than its worth, even if it promises to provide a clear advantage. Now, an ISO or acquirer can add loyalty, check conversion, supply ordering or other applications easily and at much lower cost because they no longer have to download and re-certify the entire chain of applications.
   VeriFone’s global Verix artchitecture has achieved true application separation at both the hardware and software levels. Verix is a catalyst that enables innovation, paving the way to a huge untapped market for payment-related and value-added application opportunities. It will re-invent the point-of-sale arena as a profit center because it fosters a true multi-application environment and fuels its growth.

Security that promotes merchant retention

   The multi-application environment requires an entirely new level of security. Applications must securely co-exist on devices, yet must also be capable of sharing information, such as purchase amounts between payment and loyalty transactions. The challenge is to enable this environment without allowing for corruption between applications.
   VeriFone developed the VeriShield security architecture to satisfy the specific needs of the multi-application environment. VeriSheild provides maximum security with the flexibility required to optimize application development and deployment.
   Merchant retention is always an important consideration in the payment industry. VeriShield provides file authentication, so an ISO can “sign” applications to prevent the download and execution of unauthorized files in a terminal, adding an extra level of security to combat fraud. This makes it difficult for the merchant to switch to another ISO or acquirer without

Imagine a world where you

derive more revenue per

merchant in your portfolio —

releasing you from the

challenge of competing for

merchants solely on the price

of credit card transactions.

the knowledge of the existing one. The merchant must contact the provider to have the terminal “released.” This gives ISOs and acquirers one more chance to address the merchant’s concerns and perhaps even save an account. Releasing the hardware is as easy as a software download, eliminating the need for the terminal to be physically returned to a deployment facility.
   ISOs, acquirers and merchants clearly recognize that the future of payments lies in the multi-application environment and the payment, payment-related and value-added e-services available at the point-of-sale. Capitalizing on these opportunities — and doing so profitably — will be a direct reflection of the multi-application architecture embraced by the industry.

Michelle Graff is the Delivery Marketing Manager at VeriFone, a division of Hewlett-Packard. Visit the VeriFone website at www.verifone.hp.com.

  Non-Payment
  Benefits
  at the
  Point-of-Sale

   Two categories of value-added applications are emerging — to the benefit of merchants, acquirers, ISOs and third-party vendors alike. There are applications that improve operations and lower costs, and those that generate new revenue streams. Applications run locally on the terminal and can connect to the host system provider via the existing communications infrastructure or via the Internet.
   Operations can be streamlined through special e-mail applications to allow exchanges of messages between ISOs, banks/processors and merchants. An example of this is offering merchants the ability to order paper and other point-of-sale materials using the terminal for communication.
   Age verification software is increasing in popularity for merchants that sell or serve alcohol, tobacco, and other age-restricted items.
   Merchants can use the terminal as a time and attendance device. Clerks can clock in and out on the same terminal used for payments.
   Loyalty systems continue to gain approval with merchants as a way to increase customer share of wallet.
   The Internet opens even more opportunities to partner with e-services providers for applications such as food ordering, kiosk ordering/fulfillment, surveys, coupons — the possibilities are endless. Yet they all require a true multi-application environment.