First Data launches NFC TSM

The payments processing giant and NFC TSM specialist SK C&C say their service has been released in time to coincide with a ‘tipping point’ for NFC.

SK C&C and First Data
LAUNCH: First Data will offer turnkey NFC-based TSM and mobile wallet services to its US banking and merchant customer base

Payments processing giant First Data and mobile commerce solutions developer SK C&C USA have announced the commercial release of a trusted service manager (TSM) solution, offering what they describe as “the most secure NFC payment service available”.

The First Data TSM provides the infrastructure, functionality and comprehensive business service to enable over-the-air (OTA) provisioning and management of a variety of accounts to any mobile device for use at a physical point of sale.

The two companies first announced a strategic partnership designed to offer turnkey NFC-based TSM and mobile wallet services to First Data’s US banking and merchant customer base in September 2010.

Underlining the importance of the timing of the release Dom Morea, SVP of mobile commerce solutions at First Data, said: “We’re nearing a tipping point where connected consumers with access to a range of NFC-enabled devices and mobile wallets will be able to migrate all of the accounts in their leather wallet to their mobile device in order to make payments at any time or exchange value, anywhere.”

SK C&C USA chief operating officer Keith Smith added that the firm — the US arm of Korean mobile commerce specialist SK C&C — was proud to have met the deadline set out last September to introduce the TSM by the end of the first quarter on 2011.

Last month, First Data launched mVoucher, a mobile marketing service for merchants that builds on existing gift card systems and provides the potential for a full service NFC wallet to be offered in the future.

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