepening customer relationships.

“We’re delighted to be working with Intel to demonstrate how retailers can engage social consumers on their smartphones to personalise their in-store experience,” said Declan Kennedy, CEO of Betapond.

“Retailers are under huge pressure to engage every potential customer in their stores. Our Facebook mobile marketing products allow retailers to generate social recommendations from in-store customers and build long-term social relationships. We enable retailers to replicate online shopping experiences for in-store customers. ”

‘The pervasiveness of hand held computing, such as smart phones and tablets, merging with social media and integrating with new technologies such as NFC, Intel® Wireless Display & anonymous video analytics (AVA) are transforming the digital advertising & retail markets”, noted Rod O’Shea, Intel EMEA Regional Director. “At Intel, we see the application of technology solutions such as Betapond’s as playing a significant role in transforming the shopping experience by delivering more relevant and entertaining experiences directly to the consumer’.

“A shopper is never happier with a retail brand than when she’s shopping – so it’s a great opportunity to start a social conversation on Facebook via smartphone that continues long after she leaves the store,” Kennedy added.

The Retail Business Technology Expo takes place in London’s Earls Court on March 13-14.

The Betapond product utilises QR codes and SMS to connect shoppers’ smartphones with digital signs. The solution uses a Facebook enabled application to offer shoppers a chance to win a prize if they take a short survey, enter a treasure hunt or a complete a number of other activities. The brand can continue conversations with participating consumers and their friends through Facebook to increase footfall and ROI through enhanced social marketing.

Betapond works with leading retailers and entertainment brands in the UK, Europe and the US that have high footfall and existing, well-developed Facebook communities.

About Betapond

Betapond is a VC backed Facebook technology company that specializes in Facebook mobile marketing products for retailers. Betapond is a Facebook Preferred Developer Consultant.

About Intel

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com.

Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

The Bancorp Bank Is the New Issuer for the PayPal Debit MasterCard Card

Image via CrunchBase

March 12, 2012 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Bancorp Bank Payment Solutions Group, a division of The Bancorp Bank (“Bancorp”), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: TBBK), today announced that it is the new issuer for the PayPal Debit MasterCard^® card. The PayPal Debit MasterCard card can be used worldwide at ATMs, online, and everywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted. It also offers the possibility to earn 1 percent cash back whenever a cardholder is enrolled into the PayPal Preferred Rewards Program.

“Consumers want to be able to feel secure when shopping online with a debit card, and with PayPal's dedication to security, we're able to deliver a great solution with the PayPal Debit MasterCard card.”

“We are thrilled to work with PayPal to bring the PayPal Debit MasterCard card to their 106 million active users,” said Jeremy Kuiper, Managing Director – The Bancorp Payment Solutions Group. “Consumers want to be able to feel secure when shopping online with a debit card, and with PayPal's dedication to security, we're able to deliver a great solution with the PayPal Debit MasterCard card."

The PayPal Debit MasterCard card is issued by The Bancorp Bank pursuant to license from MasterCard International Incorporated. The Bancorp Bank; Member FDIC. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.

About The Bancorp Payment Solutions Group

The Bancorp Payment Solutions Group, a division of The Bancorp Bank (“Bancorp”), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: TBBK), offers secure, creative and innovative payment solutions to the prepaid card industry. As a leading issuer of prepaid cards, The Bancorp Payment Solutions Group contributes to the success of Fortune 500 companies through the development of cutting-edge prepaid card programs that meet the rapidly changing needs of the prepaid industry. Through long-standing relationships with the MasterCard, Visa, and Discover card associations, leading program managers and processors, The Bancorp Payment Solutions Group designs innovative and flexible prepaid card programs which deliver outstanding results. For more information about The Bancorp Payment Solutions Group please visit www.thebancorp.com.

Event Farm Launches Groundbreaking Mobile Events App Powered by ROAM Data

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March 12, 2012 02:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

ROAM Data helps Event Farm reinvent ticketing and payment processing with its ROAMPay mobile commerce platform

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ROAM Data announced today that Washington, DC-based Event Farm will use ROAM Data’s mobile platform and commerce APIs to reinvent the way in which event organizers and producers manage events, ticket inventory and ticket sales. This App, named “Event Farm”, eliminates the need for traditional box offices, delivering a totally integrated ticket management, will call, and payments process.

"What is groundbreaking about what we are doing is that our App is fully integrated into our ticketing platform. We are not just independently charging credit cards on a mobile device,” said co-founder and CEO of Event Farm, Ryan Costello. “Ticket inventories on the App are synched with sales happening in real time online and vice versa. Equally as important, this service does not require the purchase of expensive hardware – it uses mobile phones and dongles – and is secure and fast. This is a solution the events industry has been waiting for."The new App eliminates the need for fully staffed ticket windows and paper tickets. For customers, it makes the ticketing process more flexible as it eliminates the need to print tickets and meet up with others in their party before the event. All data is housed on the App. The API, which is available to event organizers and producers via Event Farm, synchronizes ticket sales via mobile devices with online inventories in real time. The platform uses ROAM’s encrypted card reader and mobile payment capabilities to enable venues to better manage inventory in real time and maximize event profits.

One of the country's premier new music venues, The Hamilton Live in Washington, DC has already signed on. "This App not only eliminated the need for a box office in our venue but it has also completely revolutionized the will call experience for our guests," said Tom Meyer, President of the Hamilton. "Our funds are available to us the next business day as all transactions are automatically batched nightly. Every part of the ticketing process is electronic and mobile. It's amazing to think this was ever done any other way."

“Event Farm’s application is the first of its kind, a potential forerunner to thousands of other POS style applications across industries,” said Ken Paull, EVP of ROAM Data, “ROAM was created to offer businesses a secure and frictionless mobile commerce experience without having to buy new hardware or change their existing business processes.”

ROAM’s encrypted reader and flexible API allows for seamless integration of secure payments into a variety of mobile applications, circumventing onerous PCI audit requirements. Both the reader and API work on iOS and Android devices.

About ROAM

ROAM Data is the leading mCommerce Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) provider extending physical Point of Sales (POS) and eCommerce to the mobile environment, to help merchants find and keep customers. Founded in 2005, ROAM’s solutions allow merchants to accept card payments on mobile devices, and allow consumers to easily make purchases in mobile shopping apps and ads. ROAM Data provides the total mCommerce platform including hardware peripherals, software, tools and services for merchant service providers to deliver powerful mobile commerce solutions to their merchants quickly, securely and robustly. Visit us at www.roamdata.com

Inside Secure Launches NFC Tag for Mass Market Application

March 12, 2012 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

New Tag is NFC Forum-Compliant, Offers Best Price-to-Capacity Profile

AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)--INSIDE Secure, a leader in semiconductor solutions for secure transactions and digital identity, today announced the availability of the MicroPass® 4101-2K, the first true NFC Forum tag to offer ample memory capacity for demanding applications at an affordable price. Based on the proven INSIDE Secure MicroPass platform, the cost-effective MicroPass 4101-2K is fully compliant with the NFC Forum Type 4 tag requirements with 2K bytes of memory, enough to store long URLs, business cards, phone numbers, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth pairing information and other application data that can be read by any NFC-enabled device.

According to Vian, the NFC Forum specifies four NFC tag types as the backbone of interoperability between NFC tag providers and NFC device manufacturers to ensure a uniform user experience. Because tags based on MIFARE Classic technology do not comply with the NFC Forum specifications and require NFC devices to utilize a proprietary protocol stack to read them, these tags will not work with all NFC devices, creating user frustration.“Until now, application developers have faced the dilemma of either paying too much for a true NFC Forum tag with enough memory for their applications, or using a more cost-effective but proprietary solution based on MIFARE® Classic technology that presents interoperability issues,” said Bernard Vian, executive vice president of NFC and Payment Solutions at INSIDE Secure. “The MicroPass 4101-2K solves this dilemma by hitting the NFC tag sweet spot, providing developers with a truly compliant NFC Forum Type 4 tag that has sufficient memory at an affordable price and that can be read by any NFC device. With this introduction, we are ending the problem of NFC tag incompatibility.”

At its core, the MicroPass 4101-2K is based on INSIDE’s award-winning MicroPass intelligent payment platform, regarded by most in the industry as the gold standard for contactless payments. The MicroPass product is at the heart of the majority of contactless bank cards issued in the U.S. and Canada, powering more than 30 issuer programs. The MicroPass platform was launched at CARTES 2005, and continues to achieve unprecedented success as the industry’s platform of choice for a broad range of applications, with more than 280 million MicroPass devices shipped to date.

Availability and Pricing

The INSIDE Secure MicroPass 4101-2K NFC Forum Type 4 tag and a companion development and personalization kit are available now. Please contact INSIDE Secure for pricing and other information.

About INSIDE Secure

INSIDE Secure (NYSE Euronext Paris: INSD) is a leading designer, developer and supplier of semiconductors, embedded software and platforms for secure transactions and digital security. INSIDE mobile NFC, secure payment, and digital security products provide security for a wide range of information processing, storage and transmission applications. The company’s customers are found in a wide range of markets including mobile payment, identification documents, access control, transit, electronic device manufacturing, pay television and mobile service operators. For more information, visit www.insidesecure.com.

Nokia Plans to Shelf Mobile Money Business

Nokia is "exploring options for a structured exit from the mobile financial services business" including its own brand Nokia Money service, the company says in a statement. As part of the withdrawal, the company is to close its flagship mobile money service in India as the handset manufacturer focuses on its core business. The company has announced plans to shelve Nokia Money only three months after launching it across India. Previously the service was launched regionally in various parts of the country.  Nokia Money is a basic service that enables users to make payments for items such as utility bills, pre-paid top-ups, insurance premiums and tickets. The company was even planning to expand Nokia Money to other emerging markets. Instead it has chosen to exit the mobile money business to concentrate on the revamp of its core handset business.  "read more"

Related articles

• Nokia to close Nokia Money (mobile-ent.biz)
• Nokia's Money shot: Mobile banking service axed (go.theregister.com)
• Three months after Nokia Money launched in India, the service is now dead (intomobile.com)
• Nokia Money launched in India (techknots.com)