Many companies have the desire - but not the technical expertise or the money - to enter the world of online trading. Technical complexities include security, server management, Internet connectivity, the backend relationship with an acquiring bank, and server support. Some companies have started e-tail businesses on a shoestring and have been overwhelmed by the response, finding themselves unable to cope with transaction volumes or bandwidth and processing requirements.
IS (The Internet Solution) has a service that gives such organisations the ability to use industrial-strength online trading infrastructure and security without the start-up costs or technical difficulty involved in buying their own hosting and transaction processing resources.
According to transaction product manager, Brian Michaels, the IS Transaction Server means businesses with Web sites can consummate transactions with Internet consumers on the spot. "Our customers will be able to accept Visa or Mastercard credit card payments for goods sold online, and receive payments instantly and securely. We have the infrastructure required to ensure real time authorisation and settlement take place reliably," says Michaels. "This facility is available all day, every day of the year."
This means companies can raise their existing Web sites to a new level of functionality. Says Michaels: "Without much more investment, an existing Web presence can begin to yield revenue by tapping into this new channel."
The IS Transaction Server generates transaction reports and tracks all online transactions coming through the Web site. A browser interface means easy management and maintenance of reports, while merchants can review transactions for fulfilment and inventory management. Daily reconciliations and sales reports are child`s play via a Web browser, and the high costs of purchasing and managing your own transaction server are removed.
Michaels says the hardware is both supplied and managed by IS, and both shared and dedicated Web server solutions are available. "The IS Transaction Server is customised to your company`s size and requirements, and is located on South Africa`s largest corporate Internet backbone, which means transactions are fast, reliable and secure,` he points out.
The solutions, incorporating both SET and SSL technology, are based on leading global security standards. SET (Secure Electronic Transaction protocol) is an open standard for e-Commerce developed by Visa and MasterCard to facilitate secure payment card transactions over the Internet. SSL encrypts and protects all communication with clients. These standards enable merchants to take credit card orders, protect sensitive personal information, and ensure that intruders are unable to detect your personal details.
"IS will continue to develop ground-breaking infrastructure solutions to enable its customers electronic business initiatives, the i that comes before e," Michaels concludes.
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