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Harnessing technology - Retail through Mobile

By Stirling McBride
Johannesburg, 04 May 2004

The current market is experiencing the convergence of wireless and Internet technologies. In an effort to connect the wireless and wired worlds, new technologies are constantly being explored.

Using existing mobile technology and infrastructure, retailers may benefit financially through the generation of additional revenue streams by enabling customers with mobile handsets to conveniently, and securely, complete the following:

* Purchase airtime on credit via a private label account (Virtual Electronic Reload)
* Purchase electronic gift vouchers (Mobile Gift Vouchers)
* Query card account balances (Account Management)
* Request and receive store related information (Information Commerce)
* Pay store accounts via their bank accounts (Mobile Commerce)
* Participate in m-rewards programmes (Mobile Loyalty/Rewards)
* Purchase tickets for leisure purposes (Mobile Ticketing)

Given these possible retail opportunities mobile security is becoming paramount. NamITech`s recently developed Secure Micro Browser ensures that data is source encrypted before it leaves the handset, thereby guaranteeing that only the intended recipient is able to decipher the message. The Secure Micro Browser is a Java Application that is Network Operator and, SIM card independent. The Secure Micro Browser ensures interoperability across all GSM networks as it is based on Internet standards. As a Java application, the browser can be downloaded Over-the-Air to any Java enabled handset, utilising multiple bearer channels.

In addition, one of the issues surrounding mobile transacting is the current processing power of mobile devices. New Java mobile devices and "SmartPhones" are meeting these demands by providing the necessary processing power. The conclusion is that Java does indeed offer many benefits including more advanced and flexible security.

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NamITech

NamITech Ltd is a secure technology provider focusing on a number of key market areas to provide leading edge technology solutions, with Mobile Solutions being its largest division. NamITech strives to add value to business through providing leading edge innovative secure technology solutions aimed at facilitating trusted card technology, payment solutions, and digital trust services for its customers. The company is a Proudly South African member and has received an AA Premium rating from EmpowerDEX, an independent economic empowerment rating agency.

NamITech is a subsidiary of the multi-billion Rand JSE Securities Exchange-listed Altech group of companies and has an established reputation of credibility and integrity. The company operates out of two centrally located premises Johannesburg, South Africa

Editorial contacts

Victoria de Bruyn
Namitech
(011) 458 0000