Identive Expands Mobility & NFC Solutions Group

Source: Identive Group, Inc. Date: September 22, 2011 02:30 ET

SANTA ANA, Calif. and ISMANING, Germany, Sept. 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Identive Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:INVE) (Frankfurt:INV), a provider of products, services for the identification, security and RFID industries, today announced that Mathew Smith has joined the Company's Mobility & NFC Solutions group as vice president, product and technology management. In this new role, Smith will manage Identive's product development activities to help leverage and strengthen the Company's early leadership position in the emergent near field communications (NFC) market. Smith brings significant experience in the areas of NFC, mobile software and payment technologies, all of which are expected to be major drivers of market growth over the next few years. "I am pleased to welcome Mathew to the Identive NFC team. His business insight and acumen coupled with his substantial background in the security industry and web-based services give him a unique ability to understand and envision NFC use cases, markets and how to make it all work," said Ayman S. Ashour, chief executive officer and chairman Identive. "Identive's product successes to date with early NFC adopters are the result of a strategy to make it easy for customers to employ NFC to achieve desired results. Mathew will provide significant support for our ongoing efforts as we expand our offerings of full NFC solutions." Prior to joining Identive, Smith served as director of TSM operations for Gemalto NV, a digital security company, where he defined and drove the global operational and deployment strategy for the company's Trusted Services Management (TSM) business, which manages mobile payment credentials between banks and mobile network operators. Smith previously had been chief architect and director of an NFC business services initiative that originally developed the TSM business while part of an innovation incubator group at NXP Semiconductors. This TSM business was later sold to Gemalto. Prior to this, he defined the product and sales strategy for NXP's Java software product line for mobile handsets, where he gained significant experience working with mobile handset businesses and markets in Europe, China, Taiwan and Korea. Before joining NXP, Smith developed a product strategy and corporate business plan for Smart Fusion, a wireless software start-up in France that subsequently was sold. Smith holds an MBA in innovation and strategy from the Theseus Institute (now EDHEC) in France, an MS in Business Systems Analysis and Design from City University in London and a BS in Chemical Physics from the University of Kent in Canterbury. Mathew Smith commented, "I have been impressed at Identive's ability to carve out a position as an early leader in NFC with projects such as smartphone application tags and smart poster campaigns. So much of what is talked about in the market today is based on expectations, rather than results. Identive is proving over and over again that it can bring real solutions to add real value. The Company's strong technology foundation in RFID and secure identity management along with the significant breadth and depth of experience of its people, are what's required to help make NFC a reality for consumers and businesses. I am excited to join Identive and be a part of the paradigm shift to NFC." In addition to integrated NFC solutions for a variety of applications, Identive offers an array of standards-based NFC infrastructure products including smart tags, labels, readers, modules, software and development kits via its online marketplace at www.IdentiveNFC.com.

Ukash earns place on Microsoft Tech Track 100

September  23, 2011 04:00 ET

Rapidly Growing Online Payments and E Money Business Ukash Adds to Recent Success With a Place on Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - Sept. 21, 2011) - E money provider Ukash has been included in the Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 for the first time.

This success comes hot on the heels of an outstanding year for the Financial Services Authority regulated company: Ukash achieved its first year of profitability in 2011, a remarkable 80% year-on-year business growth as a result of its continued global expansion, and was awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise.

Ukash now processes over £500million of safe online shopping transfers worldwide every year. However, perhaps the greatest accolade is that 93% of Ukash customers in surveyed would recommend Ukash's e money system; 83% already have.

The Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 league table ranks Britain's 100 private tech (TMT) companies with the fastest-growing sales over the latest three years.

Tech Track 100 is compiled by Fast Track and published in The Sunday Times each September, with an official awards event in November. The league table champions the UK's top-performing private companies.

David Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Ukash, said: "Being a Tech Track 100 company is a fantastic triumph. Not only does it recognise the company's commercial growth, the achievement signifies that every day, Ukash is enabling even more consumers all over the world to use cash online, simply and safely. On behalf of the whole company, I would like to thank our staff, partners and customers for their remarkable contribution to Ukash."

A typical Tech Track 100 company has between 20 and 100 staff, has average 3 year sales growth ranging from 35% pa to 360% pa, and has sales ranging from £5m - £50m – all characteristics true of Ukash.

Since its inception in 2005, Ukash® has promoted safe online shopping by enabling consumers to use their cash online without having to reveal financial information. Cash can be exchanged for a unique 19 digit Ukash® voucher at over 420,000 physical points of purchase, or issued online from the company's website. The unique 19 digit vouchers are then used as e money to pay directly on thousands of websites that accept Ukash® worldwide. Ukash vouchers are easy to buy and spend, making online transactions more accessible, secure and convenient.

CHARGE Anywhere® Announces PA-DSS Application Certification for the CHARGE Anywhere® Payment Application for Windows Mobile®

Certification ensures highest degree of security & privacy

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CHARGE Anywhere® LLC, a leading provider of award winning secure mobile payment and payment gateway solutions, announced today certification with Payment Card Industry Standard Security Council's (PCI SSC) Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) program (previously called the Visa Payment Application Best Practice (PABP) Program) for version 2.0.0.17 of the CHARGE Anywhere® Payment Application for Windows Mobile®.

With CHARGE Anywhere® Payment Application for Windows Mobile® merchants can effortlessly turn any Smartphone or Tablet into a fully functional, secure, and intuitive point-of-sale terminal. The easy-to-use, Windows based credit card processing solution gives businesses the freedom to securely process and manage credit card transactions from their mobile devices.

"Certification with Payment Card Industry Standard Security Council's Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) program demonstrates CHARGE Anywhere's ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure and reliable platform that assists merchants in protecting themselves against unscrupulous hackers intending to steal valuable information," said Paul Sabella, President and CEO. "CHARGE Anywhere is pleased to be able to offer our customers products and solutions that meet the industry's highest level of security."

The PCI SSC developed the PA-DSS based upon the Visa Payment Application Best Practices (PABP) to direct software vendors to create and maintain secure payment applications to reduce vulnerability of merchants and minimize data breaches. Compliance with the PA-DSS is determined based upon data and information developed by an evaluation of the application by a Payment Application Qualified Security Assessor approved by the PCI SSC. Today the adherence to PCI DSS is mandatory for banks, processing centers, financial organizations and merchants working with payment brands.

CHARGE Anywhere's distinct mobile point-of-sale solution for iPhone™, BlackBerry®, Android™, Windows Mobile®, Java® and Brew™ Platforms, allow users to process payments securely and in real-time. The exclusive solution allows users to capture and download mission critical business data above and beyond traditional credit card data such as signature, invoice number, employee number, tips, GPS location and more. CHARGE Anywhere's solution also has the capability to eliminate the need to store paper receipts with electronic signature capture, storage and retrieval.

CHARGE Anywhere continues to win awards for its industry-leading, multi-platform Payment Ecosystem. CHARGE Anywhere's mobile payments solutions are winners of the 2011 Mobile Payments Solutions Provider, 2010 CTIA E-Tech Awards in the Mobile Applications - Mobile Payments Category, the 2010 Mobile Merit Awards for Best Overall Enabler Application, the 2009 Best of Interop-PCI Security Solution Award and the 2009 Electronic Transaction Association Technology Innovation Award.

About CHARGE Anywhere:  CHARGE Anywhere is the developer of proprietary Payment Card Industry PA-DSS certified CHARGE Anywhere® v2.0.0 Mobile Payment/POS software solution designed for use with QuickBooks®, Smartphones and POS Terminals, e-commerce, Web terminal and PCI DSS Level 1 compliant ComsGate® Payment Gateway. CHARGE Anywhere offers business partners and customers the most secure and robust selection of industry specific and customized payments solutions and services, including: IP/Wireless Payment Gateway, POS software, Encryption and Data Security Services, Closed Loop Card Management and Merchant Billing Services. For more information contact them atwww.chargeanywhere.com, or (800) 211-1256.

Almost 20% of Consumers Will Not Shop Online Due to Security Concerns - Avira

September 22, 2011 03:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

Consumers Still Have Concerns About Online Shopping Safety According to Avira Survey

Almost 20% Still Do Not Shop Online Because of Security Concerns; Almost 30% Shop Online But Worry, and 22% Shop Only On Well-Known Sites

TETTNANG, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--An overwhelming majority – 70 percent – of consumers either don’t shop online or do so with concerns about their safety while navigating the Internet according to the most recent survey of computer users from IT security expert Avira. During a July 2011 survey of Avira users, just 30 percent of respondents felt secure enough to be worry free as they shop online.

Do you feel secure while shopping online?

A) 28.62% - I shop online, but I always fear that my personal data is going to get into the wrong hands.

B) 22.51% - I trust only well known shops or brands like Amazon or iTunes.

C) 18.85% - Due to security concerns, I do not shop online.

D) 15.65% - I am fine as long as the method of paying and the financial transactions are always secure.

E) 14.36% - I feel secure - fraud with online shopping doesn't happen very often.

- 2,945 respondents with a margin of error of +/- 1.81 percent.

The online shopping survey was presented to Avira’s website visitors during July, 2011 with the question:

“Because of the continued data breaches, phishing attacks, and security vulnerabilities, that get reported on almost every day, consumers have every right to not feel 100 percent safe while they shop online,” said Sorin Mustaca, data security expert from Avira. “I recommend that consumers watch for a few things in order to not become a victim of the online fraudsters:

• Always check that the connection to the online store where the payment is done is secured. This can be observed first if the URL is starting with “https” and second if a small lock is present in the top right corner of the browser in the URL field (in Chrome) or the name of the website is written in a colored rectangle(in Firefox, IE). If the web browser gives any warnings about the security certificate of the website, then do not proceed to purchase anything from that website.
• If you don’t know the website you plan to buy from, always check its reputation. Search for other users who are commenting about that website. Searching for “<website> reputation” usually gives good and relevant results.
• Give your financial details like credit card data only if the website is properly secured and its reputation is good.
• Try to choose payment methods which don’t require payment upfront. If PayPal is an option, choose that whenever possible. Otherwise, if you’ve ensured the safety of the website you’re on and you feel good about its reputation, then pay with a credit card.
• Always double check your bank accounts to make sure the amount you spent is the amount that was charged. If there is a discrepancy, contact the website where you made the purchase.”

About Avira

Avira stands for extreme reliability and internet freedom around the globe. The company was founded 25 years ago on Tjark Auerbach's promise to "make software that does good things for my friends and family". Because of Avira's security expertise and award-winning antivirus software, today more than 100 million consumers and small businesses live free of spyware, phishing, worms and other internet based threats. The company delivers IT-security protection to computers, servers and networks both directly and in the cloud.

In addition to protecting the online world, Avira's CEO promotes well being in the offline world through the Auerbach Foundation, which supports charitable and social projects. The philosophy of the foundation is to help people to help themselves.

AsiaPay partners with Smart for safer online payments

AsiaPay, the leading online payments provider in Asia, has tapped Smart Money, the mobile commerce platform of the Philippines’ leading wireless services provider – Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), allowing PesoPay online merchants to accept online payments made by millions of Smart Money users in the Philippines. 

Shown in the photo during the recent MOA-signing ceremony (from left to right) are: Elmer M. Malolos, Smart Load and Financial Services Head and Joseph Chan, CEO of AsiaPay.

Filipinos will soon have a convenient, efficient and more secure option to purchase goods and services from their favorite online merchants.

AsiaPay, the leading provider of secure electronic payment solutions in Asia has partnered with the Philippines’ leading wireless services provider, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), to enable Smart Money account holders to pay for their online purchases through merchants of PesoPay – AsiaPay’s online payment service in the Philippines.

Smart Money, which is the mobile commerce offering of Smart  issued by BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) in the Philippines, is the world’s first reloadable cash payment card linked to a mobile phone.

“We are excited to partner with Smart in offering additional payment options to merchants and in providing secure online payment support to Smart Money users. We are committed to providing innovative and effective solutions to the industry, and the extension from online to mobile payments is a key focus for AsiaPay. This latest partnership and offering strengthens our position as one of Asia’s leading payment service providers offering total payment solutions to our clients,” says Joseph Chan, CEO of AsiaPay.

“Our collaboration with AsiaPay underscores our strategy to find and work with the right partners to provide more value and convenience to our customers. The security, affordability and accessibility promised by the Smart Money platform, combined with the wide network of partners of AsiaPay, will provide both online buyers and sellers with an enhanced and unparalleled mobile money experience,” said Elmer M. Malolos, Smart Load and Financial Services Head.

AsiaPay’s wide network of merchant partners, extensive experience in electronic payments, and comprehensive fraud management system with real-time fraud potential transaction screening easily complement Smart Money’s unique lock / unlock feature that enables any Smart Money account holder to authorize online purchases with just a few clicks on a Smart mobile phone .

The extensive capabilities and network of AsiaPay, combined with the unique features of Smart Money, including its alliance with the MasterCard network and internet transaction lock facility, provide internet users with a richer and more secure online shopping experience.

Recent statistics show that the e-commerce industry in the Philippines has not completely taken off. Aside from the fact that Filipinos still prefer the physical experiences associated with shopping, comfort level with online transactions have yet to improve as well. According to the first-ever in-depth study on the internet habits of Filipinos conducted by Yahoo! and Nielsen in March 2009, only 3% of over 20 million internet users in the Philippines, engage in online transactions.

Smart Money’s mobile-based internet security lock feature addresses the security concerns of online shoppers as it requires account holders to input a Personal Identification Number (PIN) via a Smart mobile phone to signify that an online purchase transaction has been authorized.  This gives Smart Money users even more control over their accounts, and protection from fraudulent online transactions.  The Smart Money mobile internet security lock is a first in the Philippines. It won as Best Mobile Money Service at the 2009 Asia Mobile Awards in Hong Kong.

About AsiaPay

Founded in 2000, AsiaPay, a premier electronic payment solution and technology vendor and payment service provider, strives to bring advanced, secured, integrated, and cost-effective electronic payment processing solutions and services to banks and e-businesses in the worldwide market, covering international credit card, debit card and other prepaid card payments. AsiaPay is an accredited payment processor and payment gateway solution vendor for banks, certified IPSP for merchants, certified international 3D-Secure vendor for Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and JCB. AsiaPay offers its variety of award-winning payment solutions that are multi-currency, multi-lingual, multi-card, and multi-channel together with its advanced fraud detection and management solutions. Headquartered in Hong Kong, AsiaPay offers its professional e-payment solution consultancy and quality local service support across its other 9 offices in Asia including: Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Mainland China (3), Taiwan, and Vietnam. For more information, please visit www.asiapay.com and www.pesopay.com.

About Smart Money

Smart Money is the world’s first reloadable electronic payment card linked to a mobile phone. It combines the strength of Smart's mobile commerce services and MasterCard's wide merchant acceptance network, enabling consumers to enjoy a wide array of goods and services. The pioneering Smart Money platform was accorded a 2010 Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao National Intellectual Property (IP) Award. Smart Money also won the 2001 3GSM Award for “Most Innovative GSM Wireless Service for Customers, and 2009 Asia Mobile Awards for the “Best Mobile Money Service” and “Best Mobile Money for the Unbanked” categories. It was also cited as the “Best Product Innovation” award at the MasterCard Awards in Australia.

There are currently over 8.5 million Filipinos using Smart Money who enjoy the benefits of peer-to-peer fund transfers, airtime reloading, bills payment, ATM withdrawals from over thousands of ATMs here and abroad, and purchases from millions of MasterCard establishments all over the world and on the worldwide web. The platform also allows Smart Money users to send fund transfer directly to over 47 million Smart subscribers.

For more information on Smart Money, log on to http://smart.com.ph/money/. 

New Mobile Receipt Printer Source

September 22, 2011 11:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Source Technologies, a global leader in specialized thermal barcode and MICR printing solutions, today announced the immediate availability of its newest mobile thermal receipt printer. The STm.58 offers four (4) distinct configurations to meet countless portable printing requirements.

The STm.58 is an ergonomically designed 2-inch portable with optional dual MagStripe Reader (MSR) and Bluetooth connectivity. This exceptional value-for-the-price-device prints clean, crisp receipts every time. The STm.58’s light weight and durable design modernizes on-demand payment processing and receipt printing for applications like route delivery, field service procedures, arena sales and line busting.

“Due to expanding markets and applications in which mobile printers are being utilized today, we recognize the demand for a lighter and sleeker printer. Customers are always looking for ways to make their jobs easier and faster and we have provided just that with this printer. Like our current mobile thermal printers, the STm.58 offers increased battery life and easy media loading capabilities; however, with an optional credit card reader, this printer is ideal for those needing receipt printing only,” advised Leo Giocondo, Sr. Product Manager.

STm.58 printers offer

• 80mm/sec maximum print speed and standard 203dpi
• Paper depletion and cover open sensors
• Serial, USB and Bluetooth

The new STm.58 portable thermal printer from Source Technologies puts fast, legible receipt printing right in the hands of mobile operations personnel with four (4) different configuration choices.

1. STm.58 with USB and Serial

2. STm.58m with USB, Serial and dual (MSR)

3. STm.58b with USB, Serial standard Bluetooth connectivity

4. STm.58bm with USB, Serial, Bluetooth and MSR

About Us

Celebrating 25 years of innovation, Source Technologies, an industry leader of specialized printing solutions, develops products for global markets including warehousing and distribution, finance, healthcare, transportation and logistics, and retail. Solutions include thermal barcode and receipt printers, MICR laser printers for the on-demand printing of negotiable documents, secure data printers and distribution software. Engineered for ease-of-use and reliability, our business solutions are impactful to organizations aspiring to streamline operations and increase efficiency. Experience something new: www.sourcetech.com

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6869604&lang=en

Contacts

Source Technologies
Laurel Ciliberti, 704-969-7573
Corporate Communications Manager
lciliberti@sourcetech.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/source_tech

Maxim Demonstrates Near-Field Communication Smart Poster Technology at NFC Bootcamp(TM)

Maxim Unveils NFC Smart Labels With Android(R) Application Featuring SHA-1 Security for the Samsung(R) Nexsus S Smartphone

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maxim Integrated Products (Nasdaq:MXIM) introduces a new line of near-field communications (NFC) inlays for the two-billion-units-per-year automatic identification and electronic cash (e-Cash) markets. With a 13.56MHz interface, this family of keys (MAX66000/020/040/100/120/140) is positioned to gain significant market share because 13.56MHz is becoming the worldwide RFID standard for eWallet applications. Working in conjunction with the NFC Bootcamp and OTA Training, LLC., Maxim will be demonstrating one-way NFC inlays used with Smart Poster technology. Six scheduled events will be held in New York City, Minneapolis, Chicago, Santa Clara, Atlanta, and Dallas. The NFC Bootcamp Series, Learn How to Market with NFC: Creating Effective Marketing Strategies Using Near Field Communication, is the first standardized educational series that brings together industry leaders and hands-on demonstrations of the power of NFC to extend brand engagement. About Maxim Integrated Products Maxim makes highly integrated analog and mixed-signal semiconductors. Maxim reported revenue of approximately $2.5 billion for fiscal 2011. For more information, go to www.Maxim-ic.com. About OTA Training: Based in Dallas, Texas, OTA Training, LLC is the creator and producer of the NFC Bootcamp series, Learn How to Market with NFC: Creating Effective Marketing Strategies Using Near Field Communication. This program brings the most knowledgeable and respected leaders in the NFC industry together to present their visions and ideas. It also feature the NFC Showcase™, which will highlight real-world, hands-on demos of NFC technology at work. For more information visit: www.nfcbootcamp.com or www.otatraining.com.

Baseball Superstar Alex Rodriguez Teams Up With RushCard to Present the DYNASTY Prepaid Visa RushCard

CINCINNATI, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez is teaming with prepaid industry pioneer and philanthropist Russell Simmons to give more people access to financial freedom with the DYNASTY Prepaid Visa RushCard.

The DYNASTY card will offer members all of the same great features and benefits they have grown accustomed to including prescription drug discount cards, discount health plans, online money tools, and Card-to-Card Transfers. The DYNASTY card is the latest addition to the RushCard suite of cards that includes the original Prepaid Visa RushCard, Baby Phat RushCard, Diamond RushCards, and the new KLS RushCard.  

"Now, more than ever, urban and rural communities need financial tools to help them navigate the struggling economy," saidAlex Rodriquez, third baseman for the New York Yankees. "I am delighted to be working alongside Russell Simmons to introduce the DYNASTY Prepaid Visa RushCard and the many unique features it provides to assist families in meeting their financial objectives. In this challenging economic climate, consumers will benefit from the financial tools that are available to its members."

The new DYNASTY RushCard features a simple yet sleek design created with Alex's input. Members can use their cards anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted – in stores, online, and at ATMs. Plus, RushCard's powerful features help members follow a budget and track their spending while saving on health care services and prescription drug costs. They can simply choose the design that best suits their style.

"As a fellow New Yorker, Alex knows how important it is to financially empower communities that continue to lack access to basic and convenient financial services," said Russell Simmons. "I'm happy that he's stepped up to the plate to help bring the new DYNASTY RushCard and its many affordable features to his fan base."

To learn more about the Prepaid Visa RushCard, and their 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 and New York City, 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

Fuze Network Launches Swipe2Pay at Finovate: Enables Easy Cash Payments on Virtually Any Card At Retail Checkouts

Industry-First Solution Revolutionizes Walk-In Bill Payment: Now Live At Over 2,500 Retail Locations Across the U.S.

SALT LAKE CITY and NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fuze Network, Inc., an innovative payments technology company dedicated to easing the burden of making cash payments for consumers, billers and retailers today announced the launch of a revolutionary cash payment solution called Swipe2Pay™ at Finovate Fall 2011, a premier event showcasing the latest innovations in financial technology. The first ever offering of its kind, Swipe2Pay enables any retailer to process a cash payment for any card at any time with their existing point of sale (POS) infrastructure.

Increasing numbers of consumers prefer to pay their bills and other purchases with cash, since it's often the easiest, most efficient way to make a payment. Typically, these services require complicated forms which often take time and money to process and result in misdirected funds and unnecessary inconvenience. With Swipe2Pay, card issuers, banks, billers and retailers can offer added choice, speed, and convenience for their customers by enabling them to easily pay, load or deposit cash to over 1 billion cards in the United States - from credit, debit, prepaid, gas, store, gift cards and more - at virtually any retail location using their existing POS terminals. All it takes is the card and cash, and consumers can swipe for nearly instant payment posting with real-time confirmation delivered via SMS text. No more cumbersome forms. No more complicated codes. Just unparalleled speed, convenience and accessibility.

Implementing Swipe2Pay could not be easier for retailers, since it uses the same steps already in place to load and process cash payments on in-store cards. Swipe2Pay's user-friendly technology seamlessly integrates into any existing POS infrastructure with little to no start-up costs and no new equipment or training required.  Plus, one low and consistent convenience fee for any card type means consumers know what they're paying, every transaction, every time - whether putting cash on a card or paying off a balance.

"Swipe2Pay is a game changer in the walk-in bill payment industry – offering unmatched speed and convenience to benefit consumers as much as retail merchants and billers. What better venue than Finovate to introduce Swipe2Pay to the world," said Fuze Network founder and CEO Dave Wilkes.

Over 25,000 additional big box retailers, regional chains, convenience stores, and check-cashing centers across the country are already committed to launching Swipe2Pay in the coming weeks and months.  

Fuze BillPay Card

Fuze is also proud to introduce the all-new BillPay Card, making it easier for consumers to make in-store cash payments on recurring bills from virtually any vendor. Simply walk into one of Fuze's over 100,000 retail locations nationwide and swipe, to have cash payment applied to auto finance, rent and wireless bills to satellite TV, internet service, utilities and more. Fuze partners with individual billers to create a branded BillPay card, offering an added touchpoint to consumers to offer rewards and benefits along with increased convenience and payment control. Fuze can also help billers identify frequent/likely cash paying customers, and mail them a branded BillPay card along with simple instructions to get them started on instantly paying their bill from anywhere.

For more information on Swipe2Pay, visit www.swipe2pay.com. More information on Fuze Network's full suite of payment solution products, including the all-new Fuze BillPay Card, can be found by visiting www.fuzenetwork.com.  

About Fuze Network

Fuze Network is a payments technology company providing merchants and billers with dramatically low-cost options for their customers to find and make payments at over 17,000 banks and 100,000 retail locations nationwide. Founded by payment industry experts and driven by innovation, Fuze Network is dedicated to systematically changing the way bills can be paid, to the benefit of consumers as much as service providers, by injecting speed, simplicity, and convenience into the process. Find more information at www.fuzenetwork.com or call 888-FUZE-TEAM (888-389-3832).

SOURCE Fuze Network, Inc.

MasterCard Board of Directors Announces .15 Regular Quarterly Dividend

September 21, 2011 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

PURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MasterCard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend to holders of shares of its Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The cash dividend of 15 cents per share will be paid on November 9, 2011 to holders of record of its Class A common stock and Class B common stock as of October 10, 2011.

About MasterCard Incorporated

MasterCard (NYSE: MA) is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Learn more at www.mastercard.com.

American Small Business Owners Continue to Hire and Plan Strategic Growth in the U.S. Market, Ink from Chase Survey Reveals

September 22, 2011 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Survey Shows Continued Optimism Toward Hiring, Despite Economy

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Three-fourths (75 percent) of small businesses say they are adding positions despite the economy, up slightly from last year (72 percent), according to the Ink from Chase survey of CEOs of fastest growing U.S. small businesses. Demonstrating continued optimism toward reviving the U.S. economy, 67 percent of small businesses plan to expand into new U.S. markets as a key growth strategy. The data was released by Ink from Chase, the business card portfolio from Chase Card Services, a division of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM).

“Small to mid-sized growth companies continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience in spite of economic uncertainty. Their rock solid track record of growth underscores the importance these businesses have on net new job generation and contribution to our economy.”

This is the third consecutive year that Ink from Chase surveyed CEOs and senior executives on the prominent Inc. 500|5000 list of fastest growing U.S. small businesses about their outlook on the economy, employment, general growth, and productivity tools, including mobile applications and online tools and social media channels.

Specific findings from this year’s survey revealed that:

Small business owners plan to hire employees and invest in talent, despite the economy

• Seventy-five percent say they are adding positions despite the economy (up from 72 percent in 2010 and from 49 percent in 2009)
• Fourteen percent are hiring to upgrade talent

There is room for profit growth as small business owners plan U.S.-based growth strategy

• Sixty-seven percent are planning to expand into new U.S. markets
• Fifty-nine percent are planning to produce more revenue from existing customers
• For fiscal year 2011 – 33 percent say their firms will exceed both revenue and profit goals, while 30 percent expect that they will meet their revenue/profit goals.
• When asked “Three to six months from now – how do you think your business will be doing?” – the response was:

• Fifty-one percent responded ‘Slightly better’
• Twenty-three percent responded ‘Much better’
• Twenty-one percent responded ‘About the same’

“We are inspired by the optimism shown by small business owners and their plans to grow, upgrade talent and hire, despite the current economic environment,” said Richard Quigley, president of Ink from Chase. “Ink from Chase will continue to focus on the fundamental financial needs of small business owners and providing them with the solutions they need to succeed.”

Inc. magazine President Bob LaPointe said, “Small to mid-sized growth companies continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience in spite of economic uncertainty. Their rock solid track record of growth underscores the importance these businesses have on net new job generation and contribution to our economy."

About Inc. and the Inc. 500|5000

Inc., the only major business magazine focused exclusively for CEOs of fast-growing, private companies, delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. Inc. provides hands-on resources and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. The publication also looks beyond work to address the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Inc. inspires and informs, with cutting-edge coverage that reflects our readers' energy, brashness, and imagination.

The Inc. 500|5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Started in 1982, this prestigious list of the nation's most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success.

The Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony is an annual event that brings the nation’s brightest, most successful business minds together to celebrate their remarkable achievements. In addition to an awards ceremony, the event offers informative workshops, celebrated keynote speakers and evening functions.

For more information on Inc. and the Inc. 500|5000 Conference, visit www.Inc.com.

Editor’s Note: The 2011 Inc. 5000 CEO Research Study queried members of the Inc. 500|5000 CEO e-mail database between September 9, 2011 and September 14, 2011, and received 390 total responses.

About Ink from Chase

Ink from Chase is a portfolio of business cards offering robust, flexible payment solutions and resources to meet the unique needs of small business owners, from spending habits to cash flow needs to rewards. This business card portfolio, which features Chase’s pay-in-full charge card (a first from issuers of Visa® or MasterCard®), includes the Ink Bold, Ink Plus, Ink Classic and Ink Cash cards.

In addition to offering small business owners powerful cards and services, Ink from Chase launched Jot ^SM, a mobile application and online solution which saves small business owners time by enabling them to easily track, categorize and organize business expenses immediately from their iPhone® and Android™ mobile devices or online.

All Ink cards are accepted worldwide at twice as many locations as American Express, giving small business owners a broader range of purchasing options and more opportunities to earn rewards – up to 25 percent more than American Express. Ink cards are supported by Chase’s 5,000 bank branches and their trusted staffs, and are designed to meet the individual needs of small business owners. Earlier this year, Chase raised its 2011 small business lending pledge to $12 billion from $10 billion in 2010. During the first six months of 2011, Chase provided credit to more than 150,000 small businesses in the United States. It also doubled its approved SBA lending and has made the most Small Business Administration loans to U.S. companies during the first half of SBA’s current fiscal year.

Mozido Announces Partnership with Kabbani Associates Targeting Money Service Businesses

September 22, 2011 09:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mozido, (www.mozido.com), the cloud payment network that brings every mobile phone user into the financial ecosystem, announced today it has finalized an exclusive partnership with Kabbani Associates, leading experts on the payment and remittance industries, to bring mobile wallet solutions to Money Service Businesses. The objective of this partnership is to introduce Mozido’s mobile wallet services to the MSB community and provide traditional remittance companies with the advanced technology needed to bank their customers.

“I've known Nabil and Kabbani Associates for over 12 years and have the utmost respect for their organization. Kabbani Associates adds tremendous depth and experience to our global financial services team.”

Mozido has been offering a comprehensive suite of multi-channel payment and marketing solutions to the P2P, C2B and B2C markets for over a decade. They support numerous clients and have relationships with industry leaders such as Western Union and Moneygram. Their multi-channel payment solutions enable transfers to be completed from a PC, a POS device or a mobile phone. In addition, Mozido provides consumers access to value added services such as stored value, bill pay, airtime purchases, mobile minutes transfers, retail purchases, savings accounts and payroll deposits in addition to numerous marketing and analytics capabilities.

“We have chosen to partner with Kabbani Associates, due to their wide-ranging experience in remittances and their connections to MSBs globally. The remittance players are a natural fit for Mozido with their extensive relationships with the under-banked community, which will derive great benefits and cost savings from our technology platform,” said Gregory J. Corona, Mozido’s Chairman and CEO. “Mozido can help unlock unprecedented potential for remittance companies by enhancing the relationship that has been built over years of investing in their brand and customer base. Partnering will allow Mozido to further monetize these customers through a convenient integrated suite of essential services while increasing customer loyalty to the remittance brand,” said Nabil Kabbani, Founding Partner of Kabbani Associates.

Michael Liberty, Mozido’s Founder and Chairman of Mozido Global Strategic Initiatives added, “I've known Nabil and Kabbani Associates for over 12 years and have the utmost respect for their organization. Kabbani Associates adds tremendous depth and experience to our global financial services team.”

Mozido will be a sponsor in the upcoming 2012 International Money Transfer Conference being held in Miami and will showcase its unique offering in a private presentation session. Gregory J. Corona, Chairman & CEO of Mozido will be a featured speaker on the "Mobile Payments Day,” the first of its kind for this conference. Nabil Kabbani will make the keynote address and facilitate a panel discussion centered around the mobile money transfer industry.

About Mozido

Founded in 2007, Mozido is the leading provider of multichannel transaction services to retailers, mobile network operators and financial institutions. Mozido offers solutions that enable easy and secure transactions all from the convenience of a mobile phone, and without the need of a traditional bank account. For more information, visit www.mozido.com.

About Kabbani Associates

Kabbani Associates is a consultancy practice that seeks to increase the depth and breadth of financial services provided to the immigrant and under-banked communities. It also consults in P2P and the payments solution industry with particular focus on digital distribution and monetization. For more information on Kabbani Associates or Nabil Kabbani, visit http://www.linkedin.com/in/nabilkabbani.

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Bottomline Announces Cross-Border Electronic Invoicing

September 22, 2011 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Banks and Corporates Benefit from Improved Efficiencies and Working Capital Optimization

Sibos 2011

PORTSMOUTH, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bottomline Technologies (NASDAQ: EPAY) today announced it has gone live with a secure, real-time solution for sending and receiving invoices electronically via the global SWIFT network. E-invoicing presents a significant opportunity for banks and their corporate customers to streamline paper-laden processes and reduce costs while increasing visibility into the financial supply chain.

“This implementation demonstrates how collaboration between banks, their customers and industry providers can create true cross-border invoicing solutions utilizing standards supported by SWIFT, creating a win for all contributing parties. Banks who participate can create and sustain a competitive advantage and drive new revenue streams.”

UK-based Bottomline customer Spirax Sarco is leveraging Bottomline’s SWIFT Access Service to exchange e-invoices via SWIFT with a Finnish customer. This is the first time that the SWIFT network has been used for the automated exchange of invoices between buyer and supplier through their service providers. Unlike using SWIFT for payments, with the right service provider and banking partnerships, corporates who are not SWIFT members can leverage SWIFT’s new e-invoicing standards and network.

“Bottomline is uniquely positioned to facilitate e-invoicing,” said Eric Campbell, CTO. “This implementation demonstrates how collaboration between banks, their customers and industry providers can create true cross-border invoicing solutions utilizing standards supported by SWIFT, creating a win for all contributing parties. Banks who participate can create and sustain a competitive advantage and drive new revenue streams.”

Editorial Note: Bottomline will be exhibiting in booth #L117 at Sibos, Sept. 19-23, 2011 in Toronto. For more information or to arrange an on-site meeting, please contact Heather Bridges athbridges@bottomline.com or visit www.bottomline.com/sibos. Join Bottomline’s Marcus Hughes at 11:00 am today in Community Room 3 for “E-Invoicing – Banks and Non-Banks Pushing for Interoperability”.

About Bottomline Technologies

Bottomline Technologies (NASDAQ: EPAY) provides collaborative payment, invoice and document automation solutions to corporations, financial institutions and banks around the world. The company’s solutions are used to streamline, automate and manage processes involving payments, invoicing, global cash management, supply chain finance and transactional documents. Organizations trust these solutions to meet their needs for cost reduction, competitive differentiation and optimization of working capital. Headquartered in the United States, Bottomline also maintains offices in Europe and Asia-Pacific. For more information, visit www.bottomline.com.