AnywhereCommerce, a global payments technology provider, announced the release of its Walker Chip and Signature mobile payment solution at the 2013 ETA Annual Meeting & Expo, being held at the New Orleans Convention Center.
Walker is a compact and rugged payment acceptance device that is compatible with most mobile smartphones and tablets, which enables mobile payment acceptance that is compliant with EMV rules for Chip and Signature as well as legacy magnetic stripe use. The product is available immediately and operates with payment networks throughout the world.
"There are multiple presentation methods included in EMV standards, and merchant services providers will most likely be tasked with supporting multiple payment technologies until the market determines which way it will proceed," said Rick Oglesby, senior analyst with Aite Group, a Boston-based market research and advisory firm focused on the financial services industry. "Technology providers that have strategies to support all major presentation methods like NFC, Chip and Signature, and Chip and PIN, can serve the immediate and long-term needs of financial providers and merchants that are looking to meet EMV standards."
The Walker device enables merchants to accept EMV-compliant Chip and Signature payments while still continuing to support magnetic stripe payments. Walker employs patented audio jack connectivity and encryption technology to ensure secure and reliable operation in mobile POS applications. The device can be integrated with a variety of third-party mobile payment apps or with the AnywhereCommerce app that is available for download from major app stores.
Walker is certified by EMVCo for EMV Level 1 and 2, is compatible with most smartphones and tablets, and supports iOS, Android™, Symbian, Windows Phone, and Blackberry operating systems. The device also has a USB port for battery charging as well as facilitating operation with legacy POS systems that do not support audio jack connectivity.
"AnywhereCommerce has built a worldwide reputation for delivering highly reliable and robust payment acceptance devices for mobile POS. Walker is just the latest in a rapidly expanding family of EMV-certified devices that will help to ensure a smooth transition to chip-based payments for all constituents — merchants, acquirers, ISOs, card brands, and, most importantly, consumers," said Mitchell Cobrin, founder and chief executive officer of AnywhereCommerce. "We are delighted to showcase this innovative solution at the ETA Expo at a time when EMV is a top-of-mind subject for many in the payments industry. Our Walker and Nomad Chip and PIN devices are shipping globally, and we expect significant interest from the burgeoning US market in our patented and secure solutions."