Imagine never having to fill out paperwork again, or to wait in queues for hours, only to be told when you reach the front of the line that you're missing certain documents.
It sounds like a dream, but start-up Virtual iD, a personal information management system, hopes to make this perceived impossibility a reality, offering users the ability to manage all their accounts from a centralised, virtual environment.
The idea behind Virtual iD, says founder Marnus Broodryk, is to save users the hassle of paperwork, creating a Web-based form of identification that can be shared with participating service providers in order to expedite service delivery.
Users fill in their details online once and are then issued with a virtual identification number, which can be shared with vendors, who will be able to use their stored details to fill out any necessary forms themselves, says Broodryk.
Safety assured
In addition to eliminating the need for paperwork and queues, Virtual iD also aims to create a more secure environment through which consumers can interact with their service providers.
security systems and is Norton-secured - the system preferred by 97% of the world's top 100 banks and 93% of Fortune 500 companies,” he says.
“Users can rest easy knowing that their personal details are well-protected, and that service providers will only be given the authority to access these details by the users themselves. All information is linked to the user's mobile number, and we've incorporated a one-time password system so as to further increase security measures.”
Mindset shift
Broodryk notes that, in order for widespread adoption to be realised, a shift in mindset is required from service providers. He notes that the vast majority of local government institutions and service providers still use antiquated technology, despite the growth of the digital landscape in recent years.
This mindset shift will only come about as a result of high consumer demand, says Broodryk.
“I believe that a system that can simplify the lives of consumers throughout the country is something that everyone who's ever experienced the frustration of paperwork can support,” he says. “As a result, we're calling on the South African public to help us to make the Virtual iD system a reality, and to petition companies throughout the country to get on board with this revolutionary offering.”
To achieve this, the company has initiated a viral sign-up campaign. “Once we hit 10 000 users, we'll be able to clearly show companies across SA that this is what their customers now demand, and go about actively bringing service providers on board,” says Broodryk. “We're encouraging South Africans to take action, and to help us to ensure that queues and paperwork soon become a thing of the past.”
To stand a chance of winning a 40-inch Sony Bravia LCD TV, sign up for the Virtual iD service here.
Watch a video on the Virtual iD concept here.
Share
