Hurricane Irene is wreaking havoc for businesses with limited phone and internet capabilities who need to process electronic payments. Our hosted payment technology provides the ultimate disaster relief capability because not only can merchants continue to process transactions, but they’ll have business continuity both before and after the disaster. What’s your back up plan?

DISASTER PROCESSES FOR A MERCHANT-  OVERVIEW OF BEFORE & AFTER SCENARIO:

Before disaster- Dial up terminal > authorization > print receipt which customers signs and you store for at least 180 days, the amount of time allowed for disputes.

After disaster: The use of limited phone line for customer service can interfere with ability to run operations, plus merchant needs power for printing receipts after authorization. More than likely the merchant manually imprints the card data and batch processes at a later date. This increases risk associated with accepting payments, including potential internal fraud and identity theft.

Before disaster with CenPOS technology- hosted terminal > authorization via internet >  customers sign signature capture terminal,  merchant sends receipt to the USB receipt printer, and CenPOS electronically stores signed receipt for retrieval for 7 years, covering both the amount of time allowed for disputes and any IRS needs.

After disaster with CenPOS technology, there are  multiple options:

• Attach a card reader to mobile device-ipad, iPhone, Droid. Card is swiped and customer signs on the device; a receipt is emailed automatically.
• Attach a card reader to laptop with satellite internet, and print 2 copies of receipts to the USB receipt printer; one for internal records and one for the customer. The transaction is electronically stored for retrieval for 7 years.
• Route calls to a temporary call center where operators take orders over the phone. Receipts are emailed to customers. Key entered transactions are automatically routed to meet card not present requirements, with proprietary technology to mitigate risk associated with card not present transactions, and reduce associated payment processing fees. Because CenPOS is an intelligent solution, even if you need to hire unskilled temporary help, you’ll avoid costly errors and mitigate risk because our solution automatically gathers the required data needed and passes it through to the processor.

In every case above there is no disruption to the merchant, who will use the SAME Virtual Terminal for all transactions both before and after the disaster. This simplifies recovery later because all receipts and transaction records remain in the same virtual location, with the exception of any offline signed receipts.

ViVOtech Ships EMV Payments and NFC mCommerce-Ready Reader

ViVOpay 8100 Designed to Meet Visa Technology Innovation Program; Potential Savings to Merchants of $2 Billion Annually by Eliminating PCI-DSS Validation Cost

SANTA CLARA, CA–(Marketwire – Aug 17, 2011) – ViVOtech, the near field communication (NFC) software and systems company, today announced the immediate availability of a new point of sale (POS) terminal for payments and NFC mobile commerce that could save eligible merchants more than $2 billion a year in annual Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) validation costs under a Visa Inc. initiative.
ViVOtech’s new ViVOpay 8100 terminals accept traditional swipe cards with magnetic stripes, chip cards, contactless cards, and NFC-enabled mobile phones, as required by the Visa initiative announced last week to accelerate the migration to Eurocard-MasterCard-Visa (EMV) contact and contactless chip technology in the United States.

To motivate merchants, Visa announced on August 9, 2011: “Effective October 1, 2012, Visa will expand its Technology Innovation Program (TIP) to the U.S. TIP will eliminate the requirement for eligible merchants to annually validate their compliance with the PCI Data Security Standard for any year in which at least 75 percent of the merchant’s Visa transactions originate from chip-enabled terminals. To qualify, terminals must be enabled to support both contact and contactless chip acceptance, including mobile contactless payments based on NFC technology.”

The industry association Smart Card Alliance estimates annual PCI-DSS fraud-protection validations cost businesses more than $2 billion a year.

“Viva Visa!” said Michael (Mick) Mullagh, CEO of ViVOtech, which has shipped more than 850,000 contactless and NFC readers worldwide. “It’s about time the U.S. joins the rest of the world, which has been using highly secure contact and contactless chip technology for nearly a decade. We applaud Visa’s efforts to advance adoption here. And, we have the affordable technology available today in the new ViVOpay 8100 for merchants to take advantage of Visa’s incentives while benefiting from rich NFC mobile commerce.”

Much More than EMV-Ready
The new ViVOpay 8100 includes ViVOtech NFC checkout technology that enables merchants to accept and process coupons, personalized offers, loyalty programs and payments through the merchant’s proprietary mobile applications.

With the ViVOpay 8100, consumers just insert, swipe or tap their payment cards, or tap their NFC mobile phones to pay or electronically redeem a coupon or discount voucher. The device also accepts Personal Identification Number (PIN) entry for secure debit transactions. Combined with ViVOtech’s mLoyalty, coupons, and social networking software, the ViVOpay 8100 allows merchants to deliver personalized services to customers’ NFC-enabled mobile phones.

The ViVOpay 8100 works with the most popular payment terminals and electronic cash register (ECR) systems used by merchants today, adding powerful new capabilities that include:

* PCI 2.1 certification: Highly secure PIN pad provides protection from obsolescence beyond 2014.
* Integrated mobile payments and promotions module: Built-in support for NFC mobile payments, marketing and loyalty programs.
* Support for multiple transactions: Enables Chip-and-PIN and signature-based credit and debit transactions using mag-stripe, contactless and NFC mobile phones.
* ISO 14443 contactless and ISO 18092 peer-to-peer NFC, and MiFare Technologies.
* Remote download: Post-deployment firmware updates via remote download eliminate the need for additional hardware or device resetting.
* Customer-friendly keypad: Compliant with standards for the visually disabled, with a recessed keyboard providing maximum privacy.
* Advanced connectivity: Ethernet connectivity along with serial and USB communication support for multiple connectivity options to work with a versatile set of mobile-enabled applications.

The ViVOpay 8100 is designed to meet Visa Technology Innovation Program (TIP) requirements as well as support new NFC-based mCommerce opportunities. The new reader comes with a secure 32-bit ARM9 processor, the Linux operating system, 16MB Flash, 32MB SDRAM, as well as integrated EMV smart card, contactless NFC and mag-stripe readers. To learn more or to purchase the ViVOpay 8100, visit: http://www.vivotech.com/products/vivo_pay/vivopay_8100.asp.

About ViVOtech
ViVOtech, the near field communication (NFC) software and systems company, enables rich mobile commerce solutions for in-store payment, loyalty, marketing, and merchandising. Merchant, payment, mobile, web and advertising companies use ViVOtech solutions to enhance customer experience and grow their business. ViVOtech’s NFC software and systems are the broadest, most tested and deployed worldwide. Founded in 2001, Silicon Valley-based ViVOtech provides the key building blocks of the NFC ecosystem: smart applications for enhancing the customer experience, wallet and trusted service manager (TSM) software, and point of sale systems. ViVOtech’s investors include Alloy Ventures, Citi Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, DFJ Gotham, EDBI, First Data Corporation, Miven Ventures, Motorola Mobility, Motorola Solutions, Nokia Growth Partners, NCR, SingTel Innov8 and Sprint. Join the NFC revolution at

Ingenico Reacts Positively to Plans by the Card Association to Bring Smart Card technology to the U.S; Added Security Features to Reduce Card Fraud for Retailers and Cardholders

Atlanta, GA — August 16, 2011. Ingenico, the leading worldwide provider of payment devices and services, reacted positively to the recent announcement by VISA Inc. to accelerate the migration to EMV contact and contactless chip technology in the United States. Boasting the largest installed base of EMV-enabled terminals (over 15 million) globally, Ingenico sees the arrival of the smart card technology as the next logical step in preparing the U.S. payments ecosystem to benefit from the international interoperability and newly emerging non-traditional NFC-enabled mobile payments technology. The EMV and other next generation chip-based payment technologies will enhance the current payment infrastructure in the U.S. by positioning it to accept and handle chip transactions, and securing payments through the use of dynamic card authentication. The added security features that promise to reduce the impact of card-based fraud will benefit both retailers and cardholders.

With our global presence and multiple successful EMV card migrations around the world, including most recently Canada, we have accumulated an unparalleled level of EMV expertise and knowledge,” said Thierry Denis, president of Ingenico, North America. “We fully understand chip-based technology benefits for retailers and cardholders and are uniquely qualified to lead the U.S. migration to EMV and contactless acceptance. Not only will chip technology reduce fraud levels for merchants and card issuers, it will also provide American consumers with the flexibility and convenience to use their payment cards outside of the U.S. where they can not currently do so. ”

For the past 12 months Ingenico has been anticipating and preparing for the migration of EMV card technology in the U.S. and serves on many committees to bolster broader awareness of this technology. Ingenico is the only terminal manufacturer represented on the EMVCo. Board of Advisors, the governing body of the EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for chip-based payment cards and acceptance devices, and is a member of the Leader Council of the Smart Card Alliance, a non-profit association driving the understanding and adoption of smart card technology in the U.S.

With VISA’s moves to accelerate EMV and mobile payments adoption in the United States, now is the time for EMV-savvy leaders of the acceptance market to step up to the challenge and provide the education, support and programs needed to help merchants ensure a smooth transition,” said Randy Vanderhoof, executive director of the Smart Card Alliance.

Driven by its strategic vision based upon innovation and security, Ingenico has successfully helped shape the migration and development of chip-based smart card payment infrastructure for its customers around the world. Today, the company continues on its path of innovation by responding to rapidly changing customer needs with high-performing products and innovative solutions needed to support the new forms of payment including mobile, contactless and NFC.

Ingenico has made significant changes to its product mix and organization in North America during the first half of 2011. We are growing in capacity, but more importantly we are adding critical industry expertise such as EMV and NFC to our already capable team,” said Gregory Boardman, senior vice president of Product & Development, Ingenico, North America. “Through investment in new contact and contactless technology, people and processes, we are well-positioned to help U.S.-based customers migrate to EMV and NFC acceptance. Our entire line of TELIUM products, which is certified to the latest PCI security standard, comes standard with integrated EMV card readers and options for integrated NFC acceptance. ”

End of life notice and full product description of the Hypercom Optima L4250. Should you buy a product after the end of life notice. Editor reviews.

End of Life Notice Regarding Optimum L4250 Payment Terminal from Hypercom:
As part of our continued focus toward providing our customers and partners the highest level of service, quality and security, Hypercom wants to inform you of our plans to End of Life (EOL) the Optimum L4250 Payment Terminal.    The important dates listed below signify the termination of the Optimum L4250 Payment Terminal support and availability:
Final Order Date: Hypercom will cease taking orders for all configurations of the Optimum L4250 payment terminals after October 31st, 2011.

• Customers will have the opportunity to submit a final order for the product or for spare parts until the Final Order Date.
• Final Ship Date: Hypercom’s intention is that all Optimum L4250 orders placed prior to October 31st, 2011 will be shipped no later than January 31st, 2012.
• End of Development Date: There will be no new Hypercom sponsored hardware or software development after the final order date of October 31st, 2011. Software bug fixes will continue until the End of Service date (below).
• Repair support will be available for customers for three years after the final ship date, as component availability permits, unless otherwise explicitly agreed between Hypercom and its customers.

End of Service Date: On January 31st, 2015, service and repair of all configurations of the Optimum L4250 Payment Terminal will be discontinued. Spare parts will not be guaranteed to be available after this date.
Hypercom recommends and encourages our customers and partners to begin an action plan to migrate your Optimum L4250 products and applications to an alternative Hypercom product line. The Hypercom L5000 payment terminals provide affordable and higher performance successor products that meets today’s most stringent security standards and also leverages the same FPE32 software application code base and interface as the Optimum L4250 payment terminals. Please contact your local sales person for additional information or visit the Hypercom web-site at http://www.hypercom.com/multi-lane .
The POS industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. Constant improvements and advancements in technology encourage us to incorporate these changes for the benefit of our customers. As a global leader in the POS industry, Hypercom stands ready to assist our partners in implementing these changes. If we can assist with your migration efforts to the latest applications and terminal platforms, please contact your Hypercom representative today.

L4250 EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW

Here’s compact streamlining at its best: the Optimum L4250. Easy to use and attractive at the same time, using Hypercom’s innovative, dual-sided, bi-directional magnetic stripe reader means your customers won’t have to deal with frustrating fumbles. In fact, you get accurate card data reads well beyond the nominal swipe-speed range so you can reduce lanes slowdowns and cashier interactions.

The unit’s large, easy-to-read LCD screen not only offers outstanding signature capture, it lets you communicate branding and merchandizing messages quickly. Custom screens are easy to update and let you extend loyalty campaigns and promotional specials.

The Optimum L4250 not only looks fast, it is fast – its Intel XScale® 32-bit processor rockets transactions to the ECR/payment device. It also supports advanced communications like USB and Ethernet for even faster transaction speed. This is how you turn every lane into the fast lane.

Race-Track Speed. Security In Every Lane:

• Proven Forms Processing Engine — Assured rapid integration
• Intel XScale® 32-bit processor — Fast transaction speed
• Streamlined space-saver — Small footprint
• PCI-PED approved — Online PIN code verification
• Permanent privacy screen — Maximum customer security
• DES/Triple DES DUKPT — Secure key management

Fast Performance Comes Standard:

• Speeds customer check-out with optional dual-sided, bi-directional magnetic strip reader, for 99.99% first-read rate when customers swipe their cards
• Maximizes transaction time through fast data transmission: Intel XScale® 32-bit processor, RS-232, and powered USB port
• Adapts to new payment methods: the Optimum L4200 can be configured with an integrated ISO 14443 A & B contactless RF reader and EMV-approved, ISO 7816-compatible chip card reader
• Allows proven POS integration, screen creation, customer-activated signature capture and remote terminal management via state-of-the-art Hypercom FPE32 software

Customer Security on Every Lane:

• Maximizes security with Derived Unique Key Per Transaction (DUKPT) key management and Message Authentication Code (MAC)
• Protects valuable cardholder PINs with fast Data Encryption Standard (DES) and Triple DES for secure encryption
• Complies with California’s Financial Code for visually disabled persons

Usability Arrives with Cost-Effectiveness Built In:

• Gives customers easy signature space and onscreen graphics with an economical 220 x 80 16-shade grayscale display
• Extends usable life-cycle with 100,000-hour backlight
• Uses non-powered stylus, without on-board electronics, to reduce replacement cost significantly: you avoid a common industry breakpoint
• Maximizes unit life and minimizes returns for repair due to screen damage thanks to its auto-sensing screen protection system
• Offers superior clarity with unique Terrapin overlay: its resistance to tacking and scratching means it lasts far longer than anti-static material
• Saves time and money, since on-premise screen protector replacement means there’s no need to send terminals to the factory to replace glass screens

EDITORS NOTE: As per the memo, the product will be supported for years to come and it is still being sold. The most interesting aspect of the newer products in the multilane line is Hypercom’s HyperSafe Remote Key System (HRKS) which allows for the remote terminal key injection at the point-of-sale. In the past if the pin debit injection was blown, merchants had to send to a secure facility for a new injection.

Editor Recommendation: If you’re on a tight budget and are not reliant upon the features of the new devices, including color advertising, this is still a very viable product and good value. Note also that end of life does not mean merchants cannot use the product, but it creates a timeline for when manufacturer support will stop. Payment processors may not allow merchants to board new accounts with the L4250 after January 2015, but even after that, existing merchants can usually continue to use the product until it breaks.

The Ingenico 5100 dual comm countertop terminal and cost effective solution for low to mid- volume transaction levels. It has a built in pin pad for debit card pin code entry and the unit is small enough to hand over to customers to enter their pin number. It’s smart card capable, plus fully EMV and PCI PED approved.

The i5100 is an IP -enabled countertop transaction terminal capable of operating in either dial up or IP communication modes. Operating in IP mode, the transaction speeds are decreased to as few as 4 seconds, thus offering the merchant improved checkout speed and service. Capable of handling credit, debit, and other magnetic card transactions such as loyalty, prepaid and more, the i5100 is a versatile, robust and cost efficient way for merchants everywhere to accept electronic payments.

Dimensions(*)
Width: 21.00 cm 8.27 in Height: 7.50 cm 2.95 in
Lenght: 9.50 cm 3.74 in Weight: 600.00 g 1.32 lb
Built in features:
Print:
* 15.00 lines/second print speed

Display:
* 128*64 Pixels
* Monochrome
* Backlit

Keypad:
* 18 Keys
* Backlit
* Smart card reader EMV 4.0 certified Level 1 and 2
* Magnetic card reader

Certain features are optional, please consult the datasheet to get more information
Wide area network communication:
* ISDN modem
* Dial up modem
* A Plug>It slot enables merchants to expand the terminal communication capabilities to include Wi-Fi and external GPRS.

Peripherals:
* RS 232

PROS

Small size, low cost, proven reliability, dual comm makes for easy back up if one communication system goes down.  No separate pin pad. Works with most processors so you can switch without having to buy new equipment.

CONS

If the pin pad fails, the entire unit needs to be sent out for repair and key injection again.

Can I use the 5100 for multi-merchant ?
No, the 5100 is not a multimerchant terminal.

MSRP $299

3D Merchant i5100 terminal price

This how to video demonstrates how to install a sim card in the Verifone Nurit 8020 wireless credit card terminal Model 8020US50K04. You can enlarge to full screen view.

Open the battery pack. Unlock the SIM cardholder. Turn machine over so the latch opens.  Match the gold on SIM to face the gold on the inside electronics. Relock, replace cover.

Please LIKE on Youtube, Facebook or add a PLUS 1 if you like this video. Thank you!

See also Nurit 8020 M20 wireless terminal review.

The First Data FD300 Ti terminal is the ideal solution for operations that want a a desktop terminal  to keep track of sales for separate businesses (as many as 99) that are housed at the same location. Its multi-merchant capability allows each owner to conveniently designate which business the sale is applied to at the time of the purchase. Each merchant receives an individualized statement listing only his own transactions in an easy-to-read format.

FD300ti multi-merchant terminal data sheet (pdf download)

The pin-pad for pin debit is an optional add on. FD30 contactless pinpad provides convenience in busy high volume settings.  The FD10 is about half the price.  Since pin debit is nearly the same cost as signature debit at this writing, smaller service oriented merchants will want to weigh the cost benefit, since chargebacks tend to be infrequent in those industries. Additionally, the actual use of the pin pad tends to be low in multi-merchant settings, negating the potential benefits. Finally, with 2011 pending federal legislation, signature debit may eventually be the same cost as pin debit.

MSRP $599. Click here for our Credit Card equipment and FD300 terminal price list.

Increasingly, criminals with sophisticated tools are actively targeting vulnerable merchant  point-of-sale (POS) terminals to steal payment card data and PINs for counterfeit fraud purposes. Criminal gangs worldwide are illegally accessing active POS terminals and modifying them by inserting an undetectable electronic “bug” that captures cardholder data and PINs during normal transaction processing.

Visa has released an excellent bulletin all brick and mortar merchants should read.

Point-of-Sale Terminal Tampering (pdf download)
Is a Crime . . .
and You Can Stop It