Near Field Communications News

1. 2012 to Take Credentials Mobile ‎ NFCNews - 6 hours ago As credentials expand from cards to phones, increased adoption of mobile features and near field communications will change the way we think of credential ...

2. Nokia drive to highlight NFC benefits ‎ Trade Arabia - 15 hours ago Nokia has announced the launch of its first consumer engagement campaign focusing on educating people about the benefits of using Near Field Communication ...

   NFC World

3. Are We Nearing the End of Cash Payments? ‎ Huffington Post UK (blog) - 11 hours ago As a result NFC (near field communication) technology is lauded as potentially crucial for the payments industry. It has in the past been used to allow ...

4. Apple doesn't fall far from tree ‎ Sydney Morning Herald - 5 hours ago Near-Field Communications (NFC), used with an electronic wallet, may also be in iPhone 5. This depends on chip design and large-scale rollout of NFC ... Rumoured end of 2012 release for iPhone 5‎ FinancialNews.co.uk all 63 news articles »

   Sydney Morning Herald

5. Video: Samsung's Galaxy Nexus battery charging system ‎ GigaOm - 52 minutes ago The spare battery is a duplicate of the one that comes with the handset; same 1850 mAh capacity and Near Field Communications support. ... Samsung announces launch of new smartphones and tablets in Singapore‎VR-Zone Top Tech Products of 2011‎ International Business Times AU 11 Reasons Why Galaxy Nexus Is Better Than iPhone 4S‎ EFYTimes (press release) Planet Insane all 494 news articles »

   IBNLive.com

6. Ericsson: First taste of 4G likely in 2012 ‎ ScandAsia.com - 15 hours ago Mobile payment via Near Field Communications technology would play a key role next year. Read full article in the source link below.

7. Malarie Haven: 'Smartphones' will change how we live ‎ Sand Mountain Reporter - 22 minutes ago Near Field Communication technology, often referred to as NFC, has piqued my interest. I'm not one to keep up with the latest and greatest trends of the ...

8. Corporate Leaders Weigh In On 2012 Technology Trends ‎ Wall Street Journal - 21 minutes ago 2012 is also likely to see smartphones transformed into electronic wallets, thanks in part to a technology known as "near field communication," or NFC, ...

9. Google picks up 200 more patents from IBM ‎ ZDNet UK - 9 hours ago ... such as patents relating to wireless telephone systems, near-field communication (NFC) and availability policies on virtual machines. ... Google calls up IBM yet again to buy some patents, picks up 217 more‎IntoMobile Google grabs yet more patents from IBM war chest‎ Register all 136 news articles »

   BBC News

10. How Will 2012 Look for iPhone, iPad and iPod? ‎ TechLeash - 3 hours ago Near-field communication (NFC) has been rumored to be integrated in the device for a while now, even though the technology isn't really ready to face the ...

UL Expands Global Payment and Security Evaluation Services with Acquisition of Witham Laboratories

UL to support all parties in payment and security industry with leading information and hardware security testing

NORTHBROOK, Ill. and MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UL, a world leader in advancing safety, announced today the acquisition of Melbourne, Australia-based Witham Laboratories, a leading provider of payment card security assessment and advisory services.  By adding Witham Laboratories' global capabilities and expertise in payment terminal, software and infrastructure security, UL can benefit customers throughout the payment card value chain.

As a leading assessor to industry-accepted payment security standards compliance throughout the world, Witham Laboratories helps customers across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas guard against payment fraud and data theft. The company tests various payment-related software and hardware, including PIN devices, encryption processes and component circuit boards, to ensure data protection and integrity as well as product performance.  It is the only laboratory in the Asia-Pacific region accredited by the Payment Card Industry (PCI) to evaluate PIN Entry Devices for compliance.

"As a company committed to the protection and security of payment data, we are excited to join the world's most trusted name in safety," said Mario Sist, a senior leader at Witham Laboratories.  "UL brings an unmatched standard of scientific rigor and integrity, a far reaching global platform and an aggressive growth strategy for the technology sector." 

The addition of Witham Laboratories accelerates UL fast entry into high growth payment arenas like smart metering, mobile ticketing and a worldwide mobile payments industry that is expected to grow 43 percent annually to $984 billion by 2014.[1]  Their Melbourne facility also extends UL's capabilities locally to an Asia-Pacific region that is projected to become the second largest card payment market in 2016 with US$4.7 trillion in card payment volume.[2]

"Witham Laboratories' people and expertise are unmatched in the industry, which makes for a great fit," said Sajeev Jesudas, President of UL Verification Services. "By adding their back-office capabilities to our smart card and terminal evaluation offerings, we are developing a seamless, end-to-end solution for retailers, banks, gateways and consumers."

Witham Laboratories is the second payment and security testing acquisition in eighteen months to join UL's Verification Services business unit, which provides testing, inspection, and audits to the appliance, high-tech, lighting and retail industries. RFI Global Services Ltd. joined UL as a leading provider of testing, approval and consulting services to the global technology market, providing security evaluation services for smart cards, PIN devices and Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals across the world.

About Witham Laboratories (Witham Pty. Ltd.)

Witham Laboratories provides services to clients around the world, with many years of experience in the detailed review of payment software and hardware security, delivering timely and cost-effective services, expert guidance early in the product design stage, and training in the various complex security standards around the world. During the evaluation process we stay in close contact with our clients, offering real-world knowledge and advice. Our aim is to facilitate understanding of the complex legal and industry requirements that must be met by all manufacturers, distributors and users of payment devices or applications.  Additional information about Witham Laboratories may be found at withamlabs.com.

About UL

UL is a premier global independent safety science company with more than 117 years of history.  Employing more than 9,000 professionals in over 100 countries, UL has five distinct business units -- Product Safety, Environment, Life & Health, University and Verification Services – to meet the expanding needs of our customers and to deliver on our public safety mission.  Additional information about UL may be found at UL.com.

[1] Yankee Group, "A View from the Trenches: What Consumers Think of Mobile Transactions", Feb. 2011

[2] Research & Markets, "Assessing the Payment Landscape in Asia Pacific", Oct. 2011

InteliSpend's New Expense Visa® Prepaid Card Helps Businesses Streamline Expense Management and Control Costs

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- InteliSpend Prepaid Solutions™ is today announcing its new Expense Visa Prepaid Card, designed to help companies better manage corporate spending and streamline administration for business expenses. The Expense Visa Prepaid Card offers spending limits, transactional reports and is supported by InteliSpend's program management options that range from self-service to a fully customizable solution. InteliSpend brings more than a decade of expertise in thebusiness-to-business prepaid industry to expense management.

According to a March 2011 report from the Aberdeen Group, companies that automate their expense management processes showed a 63 percent cost reduction rate over competitors and a 42 percent higher rate of compliance with corporate travel policies.

A custom expense and cash management solution, the Expense Visa Prepaid Card can be used as an alternative to traditional corporate cards or to augment current corporate card programs. Using DirectSpend,^® InteliSpend's patented process, spending on the Expense Visa Prepaid Card can be limited by industry and merchant. In addition, any unused money preloaded to the card can be returned back to the sponsoring company.

"Keeping a tight rein on spending is a business necessity. With our new Expense Visa Prepaid Card, we have created a solution that gives companies a better way to manage cash expenses with built-in features that allow for the return of unused funds back to the funding company at any time,"  said Darryl Hutson, CEO of InteliSpend. "Detailed reports that show you where your expense dollars are going and the Visa brand which is known around the world, make  this new option a real value for our customers as they search for ways to keep a handle on spending."

The Expense Visa Prepaid Card can improve spending control whether companies are providing funds for corporate travel, per diem, relocation, training, entertainment or other business purposes.

Expense Visa Prepaid Card Features

Acceptance restrictionsDirectSpend, a patented process, ensures corporate funds are spent appropriately by enabling companies to determine where they can be spent and where they can't. Companies can limit by industry and merchant.

Prepaid optionsCards can be issued for a set amount or reloaded over time, and unspent funds can be returned to the sponsoring company. Optional ATM feature with withdrawal limits.

Transactional reportsStandard reports provide access to detailed transactions at the individual card level. Companies can monitor spending, ensure proper use of funds, and streamline administration by eliminating the need to turn in receipts.

Card optionsCards are available with standard plastic or can be co-branded or fully customized to match company or program goals.

Additional features include standard 12-month predenominated, 24-month reloadable or variable expiration options and domestic or international fulfillment.

For more information on InteliSpend Prepaid Solutions, visit www.intelispend.com.

Elavon Introduces MobileMerchant for Small Businesses on the Go

Image via Wikipedia

January 04, 2012 04:00 AM Eastern Time 

Innovative Solution Turns Smartphone into Chip & PIN Payment Device

WATFORD, United Kingdom--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Elavon, a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) and a leading global payments provider, has introduced Elavon MobileMerchant, an innovative, affordable and secure payment solution that effectively transforms mobile devices into terminals, allowing small businesses to accept payments quickly and securely anywhere, anytime. The solution is currently running as part of a pilot programme in the UK, with full production availability scheduled for March.

“Our goal is to make payment acceptance easy for all businesses, regardless of type, size or acceptance environment.”

Elavon MobileMerchant combines the ease of using a mobile phone for payments, with an affordable, easy-to-understand rate programme, making it the ideal solution for small businesses on the go. The App is downloaded onto the merchant’s existing smartphone, and a Bluetooth-connected Chip and PIN device securely captures and encrypts card data, ensuring that no information is stored in the smartphone. Receipts are sent to the customer via email or text message. The solution meets all the current UK banking requirements, so as to protect both cardholders and merchants from fraud, abuse and chargebacks.

“Elavon has responded to the call for innovation by delivering a convenient and secure solution that makes payment processing accessible to a new class of customers,” said Simon Haslam, president of International Markets at Elavon. “Our goal is to make payment acceptance easy for all businesses, regardless of type, size or acceptance environment.”

Many types of mobile businesses such as tradespeople, repair or delivery companies, market traders and personal service providers, such as beauticians and photographers, can confidently accept Chip and PIN payments on their mobile phone, and their customers are no longer limited to cash on hand. Elavon MobileMerchant currently operates on Blackberry and Android smartphones and tablets.

In early 2011, Elavon released VirtualMerchant Mobile in North America. The solution turns smartphones and tablets into mobile payment acceptance devices and supports card readers that securely encrypt data before any information is sent to the phone. It runs on the company’s successful VirtualMerchant hosted payment gateway solution.

New Mobile App Gives Fiserv Clients On-the-Go Convenience

Image via Wikipedia

January 04, 2012 12:56 PM Eastern Time 

Immediate access to production, delivery and inventory information

BROOKFIELD, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), a leading global provider of financial services technology solutions, has expanded access to WC3^®, its Web client control center, to include smartphones.

“With the mobile app, clients don’t have to fire up their laptop computers to check an order, they simply log onto WC3 from their phones. We’ve taken the user experience to the next level.”

WC3 is a sophisticated, web-based tool that enables Fiserv clients to compose document messages at the individual level, manage document content and monitor production status for products including statements, EOBs and credit, debit and prepaid cards. With the WC3 mobile application, Fiserv clients can now monitor and manage production and delivery information including job status, special handling requests, inventory volumes and usage, and mail dates from the convenience of their smartphone.

“Clients appreciate being able to get immediate updates on the production of their customer communications– even when out of the office,” said Jorge Diaz, president, Output Solutions, Fiserv. “With the mobile app, clients don’t have to fire up their laptop computers to check an order, they simply log onto WC3 from their phones. We’ve taken the user experience to the next level.”

The WC3 mobile application works with the majority of the most popular smartphones, including iPhone^®/iPad^®, Blackberry^® Torch^TM, Android^TM and Windows^® Phone. To ensure compatibility, mobile access is provided through a secure URL.

The mobile application syncs to the client’s desktop, so changes made using one access tool, will be reflected on the other. Clients can also designate “favorites” to quickly access certain files and actions. Overall, the mobile app enables clients to stay connected and keep projects moving from the convenience of their smart phones.

Discover U.S. Spending MonitorSM Consumer Confidence Remains Steady in December

Image via CrunchBase

January 04, 2012 07:00 AM Eastern Time 

Consumers’ Views About the Economy and Their Finances Are Improving While Post-Holiday Spending Intentions Fall

RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumer confidence remained fairly consistent in December, as consumers viewed the economy and their finances as improving, but consumers are heading into the New Year with conservative spending intentions 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 1.3-point decline from the previous month to 85.0 percent.

More than 23 percent of consumers felt economic conditions were getting better in December, a rise of more than 4 points from November. Similarly, those who believe economic conditions were getting worse declined by nearly 2 points from November to 53 percent.

The percentage of consumers who rate the economy as poor dropped 3 points from last month to 58 percent. While only 9 percent of consumers rate the economy as good or excellent, a 1-point increase from November.

Views of Personal Finances Improve

Consumer sentiment toward their personal finances improved from last month as well.

• 33 percent of consumers rate their personal finances as good or excellent and 24 percent rate their personal finances as poor, unchanged from November.
• Consumers believing their personal finances are getting better increased for the fourth consecutive month to 19 percent, up 1 point compared to November. The percent of consumers who believe their personal finances are getting worse declined to 49 percent, down nearly 2 points from November and the first time this number has been below 50 percent in seven months.

With Less Money Left Over, Consumers Plan to Pull Back on Spending Next Month

Consistent with previous Monitor reports around the holidays, fewer consumers expect to have money left over after they finish paying their monthly bills. Accordingly, they plan to cut back next month on spending.

• 45 percent of consumers expect to have money left over after paying monthly bills, a 3-point decrease from November.

• Nearly 29 percent of consumers who expect to have money left over anticipate that they will have less money left over after they finish paying their monthly bills than they did last month. This is a 6-point increase from November.

• Consumers planning to spend less in the next month more than doubled, rising from 15 percent in November to 31 percent in December.

Consumers’ Plans For Discretionary Spending Are Conservative

Consumers are heading into 2012 with lower discretionary spending intentions as well.

• Consumers planning to spend less on discretionary entertainment expenses, such as going out to dinner or the movies, increased by 3 points to 48 percent in December and those planning to spend the same or more in this category declined 2 points from November to 49 percent in December.
• Consumers planning to spend less on major personal purchases, such as a vacation, increased by 2 points to 47 percent for the month. Forty-nine percent plan to spend the same or more on this category, which is at the same level as in November.
• On home improvement purchases, 50 percent of consumers planned to spend less in the month ahead, up 2 points; 45 percent plan to spend the same or more, down more than 2 points from November.

Related articles

• Discover Releases November 2011 U.S. Spending Monitor (epaymentnews.blogspot.com)

comScore Reports November 2011 U.S. Mobile Subscriber Market Share

Posted January 3, 2012

comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today released data from the comScore MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three month average period ending November 2011. The study surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers and found Samsung to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 25.6 percent market share. Google Android continued to capture share in the smartphone market to reach 46.9 percent market share.

OEM Market Share

For the three-month average period ending in November, 234 million Americans age 13 and older used mobile devices. Device manufacturer Samsung ranked as the top OEM with 25.6 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers (up 0.3 percentage points), followed by LG with 20.5 percent share and Motorola with 13.7 percent share. Apple strengthened its position at #4 with 11.2 percent share of total mobile subscribers (up 1.4 percentage points), while RIM rounded out the top five with 6.5 percent share.

Top Mobile OEMs 3 Month Avg. Ending Nov. 2011 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Aug. 2011 Total U.S. Mobile Subscribers (Smartphone & Non-Smartphone) Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens
	Share (%) of Mobile Subscribers
	Aug-11	Nov-11	Point Change
Total Mobile Subscribers	100.0%	100.0%	N/A
Samsung	25.3%	25.6%	0.3
LG	21.0%	20.5%	-0.5
Motorola	14.0%	13.7%	-0.3
Apple	9.8%	11.2%	1.4
RIM	7.1%	6.5%	-0.6

Smartphone Platform Market Share

91.4 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones during the three months ending in November, up 8 percent from the preceding three month period. Google Android ranked as the top smartphone platform with 46.9 percent market share, up 3.1 percentage points from the prior three-month period. Apple maintained its #2 position, growing 1.4 percentage point to 28.7 percent of the smartphone market. RIM ranked third with 16.6 percent share, followed by Microsoft (5.2 percent) and Symbian (1.5 percent).

Top Smartphone Platforms 3 Month Avg. Ending Nov. 2011 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Aug. 2011 Total U.S. Smartphone Subscribers Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens
	Share (%) of Smartphone Subscribers
	Aug-11	Nov-11	Point Change
Total Smartphone Subscribers	100.0%	100.0%	N/A
Google	43.8%	46.9%	3.1
Apple	27.3%	28.7%	1.4
RIM	19.7%	16.6%	-3.1
Microsoft	5.7%	5.2%	-0.5
Symbian	1.8%	1.5%	-0.3

Mobile Content Usage

In November, 72.6 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers used text messaging on their mobile device, up 2.1 percentage points. Downloaded applications were used by 44.9 percent of subscribers (up 3.3 percentage points), while browsers were used by 44.4 percent (up 2.3 percentage points). Accessing of social networking sites or blogs increased 2.1 percentage points to 33.0 percent of mobile subscribers. Game-playing was done by 29.7 percent of the mobile audience (up 1.2 percentage points), while 21.7 percent listened to music on their phones (up 1.0 percentage points).

Mobile Content Usage 3 Month Avg. Ending Nov. 2011 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Aug. 2011 Total U.S. Mobile Subscribers (Smartphone & Non-Smartphone) Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens
	Share (%) of Mobile Subscribers
	Aug-11	Nov-11	Point Change
Total Mobile Subscribers	100.0%	100.0%	N/A
Sent text message to another phone	70.5%	72.6%	2.1
Used downloaded apps	41.6%	44.9%	3.3
Used browser	42.1%	44.4%	2.3
Accessed social networking site or blog	30.9%	33.0%	2.1
Played Games	28.5%	29.7%	1.2
Listened to music on mobile phone	20.7%	21.7%	1.0

About MobiLens
MobiLens data is derived from an intelligent online survey of a nationally representative sample of mobile subscribers age 13 and above. Data on mobile phone usage refers to a respondent's primary mobile phone and does not include data related to a respondent's secondary device.

About comScore
comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) is a global leader in measuring the digital world and preferred source of digital business analytics. For more information, please visit www.comscore.com/companyinfo.

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Banking Industry Investigation Finds More Fees Already on the Way

Is it time to switch banks? Consumer Reports offers tips on what to expect.

YONKERS, N.Y., Jan. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers who say they're furious at behemoth banks for their lending practices, fees, account requirements and various other reasons, can get ready to vent some more, says Consumer Reports latest cover story investigation.

Among the findings of the consumer organization's investigation:

Fee hikes and tougher account requirements will probably continue, especially while the economy remains weak. For example, some banks, like Chase and PNC, are now charging a $25 fee even to close certain accounts.

Customers with a lot of accounts at one bank might avoid some fees, but they're not immune. Banks may try a spectrum of charges even for good customers, including fees for paper statements and higher safe-deposit costs.

Consumers are more likely to find lower fees and better rates at community banks, larger credit unions, and online institutions. Banks are trying to make up billions in lost revenue due to the bad economy, new regulations, and in some cases perhaps even their own inefficiencies. But you don't have to be the one to pay the price.

The complete investigative report, includes a detailed look at many of the fees big banks are charging and advice on what consumers can expect in the future, is available at www.ConsumerReports.org or on newsstands starting January 3, 2012. 

Should you switch banks?

Does it make sense for you to switch banks? Consumer Reports shows you what to expect and what your options are. If your bank plans to stick you with new fees or tougher account requirements, your first thought might be to find a new one. That might be your best option, but switching banks can be a hassle. So it's important to weigh your options before making a decision to move.

• Check the terms. If you're facing a single new fee, see what it would take to avoid it. Increasing your account balance by a few hundred dollars or signing up for direct deposit might work.
• Change your habits. For example, plan a weekly visit to an ATM in your bank's network to withdraw cash instead of going out of network. And check your statements more carefully so you don't rack up overdraft fees.
• Try to negotiate. You might be able to get a fee waived if you tell your bank you're thinking about moving your accounts.
• Consider convenience. Banking is about much more than rates and fees. It's also about the day-to-day banking experience. Does the bank have adequate ATM locations and local branches with convenient hours, or give you privileges to use out-of-network ATMs?
• Do your homework. Check with competing banks and credit unions, starting with their websites. That's where you'll find complete information about rates, fees, terms, and conditions.
• Plan your getaway. If you've decided that moving your money is the best solution, make the process as smooth as possible. Check to see whether your new bank offers a "switch kit" to help you streamline the process. Or you can check out Consumer Reports step-by-step guide at www.ConsumerReports.org/bankaccount.
• Make your move. Open up the account in your new bank or credit union with a small deposit. Then you can transfer funds from your old bank to the new institution electronically. Arrange to switch over your automatic payments and deposits to the new account.
• The grand finale. Leave at least a small amount of cash in your old account and close it once you're sure all checks and transfers have cleared.

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications.  Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

FEBRUARY 2012The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves.  We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports®,ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of Consumer Reports®.

SOURCE Consumer Reports

Harbortouch Announces Major Enhancements to Industry-Leading Free Point-of-Sale System Program

Company Debuts Harbortouch POS Elite, New Best-in-Class POS System for High-End Businesses

HAMPTON, N.J., Jan. 3, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- Harbortouch, a leading national supplier of point of sale (POS) systems, today announced the launch of Harbortouch POS Elite, the latest addition to its industry-leading free point-of-sale system program.

Featuring a sleeker look, all-in-one design and more powerful processor, Harbortouch POS Elite is designed to meet the needs of a broader range of businesses, especially those catering to higher end markets.

"Our groundbreaking free POS program just got better, with this new platform providing an ideal solution for businesses with more sophisticated needs," said Harbortouch CEO Jared Isaacman. "We've given the system a whole new look by integrating the CPU and monitor into one with a brushed aluminum finish for a more upscale appearance, but that's just the beginning. What's inside is even more powerful."

POS Elite incorporates a state-of-the-art processor, increased storage space and highly-responsive touch-screen display into a durable and attractive form factor for exceptional speed, productivity and style. The system is available with various industry-specific software packages:

• Harbortouch Hospitality, with countless time and money saving features perfect for fine dining, casual or quick service restaurants;
• Harbortouch Retail, featuring new and improved retail management functionality with an integrated color/size/style matrix, support for rentals and consignment, robust customer and inventory management and more;
• Harbortouch Delivery, perfect for pizzerias, Chinese takeout and any other hospitality business offering delivery;
• Harbortouch Spirits, featuring custom features for wine and liquor stores such as age verification; and
• Harbortouch C-Store, designed specifically for convenience and other quick-stop stores.

To complement this high-performance equipment, Harbortouch has also announced some innovative new features, which will be released over the first quarter of 2012:

• An integrated reservation management system, which allows restaurants to accept online reservations and track them directly through their POS system with a simple and easy-to-use interface;
• Harbortouch Tableside, giving restaurant servers the ability to input customer orders tableside via Apple iPad on a dedicated app that mirrors the interface of the actual POS software; and
• Lighthouse POS management portal, offering online management capabilities from any PC with an Internet connection, including the ability to make real-time menu changes and access a wide range of advanced reports.

Harbortouch offers free setup and implementation, including installation of all hardware and training for all POS customers. Complete customer service and technical support are available 24/7 by phone and email, and live chat is accessible directly through the Lighthouse portal. The Harbortouch POS Elite hardware is backed by a lifetime repair/replacement warranty for as long as the merchant maintains a merchant account. An approved merchant account and monthly service agreement are required to participate in the free POS program.

For more information about the Harbortouch free POS system, visit www.harbortouch.com.

About Harbortouch

Harbortouch, formerly United Bank Card, Inc., is a leading national supplier of point of sale (POS) systems, serving thousands of businesses across the nation. The company offers an unparalleled "free" program that supplies a full-featured POS system to restaurants and retail businesses with no up-front costs. Professional installation and onsite training are included with every order and award winning customer service and technical support are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to offering state-of-the-art POS systems, Harbortouch also delivers a full range of merchant services such as credit/debit and gift card processing. For additional information, visit www.harbortouch.com or call 866-563-3045.

SOURCE Harbortouch

Related articles

• Harbor-Touch.net Announces Free POS System (your-story.org)