Isis platform to grow with the help of Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Wayne
The mobile commerce industry is growing quickly, backed by massive competition in the mobile wallet sector. Mobile wallets are payment platforms for smart phones and other NFC-enabled devices that allow consumers to make purchases for goods without using traditional currencies. As competition in the mobile payments sector grows, the companies involved therein are beginning to feel the pressure to appeal to consumers in a more decisive way. Isis, which was officially launched late last month, is beginning to expand in the U.S., with the help of Gilbarco Veeder-Root, makers of high-quality fuel dispenser systems, and Wayne, a branch of GE Energy.
Limited launch hurts Isis support
Isis aims to be the largest and most popular mobile commerce platform in the world. As a joint venture between AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless, Isis already has the backing of a powerful mobile network conglomerate. The platform has also acquired the support of most of the world’s major financial institutions. While the platform was able to generate a great deal of hype ahead of its launch, Isis has been met with lackluster enthusiasm from consumers, largely due to technical problems and a very limited launch.
Austin and Salt Lake City to finally get Isis
Consumers in Austin, Texas, and Salt Lake City, Utah, are now going to get their hands on the platform through mobile devices offered by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless. Consumers will be able to use their NFC-enabled devices and Isis to make payments for goods and services throughout both cities. Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Wayne have teamed to help Isis establish a foothold in the two cities by allowing consumers to make purchases of fuel with Isis. The platform can also be used at many retail locations in both cities.
Isis may still compete with Google Wallet
Isis is expected to be a major competitor with Google Wallet, which launched last year. The Google Wallet has a significant head start in the mobile commerce industry, but Isis has been able to successfully attract support long before it was launched. Whether that support can hold and make Isis a valuable platform has yet to be seen. Thus far, the platform has seen a limited release, which is largely relegated to New Jersey.
New specifications from the NFC Forum aim to introduce more standardization
The NFC Forum, a non-profit association that promotes standardization of NFC technology, has released its NFC Controller Interface specification. The report has been made available for use for free in the hopes of expanding awareness of NFC technology and promoting its proper usage. The NFC Forum notes that its latest publication accounts for a “major new specification, created from the ground up.” This new specification is meant to provide more standardization into the realm of NFC technology.
NFC still reliant on standards
NFC technology is still in its infancy, having emerged in 2004, thus thrives on standards that provide a framework for its usage. Standardization is important to ensure a uniform and pleasurable experience with consumers who will use the technology. Without standards, the experiences companies with an interest in NFC technology offer would vary wildly, leaving many consumers without a clear definition of what the technology is or how it should be used. Standardization aims to provide consumers with the best experience possible by encouraging companies to develop services that can be familiar to a wide range of people.
New specification further defines NFC interface
The new specification from the NFC Forum defines a standard interface between NFC devices and a controller, such as a payment terminal or an NFC-enabled appliance. The NFC Forum believes that the new specification is important because it will allow device makers to more easily integrate chipsets from a wide range of manufacturers. Essentially, NFC chip makers are expected to be compelled to make products that can be used on a wider range of platforms rather than on a limited number of mobile devices.
Specification may help companies adopt NFC-based services
The new specifications coming from the NFC Forum will likely have an impact of the mobile commerce industry. The specifications are expected to make mobile payments somewhat more inclusive for a wider range of consumers, but it will also help companies incorporate NFC-based services more easily. These companies will be able to provide consumers with services using a familiar interface, rather than risk introducing a new interface that may not be well received by consumers.
