Tag: nfc mobile technology

BankDhofar launches new NFC point of sale device

| November 20, 2012

 

BankDhofar introduces new NFC-enabled device to Oman

BankDhofar, one of the leading finanNFC Point of Sale Technology cial institutions in the Sultanate of Oman, has launched a new NFC point of sale device. Mobile commerce has been growing in popularity in Oman, as well as in other countries in the Middle Eastern region. Economic growth is causing an incline in smart phone penetration, allowing more consumers to purchase high-tech mobile devices. As these devices become more popular, the demand for mobile commerce and other such services is on the rise.

Device uses NFC technology to process transactions

The new point of sale device from BankDhofar is designed specifically for merchants. The device incorporates NFC technology and the latest General Packet Radio Service communications technology to allow merchants to process mobile transactions. BankDhofar notes that the device’s NFC point of sale capabilities, in particular, will make the payment process for merchants and consumers much more efficient. The device will also make currency conversion a more straightforward process, a feature that may be well received by tourists.

Scarcity of NFC devices may limit reach of mobile commerce

Like others of its kind, the new device from BankDhofar can only be used with NFC-enabled mobile devices. These devices are currently rare, especially in the Middle East. As such, the reach of mobile commerce is somewhat limited in Oman until telecommunications can begin launching new generations of smart phones and mobile devices that make use of NFC technology. These companies are responding to demand coming from consumers, but the integration of NFC technology into a mobile device has proven to be a complicated issue. Security concerns have lead many companies to either abandon the technology, look for alternatives, or figure out ways to make mobile commerce safer for consumers, thus delaying the release of NFC-enabled devices.

BankDhofar predicts growing popularity of mobile commerce

Despite the low availability of NFC-enabled devices, BankDhofar believes that its new point of sale device will be a major boon to the retail industry of Oman. Merchants throughout the country have already shown a great deal of interest in the devices, and this interest is expected to increase well into the future, especially as mobile commerce becomes more common.

NFC technology for more than just mobile commerce

| November 13, 2012

 

nfc technology mobile commerceNFC technology can be used for more than mobile payments

NFC technology gets a great deal of attention for its uses in mobile commerce. The technology has been a cornerstone of mobile payments for some time, but can facilitate other services beyond this realm as well. As NFC technology becomes more popular, and more prone to criticism, those interested in NFC are looking for new ways to make use of it. Steve Gurley, president of Pyrim Technologies, is keen to encourage the use of NFC technology outside of mobile commerce, or at least raise awareness of its other capabilities.

Peer-to-peer communication facilitated through NFC

According to Gurley, NFC technology has three uses beyond mobile payments. The first is peer-to-peer communication. This capability is beginning to attract more attention, especially as technology giant Samsung begins marketing this aspect of their new NFC-enabled products. NFC technology allows for devices, such as smart phones, to share information without being connected by wires. Two such devices can share information to one another digitally, allowing smart phone users to share songs or contact details with each other.

Security could be controlled through NFC chips

Another use of NFC technology is secure card emulation. Hotels often rely on keycards to control access to rooms and some services, a practice that is growing increasingly common on university campuses around the world. NFC technology can make this practice more efficient, according to Gurley. By embedding an NFC chip into a card, access can be granted in a quick, efficient, and more secure manner, removing the need for traditional methods of security. NFC technology can also act in a wide range of read/write practices and facilitate the exchange of information easily.

NFC technology expected to continue playing a large role in mobile commerce

NFC technology is likely to continue playing a major role in mobile commerce, but will not be restricted to this industry for long. Already, the technology has become an emergent part of numerous industries, especially in those that put a high value on interaction with consumers. Marketing is currently the most popular platform for NFC technology, outside of mobile commerce.