SAP suggests that security and privacy are two of the most significant problems in the mobile sector
Software firm SAP sees security and privacy as two major issues when it comes to using big data in the mobile sector. Big data is a term that is used to identify the large amounts of unstructured data that businesses accumulate. This data is comprised of information regarding consumers and is typically collected by retailers without the express consent of customers. Security and privacy have become very controversial issues in recent years, partly due to the fact that people are becoming more reliant on mobile technology in their daily lives.
Survey shows that big data continues to be a high value resource for retailers
According to a recent survey conducted by SAP, many mobile industry groups believe that big data and retail go hand in hand. The survey shows that some 36% of industry groups believe that real-time offers coming from retailers engaged in the mobile commerce space will drive up the value of big data. This data is often used to design more effective marketing strategies and connect with consumers more aggressively.
Personal information is often collected from consumers without express consent
The problem with big data, however, is that much of it is acquired without consent. Consumers often visit websites where they can shop online and in doing so they typically agree to have their information collected but are never made aware of such an agreement. This can quickly become a serious problem for retailers as consumers become more concerned over their own privacy and how their personal information is being used by businesses.
Mobile operators and banks may offer ideal mobile payments support
The survey from SAP does not focus entirely on security and privacy, of course. The survey shows that many mobile industry groups have high hopes for mobile commerce in the future. Many of these groups believe that mobile network operators are ideally positioned to provide effective mobile payments platforms for consumers. Banks are also considered to be well situated to address many of the security issues that exist within the realm of mobile commerce due to the numerous regulations they must comply with.
Whole Foods Markets teams with Square to enter into mobile commerce
Whole Foods Markets has partnered with Square in order to be more accommodating of mobile commerce. The grocery retailer has taken note of a rise in the use of mobile devices among its customers and has become well aware of the mobile commerce trend. Consumers throughout the U.S. are beginning to demand new mobile commerce services and Whole Foods Markets has turned to Square in order to accommodate consumer needs. Square is currently considered one of the most successful mobile payments organizations in North America.
Square helps Starbucks find success in the mobile sector
Square has been part of some of the most successful mobile commerce initiatives in the world. Starbucks partnered with Square in order to engage mobile consumers more aggressively. In 2013, it was reported that Starbucks managed to generate more than $1 billion in revenue through mobile payments alone. These payments were handled by Square’s mobile commerce platform. Whole Foods Markets believes that it can find similar success through its own mobile commerce initiatives.
Test phase will determine consumer interest in mobile payments and the viability of expanding mobile commerce services to other stores
Whole Foods Markets will be testing its mobile payments venture in a limited number of stores initially. The pilot testing phase is meant to help the company better understand mobile commerce and help determine whether mobile commerce is something its customers would participate in. Depending on the success of the testing phase, Whole Foods Markets will expand its mobile commerce initiative to more stores throughout the U.S.
Many consumers remain concerned about mobile commerce security
Square has been working to make mobile commerce mainstream for some time. The company’s partnership with Starbucks has effectively solidified mobile commerce with many consumers throughout the U.S., but many people are still somewhat leery of mobile payments. The concern that many people have when it comes to mobile commerce has to do with the security of their financial information. Mobile commerce has become a popular target for malicious groups that seek to exploit a consumer’s financial information through hacking and other such practices.
