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MasterCard and Mobileway
Team Up To Develop Authentication Service For Mobile Commerce
MasterCard International today
announced an alliance with Mobileway, a leading provider
of global wireless access and content distribution over
mobile telephones, to develop and market an authentication
service that will verify cardholders to merchants and confirm
transactions using their wireless devices.
MasterCard and Mobileway will
collaborate on development projects to ensure interoperability
between MasterCard's electronic payment systems and Mobileway's
global data network hub and plan to develop next-generation
m-commerce technologies that will benefit MasterCard's member
financial institutions, wireless network operators and merchants.
The alliance also includes
cooperation on a number of key initiatives to leverage MasterCard's
global payment system and Mobileway's global network by
building upon the efforts of the Global Mobile Commerce
Interoperability Group (GMCIG), of which both companies
are key members.
"Mobile commerce needs
to be supported by a secure and robust messaging network,"
said Art Kranzley, senior vice president, Global e-Business,
MasterCard International. "Working with Mobileway,
MasterCard will deliver m-commerce solutions that will enable
mobile operators to provide value added services while boosting
cardholder and merchant confidence in the payments portion
of m-commerce."
"MasterCard brings its
expertise in secure payments, and is a trusted brand for
consumers and merchants all over the world," said Patrice
Peyret, CEO of Mobileway. "Our alliance will enable
both the financial institutions and the merchants to reach
the ever-growing community of mobile phone users in a seamless
way, regardless of the wireless network technology in use."
Mobileway's alliance with
MasterCard will result in new m-commerce payment solutions
for MasterCard's more than 20,000 member financial institutions.
Both companies also will benefit from the respective experience
and leadership of the other - Mobileway with its wide range
of data services, which can be customized and branded on
demand, and MasterCard as the most widely-accepted electronic
payment brand in the world and a catalyst for the development
of m-commerce solutions.
About the GMCIG
The Global Mobile Commerce Interoperability Group (GMCIG)
was formed in June 2000, as an evolution of MasterCard's
and Europay's leadership in the area of wireless payment
models. The GMCIG offers participants a global and open
organization to develop and promote secure wireless payment
standards. The organization seeks contributions from all
players in the marketplace including network operators,
device manufacturers, mobile technology and content providers,
financial institutions, and other global payment associations.
For additional information, please visit
www.gmcig.org.
About Mobileway
Mobileway, Inc., is a leading provider of global wireless
access and content distribution via wireless devices. The
company's network hub and value-added wireless services
are designed to enable network operators and eBusinesses
to bring exciting, customized, user-authorized and secure
services to mobile consumers. Mobileway, Inc., offers wireless
data services that include text messages, chat, ring tones,
and m-commerce solutions; and service data such as copyright
reports, click-rate reports, phone software updates, and
user validation cryptograms. These make it possible for
consumers to experience personalized content; connect with
communal affinity groups; and securely conduct m-commerce
transactions anywhere, anytime from their wireless devices.
The result is an innovative way for network operators and
eBusinesses to rapidly and seamlessly bring to market new
forms of wireless interactivity and revenue-generating services.
A North American company with operational headquarters in
Paris, France, Mobileway, Inc., has offices located throughout
Europe, Asia and the United States. The company can be reached
on the Web at www.Mobileway.com.
About MasterCard International
MasterCard International has the most comprehensive portfolio
of payment brands in the world. More than 1 billion MasterCardâ,
Cirrusâ and Maestroâ logos are present on credit,
charge and debit cards in circulation today. An association
comprised of more than 20,000 member financial institutions,
MasterCard serves consumers and businesses, both large and
small, in 210 countries and territories. MasterCard is the
leader in quality and innovation, offering a wide range
of payment solutions in the virtual and traditional worlds.
With more than 19 million acceptance locations, no card
is accepted in more places and by more merchants than the
MasterCard Card. In 1999, gross dollar volume exceeded US$725
billion. MasterCard can be reached through its World Wide
Web site at www.mastercard.com
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