Gemplus and iPIN Partner to DRIVE the next generation of sim-enabled
secure mobile payment platform for pre-pay market
Next-generation technology (GeM-Reload) will offer
mobile top-up of pre-paid accounts, anytime, anywhere and securely enhance
future mobile commerce applications such as content charging and e-purse
functionality·
- GeM-Reload will enable secure and mobile pre-pay top-up functionality
for users, and cut operators' operational costs from traditional scratch-card
scenarios
- Combination of Gemplus' SIM-enabled technology and OTA delivery system
technology with iPIN's payment platform will allow operators' to understand,
identify, retain and incentivise the previously elusive pre-pay market
- Partnership underlines Gemplus' strategic mission to work with industry
leaders to drive SIM-based applications and services for the new mobile
generation
GEMENOS, France and BELMONT, Calif.-June 17, 2002- Gemplus (NASDAQ:
GEMP), the world's leading provider of smart card solutions, and iPIN,
the leading Enterprise Payment Platform (EPP) provider, todayannounced
a strategic alliance to jointly offer the next generation of secure mobile
payment solutions designed specifically for the for pre-paid mobile market
called - GeM-Reload powered by iPIN.
The pre-pay market has proven to be one of the most lucrative market
segments for mobile operators. However, it has also remained one of the
most elusive to manage as operators' have suffered from high pre-pay churn
and huge operational costs producing traditional scratch-card top-up systems.
GeM-Reload will give customers the ability to securely replenish prepaid
accounts anytime, anywhere with a click of their mobile phone. Through
a user-friendly, menu-driven application running on the handset, customers
can choose from several different credit or bank accounts to top-up their
own, or another individual's pre-paid account. This mobile reload solution
also alerts customers when account balances fall below a preset level,
so they may replenish their account before running out of minutes.
GeM-Reload therefore presents the ideal solution for operators wanting
to build up a relationship with their pre-pay subscriber base. With customers
retaining the SIM in their phones, operators' can now target offers, incentive
schemes and new services according to different market segments and deliver
it to these pre-pay customers.
"We are confident that the combined efforts of iPIN and Gemplus
will offer wireless operators a compelling and winning top-up solution
that will cut operational costs associated with traditional scratch card
scenarios, reduce churn and increase customer loyalty, all while giving
customers the convenience and flexibility they demand," said Régine
Lorenzi, Vice-President, Applications Business Line, Telecom Business
Unit, Gemplus.
This partnership fuses Gemplus' expertise in SIM card technology and
OTA platforms with iPIN's flexible EPP. Gemplus will provide a user-friendly
interface on the handset through the implementation of STK technology.
The iPIN EPP will offer the comprehensive payment functionality that manages
the complete payment lifecycle, including transaction capture, authentication,
authorization, accounting, settlement, reconciliation and customer care.
When Telco operators decide to expand m-commerce initiatives beyond pre-paid
top-up, they can leverage iPIN's scalable, plug-in architecture and add
functionality in areas such as content charging and cash replacement for
payments at Points of sale. The technology is ideal as a long-term infrastructure
investment for any wireless provider, large or small as will support the
network in its migration to next generation technology.
"We are thrilled to work with Gemplus on the GeM-Reload initiative,"
said Craig Olsen, senior vice president, Global Field Operations, iPIN.
"The synergy between Gemplus and iPIN both on the technology and
sales front is undeniable, we are confident that this is the beginning
of a long-lasting relationship that will bring innovative mobile payment
solutions to wireless operators worldwide."
About iPIN
iPIN's Enterprise Payment Platform (EPP) is the leading end-to-end electronic
and mobile commerce payment solution. iPIN's EPP enables wireless carriers,
ISPs, broadband operators, telcos, automotive OEMs, financial services
organizations and retailers to expand existing or create new financial
relationships with customers by providing the framework for a cost-effective,
stand-alone commerce ecosystem where goods and services can be purchased
in a secure and convenient manner. iPIN's customers include British Telecom,
Vodafone and France Telecom. For further information visit us at www.ipin.com.
About Gemplus
Gemplus is the world's number one provider of solutions empowered
by smart cards. Gemplus helps its clients offer an exceptional range of
portable, personalized solutions that bring security and convenience to
people's lives. These include mobile Internet access, interoperable banking
facilities, e-commerce, and a wealth of other applications. Gemplus is
the only completely dedicated, truly global player in the smart card industry,
with the largest R&D team, unrivalled experience, and an outstanding
track record of technological innovation. Gemplus trades its shares on
Euronext Paris S.A. First Market and on the Nasdaq Stock Market as GEMP
in the form of ADSs. Its revenue in 2000 was 1.205 Billion Euros. It employs
6721 people in 37 countries throughout the world.
Gemplus: Beyond smart
Contacts
Jane Strachey
Gemplus
Tel: +33 4 42 36 46 61
Jane.strachey@gemplus.com
Rebecca Ghielmetti
iPIN
Tel: +1 650-232-3707
rghielmetti@ipin.com
Marc Kawam (Europe)
iPIN
Tel: +33 1 58 56 72 03
marc@ipin.com
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