ABI Research releases new report concerning growth of NFC-based mobile payments
NFC-based mobile payments are expected to see a massive boom in the coming years, according to a new report from ABI Research. Mobile commerce has been growing in popularity with consumers, leading many to believe that mobile payments are far more convenient than traditional forms of commerce. Consumers are gaining access to a growing variety of NFC-enabled mobile devices, which is boosting their exposure to mobile commerce. ABI Research predicts that this exposure will drive growth behind the burgeoning industry.
According to the firm’s report, the total value of NFC-based mobile payments will reach $100 billion by 2016. This prediction accounts for the swelling tide of criticism that has been directed at NFC technology recently. Critics of the technology claim that it is not safe enough for mobile commerce, with others suggesting that it is simply not capable of handling the needs of consumers. While some of these concerns have slowed the progress of the mobile commerce industry, which is heavily based on NFC technology, ABI Research expects that the industry will continue to grow well into the future.
Predictions may be derailed by new technologies and platforms
The report shows that NFC-based mobile payments are currently valued at $4 billion for this year. ABI Research estimates that this will blossom to $191 billion by the end of 2017. After this point, mobile commerce may see its progress and expansion slow somewhat, but continue to grow nonetheless. It is possible for this prediction to be derailed due to the emergence of a new technology or mobile payment platform that does not use NFC technology, a prospect that is becoming more possible with every passing day.
More companies beginning to look for alternative to NFC technology
Because of the problems associated with NFC technology, companies that are interested in mobile commerce, such as PayPal and Apple, are developing their own platforms for mobile payments. These companies are forgoing the use of NFC technology to allow consumers to make payments with mobile devices in a different way. If these technologies manage to capture the interest of consumers at large, the growth of NFC-based mobile payments may turn out very different than what ABI Research predicts.
On Track Innovations announces $2 million order for NFC terminals
On Track Innovations, a leading developer and marketer of NFC-enabled products, has announced that it has received a $2 million order for its NFC payment terminals. These terminals are able to facilitate mobile transactions between a business and consumer at point-of-sale through the interpretation of digital information transmitted by an NFC-enabled mobile device. The demand for these terminals has been growing quickly in recent months due to the expansion of mobile commerce and the growing availability of NFC-enabled devices.
Company plans to deliver systems throughout 2013
On Track Innovations plans to deliver its NFC terminals to its customers during the latter months of 2012 and throughout 2013. The company notes that the $2 million order it has received represents orders from several companies around the world, all of which are preparing for the arrival of NFC-enabled devices and the growth of mobile commerce. The terminals will allow these companies to accept mobile payments from platforms supported by MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and other financial institutions.
On Track Innovations has already delivered 50,000 units this year
Earlier this year, On Track Innovations announced that it had delivered more than 50,000 NFC terminals to customers around the world, with many located in Europe and the U.S. Both regions represent the strongest growth of the mobile commerce industry, with the penetration of NFC-enabled mobile devices being highest in these markets. These markets have proven the most attractive to mobile commerce companies because of the high interest consumers seem to have in mobile payments.
Mobile commerce growth driving demand for NFC terminals amongst businesses
The companies that have ordered NFC terminals from On Track innovations have not yet been disclosed. The identity of these companies may be revealed at a later date, at the discretion of On Track Innovations. For now, the order represents a sign that the mobile commerce industry is establishing a stronger presence around the world and pushing companies to prepare to serve consumers that are eager to participate therein.
