NEBA Implements Branch Payment Module To Assist Banks That Accept Credit Card Payments

Branch Payment Module Facilitates Fast, Convenient Credit Card Payment Posting

WAKEFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NEBA today announced it has implemented improvements to Access Info, its Internet-based portal for credit card issuers. With the addition of the Branch Payment Module, banks that accept credit card payments at their branches now have the ability, via the Internet, to enter their own payment data. As part of the Branch Payment Module, the system automatically transmits for same day processing payment data entered by 5:00 PM EST.

“The Branch Payment Module is time-saving and convenient for bank personnel. Any bank employee with a secure password and user name, regardless of location, can now input credit card payments.”

According to Ted Keith, President and CEO of NEBA, “The Branch Payment Module is time-saving and convenient for bank personnel. Any bank employee with a secure password and user name, regardless of location, can now input credit card payments.” Added Mr. Keith, “The tool is intuitive, simple to use, and requires minimal training.”

Branch Payment Module is a web-based solution for the input of payment data by financial institution personnel or tellers who receive credit card payments. Banks benefit in that the tool is time saving, easy to use and facilitates the expedient processing of credit card payments.

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’s card and card processing solutions, please visit neba.com.

Cardlytics Closes $33M of Expansion Capital and Announces Long-Term Global Strategic Alliance for Transaction-Driven MarketingTM with Groupe Aeroplan

September 08, 2011 07:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cardlytics, the pioneer of transaction-driven marketing™, announced today that it has signed a long-term global strategic alliance with Groupe Aeroplan, a global leader in loyalty management. As part of the alliance, Groupe Aeroplan and existing investors are injecting an additional $33 million in capital to fund U.S. and International growth.

“Given how the Cardlytics solution so fundamentally changes how marketers can invest to grow their business with confidence, it is going to become a global solution”

“Transaction-driven marketing^TM is an incredibly powerful channel for retailers of all sizes. Cardlytics drives store volume more effectively than any untargeted daily deals provider. It pioneered the convenience of offers linked to the payment card. However, beyond this, transaction-driven marketing^TM provides an unmatched level of targeting and measurability,” said David Perdue, Cardlytics Board Member and former Chairman and CEO Dollar General and Reebok Brand. “Marketers know they are reaching the right customers with the right message and can precisely measure the results during a campaign and over-time so they have absolute confidence in the ROI. I would love to have had this level of marketing precision when I was with Dollar General and Reebok.”

Cardlytics is the leader in transaction-driven marketing^TM. Through the Cardlytics platform, retailers nationwide are presenting consumers with relevant offers via trusted electronic banking channels including mobile, SMS, email and on-line banking. Cardlytics will reach 70% of all U.S. households in Q1 2012.

“Given how the Cardlytics solution so fundamentally changes how marketers can invest to grow their business with confidence, it is going to become a global solution,” said Scott Grimes, Cardlytics’ CEO. “Groupe Aeroplan is an organization that deeply appreciates the needs of sophisticated marketers throughout the world and accelerates our ability to serve retailers and financial institutions globally.”

Cardlytics’ solution is groundbreaking in the world of marketing. By deploying technology within partner financial institutions, Cardlytics can leverage all of a household’s purchases to target and measure marketing in a way that full protects consumer privacy and financial institution data. All of this is done in a ‘pay for performance’ model thereby eliminating all risk for the merchant.

Groupe Aeroplan owns Aeroplan, Canada’s premier coalition loyalty program; Carlson Marketing, an international loyalty marketing services, engagement and events provider; and Nectar, the United Kingdom’s leading coalition loyalty program. Additionally, it operates LMG Insight & Communication, an international customer-driven insight and data analytics business; holds majority equity positions in Air Miles Middle East and Nectar Italia; and a minority position in Club Premier, Mexico’s leading coalition loyalty program. As such, its investment positions Cardlytics to capitalize on its U.S. dominance and greatly accelerate its level of growth internationally.

“We heard first-hand from Cardlytics' bank and merchant partners about the impact that Cardlytics’ transaction-driven marketing^TM is making,” said Rupert Duchesne, President and Chief Executive Officer at Groupe Aeroplan. “Banks and their customers are benefitting from great rewards programs but the biggest impact is on the merchants, who are able to leverage market insights, targeting and measurement that is ground-breaking. We are very excited to take this global.”

This latest round of funding marks the fourth successful funding event for Cardlytics as it continues its phenomenal growth providing rewards program for financial institutions. Current investors including Canaan Partners, Polaris Venture Partners, TTV Capital, ITC Holdings and Kinetic Ventures are all participating in this round of funding. Morgan Keegan Technology Group advised Cardlytics on this financing. The company is consistently recognized by the industry, most recently as a Red Herring Global 100 Winner, a Top Ten Financial Service Best Practice by Forrester and a Judge’s Choice Award winner for 2011 by PayBefore.

“Our company’s history has been defined by consistent growth and industry acceptance, which validates our belief that transaction-driven marketing^TM represents the evolution of direct marketing to consumers,” said Lynne Laube, President and COO of Cardlytics. “As we look beyond our own country to business opportunities abroad, Groupe Aeroplan is an ideal partner to help us realize that vision.”

About Groupe Aeroplan

Groupe Aeroplan Inc., a global leader in loyalty management, owns Aeroplan, Canada’s premier coalition loyalty program, Carlson Marketing, an international loyalty marketing services, engagement and events provider , as well as Nectar, the United Kingdom’s largest coalition loyalty program. Groupe Aeroplan also operates LMG Insight & Communication, an international customer-driven insight and data analytics business. In addition, Groupe Aeroplan has majority equity positions in Air Miles Middle East and Nectar Italia as well as a minority position in Club Premier, Mexico’s leading coalition loyalty program. For more information about Groupe Aeroplan, please visit groupeaeroplan.com.

About Cardlytics

Cardlytics is the pioneer and leader of the cutting edge field of transaction-driven marketing^TM, expected to grow into a multi-billion industry in the US over the next four years, according to the Aite Group. The company's unique advertising platform enables banks to deliver rich, relevant rewards to its customers based on purchasing history while fully protecting their privacy. The platform is entirely merchant-funded with advertisers targeting consumers based on spending patterns: where, how much and how frequently they spend at a store and in the broader retail category. Since its founding in 2008, Cardlytics has been a leader of innovation with recent accolades including being named one of the 100 most innovative private companies in the world by Red Herring as well as the "#1 Best Practice" in digital finance by Forrester Research. For more information about Cardlytics, visithttp://www.cardlytics.com.

Anoteros, Veritec Announce Joint Venture Agreement

September 08, 2011 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

HARBOR CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anoteros, Inc. (OTCBB: ANOS) announced today a joint venture agreement with Veritec Financial Systems, Inc. (VTFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Veritec, Inc. (OTCBB: VRTC) of Golden Valley, MN.

“We expect to begin generating revenues in 2012 through the marketing of mobile wallets, virtual accounts, credit, debit, prepaid and gift cards,” according to Anoteros President and CEO Michael J. Sinnwell, Jr. “Prior to recording sales, Antero Payment Solutions personnel will take approximately 30 to 60 days to install and test our Antero SVS third-party processing platform with the VTFS system,” Sinnwell said.The agreement grants Veritec the right to use Antero SVS, a proprietary Third Party Processing platform, through Antero Payment Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anoteros. In exchange, Veritec plans to engage Antero under its Independent Sales Organization (ISO) and Processor Agreement with a major prepaid issuing bank and an international card-processing network.

Antero Payment Solutions is to work with VTFS to provide a total account experience for customers. This includes 24-hour reporting capability for sales tracking, revenues to providers and instant communications with merchants and customers concerning such information as number of accounts activated, total value of accounts, flow of customer activity and transactions processed.

“This relationship will allow Anoteros and Veritec to immediately expand its products to other markets that have not yet been able to offer a Prepaid Access (Stored Value)-type card program,” according to Van Tran, Chief Executive Officer of Veritec.

“With our partnership, we can provide a full turnkey 'end-to-end' solution for credit, debit and prepaid access card programs that can be seamlessly integrated and have the flexibility to include applications, such as: mobile wallets, bill payment, virtual stored value online accounts, overdraft protection, money remittances, contactless/NFC or other mobile payments and card/account holder services, among other things,” she added.

ABOUT VERITEC/VERITEC FINANCIAL SYSTEMS

Founded in 1982, Veritec offers a patented line of encoding and decoding software products that utilize the 2-D Matrix Symbology™, which allows users to create, apply, store or transmit unique identifiers directly on the products or to an electronic device, which enables automated manufacturing control, as well as identification, tracking and collection of data via cameras, mobile phones, readers and scanners. The collected data can then be stored in the 2-D barcode available for contemporaneous verification or other user-definable purposes. Veritec also offers its “blinx On-Off™” debit card and other stored-value debit based products with strategic partners. For further information, go to: www.veritecinc.com;www.vtfs.com; www.blinxcard.com.

ABOUT ANOTEROS/ANTERO PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

Antero Payment Solutions, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anoteros, Inc. (OTCBB: ANOS), is a provider of information management and electronic commerce systems for the financial services industry. Anoteros has developed a wide range of e-commerce platforms to ensure secure electronic payments for checking, debit card, prepaid card and mobile payment applications; providing merchants with opportunities for lower cost structures and the potential to increase their client bases. For further information, go to:www.anoterosinc.com.

Updated 2011 Report on the $40 Billion US Financial Transaction Processing Industry

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Financial Transaction Processing" report to their offering.

The US credit card processing industry includes about 2,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $40 billion. Major companies include Alliance Data Systems, Banc of America Merchant Services (a joint venture between Bank of America and First Data), Global Payments, Heartland Payment Systems, and Total System Services. The industry is highly concentrated: the top 50 companies account for about 85 percent of industry revenue.

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by consumer spending. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations, as services are sold largely based on cost. Large companies have economies of scale in processing and typically can provide more services; small companies can compete by specializing in industries and providing custom services. The business is capital-intensive: average annual revenue per employee is about $400,000.

Products, Operations & Technology

Processors provide transaction services to banks that issue credit cards and to merchants that accept credit card payments. Merchant products include authorizing, capturing, and settling merchants' credit and debit card transactions, and handling chargebacks. Chargebacks occur when a consumer disputes a charge and charges it back to the merchant. Processors also sell or lease point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Card issuer products include transaction authorization and posting, statement generation and printing, and card embossing.

Large processors such as First Data Corporation and Total System Services provide services to both sides of the transaction.

Key Topics Covered:

Industry Overview

Quarterly Industry Update

Business Challenges

Business Trends

Industry Opportunities

Call Preparation Questions

Financial Information

Industry Forecast

Web Links and Acronyms

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/7a164f/financial_transact

Source: First Research

Major fraud eludes global powers in Technology Retail and Credit Card Issuing

·         Credit Card telephone security questions- failed

·         Retailer Fraud detection- failed

·         Fraudsters –succeed

Please find below details of an interview with Paul Rodgers, Chairman of Vendorcom, on BBC Radio 4. He comments on issues surrounding Credit Card verbal security questions and also retailer fraud detection systems. This was in the wake of two separate incidents where two pensioners had their Barclaycard details fraudulently obtained and used to purchase goods to the combined value of approximately £20,000. One of the incidents involved 16 transactions of more than £500 each, with the same card, in one day, in the Bristol Apple store.

I am confident that the issues raised are current and would be of interest to your readers and is relevant to recent article themes.

Paul Rodgers is a well known expert in Payments technology and offers impartial advice and support to the UK payments industry. Paul is willing to comment on any of the issues discussed or the wider issues beyond.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/moneybox

Would you be interested in a telephone interview with Paul to discuss pertinent topics within the UK and Global financial services industry?

Matthew Pears
Senior Account Executive

SkyParlour | 1^st Floor | 19 Spring Gardens | Manchester |M2 1FB | www.skyparlour.com
Tel +44(0)161 817 8711 | matthew@skyparlour.com 

About Vendorcom

Vendorcom, is a cards and payments community, which represents key stakeholders in the cards and payments industry. Its primary aims are to promote innovation and thought-leadership, provide a forum for knowledge sharing and issue resolution for its members and encourage capability development across the cards and payments industry.

Citi Cards Appoints Industry Veterans, Expands Leadership Team

September 08, 2011 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Citi Cards today announced it has appointed Leslie Gillin as Head of Citi Cards Sales and Marketing, Valerie Greer as Head of Partnerships and Young Adult and Barry Rodrigues as Global Head of Network Strategy and Management. Leslie Gillin and Barry Rodrigues report to Jud Linville, CEO of Citi Cards. Valerie Greer reports to Terry O’Neil, Head of Affluent Segment and Partner Management.

“Accelerating our acquisition marketing and network strategy, and deepening co-brand partnerships are key to our continued success. Leslie, Valerie and Barry bring deep payments expertise and relationships, global perspective and the proven ability to drive growth, and I am confident that their leadership will complement our teams”

“Accelerating our acquisition marketing and network strategy, and deepening co-brand partnerships are key to our continued success. Leslie, Valerie and Barry bring deep payments expertise and relationships, global perspective and the proven ability to drive growth, and I am confident that their leadership will complement our teams,” said Jud Linville, CEO of Citi Cards.

Leslie Gillin will drive the development of Citi Cards’ marketing and customer growth strategies and execution across all channels. In this new role, Gillin will work closely with the product teams and global marketing organization to drive alignment of marketing efforts. Gillin’s leadership will incorporate existing teams focused on customer channels, acquisitions and sales growth as well as partnerships across Citi’s consumer businesses.

Prior to joining Citi Cards, Gillin served in senior executive marketing roles at Bank of America in the U.S. and internationally, including Marketing Executive for Global Card Services, Chief Marketing Officer of Europe Card Services and most recently, Direct Response and Analytical Marketing Executive of the Consumer and Small Business Bank.

As Global Head of Network Strategy and Management, Barry Rodrigues will work with U.S. and regional Citi Cards leadership to develop a global network strategy. He will oversee relationships with all global network partners, such as MasterCard, Visa and American Express. Rodrigues brings significant global experience to this role, and joins Citi from American Express where he was President of Global Network Services (GNS). At American Express, Rodrigues held a variety of leadership positions around the world where he was responsible for major bank issuer relationships and merchant acquiring and processing.

Valerie Greer will be responsible for strengthening key partnership portfolios for the Cards franchise and providing overall strategic direction for these relationships. She will also define the product value propositions, positioning and go-to-market strategies. Greer joins Citi from JPMorgan Chase, where she held numerous executive roles and was most recently General Manager, Partnerships.

About Citi

Citi, the leading global financial services company, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com.

Global Mobile Payment Transactions to Total $945B in 2015 – a 30-Fold Jump from 2010

September 07, 2011 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IE Market Research Corporation (IEMR), the Canadian-based provider of market intelligence services, announced today the release of its 3Q.2011 Global Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2011- 2015.

“Our usage surveys reflect a trend of mobile payments growing commonplace in the Western world, corroborated by the fact North American and Western European markets are geared up for the beginning stages of a full-fledged adoption of the digital wallet.”

IEMR forecasts the gross value of global mobile payment transactions to reach $945 billion in 2015, about a 30-fold increase from the comparable figure of $31.5 billion for 2010. The surge underscores IEMR's expectation that mobile payments are positioned to become mainstream between 2012 and 2014.

“M-commerce and mobile contactless transactions, driven by their allure of convenience, are poised to promote ‘less-cash’ societies all over the world,” said Nizar Assanie, Vice President (Research) at IEMR. “Our usage surveys reflect a trend of mobile payments growing commonplace in the Western world, corroborated by the fact North American and Western European markets are geared up for the beginning stages of a full-fledged adoption of the digital wallet.”

IEMR’s Global Mobile Payment Market Forecast covers annual forecasts of mobile payment users, transactions by technology (NFC, SMS, WAP, USSD), and by type of purchase (merchandise, digital products, ticketing, mobile money transfers, bill payments, and pre-paid top-ups). The report is based on IEMR’s Global Consumer Telecommunications Survey of 50,000 mobile users in 50 markets worldwide. It is the most extensive country-specific forecast of its kind.

IEMR’s latest report illustrates a declining trend in SMS transactions relative to the growing adoption of NFC technology in developed markets, particularly Western Europe and North America. NFC offers the potential “sweet spot” of access to millions of retail point-of-sale terminals, a transaction technology that SMS falls short of.

The report also found that mobile payments are promising in emerging markets because of the dearth of wired infrastructure, which makes purchase transactions with a mobile device convenient.

According to IEMR, there were 1.5 billion NFC transactions globally in 2010. It forecast the comparable figure to jump to 55.3 billion in 2015, a compound annual growth rate of 105.2%.

This report can be purchased at:

https://www.iemarketresearch.com/Members/Reports/3Q-2011-Global-Mobile-Payment-Market-Forecast-2009--2015-Global-mobile-payments-users-to-hit-893-million-in-2015-with-945-billion-in-transaction-value-RID2639-1.aspx

Clients who subscribe to IEMR’s research services can have access to this and thousands of other IEMR reports for only $199 per month per seat.

Telecoms Fraud is a Crime on the Rise - TUFF speak to Telecoms IQ on how to Combat it

LONDON, September 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

The birth and growth of mobile smart phones and devices has opened up a whole new realm of opportunity for criminals in the telecoms fraud market - as well as new challenges for revenue assurance professionals.  With PBX hacking alone said to be worth millions of euros, companies cannot risk not being up-to-date with the latest anti-fraud strategies.

Jack Wraith, CEO of the Telecommunications UK Fraud Forum (TUFF), believes that the way to combat telecoms fraud is through information sharing.  In an exclusive podcast with Telecoms IQ Jack said, "in order for legitimate communication service providers to combat the attacks against them and their systems, it is critical that information is shared between operators on a much wider basis than traditionally has been done."

Jack will be chairing the first day of the conference at Telecoms Fraud and Risk Management (http://www.telecomsfraudandriskmanagement.com)in December looking at how to how to develop the preventive measures required to tackle the fraud risks resulting from the explosion in new technologies, handsets and NFC / mobile payment services.

The full podcast with Jack on the new types of telecoms fraud operating within the industry and how operators can take action to combat them can be downloaded at http://www.telecomsfraudandriskmanagement.com/Event.aspx?id=575476

Telecoms Fraud and Risk Management (http://www.telecomsfraudandriskmanagement.com) will bring together senior fraud, risk and revenue assurance professionals from mobile and fixed operators across Europe and beyond to discuss the best strategies to identify, monitor and reduce fraud and revenue leakage across their organisations.

Telecoms Fraud and Risk Management (http://www.telecomsfraudandriskmanagement.com) will showcase thought leaders in the field, including:

• Daniele Gulinatti, VP Fraud Management & Revenue Assurance, Telecom Italia
• Daniele Mensi, Fraud & Credit Manager, Orange Switzerland
• Radu Niculiu, Director Fraud Prevention & Security, Vodafone Romania
• Mike Chalmers-Hunt, Head of Revenue Protection Operations, BT
• Adam Falus, Senior Head of Fraud Management, T-Mobile, Czech Republic

The Telecoms Fraud and Risk Management (http://www.telecomsfraudandriskmanagement.com/Event.aspx?id=575476) download centre features complimentary fraud and risk articles and podcasts.

Notes to Editors:

Telecoms Fraud and Risk Management (http://www.telecomsfraudandriskmanagement.com) will be held from 5th-8th December 2011 at the Sheraton Park Lane, London

For further information on Telecoms Fraud and Risk Management (http://www.telecomsfraudandriskmanagement.com) contact Telecoms IQ on +44 (0)20-7368-9737 or email telecoms@iqpc.co.uk

SOURCE Telecoms IQ

Mobile Payment & Banking Solutions to be Discussed by Monster Offers & ZalaPay CEO at Daily Deal Media Conference

Paul Gain to Discuss the Importance of Mobile Payment Solutions in Improving the Daily Deal Experience

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Paul Gain, CEO of Monster Offers (OTCBB: MONT) and ZalaPay, will be a featured speaker at the Daily Deal Media Conference, discussing how Mobile Payment and Banking solutions will play a critical role in improving the Daily Deal experience for customers, merchants and deal providers. Gain will be speaking on a panel discussion titled Mobile Solutions Sept. 9 at 10:30 a.m.

Leading Daily Deal analytics and aggregation company Monster Offers recently announced a new social mobile payment and banking solutions platform that will be managed as a subsidiary of Monster Offers called ZalaPay.

ZalaPay mobile financial services include "EZ-Click" Mobile Cashier, Redemption, Loyalty, Daily Deal Wallet, P2P Mobile Money, and Pre-Paid Debit Cards. Company representatives will be available at the Monster Offers/ZalaPay booth #201 at the Daily Deal Media Conference.

The Daily Deal Media Conference runs Sept. 8-9, 2011 at the Chicago Hilton.

MONSTER OFFERS QUOTE

"The Daily Deal industry is still quite young and right now Daily Deal providers need to focus on how to make deals easier to buy, redeem, track, not to mention how to develop and implement customer loyalty programs. Recent mobile banking solutions are making this possible and the Daily Deal Media Conference is the perfect forum to discuss the nuances of mobile and how it will affect daily deals and overall consumer behavior."

- Paul Gain, Monster Offers CEO

About Monster Offers:

Monster Offers is a leading mobile banking solutions company and Daily Deal aggregator, collecting daily deals from multiple sites in local communities across the U.S. and Canada. Focused on providing innovation and utility for Daily Deal consumers and providers, the company collects and publishes thousands of daily deals and allows consumers to organize these deals by geography or product categories, or to personalize the results using keyword search. The company will introduce new mobile technology in 2011 to address unmet category needs in areas such as loyalty, rewards, payment processing, merchant services, and a Daily Deal eWallet. Monster Offers recently launched its Hyper-Local Daily Deal Reporting Program, designed to help providers improve the revenue and profits of local and regional Daily Deal programs. More information can be found by visitinghttp://www.monsteroffers.com.

Any statements contained in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks associated with the management appointment described in this press release, and other risks identified in the filings by Monster Offers (MONT), with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further information on risks faced by MONT are detailed in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These filings are or will become available on a website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov. The information contained in this press release is accurate as of the date indicated. Actual results, events or performance may differ materially. Monster Offers does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contacts
For Monster Offers
Public Relations
Brad Rutledge, 801-824-6218
brad@rutledgeconsultinggroup.com

STMicroelectronics Enables New Consumer Conveniences with Combination of Innovative Wireless Memory and NFC Technology

Android app demonstrates compatibility of ST's dual-interface EEPROM with NFC smartphones, introducing innovative user benefits in a wide range of applications

GENEVA, Sept. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, and a leading supplier of EEPROM memories, announced the strengthening of its position in the Near-Field Communication (NFC) market by extending user's ability to read, write and transfer information on ST's dual-interface Memory to a broad range of industrial and consumer applications.

ST's M24LR64 wireless memory has the unique ability to transmit and receive information from the heart of an application to a smartphone containing NFC technology or to an industrial RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) reader, allowing for transactions, data exchange, object identification and tracking to occur rapidly. NFC is a short-range technology operating at 13.56MHz that is being implemented on smartphones to enable customers to make payments, such as for public transit and in convenience stores, using their mobile devices. The technology can also permit communication between NFC-enabled devices. Partnerships already announced between major US wireless carriers and credit-card companies will drive NFC technology into 30.5% of all handsets shipped in 2015, according to market-research firm IHS iSuppli.

A new App called Dual EE, which operates on the Android operating system, delivers full compatibility with ST's M24LR64 wireless memory. The app connects an NFC-enabled smartphone to a prototype temperature recorder featuring ST's unique M24LR64 wireless memory and demonstrates data transfer and storage. These capabilities are easily transferable to a broad range of products, including medical devices, home appliances, consumer electronic products and meters. Adoption of NFC technology and ST's innovative memory will cut the cord and grant users more freedom in saving and exchanging information wherever they want.

"The combination of this new Android app and our innovative dual-interface wireless EEPROM memory will allow users to communicate with a wide range of electronic devices via their NFC-enabled smartphones," said Benoit Rodrigues, General Manager of ST's Memories Division. "The introduction of the unique memory and the Android app is further evidence of ST's ability to develop new and innovative technologies and solutions for the fast-growing NFC market, complementing our world-leading product portfolio for NFC, which also includes secure elements, SIM ICs and NFC controllers for mobile devices."

Together, the dual-interface EEPROM and Android app provide a launch pad for consumer-tech innovations offering users new types of benefits via NFC. The memory can also operate with RFID equipment used in the supply chain.  The Dual EE app can be downloaded free of charge from the Android Market, and has already been validated on leading smartphones. The source code of this sample application is available on the ST website at www.st.com giving developers a head start to designing their own Android NFC applications that are able to communicate with dual-interface EEPROM products.

Further Information on NFC technology

NFC is a short-range wireless standard for communication over distances up to around 10cm that is supported natively in the Android operating system (from issue 2.3.3), and will enable enhanced services for users of NFC-enabled smartphones. These could include receiving coupons from retailers upon entering a store, or sharing contacts or photos, in addition to making mobile payments and collecting data from medical monitors, smart meters or other equipment containing ST's dual-interface EEPROM. ST offers a strong portfolio of solutions for NFC applications, including the ST21NFCA NFC controller and secure elements based on ST's ST33 secure MCU.

Further Information on ST's Dual-Interface EEPROM

ST's M24LR64 is a dual-interface EEPROM that can be connected directly to a wireless antenna as used in an RFID tag to transfer data through the energy in radio waves between the RFID or NFC reader and an electric tag attached to an object, allowing the equipment to be read or updated without being switched on. It is the only product of its type in the market able to communicate with RFID and ISO15693-capable NFC readers, as well as the system's own processor. This dual interface simplifies the design of products that provide new features for NFC users, and that can also be managed easily in the supply chain using RFID. ST's dual-interface EEPROM products also feature a 32-bit password data protection scheme, enabling control of wireless read-and-write memory access.

RFID is increasingly being used within supply chains and is especially useful in managing inventory, as it drastically reduces the amount of time used in the past to count items. Electronic products containing an ST wireless EEPROM such as the M24LR64 can be identified individually, activated on safe delivery, and updated with regional settings or new firmware at the point of sale. Since the tags can be read from inside the devices, all this can be carried out without opening packaging or breaking manufacturers' seals. These capabilities enhance security, control, flexibility and convenience for OEMs and retailers.

Major features of the M24LR64

• NFC/RFID compatible ISO15693 wireless interface operating at 13.56MHz
• Low-power wired I2C interface to MCU or chipset
• 64-Kbit memory density
• 32-bit password scheme

M24LR64 is available now priced at $0.72 for 1000 units. Alternative pricing options are available for larger quantities. ST plans to introduce additional members of its dual-interface EEPROM family in the fourth quarter of 2011.

About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2010, the Company's net revenues were $10.35 billion. Further information on ST can be found atwww.st.com. 

SOURCE STMicroelectronics

Technology Credit Union Partners with Online Banking Solutions (OBS) to Make Secure Business Banking More Convenient

September 07, 2011 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Online Banking Solutions (OBS) today announced that Technology Credit Union completed implementation of the OBS Messenger Financial Center© for the delivery of business information and payment services online. OBS Messenger Financial Center runs on the proven Online Messenger Platform, which operates on LINUX and uses private cloud technologies and Web 2.0 applications to better facilitate integration requirements and to enable scale, multi-channel services and greater security. In addition, the platform features fully integrated application a hardened browser, and a receiver-based payments model.

“Because many of them come from the high-tech ecosystem, our clients are accustomed to using the latest, most convenient technology”

OBS Messenger Financial Center provides transaction initiation including stop payments and account-to-account transfers and payment initiation of ACH transactions including vendor payments, tax payments, and payroll and wire transfers. Tech CU will also be implementing OBS’ Messenger Mobile Banking solution in the near future, which provides the ability to leverage and deliver information and payment services through the mobile channel.

The credit union re-launched its Commercial and Business Banking division last year with a more comprehensive suite of commercial and business banking services (including SBA and other business loans) and a renewed focus on driving growth by connecting with young companies and startups in the high-tech market.

“Because many of them come from the high-tech ecosystem, our clients are accustomed to using the latest, most convenient technology,” said Herman White, Tech CU’s SVP of Commercial and Business Banking. “That’s why our online and business banking platforms are so important to our strategy. We need to give our clients the ability to securely do their banking in as many ways as possible — whether at home, on the go, or in one of our branches.”

For enhanced security, Technology Credit Union members will utilize the OBS M-Secure Browser for secure access to reports, data and single sign-on to other secure cash management applications without the need for a hard token. The hardened browser relies on integrated two-factor and mutual authentication provided on downloaded software tokens for device and user authentication, as well as confirmation of authenticity of other web sites.

Dan Myers, CEO and founder of OBS added, “Leveraging our deep experience with cash management, business banking, payments and technology for commercial banks, OBS is now focused on providing secure, competitive ebanking and mobile solutions to the credit union market.”

About OBS

Founded in 2002 by a management team that pioneered Web cash management and business banking technology, after launching two other successful financial technology companies, Online Banking Solutions (OBS) provides contemporary ebanking products including multi-channeled reporting, transaction and file delivery services to commercial banks (including 11 of the top 100 U.S. commercial bank holding companies), community banks and credit unions. Private, profitable and based on the philosophy of over servicing clients, OBS offers financial institutions the benefits of a large-scale technology provider, and the tenacity of an entrepreneurial, service-driven organization.

About Technology Credit Union

Founded in 1960 by the employees of Fairchild Camera and Instrument Semiconductor Division, Technology Credit Union has served the high tech workforce in Silicon Valley for 50 years. Today, Tech CU has extended its membership benefits to small businesses and individuals who live and work in the greater Bay Area. The credit union is recognized as one of the best-managed and strongest financial institutions in the country. Tech CU's 74,000 members have access to 60,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, online and mobile banking, 9 full-service branches in the Bay Area, and comprehensive wealth management and small business services. To learn more, visit www.techcu.com.

ScanSource, Inc. Launches Global Corporate Communications Group

September 06, 2011 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Bobby McLain to serve as EVP of new department

GREENVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ScanSource, Inc., (NASDAQ: SCSC), the leading international value-added distributor of specialty technology products, has announced the creation of a new Corporate Communications group designed to ensure all key stakeholders are actively engaged with the company on a global level. With the creation of this new group, ScanSource also announced the promotion of Vice President of Marketing Bobby McLain to Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications. In this role, McLain will provide executive management and oversight of the company’s global communications strategy.

“Bobby has effectively led our Marketing team for more than 14 years”

Through the formation of this new group, McLain is charged with developing and executing on the company’s comprehensive communications strategies among all of its internal and external audiences and stakeholders, including reseller customers, vendor partners and the trade media. Investor relations, community relations, social media, web strategies, and global brand management of ScanSource, Inc. and its sales units will also be part of the Corporate Communications group’s strategic focus.

“Bobby has effectively led our Marketing team for more than 14 years,” said Mike Baur, CEO, ScanSource, Inc. “His experience and leadership make him a natural to lead this new business unit as we continue to focus on the growth and opportunity of our company on an international level.”

McLain has been with ScanSource since 1997, where he has served as Vice President of Marketing. Prior to joining the Company, he served as President of Transition Marketing, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company. He also previously served as Director of Marketing with Gates Arrow.

McLain can be reached at bobby.mclain@scansource.com. For more information about ScanSource, Inc., please visitwww.scansourceinc.com.

About ScanSource, Inc.

ScanSource, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCSC) is the leading international distributor of specialty technology products, consisting of seven sales units in North America, Latin America and Europe.

ScanSource POS and Barcoding in North America, Latin America and Europe delivers AIDC and POS solutions; Catalyst Telecom in the US, and ScanSource Communications in North America and Europe, provide voice, video and converged communications equipment; and ScanSource Security in North America offers physical security solutions. Founded in 1992, the company ranks #839 on the Fortune 1000. For more information, call the toll-free sales telephone number at 800.944.2432 or visit www.scansourceinc.com.

Contacts

ScanSource, Inc.
Melissa Andrews, 864-286-4425
melissa.andrews@scansource.com

Isobar “Create 48” Challenges Developers and Designers to Push the Envelope on NFC Technology at FutureM

September 07, 2011 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Isobar, a global communications agency and Aegis Media company, announced today it is hosting its inaugural “Create 48” event. This event will be the first "hackathon" of its kind to explore the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology inside next generation consumer devices like the Google Nexus S. The event is being held from Tuesday, September 13, 2011 -Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Space with a Soul and is part of Boston’s FutureM, which draws hundreds of marketing and technology practitioners from around the world each year to discover what’s new and debate what’s next in marketing.

“NFC technology will let us make transactions, exchange digital content, and connect our devices like never before”

Today, the NFC thought-scape is dominated by mobile payments. Isobar Create 48 is geared to developers, creators and makers who want to help define the broader future of NFC and find creative uses for this exciting new technology. Experts from Nokia and the MIT Enterprise Forum/Boston NFC Hub will be on hand to demo applications and show how to program for NFC. After 48 hours of development, participants will submit their applications to judges from Google, WHERE.com, Nokia and Isobar, who will determine and celebrate the top three "creations".

“NFC technology will let us make transactions, exchange digital content, and connect our devices like never before,” stated Michael Nicholas, Chief Strategy Officer at Isobar. “With NFC, your phone can be everything from your credit card to your boarding pass, to your hotel room key or even your coupons at the supermarket... and we believe it's the convergence of these previously separate things that will bring brands and people together like never before. Technology is evolving the way we interact at an ever increasing pace, and we’re excited to contribute to that innovation. The Create 48 is designed to be a forum for 'creatives and creators' to push the envelope with emerging technologies like NFC, and we’re anxious to see what creations emerge from this event.”

Isobar Create 48, Invent Something, Change Everything. The event is free to participants with registration. For more details, visithttp://na.isobar.com/create48.

About Isobar

Isobar is a global communications agency that brings people and brands together like never before. We fuse creative thinking with technology know-how to uncover the best ideas and execute them across any platform or channel anywhere in the world. Our unique combination of creatives and creators ensures the best ideas never end up on the cutting room floor, empowering us to consistently deliver innovative and intensely relevant brand experiences for the world's largest brands. With locations in Boston, New York and San Francisco, Isobar US is an Aegis Media Group Company and part of the global Isobar network of over 2,200 people in 32 markets. For more information, please visit http://us.isobar.com.

Contacts

Tier One Partners
Sue Parente, 781-642-7788
sparente@tieronepr.com