Discover U.S. Spending MonitorSM Consumer Confidence Rebounds Slightly in October

November 02, 2011 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Discretionary Spending Intentions Hold Steady

More Consumers are Planning to Tighten their Holiday Spending Budgets This Year Compared to Last Year

RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumer confidence slightly rebounded in October as more consumers felt the economy and their personal finances were improving, while fewer felt the economy and their finances were getting worse according to the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor.

The Monitor, a 4-year-old daily poll tracking economic confidence and spending intentions of nearly 8,200 consumers throughout the month, recorded a 2-point rise to 79.0 percent. Fourteen percent of consumers felt economic conditions were getting better in October, a 2-point rise from September. Sixty-two percent felt economic conditions were getting worse, down 1 point from September.

Despite the fact that more consumers feel economic conditions are improving, a record 69 percent view the current state of the economy as poor. This is 2 points higher than last month and 12 points higher than a year ago. October’s findings indicate:

Attitudes Toward Personal Finances Improve

Consumer sentiment toward personal finances also rebounded slightly in October.

• 16 percent of consumers felt their personal finances were getting better in October, 1 point higher than September. Fifty-five percent of consumers felt their finances were getting worse, 2 points lower than September.

• 30 percent rate their personal finances as good or excellent, 1 point higher than September. Twenty-six percent of consumers rated their personal finances as poor, slightly less than September’s record high of 28 percent.
• 45 percent of consumers said they will have money left over after paying monthly bills, up 2 points from September. Forty-two percent said they will have no money left over, down 2 points from September.

Discretionary Spending Intentions Are Flat Heading Into the Holiday Season

October’s Monitor indicated consumers were content with the discretionary spending cutbacks they made in September and are more likely to spend the same in the month ahead as they did in the prior month rather than more or less.

• 37 percent planned to spend the same on discretionary personal purchases like going out to dinner or the movies, a figure that is up 2 points from the month earlier. Half planned on spending less, down 3 points. Only 8 percent planned on spending more, down 1 point.
• 30 percent of consumers planned on spending the same in the month ahead on home improvement purchases, the same as last month’s survey. At the same time, 52 percent plan on spending less, also the same as last month’s survey, while 13 percent plan on spending more on home improvement purchases, also the same figure as September.
• 36 percent planned on spending the same on major purchases like a vacation, up 3 points from September. Forty-nine percent planned on spending less, down 3 points from the prior month. A total of 11 percent plan on spending more, the same as September.

More Consumers Are Planning to Spend Less on Holiday Gifts in 2011 Compared to 2010

Early indications suggest that more consumers are heading into the holiday season planning to spend less on holiday gifts compared to 2010. Sixty-one percent of consumers, so far, say they plan on spending less this year on holiday gifts than they did last year, 6 points higher than what was reported in the Monitor in 2010. Only 9 percent plan on spending more on holiday gifts this year, compared to 11 percent in 2010.

In years past, Monitor data has shown that the percentage of consumers intending to spend less on holiday gifts than the year before steadily decreases from the start to the end of the holiday season. The Monitor will continue to ask consumers their holiday spending intentions through Christmas.

About Discover

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

NRF Says Bank of America Decision to Drop Debit Card Fee Shows Competition Works

Image via CrunchBase

November 01, 2011 02:41 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President and General Counsel Mallory Duncan in response to Bank of America announcement that it has dropped plans to impose a $5 monthly fee on debit card users:

“Thanks to bipartisan efforts in Congress, we’ve begun to see transparency and competition for debit card fees. We need to achieve the same for credit card fees.”

“This decision proves that a free and open marketplace based on transparency and competition works. When merchants were saddled with sky-high credit and debit card swipe fees years ago, there was little they could do because the fees were hidden and there was no true competition. But when this fee was announced in the open by one bank and other banks offered the same service without a fee, consumers were able to do what retailers have always wanted – to vote with their feet. This is why card companies and banks have tried so hard to hide their fees – because when excessive fees are exposed to the light of day, they go away.”

“Thanks to bipartisan efforts in Congress, we’ve begun to see transparency and competition for debit card fees. We need to achieve the same for credit card fees.”

As the world’s largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, NRF’s global membership includes retailers of all sizes, formats and channels of distribution as well as chain restaurants and industry partners from the United States and more than 45 countries abroad. In the United States, NRF represents an industry that includes more than 3.6 million establishments and which directly and indirectly accounts for 42 million jobs – one in four U.S. jobs. The total U.S. GDP impact of retail is $2.5 trillion annually, and retail is a daily barometer of the health of the nation’s economy. www.nrf.com.

U.S. Bank Launches the New Visa® Convenient Cash™ Card

November 01, 2011 11:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. Bank, lead bank of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB), now offers the new Visa® Convenient Cash™ Card (Convenient Cash Card) in all of its branches across the United States. The Convenient Cash Card is a reloadable prepaid card that allows cardholders to make purchases wherever Visa® debit is accepted. Unlike other prepaid products, U.S. Bank cardholders can add funds to the Convenient Cash Card at any U.S. Bank branch and withdraw money from any U.S. Bank ATM free of charge.

“We continue to lead the payments industry with new and innovative products, like the Convenient Cash Card, that serve a wider segment of the population and also provide alternative products to existing customers.”

“As a leading issuer of Visa Prepaid cards, U.S. Bank continues to offer new financial products and services that consumers find highly valuable,” said Kevin Morrison, senior vice president, U.S. Bank Retail Payments Solutions. “We continue to lead the payments industry with new and innovative products, like the Convenient Cash Card, that serve a wider segment of the population and also provide alternative products to existing customers.”

The Convenient Cash Card is for consumers who seek convenience, safety and control of their everyday necessities, such as groceries, gas, bill payments and online purchases, or to help them separate discretionary spending from their funds in other accounts. As a reloadable prepaid card, the Convenient Cash Card helps customers budget their money and avoid overspending because it only lets a cardholder use the funds that are available on the card. Cardholders have access to account management tools; including text alerts, email notifications and online statements.

Customers can add funds at any U.S. Bank branch free of charge. Payroll and government disbursements can also be deposited directly on the card. Cardholders can also quickly add funds to their Convenient Cash Card at any of the approximately 50,000 locations nationwide offering Visa ReadyLink.

U.S. Bank Retail Payment Solutions (RPS) is one of the nation's leading providers of payment processing, issuing and advisory services. RPS offers a full suite of payment solutions to consumers and small businesses through U.S. Bank and in partnership with financial institutions, businesses, governments and employers.

About U.S. Bank

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $330 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2011, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 3,089 banking offices in 25 states and 5,092 ATMs and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp and its employees are dedicated to improving the communities they serve, for which the company earned the 2011 Spirit of America Award, the highest honor bestowed on a company by United Way. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.

Global Mobile Industry Embraces NFC Technology - China’s 900 Million Mobile Users Create Vast Opportunities for Developers

October 31, 2011 10:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

CARTES in Asia 2012 to showcase NFC industry opportunities and developments

CARTES in Asia 2012

CARTES in Asia 2011

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The global Near Field Communication (NFC) industry has taken off this year with Google Wallet making an impact and major handset vendors including Nokia, Samsung (Google), RIM, LG and ZTE launching large volumes of NFC devices. With over 900 million mobile users, mainland China has the biggest potential for the future of NFC deployment. Businesses wanting to reach suppliers of this technology or to research innovations in NFC should participate in CARTES in Asia exhibition and conference at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong, 28 & 29 March 2012.

Many NFC technologies and applications originated in the West but according to a recent Smart Insights White Paper on NFC in China 2011, mainland China has its own powerful mobile payment solutions. China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom and China UnionPay are the key telecommunications and banking stakeholders. Each has developed several projects incorporating NFC, or NFC-like technology such as RF-SIM, SIMpass or MicroSD, in major mainland cities that enable customers to use mobile phones to pay for food and drink as well as public transport. The main suppliers of this technology include Nationz Technologies, Eastcompease, Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics, Watchdata, TCL, Datang and HTC proving that not only is mainland China using NFC but it is also developing and providing its own NFC applications.

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology states that mobile payments are expected to be the driving force behind mainland China’s aim to triple its e-commerce industry by the end of the country's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015). By the end of 2011, mainland China’s estimated current 230 million mobile payments users are expected to generate transactions of USD 1.8 billion (CNY 11.37 billion), representing a 400 percent growth from 2010, states a research report by Minsheng Securities.

Outside of China but still in Asia, KT, South Korea’s second largest mobile operator, distributed (September) NFC-enabled iPhone attachments preloaded with a MasterCard PayPass application. Users can tap to pay at PayPass terminals in Korea that are also used by full NFC phones and other contactless-mobile handsets. While in Hong Kong, Pacific Coffee has launched (October) the first card-free settlement convenience with its iPhone app linked to PayPal.

Isabelle Alfano, Director of CARTES events, Comexposium, said: “We’ve seen a boom in the NFC industry this year with more and more countries realising the benefits of employing convenient card and cash-free technology. As mainland China’s economy keeps on growing, their huge subscriber base indicates great potential for future NFC deployments - less than one third of users currently have access to mobile payment technology. Government, transport, telecoms, administrative, security and retail industries looking to find out more should head to CARTES in Asia next March in Hong Kong where they will meet hundreds of experts and developers of this ground-breaking technology.”

The 2012 exhibition and conference will be the third edition of CARTES in Asia. Major exhibitors from the smart security industry have already confirmed their participation, such as: Advanced Card Systems, Gemalto, HID global, Ingenico, Inside Secure, Oberthur Technologies, STMicroelectronics, Watchdata.

Sources: NFC Times, Pacific Coffee, Smart Insights White Paper, China Daily, Paypers

About CARTES in Asia

Date: 28-29 March 2012

Opening times: 9.30am to 5.30pm

Place: Hong Kong – AsiaWorld-Expo

Organiser: Comexposium

Website: www.cartes-asia.com

FIS Announces Third Quarter Results

November 01, 2011 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Continued Strong Growth in International Solutions

• Revenue of $1.43 billion, up 4.3%; organic growth of 4.1%
• International Solutions revenue up 49.3%; organic growth of 21.9%
• EPS of $0.62, as adjusted, up 19.2%
• Free cash flow of $193 million

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FIS^™ (NYSE:FIS), the world’s largest provider of banking and payments technology, today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

“We remain focused on providing solutions that enable our clients to drive growth, optimize efficiency and meet their overall business objectives.”

GAAP Results

Revenue from continuing operations increased 4.3% to $1.43 billion in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $1.37 billion in the third quarter of 2010, which included an $83.3 million termination fee related to the card processing joint venture in Brazil. GAAP net earnings from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders totaled $145.4 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $134.3 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter.

Non-GAAP Results

Adjusted revenue growth was 10.8% in the third quarter of 2011, and organic revenue growth was 4.1%. EBITDA increased 2.7% to $438.0 million compared to EBITDA of $426.6 million, as adjusted, in the third quarter of 2010. EBITDA margin was 30.7% in the third quarter of 2011, compared to 33.1%, as adjusted, in the prior year quarter. EBITDA margin in the current year quarter reflects the addition of Capco, continued growth in lower margin services revenue, as well as approximately $10.1 million of integration, severance and merger and acquisition costs. EBITDA in the prior year quarter included a benefit of approximately $10.0 million for reimbursed legal fees.

Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations totaled $188.8 million compared to $176.7 million in the third quarter of 2010. Adjusted earnings per share increased 19.2% to $0.62 compared to $0.52 in the prior year quarter. Integration, severance, merger and acquisition costs reduced third quarter 2011 adjusted earnings by approximately $0.02 per share. Free cash flow was $193.4 million compared to free cash flow of $220.4 million, as adjusted, in the 2010 quarter. Definitions of non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to related GAAP measures are provided in subsequent sections of the press release narrative and supplemental schedules.

“Excellent growth in International Solutions drove solid top-line performance and contributed to the strong 19.2% growth in adjusted earnings per share in the third quarter,” stated Frank Martire, president and chief executive officer, FIS. “We remain focused on providing solutions that enable our clients to drive growth, optimize efficiency and meet their overall business objectives.”

Segment Information

The following is a discussion of third quarter results by segment:

• Financial Solutions:

Third quarter 2011 Financial Solutions revenue increased 7.8% to $523.2 million compared to $485.5 million in the 2010 quarter, driven by the addition of Capco’s North American operations, growth in account processing and higher services revenue. Financial Solutions revenue increased 0.6% on an organic basis. Financial Solutions EBITDA increased 1.9% to $224.0 million compared to $219.8 million in the third quarter of 2010. The EBITDA margin was 42.8% compared to 45.3% in the prior year quarter, reflecting the addition of Capco, lower license revenue, growth in lower margin services and approximately $1.7 million in integration and severance costs in the third quarter of 2011.

• Payment Solutions:

Third quarter 2011 Payment Solutions revenue increased 0.5% to $603.7 million compared to $600.6 million in the 2010 quarter. Payment Solutions revenue increased 2.0% excluding a $6.4 million decline in the check-related businesses. Payment Solutions EBITDA totaled $229.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $230.9 million in the third quarter of 2010. The decline was due primarily to $4.3 million of integration and severance costs that are included in the current year quarter. The EBITDA margin was 38.0% compared to 38.4% in the prior year quarter.

• International Solutions:

International Solutions revenue increased 49.3% to $297.7 million compared to $199.4 million in the 2010 quarter, and increased 21.9% on an organic basis. The strong performance was driven primarily by continued strong growth in Brazil card processing and Capco’s European business. International Solutions EBITDA increased 44.1% to $67.0 million compared to $46.5 million in the third quarter of 2010. Integration and severance costs of approximately $1.2 million are included in the current year quarter. The EBITDA margin was 22.5% compared to 23.3% in the prior year quarter, reflecting the addition of Capco.

• Corporate/Other:

Corporate expense totaled $82.6 million in the third quarter 2011, compared to $70.6 million in the prior year quarter. As previously disclosed, the prior year quarter included a benefit of approximately $10.0 million related to the reimbursement of legal expenses. Integration, severance and merger and acquisition costs of approximately $2.9 million are included in the current year quarter.

Net interest expense totaled $60.5 million compared to $60.9 million in the prior year quarter. The effective tax rate declined to 30.6% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to 36.6% in the prior year quarter due to the implementation of state and federal tax planning strategies and a non-recurring benefit related to the Company’s international business. FIS anticipates that the full year tax rate for 2011 will be approximately 33%.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $386.8 million as of September 30, 2011. Debt outstanding totaled approximately $4.9 billion as of September 30, 2011. Capital expenditures totaled $82.1 million in the third quarter of 2011, compared to $93.1 million in capital expenditures in the prior year quarter.

Free cash flow totaled $193.4 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to adjusted free cash flow of $220.4 million in the 2010 quarter due primarily to higher interest payments in the current year.

2011 Outlook

FIS updated its outlook for full year 2011 as follows:

• Revenue growth of approximately 10% (approximately 5% organic revenue growth);
• EBITDA growth of approximately 4% to 5%;
• Adjusted net earnings per share from continuing operations of $2.24 to $2.30;
• Free cash flow in excess of adjusted net earnings.

Mobile payments in Eastern Europe to rise to $42.3 billion by 2015 - a 3Q 2011 forecast report

November 01, 2011 08:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of IE Market Research Corp.'s new report "3Q.2011 Eastern Europe Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross transaction value of mobile payments in Eastern Europe to rise to $42.3 billion in 2015" to their extensive offering of mobile telecommunications market research publications.

“3Q.2011 Eastern Europe Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross transaction value of mobile payments in Eastern Europe to rise to $42.3 billion in 2015”

Eastern Europe Mobile Payment Market Forecast provides a comprehensive forecast of the regional and country-specific mobile payment markets. The countries covered are Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine.

IE Market Research covers annual forecasts of mobile payment users; mobile payment transactions by technology (such as NFC, SMS, WAP, USSD); and mobile payment transactions by type of purchase (such as merchandise, digital products, ticketing, mobile money transfers, bill payments, and pre-paid top-ups). The report is based on Global Consumer Telecommunications Survey, which covers 50,000 mobile users in 50 markets globally; and is the most extensive country-specific forecasts of its kind.

This report will be useful to:

• Strategists and analysts at mobile phone operators and banks/credit card companies responsible for mobile payment strategy development and business analytics.
• Developers of mobile payment systems at handset manufacturers.
• Device manufacturers in all areas of the telecommunications market that need strategy recommendations on key trends in the global mobile payment industry.
• Financial analysts and portfolio managers covering firms in the mobile payment market.
• Consultants advising their clients on mobile payment markets.
• Researchers who need to gain a better understanding of the global mobile payment market.

Key Topics Covered:

• SMS
• WAP/Web
• USSD
• NFC
• Merchandise purchases
• Digital purchases
• Ticketing
• Money transfers
• Bill payment
• Prepaid top-ups
• Average Transaction

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a2e0d6/3q_2011_eastern_eu

Russia Mobile Payment Market Forecast: Gross Transaction Value in Russia to Rise to $24.7 Billion in 2015

November 01, 2011 07:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Research and Markets: 3Q.2011 Russia Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross Transaction Value in Russia to Rise to $24.7 Billion in 2015

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of IE Market Research Corp.'s new report "3Q.2011 Russia Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross transaction value of mobile payments in Russia to rise to $24.7 billion in 2015" to their offering.

“3Q.2011 Russia Mobile Payment Market Forecast 2009 - 2015: Gross transaction value of mobile payments in Russia to rise to $24.7 billion in 2015”

Russia Mobile Payment Market Forecast provides a comprehensive forecast of Russia's mobile payment market. We cover annual forecasts of mobile payment users; mobile payment transactions by technology (such as NFC, SMS, WAP, USSD); and mobile payment transactions by type of purchase (such as merchandise, digital products, ticketing, mobile money transfers, bill payments, and pre-paid top-ups). The report is based on Global Consumer Telecommunications Survey-- which covers 50,000 mobile users in 50 markets globally and is the most extensive country-specific forecasts of its kind.

This report will be useful to:

• Strategists and analysts at mobile phone operators and banks/credit card companies responsible for mobile payment strategy development and business analytics
• Developers of mobile payment systems at handset manufacturers
• Device manufacturers in all areas of the telecommunications market that need strategy recommendations on key trends in the global mobile payment industry
• Financial analysts and portfolio managers covering firms in the mobile payment market
• Consultants advising their clients on mobile payment markets
• Researchers who need to gain a better understanding of the global mobile payment market

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/97db83/3q_2011_russia_mob

E-Debit Global Corporation Expands Its Review of the Mobile Payments Marketplace

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Oct. 31, 2011) - E-Debit Global Corporation (OTCBB:WSHE) -

In conjunction with European and South African mobile Telco software and infrastructure provider IN-CORP AG's Canadian subsidiary MapleTel.com ("MapleTel') E-Debit Global Corporation ("E-Debit") (OTCBB:WSHE) commenced today its review of the mobile payments marketplace with Capital Six Limited ("Capital Six") its joint venture with ebackup Inc. ("ebackup").

Overview

"We have expanded our review of our opportunities related to the mobile payments marketplace, particularly in the Canadian business space," E-Debit Chief Executive Doug Mac Donald said in a joint statement with ebackup Inc. President Rowland Perkins.

"We believe experience gained through the Canadian introduction and roll out of EMV (the payment and security standard for interoperation used for authenticating credit and debit card payments at chip enabled terminals developed for payment systems by Europay, MasterCard and Visa and introduced by the Interac Network) combined with MapleTel's international Telco infrastructure and software expertise holds great opportunity for virtual terminal development which allows transactions processing using any mobile phone, tablet or any type of device with an Internet connection," they added.

"I am looking forward to working with E-Debit and ebackup in bringing a mobile payments solution to the Canadian marketplace which today is virtually nonexistent due to dealing with the complex nature of EMV and PIN verification," stated John Kok, President of MapleTel.

"Combining E-Debits "processing Switch", ebackup's "Cloud" based PCI compliant data centre, technical and back up support and our Telco and software experience, the potential for success within the Canadian e-commerce business segment is very significant," Mr. Kok stated.

About E-Debit Global Corporation

E-Debit Global Corporation (WSHE) is a financial holding company in Canada at the forefront of debit, credit and online computer banking. Currently, the Company has established a strong presence in the privately owned Canadian banking sector including Automated Banking Machines (ABM), Point of Sale Machines (POS), Online Computer Banking (OCB) and E-Commerce Transaction security and payment. E-Debit maintains and services a national ABM network across Canada and is a full participating member of the Canadian INTERAC Banking System.

Xoom Expands Availability of Money Transfer Service with Retail Partnership

SAN FRANCISCO,  Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --  With increased consumer demand for more convenient and fairly priced money transfer services, Xoom Corporation today announced the launch of an online international money transfer service through Walmart.com.

Customers can now send money online via Walmart.com 24/7 to 30 countries in Latin America, Asia and Europe.  Money can be picked up in cash at any of thousands of locations or deposited quickly to bank accounts.  The service is available throughWalmart.com's Online Money Center or directly at walmart.xoom.com.

"Xoom is thrilled to partner with Walmart.com to offer this secure, easy to use and affordable money transfer service," said John Kunze, Xoom's President and CEO, "Xoom is committed to providing our customers with breathtakingly fast, easy and fairly priced money transfer experiences."

About Xoom Corporation

Xoom was founded in 2001 and is now one of the biggest and most trusted online money transfer companies in the US.  Xoom offers safe and secure sending options from the convenience of your computer.  Customers can access walmart.xoom.com 24/7 and send money using their bank account, debit or credit card.  For more information, go to walmart.xoom.com.

SOURCE Xoom Corporation

Turkcell Teknoloji Receives Best Contactless Mobile Transaction (NFC) Award for Cep-T Cüzdan

ISTANBUL, November 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Turkcell (NYSE: TKC, ISE: TCELL), the leading communications and technology company's 100% subsidiary; R&D and innovation base Turkcell Teknoloji has won the SIMagine award in the Best Contactless Mobile Transaction (NFC) Awards category.

Turkcell Cep-T Cüzdan, a mobile wallet application that enables the secure installation of more than one credit card application on a single SIM card, was a world first developed by Turkcell Teknoloji.  The Cep-T Cüzdan service, which relies on NFC (Near Field Communication), eliminates the need for conventional plastic credit cards.  Instead, the NFC supported terminals in themselves become credit cards with the introduction of this application.  Through Cep-T Cüzdan, customers can load their MasterCard branded credit cards to their mobile phones and make contact-free transactions for onetime payment of up to TRY35 with no pin or signature.  Having been approved by MasterCard, Cep-T Cüzdan currently offers huge convenience toYapi Kredi and Garanti Bank users.  Further Turkish banks and other service providers are expected to become available to mobile wallet service subscribers, thereby enabling them to experience real wallet concept with the convenience of their mobile equivalent.  

Turkcell Teknoloji's General Manager, Semih Incedayi commented that, "Through our competency, which is backed by Turkcell's pioneering vision in technology and communications, Turkey is now considered one of the leading countries in this arena.  Over the past 2 years, we have accumulated solid know-how and experience in the field of contactless technologies, having now achieved another global first.  The fact that Cep-T Cüzdan won the SIMagine award in the Best Contactless Mobile Transaction (NFC) Awards category confirms the level of technical competency Turkish engineers have now reached, which is very meaningful."

About SIMagine

The SIMagine awards are organized by an association that consists of key sector representatives, known as SIM Alliance. SIM Alliance has been supporting the creation, usage and management of secure mobile services worldwide for more than ten years. The alliance conducts studies to estimate and detect security, identity and mobility related problems on the internet, where convergence is gradually gaining importance.

About Turkcell

Turkcell is the leading communications and technology company in Turkey with 34.1 million subscribers and a market share of approximately 54% as of June 30, 2011 (Source: Operator's announcements and excluding the impact of the change in prepaid churn periods in Q2 2011). Turkcell is a leading regional player, with market leadership in five of the nine countries in which it operates with its approximately 61.7 million subscribers as of June 30, 2011. The company covers approximately 85% of the Turkish population through its 3G and 99.07% through its 2G technology supported network. It has become one of the first among the global operators to have implemented HSDPA+ and achieved a 42.2 Mbps speed using the HSPA multi carrier solution. Turkcell reported a TRY2.3 billion (US$1.5 billion) net revenue with total assets of TRY15.5 billion (US$9.5 billion) as of June 30, 2011. It has been listed on the NYSE and the ISE since July 2000, and is the only NYSE-listed company in Turkey. Read more at http://www.turkcell.com.tr

The Business of Halloween

Hey John,
Considering it's October 31st, I thought you might like our newest infographic on The Business of Halloween. In case you like it and are up for doing a post about it, you can use the following embed code to share the image on your site -- 

Americans spend more and more on Halloween each year. All the costumes, decorations, candy and cards add up to big business and have given rise to a crop of Halloween pop-up stores that are able to cash in during the two months a year they are open.

Via: Business Credit Cards Blog

Mercatus Concierge® for Mobile Featuring QR and NFC Technology Now Available to Retailers

October 31, 2011 11:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mercatus Technologies, a software development company delivering cross-channel marketing capabilities to the retail industry, launches a service module for the Concierge^® for Mobile solution. Concierge for Mobile, a customizable mobile application service—now featuring innovative Near Field Communication (NFC) and Quick Response (QR) technologies—exponentially extends the brand reach of retailers to improve competitive advantage, boost brand equity, and improve financial performance.

“NFC and QR technologies enable people to get and interact with information anywhere, anytime”

Mobile technology revolutionizes the retail industry by changing how and when consumers interact with brands. With Concierge for Mobile, retailers enable customers to leverage the brand’s interactive mobile app to quickly and conveniently sign up for a loyalty account to manage their shopping list, digital coupons, promotions, and more. And now with the addition of NFC and QR code technologies, retailers put their customers in control and satisfy their desire for immediate information about their products.

“NFC and QR technologies enable people to get and interact with information anywhere, anytime,” explains James Thomas, Director, Strategy, Mercatus Technologies. “Our innovation incubator, Mercatus Greenhouse, brings together retailers, visionaries, and our technology gurus to collaborate on innovative solutions to real-world retail challenges. One idea that sprouted is the NFC and QR technologies featured in Concierge for Mobile. Our NFC and QR functionality was unveiled to chain retailers at NextPoint 2011 and the interest was substantial. The convenience and instant gratification of highly responsive NFC and QR technologies give retailers the tools to effectively and quickly place their brand in the palm of every mobile device user while boosting brand equity and improving financial performance.”

Because the Mercatus platform is modular, retailers are able to add to their solution over time—always knowing that they are leveraging their investment. Concierge API supports Concierge for Mobile, Concierge for Web, and Concierge for Cart to name just a few of the modular services available to achieve retailers’ unique requirements. For more information or to schedule a one-to-one demo, please contact Rick Laanvere at 973 353 6214 x 241. Also, watch the demo video, Concierge for Mobile Featuring NFC and QR Code Technologies.

Downloads

Concierge for Mobile Brochure (PDF)

Concierge API Brochure (PDF)

About Mercatus

Imagine delivering the right message to the right consumer in the right place at the right time. Mercatus Technologies makes this possible. Mercatus enables retailers and advertisers to achieve competitive advantage, boost brand equity, and improve financial performance. Leveraging Mercatus’ smart shopping technology on a cross-channel marketing level, retailers and advertisers achieve the ultimate one-to-one relationship with shoppers throughout their buying cycle—from intent to influence to purchase. See the bigger picture atwww.mercatustechnologies.com.

HID Global and ASSA ABLOY Strengthen Patent Portfolio in NFC Technology

October 31, 2011 03:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

Patents for Mobile Access Solutions that Use NFC Technology Further Extend Company’s IP Position

IRVINE, Calif. & STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HID Global, trusted leader in solutions for the delivery of secure identity, today announced that the company and its parent, ASSA ABLOY, have been notified by the United States Patent Office that their patent, US 2008/0163361, titled “Method and Apparatus for Making a Decision on a Card,” has been allowed and will issue shortly. This invention covers the use of portable credentials in a secure access network, in which the access decision can be made within a portable credential (such as the secure element of a mobile device) using data and algorithms stored within the credential.

“We remain focused on continuing to expand the size and breadth of our patent portfolio. These latest additions strengthen HID’s IP and patent portfolio with two more core patents for physical and logical access control on mobile platforms.”

The patent complements an earlier patent, US 7,706,778, titled “System and Method for Remotely Assigning and Revoking Access Credentials Using a Near Field Communication Equipped Mobile Phone,” which issued last year. Both patents are part of HID Global’s rapidly growing investment in developing mobile access solutions using Near Field Communications (NFC) technology.

“As a trusted leader in solutions for the delivery of secure identity, HID Global and ASSA ABLOY invested heavily in developing an extensive intellectual property portfolio to protect our investment in state-of-the-art, industry-leading products,” said Denis Hebert, President and CEO with HID Global. “We remain focused on continuing to expand the size and breadth of our patent portfolio. These latest additions strengthen HID’s IP and patent portfolio with two more core patents for physical and logical access control on mobile platforms.”

HID Global and ASSA ABLOY have created one of the industry’s most extensive IP, product and service portfolios targeted at physical and logical access applications on traditional cards and readers, as well as emerging mobile access platforms including NFC-enabled smartphones and other portable devices. This extensive portfolio also allows HID Global and ASSA ABLOY to continue to innovate and meet the growing demand for converged physical and logical access solutions that require a broad range of user authentication products and technologies.

“HID is excited to be issued these patents, which protect key innovations in our recently announced iCLASS Secure Identity Object™-Enabled (iCLASS SE) access control solutions and Trusted Identity Platform®,” commented Dr. Tam Hulusi, senior vice president of strategic innovation with HID Global. “Our large IP portfolio includes many patents that are essential to industry standards such as those established by Global Platform, a cross-industry, not-for-profit association that identifies, develops and publishes specifications to facilitate the secure and interoperable deployment and management of multiple embedded applications on secure chip technology. We invite interested companies to contact us to discuss the opportunity of licensing applicable IP from us.”

ASSA ABLOY’s and HID Global’s patent portfolio currently consists of over 500 issued worldwide patents and over 300 pending patent applications plus foreign patents and applications. The portfolio also includes IP from the company’s recent acquisitions of Lasercard and ActivIdentity, as well as ActivIdentity’s earlier acquisition of Corestreet, whose patent portfolio is also heavily oriented towards physical and logical access control. This extensive patent portfolio addresses almost every major door, lock and access control market.

About HID Global

HID Global is the trusted source for secure identity solutions for millions of customers around the world. Recognized for robust quality, innovative designs and industry leadership, HID Global is the supplier of choice for OEMs, system integrators, and application developers serving a variety of markets. These markets include physical and logical access control, including strong authentication and credential management; card printing and personalization; highly secure government ID; and identification technologies used in animal ID and industry and logistics applications. The company's primary brands include HID®, ActivIdentity™, FARGO®, and LaserCard®. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HID Global has over 2,100 employees worldwide and operates international offices that support more than 100 countries. HID Global is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand. For more information, visit www.hidglobal.com.

About ASSA ABLOY

ASSA ABLOY is the global leader in door opening solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience. ASSA ABLOY is represented on both mature and emerging markets worldwide, with leading positions in much of Europe, North America, Asia, and the Pacific. In the fast-growing electromechanical security segment, the Group has a leading position in areas such as access control, identification technology, entrance automation and hotel security. Year-end 2010 the Group had some 37,000 employees and sales of around SEK 37 billion.

® HID and the HID logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HID Global in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks, service marks, and product or service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.