Thursday, October 6, 2011

Mobile Device Security 2011-2016: Opportunities and Challenges


NEW YORKOct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:
The Rise of Mobile Malware
2011 is witnessing an explosion of new threats targeting mobile devices. Data and ID theft, SMS fraud, rogue apps and covert espionage are infecting smartphones at an unprecedented rate. Malware such as Trojans, worms, spyware and spam are spreading across mobile platforms, already highly capable of stealing data, corrupting functions and usurping control. 
Visiongain research shows that the number of mobile malware more than doubled in 2011 from 2010 with over 200 new variants in the first half of 2011 alone, out of a total of 800 since 2003.
Securing the Mobile Ecosystem
Cybercriminals are actively exploiting the popularity of smartphones and tablets because of low user awareness of the risks, and lax security enforcement within organisations. This real and growing mobile threat is already a critical issue for the business segment and which CEOs must addressed now. 
By 2016, visiongain expects that almost every employee will have a smartphone that supports e-mail, can access the internet and install a variety of applications. Organisations have to learn to support complex and varied mobile operating systems and efficiently manage the security of all these platforms if they want to leverage the productivity benefits of smart devices.
A Growing Mobile Security Market
Security concerns are driving a fairly new market in mobile protection. The mobile security market is still in its infancy however. The fragmented nature of the mobile OS landscape has allowed for a number of varied companies to offer different mobile security solutions. Most of the leading IT software security specialists have expanded their suite of PC solutions to include mobile devices. 
In parallel, a number of smaller security experts specialising in mobile devices have appeared and their niche area of expertise have been on par with many established IT software security leaders. There is a small but fast-growing market specialising in mobile security which will gain momentum with the rapid adoption of smart devices and mobile internet in the face of a growing cybercriminal menace. Visiongain expects the mobile security market to reach $3.95 billion in global revenues by 2016.
What is Unique about this Report?
The mobile security market is fast growing because protecting mobile devices is rapidly becoming a top priority for both organisations. There are increasing opportunities for monetisation for vendors and security specialists. This report provides extensive insight into the rapidly developing world of mobile malware and the latest technological tools to counter mobile threats.
The report includes exclusive interviews with leading security experts from McAfee, AVG, Panda Security, Lookout, SmrtGuard, Mobile Security Labs, BullGuard, Telefónica and Vodafone, about the state of mobile malware and security.
The report details solutions by security software specialists, MNOs, OEMs, OTT providers and MDM vendors for mobile device and data protection for the individual, SMBs and large organisations. It offers recommendations on how to best counter threats and ensure maximum mobile protection. 
Don't miss out on a chance to anticipate the growing threat menace and efficiently protect endpoints in your organisation by buying Mobile Device Security 2011-2016 now.

Visa Adds Mobile Payment Pioneer to Help Lend a Hand for Mobile Financial Services to the Unbanked

Gavin Krugel, Senior Director at the GSM Association, joins Visa; tasked to accelerate the activation of mobile money programs in developing economies

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) today announced the addition of mobile industry veteran, Gavin Krugel to its global mobile team. Gavin joins Visa as Fundamo head of customer strategy and market activation, focused on the implementation of mobile money services across developing markets in Asia Pacific, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa. Gavin’s responsibilities include support for the activation of mobile money programs by customers of Fundamo, the recently-acquired mobile money platform that extends Visa products to unbanked consumers in developing economies.
“Gavin has a considerable track record of understanding the intersection of mobile technology with adjacent industries and leading efforts to bring innovative services to market”
Previous to Visa, Gavin was senior director at the GSMA, the global association that represents the worldwide mobile industry, where he led the GSMA’s mobile money efforts in international remittances and in making financial services available to the unbanked through mobile, such as the Mobile Money for the Unbanked and Mobile Money Transfer initiatives.
Gavin’s career includes significant experience in financial services, working at Standard Bank Group, Barclay’s subsidiary Absa Bank, Investec Private Bank, MasterCard Worldwide, and Mobile Money start up Cointel. In addition, he founded TroyTyla’s thinkmobilemoney consultancy in 2006 which supported several mobile money ventures in developing markets including some of the world’s best known deployments.
"Gavin has a considerable track record of understanding the intersection of mobile technology with adjacent industries and leading efforts to bring innovative services to market," said Bill Gajda, Global Head Mobile Product at Visa Inc. "His unique experience bringing together the complex worlds of the wireless and financial services industries ensures he will be a significant asset as Visa continues to roll-out its global strategy to commercialize mobile financial services around the globe."
About Visa
Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable digital currency. Underpinning digital currency is one of the world’s most advanced processing networks—VisaNet—that is capable of handling more than 20,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.

Contacts

Visa Inc.
Elvira Swanson, 415-932-2564
globalmedia@visa.com

Google’s Osama Bedier to Keynote at 4G World 2011


Google Wallet to headline the NFC Summit.
4G World 2011
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--4G World today announced a new addition to its acclaimed list of speakers for the 4G World 2011 Conference and Expo. On the heels of the recent Google Wallet launch, Osama Bedier, VP of Payments for Google and one of the leads in orchestrating the company’s new open commerce ecosystem, will keynote at the 4G World 2011 summit “NFC: Enabling New Revenue Opportunities.” The third annual 4G World takes place Oct. 24-27 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. The event Web site iswww.4gworld.com.
“Fresh from having launched the largest commercial U.S. NFC initiative to date, the expertise and insight he can bring to our audience will truly be invaluable.”
The NFC Summit, developed in conjunction with the NFC Forum, Near Field Communications World and Inside Secure, takes place Wednesday, Oct. 26, onsite at 4G World 2011. The executive summit assembles thought leaders representing the global ecosystem of NFC-based applications being deployed today. Bedier will take the stage at 9:45 a.m.
“We are excited to welcome Osama Bedier as an executive keynote for our NFC Summit,” said Nick Holland, Yankee Group senior analyst and program director for the summit. “Fresh from having launched the largest commercial U.S. NFC initiative to date, the expertise and insight he can bring to our audience will truly be invaluable.”
4G World is the largest event in the world covering the entire ecosystem of next-generation 4G technologies and business models that power the mobile Internet economy. For more details on the event or to register, visit www.4gworld.com.
Sponsors of 4G World 2011 Conference and Expo include: Alvarion; Ericsson; Alcatel-Lucent; Ciena; Huawei; Juniper Networks; Nokia Siemens Networks; Qualcomm; Samsung; Airspan; Cavium Networks; Continuous Computing; Exalt; NetLogic Microsystems, Inc.; NetScout; Sequans; Stoke; Symmetricom; Tekelec; Sprint; 4G Trends; Connected Planet; Total Telecom; Wireless Week; Award Solutions; bnetTV.com; 3GPP; NFC Forum; TM Forum; UMTS Forum; Wi-Fi Alliance; WiMAX Forum; 4G Americas; ATIS; CDG; IMS Forum; NGN Forum; NGN Plugfest; Telecom Council of Silicon Valley; USTelecom; Wireless Communications Association International; Maravedis; Rethink Research; Senza Fili Consulting; Parks Associates; and Hot Telecom.
About 4G World
4G World is the first and only conference and expo covering the entire ecosystem of next-generation 4G technologies that enable the mobile Internet revolution, including mobile network infrastructure, advanced devices, applications and content.
Yankee Group believes operator strategies for 4G network evolution will not be driven by technology, but by competition and market demand. As a ubiquitous network takes hold in the mature markets of North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, operators are anticipating massive growth in broadband data usage and planning their network migration strategies and business models for monetizing mobile Internet services. 4G World offers them an opportunity to research state-of-the-practice business models and advanced mobile technologies, and learn from other operators about what works—and what doesn’t—as they migrate their networks to 4G. For more information, visit www.4GWorld.com
About Yankee Group
Yankee Group is the preeminent research and advisory firm equipping companies to profit in a mobile world. We research the attitudes, behaviors and usage patterns of mobile users and explore enabling technologies and emerging business models across the mobile ecosystem. Based on these capabilities, our analysts provide a range of actionable data, insights and advice to marketing, strategy and product executives driving the mobility revolution in leading companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.yankeegroup.com.

Heartland Payment Systems Releases First Actual Durbin Impact Statistics


Heartland merchants receive millions of dollars through Durbin pass through program
QSRs and small-ticket merchants feel the pain of MasterCard® and Visa® fee changes
PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just days after the implementation of the Durbin Amendment swipe fee reform on October 1, Heartland Payment Systems® (NYSE: HPY), one of the nation’s largest payments processors, has released the first real-world data about the legislation’s actual effects on business owners across the United States.
“These savings are just the tip of the iceberg”
From the first to the third of October, Heartland passed along $1,779,568 in debit interchange reductions to its merchants across the U.S. Restaurant merchants received $671,652 of this reduction. The company estimates its average merchant will save more than $1,000 in the first year alone.
“These savings are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Bob Baldwin, president at Heartland. “Durbin Dollars should stay where they belong — in merchants’ bank accounts — and Heartland is helping business owners keep more of their hard-earned cash. Merchants shouldn’t take this for granted. They need to be vigilant in ensuring they receive the cost savings they deserve so they don’t unknowingly fall victim to processors looking to profit at their expense.”
The real effects of the Durbin Amendment have already started to take hold as evidenced in the statistical findings below derived from data collected between October 1 – 3, 2011 across Heartland’s portfolio of 250,000 merchant locations. Heartland has found:
  • 65% of its signature debit sales volume qualified as regulated
  • On average, there is a savings of $0.21 per transaction for regulated (vs. non-regulated)
    • The average signature debit non-regulated interchange fee per transaction is $0.44
    • The average signature debit regulated interchange fee per transaction is $0.23
  • On average, there is a savings of 75 basis points for regulated (vs. non-regulated)
    • The average signature debit non-regulated effective rate is 1.55%
    • The average signature debit regulated effective rate is 0.80%
While the majority of merchants are realizing significant savings from the debit rate reductions, merchants that process a high volume of small-ticket transactions are actually paying more due to the elimination of MasterCard and Visa’s small-ticket interchange rates. As of October, the card brands are charging the same regulated rates as standard transactions of 21 cents plus one cent plus 0.05 percent of the transaction volume, which translates to increased costs on debit transactions less than $11. In Heartland’s portfolio, quick serve restaurants (QSRs), for example, are now paying an average effective interchange rate of 2.15 percent compared to the 2.08 percent they were charged under the small-ticket provision.
For more information on the Durbin Amendment, visit GetYourDurbinDollars.com.
About Heartland Payment Systems
Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. (NYSE: HPY), the fifth largest payments processor in the United States, delivers credit/debit/prepaid card processinggift marketing and loyalty programspayrollcheck management and related business solutions to more than 250,000 business locations nationwide. A FORTUNE 1000 company, Heartland is the founding supporter of The Merchant Bill of Rights, a public advocacy initiative that educates merchants about fair credit and debit card processing practices. The company is also a leader in the development of end-to-end encryption technology designed to protect cardholder data, rendering it useless to cybercriminals. For more information, please visit HeartlandPaymentSystems.comMerchantBillOfRights.orgCostOfABurger.com and E3secure.com.

Contacts

For Heartland Payment Systems
Leanne Scott Brown, 610-455-2742
LBrown@VaultCommunications.com

NEBA Introduces SMS Text Messaging System for Bank Credit and Debit Card Issuers


NEBA’s SMS Text Messaging System strengthens bank/customer relationships with near real-time communication and cardholder account data access
WAKEFIELD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NEBA today announced it has leveraged its resources and expertise to implement Short Messaging Systems (SMS) Text Messaging Systems for financial institution credit and debit card issuers. The system provides one- or two-way consumer, event or system triggered short code messaging and is module-based, depending on need. A real time fraud alerts component, based upon Falcon fraud analytics system strategies, allows the card issuer expanded risk management capability. With SMS Text Messaging the issuer’s cardholders access near real-time, personalized, relevant credit card account data. The system works with existing digital voice capabilities allowing a card issuer to communicate via SMS Text Messaging, automated outbound voice messaging or other preferred channel.
“NEBA is excited to bring SMS Text Messaging to its card issuing members”
“NEBA is excited to bring SMS Text Messaging to its card issuing members,” said Ted Keith, NEBA’s President and CEO. “Cardholders benefit because they can conveniently request account information and receive personalized and near immediate responses. Issuers benefit because they can use it to help control fraud, strengthen their brand, differentiate their services, save money by reducing call center activity, and even add marketing messages that are tailored by cardholder attributes to SMS responses.”
NEBA’s SMS Text Messaging System, a one- or two-way consumer, event or system triggered system, allows bank credit and debit card issuers to provide up to the minute information when and where their financial institution customers want it. The system allows for easy integration via processor-established contracts with industry leading mobile network operators and seamless implementation with minimal IT resources. Support services include a customer service interface and SMS message customization. SMS Text Messaging capability enables card issuers to communicate with their customers while the fraud reduction-mobile alerts component offers a means of contacting cardholders to confirm fraud in real time. The system targets card issuers looking to differentiate themselves from the competition, attract and retain customers, reduce fraud, lower cost, and attract a higher value consumer segment.
About NEBA
Headquartered in Wakefield, Massachusetts and founded in 1969 as one of the twelve original MasterCharge Associations, NEBA provides financial institutions in the U.S. and Caribbean a full range of high-quality credit card issuing and merchant acquiring programs, products, and services, as well as the framework, support, and educational assistance banks need to operate profitable, effective payments card programs that enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
NEBA members have access to the best in card-processing solutions including MasterCard and Visa cards. NEBA’s unique bundled programs are designed to speed program implementation and minimize the need to allocate bank resources. For more information about NEBA please visit neba.com.

Discover U.S. Spending MonitorSM Consumer Confidence Falls to Near-Record Low as Spending Intentions Drop


Monitor Reports that 28 % of Consumers Rate Their Personal Finances as ‘Poor’
RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lack of consumer confidence was prevalent in September as the Discover U.S. Spending MonitorSM dropped to its lowest level since February 2009.
The Monitor, a 4-year-old daily poll tracking economic confidence and spending intentions of nearly 8,200 consumers throughout the month, recorded a 3.5 point drop to 77.0 percent. This is only 1.3 points higher than the record low reported in February 2009. The same report also found that 66 percent of consumers rated the economy as poor, up 2 points from last month, and just 1-point lower than the record-high of 67 percent in February 2009, amid the height of the recession.
These September findings are a strong indicator that consumers across the board continue to have a deteriorating view on the economy, with 63 percent of Americans believing that economic conditions are worsening, a viewpoint relatively unchanged from last month when 64 percent said the same.
Attitudes Toward Personal Finances Reach New Low
Consumer sentiment toward personal finances also grew negative in September.
  • A record 57 percent of Americans said their personal finances were worsening, a jump of 4 percentage points who said the same in August and 1 percentage point higher than the Monitor’s prior high of 56 percent in November 2008.
  • Another record 28 percent of consumers rated their personal finances as “poor” – up from 25 percent in August and 2 percentage points higher than the Monitor’s prior high of 26 percent in December 2009.
  • At the same time, the number of consumers who say their personal finances are getting better dropped 1 point from last month to 15 percent.
Record Number of Consumers Plan to Save & Invest Less, While Spending Also Tightens
As fewer consumers have money left over after paying monthly bills, they are planning to cut spending, and save and invest less in the month ahead.
  • 44 percent of consumers will not have any money left over after paying monthly bills, up from 40 percent in August.
  • 45 percent of consumers plan to save and invest less in the next month, up 3 percentage points from August-- a new record.
  • 26 percent plan to spend less in the month ahead, up three points from August.
Discretionary Spending Intentions Fall
While discretionary spending intentions held steady in August, a majority of consumers were planning to cut discretionary expenditures in September.
  • 52 percent said they will spend less on home improvements, up from 50 percent.
  • 53 percent said they were pulling back on discretionary and entertainment expenses, such as going out to dinner or the movies.
  • 52 percent report they plan to cut spending on major personal purchases, such as gym memberships and vacations, up two points from last month.
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers personal and student loans, online savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its Discover Bank subsidiary. Its payment businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visithttp://www.discoverfinancial.com.

Transact Network Announces 4 New Executive Director Appointments


GIBRALTAROct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Transact Network's Board of Directors today announced that founder Kiran Sidhu will replace Colin Greaves as the Executive Chairman of the Company and Deependra Bhartari* is joining as Chief Operating Officer.
"Our rapid growth requires a larger set of executive directors. I am excited to succeed Colin as business leader of Transact Network.  I thank him for his time spent with us and wish him all the best with his return to his home in Newcastle," said Kiran Sidhu.
"We are excited that Deependra has joined Transact as Chief Operating Officer.  Deependra was instrumental in the successful growth of Party Gaming (now BWIN Party Gaming) as their Director of Transaction Services working with Party Gaming from start up through to their successful LSE listing.  After leaving Party Gaming, Deependra then spent the last four years building India's second largest online education company Next Education," added Kiran Sidhu.  "His extensive experiences in high growth situations where payments, technology and anti-fraud experience play critical roles augment the efforts that Transact Network is making in defining a leadership position in the prepaid space and in developing new payment services offerings within Europe."
"I am exited about the opportunity to work with Transact Network, I believe the company is well positioned in Europe and am looking forward to working with Kiran and the team at Transact," said Deependra Bhartari.
Also joining Transact is LeAnna Sidhu* as Marketing Director. LeAnna has extensive experience in marketing and advertising.  LeAnna served as president of YouTicket.Com, an online ticket-marketing portal.  In addition, she worked for Park Place Entertainment's Paris Las Vegas Hotel managing its marketing campaign during their launch.  Prior to her time with Park Place Entertainment, she served as Vice President of Advertising for Guess, Inc's baby and children's divisions operating under the licensee, Pour Le Bebe Inc.  At Transact Network, LeAnna is responsible for all corporate communication and related marketing activities.  In addition, LeAnna will also be working closely with Transact Network's co-brand partners on specific marketing initiatives within their respective target markets.
In addition, J. Francisco A. Turner is moving from his role as a Non-Executive Director to Business Development Director and will be responsible for developing new prepaid products and solutions, seeking new business opportunities, as well as overall client relationship management.  "We are very pleased that Francisco will be taking on a more day-to-day operational role in the business.  His extensive knowledge and experience in the financial services and prepaid industry will strengthen Transact's business expansion plans and also ensure that our clients objectives' are better supported going forward," said Kiran Sidhu.
Lastly, Damian Asquez, appointed earlier this year as the Company's Finance Director, will assume day-to-day operational management of the BIN sponsorship business.  "As our BIN sponsorship side of the business continues to grow it now requires senior leadership on a daily basis.  Damian is best suited for this task given his extensive experience in all the issues around this business segment," said Kiran Sidhu.
All four directors will be working at Transact Network's Gibraltar Headquarters.
* Subject to regulatory approval where required
About Transact Network
Transact Network is a MasterCard and Visa Europe Principal Member providing European BIN sponsorship and modular prepaid services.  Transact Network's electronic money and payment service permissions have been successfully passported to every EU and EEA member state enabling the issuance of prepaid card programs across Europe.  The Company's proprietary modular prepaid card service platform enables bespoke, scalable solutions, rapid implementation, low entry costs, reliable ongoing management and proven risk reduction.  The Company can implement a prepaid program from concept to launch in approximately 90 days. Transact Network is a licensed and authorized e-money institution by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission and has fully owned subsidiaries and offices in EnglandIndia and Bulgaria, as well as affiliate sales offices inFrance and Germany.
For more information about the types of products and services Transact Network provides please visit:http://www.transactnetwork.com.
SOURCE Transact Network

Record Attendance Expected at the Mobile Contactless Payment Innovations Summit, October 17-18th in Chicago


BOCA RATON, Fla.Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Strategic Solutions Network (SSN) will welcome an estimated 400 executives from leading retailers, banks, carriers and technology companies to attend its premier event October 17-18th, at the W Chicago City Center. The 3rd Mobile Contactless Payment Innovations Summit is part of the highly acclaimed Alternative Payment Systems Innovations (APSI) series of conferences featuring the top visionaries in the mobile space who will examine the disruptive nature, promises and challenges of the rapidly evolving mobile payments industry.
"We have developed the agenda to focus on the most advanced and value-added developments within mobile payments. This has resulted in over threefold audience growth since our Inaugural event last October," comments SSN CEO, Aron Barkan. "This illustrates that contactless payments is not just a trend, but will soon become a ubiquitous and universally adopted global solution."
Clearly, there is urgency for senior executives to incorporate a sophisticated mobile payments strategy into their overall business plan. The World Payments Report 2011 projects that mobile payments will grow globally from 4.6 billion to 15.3 billion transactions between 2010 and 2013 – at a rate of 48.8 percent per year. Additionally, a new study from Juniper Research has determined that the total value of mobile payments for digital and physical goods, money transfers and NFC (Near Field Communications) transactions will reach $670 billion by 2015, up 178% from the $240 billion estimated for 2011.
The two-day conference features best practice case studies, keynote presentations, panel discussion and networking sessions delivered by executives from leading companies such as Paypal, Google, Walgreens, Best Buy, Groupon, MasterCard, Bank of America, Nokia, The Home Depot, Polo Ralph Lauren, Jamba Juice, Discover Network, RadioShack, National Retail Federation, Barclaycard US, Citigroup, Verizon, National Restaurant Association, American Express and others.
For additional information, contact SSN at 561.674.0086 or visit www.paymentinnovations.net
About Strategic Solutions Network (SSN)
Strategic Solutions Network's (SSN) vision is to enable and promote the exchange of meaningful information in a timely and actionable manner through topic-specific websites and live events. SSN creates unmatched networking opportunities between end-users with vetted purchasing authority and leading solutions-providers. Created by a team of information industry veterans, SSN is well on the way to establishing an enduring reputation as the company to partner with for value-optimized, cost efficient information and thought leadership opportunities. www.strategicsolutionsnet.com
SOURCE Strategic Solutions Network

How Generation Y will reshape customer loyalty


New study explores Millennial attitudes towards loyalty, privacy and technology: Gen Y skeptical of location-based offers, mobile wallet; but will reveal personal details for fast, free and easy rewards
MONTREALOct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Comprising more than 1.7 billion consumers worldwide—77 million in the United States alone—the Millennial Generation, also known as Generation Y, presents some profound implications for marketers as it comes of age and takes the reins of the global consumer economy. According to a proprietary study released today by Aimia to coincide with its global rebranding from Groupe Aeroplan, Inc., Millennial consumers will change the way companies and brands build sustainable customer loyalty.
To compare the attitudes and behaviors of Millennials to older consumers, Aimia commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct an online study of more than 6,000 consumers in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. The first part of this study, "Born This Way: The US Millennial Loyalty Survey," focuses on Millennial Consumers in the US. Aimia will release subsequent reports on UK and Canadian Millennials in October and November 2011, respectively.
"The US Millennial generation is bigger than the Baby Boom generation and three times the size of Generation X," said Rick Ferguson, Vice President Knowledge Development for Aimia. "With the Baby Boom generation retiring, it's critically important for marketers to understand how Millennial attitudes towards technology, data privacy and rewards will change the way brands build strong, profitable relationships with their best customers."
The US Millennial Loyalty Survey presents a comprehensive view of customer loyalty expectations among the next great cohort of consumer spending. Among the high-level findings are these important insights:
Loyalty Behaviors
  • Over three-quarters (77%) of US Millennial consumers claim participation in loyalty and reward programs, compared to four in five (82%) non-Millennials consumers.
  • Over three-quarters (78%) of US Millennials are more likely to choose a brand that offers a loyalty or reward program over a brand that doesn't offer one.
  • In unprompted responses, US Millennials rate loyalty rewards as the top incentive they look for in exchange for sharing personal information with marketers.
  • Nearly half of US Millennials (44%) are willing to promote products or brands through social media in exchange for rewards.
  • When introduced to the concept of a US coalition loyalty program, 74% of Millennials and 87% of older consumers rate the ability to earn a common currency among multiple partners as their top desired loyalty program benefit.
Mobile Technology
  • US Millennials are skeptical of the value of location-based marketing offers delivered via smart phone, with only one in ten (13%) claiming to have responded to such an offer.
  • Using a mobile device as a substitute for carrying a plastic loyalty card is the top requested mobile payment application for Millennials, (26% express interest); meanwhile, only one in ten (13%) express interest in using a mobile device as a credit or debit card.
Privacy
  • US Millennials are significantly less concerned than non-Millennials with data privacy and security overall. Of all named marketing channels in the survey, loyalty and reward programs are perceived as the most privacy-friendly by Millennials: Only 14% of Millennial loyalty program members are concerned about sharing personal information with loyalty programs.
  • Nearly half of US Millennials (47%) agree that they're more likely to share personal details with a brand that offers loyalty and reward incentives.
"Millennials are even more willing to participate in loyalty and reward programs than their parents, but they expect reward programs to be free, easy and fast," continued Ferguson. "This generation also relies heavily on outside information to make purchase decisions—information that is often out of the realm of control for marketers. The winners in building sustainable brand loyalty with Millennials will be those who break through the information overload to deliver value at the level of the individual customer."
Part One of our three-part series on Millennial Loyalty, "Born This Way: The US Millennial Loyalty Survey," is available upon request or by visiting aimia.com.
About The Survey
Aimia commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct the online survey among adults 19 and older in the United StatesCanadaand the United Kingdom. The survey was conducted among 2,282 adults in the U.S. between June 30 and July 14, 2011; among 2,045 adults in Canada between July 8 and July 19, 2011; and among 2,113 adults in the United Kingdom between June 30 and July 19, 2011. Figures were weighted to be representative of the general population in each country.
About Aimia
Groupe Aeroplan Inc., doing business as Aimia, is a global leader in loyalty management. Aimia's unique capabilities include proven expertise in delivering proprietary loyalty services, launching and managing coalition loyalty programs, creating value through loyalty analytics and driving innovation in the emerging digital and mobile spaces. Aimia owns and operates Aeroplan,Canada's premier coalition loyalty program and Nectar, the United Kingdom's largest coalition loyalty program. In addition, Aimia has majority equity positions in Air Miles Middle East and Nectar Italia as well as a minority position in Club Premier, Mexico's leading coalition loyalty program.
Aimia is a Canadian public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: AER (currently) and changing to TSX:AIM effective October 7, 2011) and has over 3,800 employees in more than 20 countries around the world. For more information about Aimia, please visit www.aimia.com.

New Legislation Equals Big Savings for Online Businesses, States BestOnlineMerchantAccounts.com


The new Durbin legislation could represent a windfall for online business owners across the country. While much has been made of the negatives of this legislation, those ecommerce websites that are set up with an updated account can reap significant savings over their current margins.

CHARLESTOWN, Mass.Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The new Durbin legislation could represent a windfall for online business owners across the country. While much has been made of the negatives of this legislation, those ecommerce websites that are set up with an updated online merchant account that takes advantage of the new Durbin pricing available, can reap significant savings over their current margins. Specifically for online businesses this legislation represents an additional reason to consider a switch from a 3rd party provider like PayPal to a traditional merchant account.
Due to the new legislation, the difference in transaction costs on purchases made with debit cards will be expanded greatly. These savings will only be seen by websites that have been set up with a merchant account that passes on the savings. Along with Durbin pricing, online business owners should be looking for additional features in their internet merchant service provider including the ease of use and installation, as well as the security it provides to consumers.
This is another reason small businesses are encouraged to avoid working with merchant processors that require contracts or cancellation fees. The Durbin legislation forces banks and credit card issuers to limit processing costs, but merchant processors were unaffected by the legislation, with the hope that market forces will drive them to lower their prices in turn or lose customers. For those businesses currently under contract, there is no way to guarantee that Durbin savings will be realized. By working with a processor that does not employ contracts, merchants will always have the ability to realize future savings.
BestOnlineMerchantAccounts.com offers in-depth analysis on the top online merchant account providers available to small business owners today. These online merchant account reviews cover the ease of use, pricing, features and security ratings for each provider, as well as breakdowns on the companies' history and customer support. Additionally the website has numerous articles containing best practices and advice for improving an online business website both topics specific to credit card processing and general usability.
SOURCE BestOnlineMerchantAccounts.com

Green America: $5 Debit Card Fee is Latest Reason for American Consumers to Join the Protest Against Big Banks


As Wall Street Occupation Continues, Green America Cites Latest Abusive Big Bank Fee as Reason for Americans to "Break Up" with Mega Banks and Switch to Community Lenders
WASHINGTONOct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As protestors continue to occupy Wall Street and consumers across the country are increasingly outraged by the abusive practices of mega-banks, the nonprofit Green America (http://greenamericatoday.org) is urging Americans to "break up" with their mega-banks and, instead, shift their money to community investing institutions nationwide.  The latest outrageous mega-bank gouging of consumers: the rise of the $5monthly debit card fee.
Unlike mega-banks, community investing institutions serve local communities, providing loans to support affordable housing, small businesses, and social services. They often lend money to people overlooked by big banks, such as women entrepreneurs, green businesses, and people providing vital services in their communities, such as child care. Also unlike mega-banks, community investing institutions do not engage in abusive and predatory banking practices, since they have a mission of building communities.
"Consumers are increasingly fed up with the fact that mega-banks pay their executives millions in bonuses, while charging consumers outrageous fees, foreclosing on homes, and failing to invest in Main Street," said Todd Larsen, corporate responsibility director for Green America. "Bank of America's recent announcement of charging $5 per month for debit cards is just the latest outrage.  We're helping more and more Americans to move their money out of mega-banks and into community investing institutions that are working to rebuild our communities and that value their customers."
Over the past 10 years, the funds invested in community investing institutions grew from $5 billion in assets to nearly $40 billion. Much of this growth has been fueled by individual investors. To help individuals break up with their mega-bank, Green America provides resources, including a comprehensive guide (http://www.greenamerica.org/pdf/guideinvestcommunities.pdf) for finding community investing options (available free as a download, and in print copies (http://www.greenamerica.org/socialinvesting/communityinvesting/orderguide.cfm) to individuals, or in bulk to community organizations), and stories of consumers who have broken up with their mega-banks and made the switch to community investing institutions. (http://www.greenamerica.org/socialinvesting/communityinvesting/2011Kotzenberg.cfm)
MEDIA CONTACTS:  Leslie Anderson at landerson@hastingsgroup.com and (703) 276-3256; or Todd Larsen attlarsen@greenamerica.org and (202) 872-5310.
Green America is a national membership organization dedicated to harnessing economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. Green America's Community Investing Program can be found on the web at: http://www.greenamerica.org/socialinvesting/communityinvesting/.
SOURCE Green America, Washington, D.C.

Personal Argentina and Gemalto Deploy SIM-based Facebook® Service


AMSTERDAM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, announces that Personal Argentina will go live with the Facebook for SIM software application. Personal Argentina will provide its more than 17.4 million customers with an innovative new way to access Facebook from any type of handset, and without the need for a data plan.
“The new Facebook for SIM by Personal allows us to continue multiplying accesses to social networks, anytime, anywhere, for millions of customers who could be connected, regardless of device they have”
The software application, which is embedded inside the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), allows you to easily access core Facebook features from the phone’s main screen, through an intuitive and interactive menu. You can receive notifications of wall posts and messages, view friend requests and status updates. To begin using the service, you simply login using your existing Facebook account credentials and it just works.
"The new Facebook for SIM by Personal allows us to continue multiplying accesses to social networks, anytime, anywhere, for millions of customers who could be connected, regardless of device they have," said Ezequiel López Alcalá, Innovation and Value Added Services Manager, Personal.
The launch of Facebook for SIM reinforces Personal’s history of delivering innovative solutions,” added Guillaume Lafaix, Vice President Sales Latin America South Cone at Gemalto. “At Gemalto, we share Personal’s vision that access to Facebook should be available to everyone, including those without access to PC-based internet, smart phones, or mobile data plans.
Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.
View the Facebook for SIM demo
About Gemalto
Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) is the world leader in digital security with 2010 annual revenues of €1.9 billion and over 10,000 employees operating out of 87 offices and 13 Research & Development centers in 45 countries.
Gemalto is at the heart of our evolving digital society. Billions of people worldwide increasingly want the freedom to communicate, travel, shop, bank, entertain, and work—anytime, anywhere, in ways that are convenient, enjoyable and secure. Gemalto delivers on the growing demands for personal mobile services, identity protection, payment security, authenticated online services, cloud computing access, modern transportation, e-healthcare and e-government services. Gemalto does this by providing secure software, a wide range of secure personal devices, and managed services to wireless operators, banks, enterprises and government agencies.
Gemalto is the world leader for electronic passports and identity cards, two-factor authentication devices for online protection, smart credit/debit and contactless payment cards, as well as subscriber identification modules (SIM) and universal integrated circuit cards (UICC) in mobile phones. Also, in the emerging machine-to-machine applications Gemalto is a leading supplier of wireless modules and machine identification modules (MIM). To operate these solutions and remotely manage the software and confidential data contained in the secure devices Gemalto also provides server platforms, consulting, training, and managed services to help its customers achieve their goals.
As the use of Gemalto’s software and secure devices increases with the number of people interacting in the digital and wireless world, the Company is poised to thrive over the coming years.
For more information visit www.gemalto.comwww.justaskgemalto.comblog.gemalto.com, or follow @gemalto on Twitter.

EFS Transportation Services and TCH Plan to Merge Businesses by Creating Joint Venture


ATLANTA & OGDEN, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Data Corporation, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, and Transportation Clearing House, TCH, a leading transportation payments organization today announced plans to create a joint venture company. First Data will contribute its EFS Transportation Services business to the new venture to be merged with TCH. Both companies provide unique services that, when combined, will be a leading payment card provider to the transportation industry.
“Outside of the obvious strategic benefits of combining these two highly complementary cultures, this merger will allow us to further accelerate the transformation of the payments landscape for our Industry”
“In forming this joint venture company, we are committed to maintaining the high level of personal customer support and services our EFS clients have come to expect,” said Ed Labry, president of First Data North America. “We are pleased that in anticipation of this company’s formation, TCH has recently hired Scott Phillips, a well-known industry veteran, as its chief executive officer, who will lead the new venture.”
“Outside of the obvious strategic benefits of combining these two highly complementary cultures, this merger will allow us to further accelerate the transformation of the payments landscape for our Industry,” said Scott Phillips, chief executive officer of TCH and chief executive officer of the joint venture. “We are excited to establish our role as the new Industry leader by bringing unparalleled service levels, customer driven innovation and new technology to make our Industry better.”
Pending finalization of due diligence and customary transaction documentation, the parties anticipate completing the transaction in the middle of the fourth quarter of 2011. No transaction terms are being disclosed.
Notice to Investors, Prospective Investors and the Investment Community Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on current expectations of First Data. All forward-looking statements, including the parties expectation to complete a transaction and to close the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2011, are inherently uncertain as they are based on various expectations and assumptions concerning future events and they are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected. Important factors upon which First Data’s forward-looking statements are premised include, but are not limited to the parties ability to reach final agreement on the terms of the transaction following completion of due diligence. First Data undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About TCH
Established in 1998 and headquartered in Ogden, Utah, TCH offers payment cards that support various transportation and financial needs. TCH payment products are accepted at over 7,500 locations in the United States and Canada. TCH's portfolio includes: TCH Fleet Fuel Card, TCH Express, FP Solutions, SFJ Express, TCH Fleet MasterCard®, TCH SmartPay, and TCH Checks and MoneyCodes. Backed by experts in the trucking industry, TCH maintains cutting edge technology in money transfer and data processing. For more information, go to www.tch.com.
About First Data
Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction.

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