Rumors suggest that Google may be looking to buy Softcard
Google may be in negotiations to acquire Softcard, the mobile payments firm that had once been known as Isis. Rumors suggest that Google may be looking to purchase Softcard for some $100 million, but neither company has confirmed this speculation or denied that negotiations are taking place. Google has a strong interest in mobile payments, having a payment platform of its own that has found modest success. The company has been working to establish a stronger foothold in the mobile commerce space in order to compete with others therein.
Softcard hit by layoffs during restructuring effort to become more efficient
Earlier in the month, Softcard laid off 60 of its employees during a consolidation phase. The company is taking steps to reduce the costs that it is exposed to in order to strengthen its business position. The layoffs were part of a larger restructuring of the company, which involves simplifying its organizational structure in order to be more efficient. This is not an uncommon practice in the business world, especially when it comes to the turbulent mobile payments industry.
Company helps 200,000 merchants accept NFC-based mobile payments from Android and Windows Phone devices
Softcard exists as a way for large organizations to embrace mobile consumers with NFC-enabled devices. The firm offers NFC-based payment systems, which allow companies to accept transactions being made with mobile devices that are using NFC technology. Softcard claims that more than 200,000 merchants in the United States are making use of this service, as well as the Softcard application, which is available for both Windows Phone and Andorid.
Other companies show potential interest in the acquisition of Softcard
Google may not be the only company that is interested in Softcard. Rumors suggest that both PayPal and Microsoft have approached the company concerning potential acquisition. None of these companies have confirmed that these rumors are true, however. In Google’s case, the company is adamant in not acknowledging such rumors, apart from noting that it does not confirm rumors about its business operations.
Although you cannot completely do away from your leather billfold, but this new technology called mobile wallet is gradually invading on your leather wallet. Well, one good thing that it is doing is saving paper and conserving environment.
MasterCard is the one of the companies that is doing well in mobile wallet market.
It has a belief which wants the world to look beyond cash. Recently it has upgraded the shopping experience with new innovations to Mobile Wallet Technology. It has added new service called ShopThis! This will help customers to leverage this new market. Well, it is a good option as world is getting more aware and inclined towards digital payment services.
Digital Wallet is all set to for transforming natural way of transaction. Mobile Commerce is claimed to be the largest growing sector by 2020. Mobile ticketing and mobile money transfer will follow. The main reason behind this growth is increasing use of mobile payment services. But still a large chunk of population prefers traditional Cash and Card payment. One major reason according to AMR report is Security concern among them with technological infancy. A recent report published by Allied Market Research projects that the market for Global Mobile Wallet will reach $5,250 billion by 2020 at CAGR of 127.5%.
Mobile Wallet has really transformed shopping experience of many consumers with its enhanced and astounding features.
It has brought the physical and digital market virtually at one place. Looking at its potential, many telecom companies are coming together to innovate and give a better product. This will act as a catalyst for market growth. PayPal has emerged as best player in Mobile Wallet solutions. As per survey by Forrester to 4000 consumers, PayPal got 38% of vote while Amazon followed it with 35% of vote. Google is the biggest player in NFC (Near Field Communication) mobile technology with the launch of mobile wallet technology in 2011.
Application, Mode of Payment and Stakeholders are there segments that form Mobile Wallet market.
Application segment is further divided as Mobile commerce, Mobile ticketing, Mobile money transfer etc while Mode of payment segment is comprised of NFC and remote payment. Stakeholder’s segment includes Service providers, Handset manufacturers, Mobile operators, OSS/BSS solutions etc.
