MURTEC INSIGHTS: Operators Reveal Top POS Must-Haves

The 2013 Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference offered the opportunity for restaurant and technology executives to come together and discuss pressing industry issues of the day. One of the luncheon topic tables tackled the issue of POS Operating Systems – Navigating Choices and Considerations. The discussion was moderated by Lee Holman, Lead Retail Analyst, IHL Consulting and he was joined by representatives from Amco Foods, Firehouse Subs, Buffalo Wild Wings, The Malnati Organization, Arby's franchisee -- The Bailey Company, Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, and Huddle House.  Here, Holman recaps the insights that the table discussion yielded.

We started out our session by reflecting upon the statement made in a session from earlier in the day by McDonald’s CIO Frank Liberio. Liberio revealed that McDonald’s had one POS system (hardware and software) for all 32,000 global locations. Conventional wisdom says that retail segments with a heavy franchise mentality, such as QSR and convenience stores, trend away from homogeneous POS, mainly due to the maverick nature of some of the franchisees. But of the seven restaurant chains represented by the participants in our conversation, six of them claimed that they too had a single POS system for their entire chain. When pressed, there were a couple of respondents that admitted that there were some installations that weren’t quite in step with the rest of the chain from a POS hardware standpoint, but the POS software tended to be completely homogenous.

Breaking down the operating system
When asked which OS they were currently using, participants revealed that one was using Linux openSUSE, one was not using an OS (they were using an older PROM-based system), and the remaining five participants were using a combination of Windows XP and XPe, with some pilots being conducted with Windows 7. Based upon previous IHL Group research, this is actually a fairly reasonable approximation of the OS landscape in the restaurant segments in North America.

The Windows proponents were in general agreement that the user interface was of great value when it came to reducing training hours, and the development environment was an advantage when new or secondary apps were required. The Linux aficionado admitted that supporting Linux tends to be a bit more “non-restaurant” in terms of focus than simply paying license fees to Microsoft, but the familiarity with Linux in their particular case made that consideration a wash.  

The next phase of POS
Going forward, for their next POS upgrade, these restaurateurs were not swayed by any greener grass. The lone Linux user was looking solely at Linux going forward, and the Windows users were planning on Windows 7 (not Windows 8, which was just released six months prior). Interestingly, there was no discernible evidence that the decision to use either Linux or Windows 7 was driven by their planned adoption of mobile devices, nor did their selection of mobile device hinge upon their existing or planned OS choice. Among those considering mobile devices, they tended to stray very little from their existing POS provider when it came to the POS software for their mobile devices. This too is very consistent with previous research conducted by IHL. 

POS must-have components & considerations
As the conversation began to wind down, there was a strong sense that OS choice wasn’t really the primary consideration for the participants. The focus on “OS agnostic” hardware and software in recent years may be the main driver here. (We have made the point before that there is a preference to refer to “OS Apathetic” hardware and software rather than “OS Agnostic” simply because one would prefer to have the sense that the hardware or software doesn’t care rather than doesn’t know what OS it is running on.)
When asked point blank what considerations for their next POS system were more important than the operating system, the restaurateurs responded as follows.

POS Functionality
Data Connection
Software Development Kit
Payment Capability in Case of System Failure
Ease of Use
Hardware Cost

In conclusion, we seem to have entered a period where the specific POS operating system is further down the scale in terms of overall importance than it has been in days past. The overarching view is that the functionality and supportability of the POS system as a whole is what matters most, and whether it is Linux- or Windows- or IOS- or Android-based matters little. This means that the burden is upon the technology providers, more than ever before, to develop and deliver solutions that meet the needs of the restaurateurs, not expect restaurateurs to adapt their operations to suit the technology.

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Revel Systems Raises $10.1M To Help It Grow iPad Point-Of-Sale Business Internationally

Revel Systems, purveyor of iPad-based point-of-sale systems for restaurant, retail and other customer-service facing businesses, announced its $10.1 million Series B funding round today. The new investment comes from Tim Tighe, former CEO of Hungry Jack’s and SVP of McDonald’s Southeast Asia, and Sean Tomlinson, serial entrepreneur. Both are private investors based in Asia, and the source of the funding reflects Revel’s larger goals.

The SF-based Revel aims to continue its growth both at home and abroad, but will be opening new offices in both Asia and Australia with the help of this round. The new offices, combined with continued efforts to grow at home, will require a significant headcount increase, according to Revel, with its San Francisco-based staff set to increase by 50 percent immediately on the tail of this raise. Another target for domestic investment from the funding is a west coast distribution center for the iPad-compatible hardware that Revel provides its customers, which include countertop terminals, printers, scales and cash drawers.
Tighe joins Revel’s advisory board as part of the deal, and Tomlinson gets added to the Board of Directors. Both bring the kind of experience Revel needs to help smooth and accelerate its international positioning, which is a key part of the company’s business strategy after having expanded successfully across a number of different market verticals at home in the U.S. I asked about the challenges Revel faces moving into new markets, and how additional expertise will help.

“Each of the countries that we are moving into is more strict than the USA, since most of them are already using EMV [chip card payment standard],” Revel co-founder Lisa Falzone said in an interview.

“However, Revel already has a good year head start on EMV, since we were the first iPad POS to announce EMV processing earlier this year… The nice thing about the UK and EU is the new payment players that are making it easier for new POSs to enter the market. For example, we can connect into SumUp and Ayden and be good for almost all EU and UK with one six-month integration, which is really nice since it makes the time to entry a lot less.  ”

Other challenges include negotiating language localization and tax rules, but Revel is able to tackle these through allocation of new funds and with the help of expert local advisors. Existing players in the market like Micros are also a challenge, but Revel says it has little in the way of internationally based competitors when it comes to those offering similarly disruptive use of technologies like the iPad.
This round is all about stepping up the rate at which Revel can expand, according to Falzone. The company has talked previously about its success and ability to stand on its own, but taking on additional investment really opens up what it can do in relatively little time.

“[The funding] really accelerates the pace,” she said. “Revel has proven that it can do a lot with a little – we are profitable as of December of last year and are growing as funds allow. Now that we can have an abundance of funds, we’ll really be able to speed up the process.”
Coming up on the product side, Revel is looking to build out its enterprise options with new features, Falzone says, though she wasn’t able to share any details. Adding more for larger businesses is another key part of Revel’s growth strategy, however, so expect to see this help with its efforts to court larger brands and companies.

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Ezetap Launches $50 Mobile Point of Sale Device

Bangalore-based Ezetap has launched a new mobile point-of-sale device that will cost a lot less than similar products in the market, while meeting global security standards and RBI guidelines.

Rapid growth in India's online retail and financial service sectors is leading to a demand for secure point-of-sale devices, as companies move towards non-cash based transactions. Overall, credit and debit card based transactions in India are expected to touch 862 million this year, a growth of 33 per cent over last year, according to a report by Atos Worldline India, the electronic payment arm of French IT major Atos.

"India is the toughest market, very competitive and cost sensitive," said Ezetap co-founder Abhijit Bose, who expects to sell one million devices in the next two years. The Ezetap device, will be priced at around Rs 2,900, consists of a light-weight card reader that can be plugged into any smart device or feature phone used by a retailer. Customers need to only swipe their cards on the mobile to complete the transaction.

"Most people prefer cash on delivery. And it became difficult, when they did not have exact cash at the time of delivery," said Abhinay Choudhari, co-founder of online grocery store BigBasket.com, who has about 1.5 lakh customers. Experts said with the government promoting digital payments, the mobile point of sale market is expected to soar. "Millions of mom-and-pop businesses, or kirana shops, cannot afford expensive integrated point-of-sale solutions," said Uttam Nayak, group country manager for India at Visa.

There are a number of companies that offer mobile payment solutions, including Mswipe, Prizm Payments and Synergistic Financial Networks. "It is a very competitive space," said Nayak who expects the insurance and ecommerce industry to be the biggest adopters of mobile point of sale solutions.

Ezetap has bagged banking customers, such as Citibank and Yes Bankas well as those in the ecommerce, telecom, insurance and hospitality sectors. The company has launched operations in Kenya and expects to enter the South-East Asian markets in the next three months.

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Multipost Retail Systems, Named RSPA Certified Retail Technology Provider

Multipost Retail Systems (http://www.multipost.ca), a leader in point of sale (POS) and inventory management and control systems for small- to mid-sized retailers, is pleased to announce it was recently named a Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Certified Retail Technology Provider.
According to RSPA’s industry standards, Multipost Retail Systems received the certified technology provider status by demonstrating a commitment to excellence and an exceptional level of professionalism. As an RSPA Certified Retail Technology Provider, Multipost Retail Systems is recognized as ethical and fair, and it stands behind the POS software and hardware and inventory management and control systems it sells and supports.
“We are pleased to be recognized as an RSPA Certified Retail Technology Partner,” says Harry Magerman, owner of Multipost Retail Systems. “This certification validates Multipost Retail Systems’ commitment to our customers that our advanced POS products and inventory management control solutions don’t just help improve the retail customer experience, but also meet some of the industry’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards.”
The RSPA, the only association dedicated to the retail technology industry, launched its Industry Certification Program in 2009. The program, which identifies professionals in the retail technology industry, was developed to set and maintain the bar of professionalism for retail technology vendors and resellers.
“Multipost Retail Systems is always working to keep up with the latest in retail innovations and is thoroughly committed to providing retailers with the best in reliable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective point of sale software and hardware solutions,” Magerman adds.
Multipost Retail Systems is a leader in POS and inventory management and control systems for small- to mid-sized retailers. Multipost is also the developer and marketer of the “Smart Vendor” POS software for retail businesses. Over the last 30 years, Multipost Retail Systems has helped thousands of Canadian businesses coast-to-coast implement the most advanced, reliable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective POS software and hardware solutions.
For more information on Multipost Retail Systems, visit http://www.multipost.ca. Contact Multipost Retail Systems at info(at)multipost(dot)ca or call 1-800-561-0500.
Source

A Look at Point of Sale RAM Scraper Malware and How it Works

A special kind of malware has been hitting the headlines recently - that which attacks the RAM of Point of Sale (PoS) systems.
Although it's been getting quite a bit of publicity recently, we actually first identified it as a threat back in December 2009 and wrote about it in an article on Naked Security entitled Will RAM scraping loosen the sky and make it fall?.
Answering that question today, it just might!
Actually, the situation isn't that bad - yet - but this malware family has definitely become more complex and far-reaching. In this article, we take a step back from the technical details and look at the evolution of PoS RAM scrapers.
What do PoS RAM scrapers do?
In a nutshell, PoS RAM scrapers steal payment data - such as credit card track one and track two data - from the RAM of PoS systems.
The payment card industry has a set of data security standards known as PCI-DSS. These standards require end-to-end encryption of sensitive payment data when it is transmitted, received or stored.
This payment data is decrypted in the PoS's RAM for processing, and the RAM is where the scraper strikes. Using regular expression searches, they harvest the clear-text payment data and send that information to rogue callhome servers.
Why do we care about PoS RAM scrapers? How does it hurt me?
I believe this malware family has a higher probability of burning a hole in your pocket compared to other prevalent malware families.
In today's plastic money economy people are carrying cash a lot less than before. Aside from a handful of stores, the majority of retailers accept debit or credit cards. Payment cards are convenient, quick, supposedly-secure, and you don't have change jingling around in your pockets.
PoS RAM scrapers target the systems which process debit and credit card transactions and steal the sensitive payment information. Your home computer might be super secure, but there is no guarantee the PoS system at your neighborhood grocery store has the same level of security. You might end up losing your credit card data buying a candy bar!
How have PoS RAM scrapers evolved?
Sophos detects PoS RAM scraper malware under the family name Trackr (e.g. Troj/Trackr-Gen, Troj/Trackr-A) Other AV vendors detect this malware family with a variety of names, the most common name being Alina.
Some of the earliest variants of Trackr had simple functionality that worked like this:

1. Install as a service
2. Use a legitimate-looking name
3. Scan RAM for credit card track one and track two data
4. Dump the results into a text file. This text file was then probably accessed remotely or manually.

Over the years Trackr has become more industrialized, with some cosmetic changes and added bot and network functionality.
Our friends at Trustwave SpiderLabs have written two excellent articles, Alina: Casting a Shadow on PoS and Alina: Following The Shadow, about the inner workings of the Trackr family.
Till now we have observed the following types of Trackr:

• Basic version (not packed, scrapes RAM for credit card information)
• Complex version (added socially-engineered filenames, bot and network functionality)
• Installed DLL version (the DLL is registered as a service and performs the RAM scraping)
• Versions one and two packed with a commercially-available packer
• Versions one and two packed with a custom packer

Most recently, SophosLabs discovered the highly-prevalent Citadel crimeware targeting PoS systems.
The Citadel malware uses screen captures and keylogging instead of the RAM-scraping technique used by Trackr. Citadel's focus on PoS systems demonstrates that this avenue is fast becoming a point of serious concern.
Who do PoS RAM scrapers target?
One of the earliest serious PoS RAM scraper attacks that we observed was back in November 2011 when we found that a university and several hotels had their PoS systems compromised. Later we saw varied targets including an auto dealership in Australia infected with Trackr.
To better understand the threat we gathered statistics about the various industries targeted by Trackr during the past 6 months (as observed using Sophos Live Protection):

 
It doesn't come as a surprise that the biggest targeted industries are:

• Retail
• Service
• Healthcare
• Food services
• Education
• Hotel and tourism

In these industries there's a high volume of credit and debit card transactions taking place, meaning they have goldmines of payment data that can be harvested.
Compromising a single PoS system (e.g. in a fast food outlet) may yield thousands of credit cards per week, cheaply - much easier to gather 10,000 credit card details from one PoS system then attempt to infect 10,000 PCs, hoping to grab the data from there.
If not protected properly, PoS systems become easy targets - a single point of failure that can affect thousands of people.
In addition to the breakdown of industries targeted, we also looked at the countries where we saw Trackr infections over the same time period:

  
Again, no surprises that the developed countries top this chart with the US, where credit cards are abundant, taking the #1 spot.
In fact, the Trackr infection numbers match up closely with the credit card country usage statistics published by Visa.
So how does Trackr get on a PoS system?
We have used the term PoS quite generally throughout this article. PoS is the place where a retail transaction is completed. So a PoS could be some custom hardware/software solution, a regular PC running PoS software, a credit card transaction server, or something similar.
Big box retailers and chain stores have security-hardened PoS systems, and we have not seen any major evidence of these large organizations getting compromised with Trackr.
The victims tend to be mostly small to medium sized organizations who will typically have less investment in defensive counter-measures.
Based on our analysis there were two main methods of infection:
Insider job
Someone with active knowledge of the payment processing setup installs a RAM scraper to gather data. The early Trackr samples dropped their harvested data in a plain text file which we suspect was manually retrieved or remotely accessed.
The malware had no network functionality and we found no evidence of a top-level dropper/installer.
Phishing/Social Engineering
These are the common infection vectors with the more complex versions of Trackr. The socially engineered filenames we have observed include Taskmgr.exe, windowsfirewall.exe, sms.exe, java.exe, win-firewall.exe, and adobeflash.exe. This suggests that the files were delivered as part of a phishing campaign, or social engineering tricks were used to infect the system.
Importantly however, Trackr is not seen regularly in the mass-spammed malware campaigns that we observe daily. Rather it is highly targeted towards a group of relevant businesses.
To conclude, it is not always a safe solution to pay for everything with cards.
Everyone should follow computer security best practices and consumers should proactively sign-up for credit monitoring services so they don't becomes victims of credit or identity theft.
Businesses big and small need to make investments to protect their critical PoS infrastructure. Just like they wouldn't keep their cash registers unlocked for someone to grab money out of them, PoS systems need proper protection.

Source

Heckler Design Releases New Point-of-Sale iPad Stand

PHOENIX, July 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Heckler Design, a Tempe, Ariz.-based product design company, today announced the release of its WindFall C, a secure point-of-sale iPad stand designed to be compatible with PayPal Here™ and virtually every card reader available today.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130712/MN46605)

The WindFall C is a slight variation on the original Heckler Designed-WindFall, previously only compatible with certain readers. The new design carries over the beautifully simple, patented design and commercial-grade construction, which made the original the preferred choice for iPad-based point-of-sale systems. The WindFall C is available in several popular colors.

"Conventional point-of-sale hardware is no longer conducive to the personal checkout experience retailers and shoppers want," said Dean Heckler, founder of Heckler Design. "The WindFall and WindFall C were designed to deliver the best point-of-sale experience possible. Now with the WindFall C, retailers using PayPal Here™, Intuit's GoPayment, ShopKeep, or Groupon's Breadcrumb, among other card readers, can turn the point-of-sale into a point-of-customer-interaction."

The WindFall C is widely available through popular POS vendors such as ShopKeep POS and direct through www.HecklerDesign.com.

About Heckler Design

Heckler Design, known for its renowned OneLessDesk, creates beautifully simple, commercial-grade products for design-conscious consumers and businesses. Heckler Design's products currently include office furniture, desk accessories, iPad stands, and point-of-sale hardware. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., all of Heckler Design's products are designed by Dean Heckler and made in America. More information is available at www.HecklerDesign.com. 

Media Contact: Beth Cochran, Wired PR, 602-758-0750, beth@wiredprgroup.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

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Wireless Solutions for Retail Point of Sale

Everyone knows, if the POS system goes down, business comes to a halt. Most major retail companies use Internet providers for real-time data transmission to and from each store’s POS machines and are highly reliant on Internet service. Even if the network is down for a few minutes, the economic consequences can be tremendous.

Wyless Inc., a multi-carrier provider of global machine-to-machine (M2M) managed services and enterprise connectivity solutions, partners with retail chains to install a system to ensure continuous data flow to store locations. The solution involves use of wireless routers to provide automatic failover to 3G/4G mobile broadband connectivity in the event of an interruption in Internet service. A critical system component used in the specification is an Altronix solution that allows the wireless routers to be installed in locations within each store that provide the best wireless signal strength.
 
Backing up critical data

The Wyless backup systems used in supermarkets and other major retailers link to the Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile wireless networks to seamlessly re-establish a data connection if any interruption of Internet service occurs. If the main Internet connection goes down, the backup system senses the problem and fails-over automatically to ensure continuous transmission of POS data. Wyless manages the data over its private network infrastructure to secure private POS transactions.

The Wyless system uses Cradle Point IBR 600 series broadband routers that connect to the main Cisco router network and perform the automatic failover to the wireless services. The router receives the wireless signal from the cellular network just as a cellphone would. However, effective wireless network service, especially for monetary transactions, depends on good access to the signal—the equivalent of “how many bars” you might have on a cellphone. As any cellphone user can attest, the difference in signal from one location to another varies widely, even if the locations are only several feet apart. Thus, it matters exactly where the wireless router is positioned to ensure signal strength and continuity.

Even in the New York City area, there are many pockets without wireless network coverage. This is especially true if an auto-fail router is located in an interior location away from any windows. Ordinarily the Cradle Point IBR 600 series uses an AC converter that plugs into the wall to provide power, but the ideal locations to install the routers simply may not be near a power outlet. Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), which involves sending power to a device across the same structured cable that connect to the network, addresses the need to deliver power to the wireless routers which are connected to a PoE-enabled network switch. The problem is that the Cradle Point IBR 600 series router is not designed to accept PoE and requires a separate power supply.

To solve the problem, Wyless uses the Altronix NetWay1 PoE and Netway mid-span PoE adapter to deliver the power required to run non-PoE devices. This is accomplished by using one standard Ethernet cable to both power the wireless router and to connect it to the corporate network. The compact Altronix NetWay mid-span PoE adapter, which measures only 2-1/2 x 4 inches, enables Wyless to easily install the devices wherever the routers needed to be located in order to receive the best wireless signal. In many cases, the routers are located in the ceiling near the front of the stores where the wireless signals are the strongest.

“Ensuring the connectivity of POS systems is critical to business continuity for supermarkets and any other business that relies on critical network infrastructure,” said Bennett Alpert, vice president of Enterprise Solutions at Wyless. “In this recent implementation at a supermarket chain, this critical component from Altronix played an important role in allowing us to install the wireless routers where they could perform most effectively. This makes all the difference in providing the customer an effective system to keep the cash register ringing during a network outage.”

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Global Payments and ShopKeep POS Announce Agreement to Provide iPad Point-of-Sale System to U.S. Merchants

ATLANTA and NEW YORK, July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN), a leader in payment processing services, today announced an agreement with ShopKeep POS, a leader in iPad point-of-sale (POS) solutions for brick and mortar businesses, to offer an iPad POS solution to Global Payments' merchants throughout the United States. This agreement combines Global Payments' services and distribution network with the ShopKeep POS system and award-winning customer care to provide merchants with a complete store management system and business data at their fingertips to help them grow.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20010221/ATW031LOGO)
The easy-to-use and flexible solution offers small and medium-sized merchants a highly-functional, cost-effective cloud-based POS system to facilitate transactions as well as manage sales, inventory, staff and customers, all from an iPad.
"Tablet-based POS systems are revolutionizing the way merchants interact with their customers," said Sid Singh, SVP and GM, Integrated Solutions for Global Payments. "These solutions enable millions of small and medium sized merchants with the ability to accept card payments with inexpensive, yet highly functional POS systems.
"We are delighted to partner with ShopKeep, an innovative company that will help keep Global Payments at the forefront of cloud-based POS software solutions," he said.
"This relationship with Global Payments continues to build upon our promise to merchants to partner with the best service providers in the industry," said Todd Lasher, ShopKeep POS' new VP and GM of its Channel Business.
About Global Payments Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) is a leading provider of electronic transaction processing services for merchants, Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs), financial institutions, government agencies and multi-national corporations located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Global Payments, a Fortune 1000 company, offers a comprehensive line of processing solutions for credit and debit cards, business-to-business purchasing cards, gift cards, electronic check conversion and check guarantee, verification and recovery including electronic check services, as well as terminal management. Visit www.globalpaymentsinc.com for more information about the company and its services.
About ShopKeep POSThe simplest way to make smarter business decisions, ShopKeep POS is the affordable, complete platform for running a shop from an iPad with real-time reporting on the web or from your smartphone. Backed by award-winning customer care, the ShopKeep POS iPad App rings sales, accepts card transactions and mobile payments, prints and emails receipts, and can print orders remotely to the kitchen. Retailers also have the flexibility to choose almost any payment service provider they like. At only $49/month merchants can manage inventory, employees, and customers and view ClearInsight® Reports from any web browser. www.shopkeep.com
Media Contacts:Amy Corn
Global Payments Inc.
770.829.8755
Media.relations@globalpay.com
Jessica Power
Director of Communications
ShopKeep POS
646.915.1902
jess@shopkeep.com

Source 

Biometric authentification for ATMs, POS takes effect 2015

 

Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said that the implementation of bio-metric authentication for Point of Sales (PoS) and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) will commence by 2015.

Sanusi, who was represented by the FCT Branch Controller of the CBN, Mr John Chukwudifu, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the stakeholders sensitisation programme on the cashless policy.

He said that the measure would address the safety of customer’s funds.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cashless policy took effect from July 1, in the FCT, Anambra, Ogun, Abia, Rivers and Kano.

``The Biometric authentication for POS and ATMs to address safety of customers’ fund and avoid losses through compromise of PIN is being considered and it will be implemented by 2015,’’ he said.

He said that the cashless drive of the apex bank did not mean the absence or replacement of cash but a drive for safe payment system for customers.

``The cashless drive by the CBN does not mean the absence or replacement of cash, however, it is the provision of safer and
efficient alternatives of payment for bank customers.

``A safe and effective payments infrastructure is core to the financial stability of any country,’’ he said.

 Sanusi said that displacing cash as a preferred means of payment, remained a major challenge in Nigeria.

He said that direct cost to cash as at 2012 was estimated to reach N192 billion.

This cost, he said was being passed onto customers in the form of bank charges and lending rates.

The governor said that the apex bank had licensed some mobile scheme operators with the view to bringing the un-banked  or financially excluded into the banking culture.

He said that efforts had been made to ensure that fraud was reduced in the use of cash, to build customers confidence in the use of
the ATM cards.

``The CBN has taken a giant step to gain the confidence of the ATM consumers, following the circular enforcing migrating from magstripe type of debit card to chip and pin type of debit card.

``Statistic shows that this effort has reduced fraud incidence by 90 per cent.

``Many customers are now embracing the use of electronic channels in their transactions because of the near impossible efforts of
would-be fraudsters to clone debit cards to perpetrate fraud, as it was the case during the pre-migration era,’’ he said.

He said that the framework for mobile scheme operators, recognised the need to comply with best international standards and global
regulation particularly on the area of know your customer and anti-money laundry requirement.

Also speaking, the CBN Head of Share Services Department, Mr Chidi Emeano, said that the bank had introduced ways to reduce
cost for banks and ensure effective implementation of the policy.

He identified the lack of understanding of policy, infrastructure lag, poor communication, customs challenges on clearing and exorbitant bank charges, among others as major challenge facing the policy.

Participants at the sensitisation programme were drawn from operators of deposit and micro-finance banks. (NAN)

- See more at: http://leadership.ng/news/090713/biometric-authentication-atms-pos-takes-effect-2015-sanusi#sthash.8ViuY7xr.dpuf

Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said that the implementation of bio-metric authentication for Point of Sales (PoS) and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) will commence by 2015.
Sanusi, who was represented by the FCT Branch Controller of the CBN, Mr John Chukwudifu, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the stakeholders sensitisation programme on the cashless policy.
He said that the measure would address the safety of customer’s funds.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cashless policy took effect from July 1, in the FCT, Anambra, Ogun, Abia, Rivers and Kano.
``The Biometric authentication for POS and ATMs to address safety of customers’ fund and avoid losses through compromise of PIN is being considered and it will be implemented by 2015,’’ he said.
He said that the cashless drive of the apex bank did not mean the absence or replacement of cash but a drive for safe payment system for customers.
``The cashless drive by the CBN does not mean the absence or replacement of cash, however, it is the provision of safer and
efficient alternatives of payment for bank customers.
``A safe and effective payments infrastructure is core to the financial stability of any country,’’ he said.
 Sanusi said that displacing cash as a preferred means of payment, remained a major challenge in Nigeria.
He said that direct cost to cash as at 2012 was estimated to reach N192 billion.
This cost, he said was being passed onto customers in the form of bank charges and lending rates.
The governor said that the apex bank had licensed some mobile scheme operators with the view to bringing the un-banked  or financially excluded into the banking culture.
He said that efforts had been made to ensure that fraud was reduced in the use of cash, to build customers confidence in the use of
the ATM cards.
``The CBN has taken a giant step to gain the confidence of the ATM consumers, following the circular enforcing migrating from magstripe type of debit card to chip and pin type of debit card.
``Statistic shows that this effort has reduced fraud incidence by 90 per cent.
``Many customers are now embracing the use of electronic channels in their transactions because of the near impossible efforts of
would-be fraudsters to clone debit cards to perpetrate fraud, as it was the case during the pre-migration era,’’ he said.
He said that the framework for mobile scheme operators, recognised the need to comply with best international standards and global
regulation particularly on the area of know your customer and anti-money laundry requirement.
Also speaking, the CBN Head of Share Services Department, Mr Chidi Emeano, said that the bank had introduced ways to reduce
cost for banks and ensure effective implementation of the policy.
He identified the lack of understanding of policy, infrastructure lag, poor communication, customs challenges on clearing and exorbitant bank charges, among others as major challenge facing the policy.
Participants at the sensitisation programme were drawn from operators of deposit and micro-finance banks. (NAN)

Source

Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said that the implementation of bio-metric authentication for Point of Sales (PoS) and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) will commence by 2015.

Sanusi, who was represented by the FCT Branch Controller of the CBN, Mr John Chukwudifu, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the stakeholders sensitisation programme on the cashless policy.

He said that the measure would address the safety of customer’s funds.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cashless policy took effect from July 1, in the FCT, Anambra, Ogun, Abia, Rivers and Kano.

``The Biometric authentication for POS and ATMs to address safety of customers’ fund and avoid losses through compromise of PIN is being considered and it will be implemented by 2015,’’ he said.

He said that the cashless drive of the apex bank did not mean the absence or replacement of cash but a drive for safe payment system for customers.

``The cashless drive by the CBN does not mean the absence or replacement of cash, however, it is the provision of safer and
efficient alternatives of payment for bank customers.

``A safe and effective payments infrastructure is core to the financial stability of any country,’’ he said.

 Sanusi said that displacing cash as a preferred means of payment, remained a major challenge in Nigeria.

He said that direct cost to cash as at 2012 was estimated to reach N192 billion.

This cost, he said was being passed onto customers in the form of bank charges and lending rates.

The governor said that the apex bank had licensed some mobile scheme operators with the view to bringing the un-banked  or financially excluded into the banking culture.

He said that efforts had been made to ensure that fraud was reduced in the use of cash, to build customers confidence in the use of
the ATM cards.

``The CBN has taken a giant step to gain the confidence of the ATM consumers, following the circular enforcing migrating from magstripe type of debit card to chip and pin type of debit card.

``Statistic shows that this effort has reduced fraud incidence by 90 per cent.

``Many customers are now embracing the use of electronic channels in their transactions because of the near impossible efforts of
would-be fraudsters to clone debit cards to perpetrate fraud, as it was the case during the pre-migration era,’’ he said.

He said that the framework for mobile scheme operators, recognised the need to comply with best international standards and global
regulation particularly on the area of know your customer and anti-money laundry requirement.

Also speaking, the CBN Head of Share Services Department, Mr Chidi Emeano, said that the bank had introduced ways to reduce
cost for banks and ensure effective implementation of the policy.

He identified the lack of understanding of policy, infrastructure lag, poor communication, customs challenges on clearing and exorbitant bank charges, among others as major challenge facing the policy.

Participants at the sensitisation programme were drawn from operators of deposit and micro-finance banks. (NAN)

- See more at: http://leadership.ng/news/090713/biometric-authentication-atms-pos-takes-effect-2015-sanusi#sthash.8ViuY7xr.dpuf

Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said that the implementation of bio-metric authentication for Point of Sales (PoS) and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) will commence by 2015.

Sanusi, who was represented by the FCT Branch Controller of the CBN, Mr John Chukwudifu, spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the stakeholders sensitisation programme on the cashless policy.

He said that the measure would address the safety of customer’s funds.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cashless policy took effect from July 1, in the FCT, Anambra, Ogun, Abia, Rivers and Kano.

``The Biometric authentication for POS and ATMs to address safety of customers’ fund and avoid losses through compromise of PIN is being considered and it will be implemented by 2015,’’ he said.

He said that the cashless drive of the apex bank did not mean the absence or replacement of cash but a drive for safe payment system for customers.

``The cashless drive by the CBN does not mean the absence or replacement of cash, however, it is the provision of safer and
efficient alternatives of payment for bank customers.

``A safe and effective payments infrastructure is core to the financial stability of any country,’’ he said.

 Sanusi said that displacing cash as a preferred means of payment, remained a major challenge in Nigeria.

He said that direct cost to cash as at 2012 was estimated to reach N192 billion.

This cost, he said was being passed onto customers in the form of bank charges and lending rates.

The governor said that the apex bank had licensed some mobile scheme operators with the view to bringing the un-banked  or financially excluded into the banking culture.

He said that efforts had been made to ensure that fraud was reduced in the use of cash, to build customers confidence in the use of
the ATM cards.

``The CBN has taken a giant step to gain the confidence of the ATM consumers, following the circular enforcing migrating from magstripe type of debit card to chip and pin type of debit card.

``Statistic shows that this effort has reduced fraud incidence by 90 per cent.

``Many customers are now embracing the use of electronic channels in their transactions because of the near impossible efforts of
would-be fraudsters to clone debit cards to perpetrate fraud, as it was the case during the pre-migration era,’’ he said.

He said that the framework for mobile scheme operators, recognised the need to comply with best international standards and global
regulation particularly on the area of know your customer and anti-money laundry requirement.

Also speaking, the CBN Head of Share Services Department, Mr Chidi Emeano, said that the bank had introduced ways to reduce
cost for banks and ensure effective implementation of the policy.

He identified the lack of understanding of policy, infrastructure lag, poor communication, customs challenges on clearing and exorbitant bank charges, among others as major challenge facing the policy.

Participants at the sensitisation programme were drawn from operators of deposit and micro-finance banks. (NAN)

- See more at: http://leadership.ng/news/090713/biometric-authentication-atms-pos-takes-effect-2015-sanusi#sthash.8ViuY7xr.dpuf

Go Travel rolls-out Dolphin point of sale technology

South East England regional agent Go Travel has become the latest travel company to deploy Dolphin's point of sale tool. With over thirty staff across its five locations, the technology roll-out has enabled Go Travel to implement a single business-wide selling system accessing low-cost, charter and GDS-sourced flights, accommodation wholesalers and car-rental suppliers.

The point of sale module now forms an integral part of Go Travel's Dolphin technology platform. Streamlining booking processes by providing seamless access to customer and supplier profiles, a dynamic pricing engine and eliminating the need to manually transfer data between front and back-office.

In addition to accessing hundreds of airlines via Amadeus and consolidator JTA, Go Travel will benefit from direct connections with their twelve preferred accommodation and car-rental suppliers. Removing the need for frontline staff to manually book, track and modify bookings via multiple supplier websites, with all of functions now completed via a single, integrated point of sale application.

Commenting Mike Roberts, Director at Go Travel said, "We've been working successfully with Dolphin's back-office technology since 2005. Deploying an end-to-end Dolphin system was a natural next step for us and a move which has helped to radically streamline our booking processes and, as a direct result, enhance the service we offer to customers".

Roberto Da Re, CEO at Dolphin Dynamics added, "We're very pleased Go Travel has chosen to extend our long-standing relationship by investing further in Dolphin. Our point of sale booking solution continues to be one of our main focuses in terms of product investment. This has included working closely with customers to introduce a wide range of enhancements to Dolphin's user interface and greatly extending the number of third-party travel suppliers connected to our booking engine. This investment will continue in 2013".

About Dolphin Dynamics:

Dolphin Dynamics is a software development company specialising in integrated booking and information management solutions for the travel industry.

Source

Apple Stores to Sell Square Stand Point-of-Sale System

Apple Retail Stores will begin offering Square's iPad-based point-of-sale system, Square Stand, on July 9, reports 9to5Mac.

First introduced in May, the Square Stand is a cash register replacement that features both a secure iPad stand and an integrated card reader. It is also able to support additional peripherals like a receipt printer, kitchen printer, cash drawer, and barcode scanners. 
Unfortunately, the Square Stand is only able to function with iPads that use a 30-pin dock connector, making it compatible with the iPad 2 and the third generation iPad.

Apple is expected to begin offering the Square Stand at a number of retail stores on Tuesday, July 9, and it will retail for $299.

Source

In Pictures: The major point-of-sale providers in Canada

The amount of point-of-sale debits in Canada has grown from just under 3 billion in 2008 to just over 3.4 billion today according to the Canadian Payments Association. Canada has many players offer credit and debit card payment processing terminals and services to merchants across the country. Here are the major players:

Moneris Solutions, founded by two of Canada’s largest banks, offers a suite of payment processing solutions to help merchants accept credit and debit cards online. Options include point-of-sale payment processing, wireless payment processing, the ability to accept payments online as well as a mobile payment card reader allowing merchants to swipe payment cards on their mobile smartphone or tablet. It also provides services ranging from the ability to issue gift cards to the opportunity to process payments by phone. The company declined to disclose its annual transaction volume or its fees but its PAYD mobile payment service website says it charges 2.75 per cent per transaction for that service.
(DARRYL DYCK For The Globe and Mail)

TD Merchant Services also offers a variety of ways to accept credit and debit cards. These options include countertop point-of-sale terminals, wireless point-of-sale machines, online payment acceptance, the ability to process payments by phone and many other options. The company declined to disclose its annual transaction volume or fees.
(Salvatore Sacco/CP)

 Chase Paymentech began operations in Canada in 2002 with the purchase of Scotiabank’s merchant acquiring point-of-sale portfolio, and shortly thereafter Citibank’s portfolio. Chase Paymentech’s offers merchants the opportunity to accept credit, debit, and gift card payments. Chase Paymentech’s full line-up of standalone and integrated payment solutions include countertop, Pay-at-the-Table, short– and long-range wireless, EMV chip, online orders, contactless and mobile payment options. The company declined to disclose its fees but claim 29.5 billion transactions with a value of $655.2-billion in 2012 globally, including an estimated half of all global Internet transactions.
(© Lucas Jackson / Reuters/REUTERS)

 Global Payments allows merchants to accept MasterCard, Maestro, Visa, Visa Debit and Interac Direct Payment. Customers can accept payments at point of sale, online, by phone or mail. The company works closely with HSBC, the National Bank of Canada and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). The company declined to disclose its fees.
(Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail)
 

 Desjardins provides a suite of payment processing solutions such as point-of-sale payment processing, wireless payment processing, online payment acceptance, mobile payment payment processing, the ability to issue gift cards as well as the opportunity to process payments by phone. Fees range from $35 a month for customized plans to 2.52 per cent per transaction for accepting payments via phone. The company processes roughly 551 million transactions a year.
(Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail)

Source