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2012-02-03
Credit card payment processing 'poised to become more competitive'
Credit card payment processing services look likely to become more competitive as online payments increase, according to recent research.
Credit card payment processing services look likely to become more competitive as online payments increase, according to recent research.
A survey conducted by the Auriemma Consulting Group (ACG) shows that credit cards currently make up 49 per cent of all online payment processing transactions.
Payment processors account for over 20 per cent of online purchases, with consumers citing a number of reasons why credit cards are their preferred web payment cards.
Some 36 per cent of respondents believe that purchases are more secure with credit cards, while the ability to earn rewards when spending with them was also cited as a major plus for a third of consumers.
Having a credit card nearby when using online billing solutions or knowing that a card has a good interest rate were other factors found to entice consumers into using their plastic.
"Rewards programmes are a key area of opportunity for credit card issuers to maintain market share and top-of-wallet status over the upcoming years," claimed Mark Jackson, director of ACG.
Mr Jackson went on to say that: "We expect the issuers that invest in both rewards programmes and the development of benefits tailored to the needs of the online consumer will be posed to better compete."
With the prolific use of credit and debit cards for online spending, security is an important issue for consumers, with internet merchant accounts and banks expected to protect sensitive data from leakages or cyber criminal attacks.
A report from the BBC this week has suggested that hackers have discovered how to bypass the latest generation of banking security devices.
Account holders using chip and pin devices could now be vulnerable to a new web scam, which offers people training in a new upgraded security system and proceeds to surreptitiously move money out of the account.
read more 2012-02-02
Star Wars: The Old Republic boasts impressive subscriber growth
Despite only being released six weeks ago, Star Wars: The Old Republic has already gone on to become the fastest growing subscription-based massively multiplayer online (MMO) game ever.
Despite only being released six weeks ago, Star Wars: The Old Republic has already gone on to become the fastest growing subscription-based massively multiplayer online (MMO) game ever.
It has sold over two million copies worldwide and boasts an impressive 1.7 million active subscribers who are each paying monthly online billing solutions-based payments to access the much-anticipated title.
The game developed from BioWare and LucasArts has reaped huge success largely due to the quality and reliability of its online service, as servers are available for more than 99.5 per cent of the time, unlike many other popular games.
"We're truly honoured and humbled by the incredibly strong support from our players who are enjoying Star Wars: The Old Republic," commented Dr Ray Muzyka, co-founder of BioWare and general manager of Electronic Arts' BioWare label.
Dr Muzyka praised the storyline and HD graphics as being part of the game's early success.
"Our entire team worked very hard over the holidays to deliver a smooth experience at launch, and the resulting response to the game from our fans and critics has been exceptionally gratifying," he added.
The new Star Wars title has helped lay to rest the current debate surrounding subscription-based games, with some industry commentators arguing that the market prefers the new micropayment system.
This week, Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online maker Turbine told Eurogamer that subscription MMOs are not dying, however offering a single method of payment processing could dissuade some online gamers.
Adam Mersky, Warner Brother's (Turbine's owner) director of digital communications, told the online games site explained that consumers want to be given a choice in how they pay for their online games.
"The idea of forcing a player to only have one option for having to consumer your content - that's probably dying," he noted.
read more 2012-02-02
Data encryption 'essential across devices'
Internet merchant account sites have been urged to encrypt all sensitive data, especially when dealing with the current bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend in the workplace.
Internet merchant account sites have been urged to encrypt all sensitive data, especially when dealing with the current bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend in the workplace.
Graeme Batsman, director of Datadefender.co.uk, recommended that an automated approach, "which allows automated port control, device control and can remotely delete or lock data," is the best option.
Partial data encryption on BYODs can mean that personal data is left alone, while business data is placed in an encrypted folder on a mobile device or USB.
"Automated methods and data leak prevention software are really the way forward," Mr Batsman argues, before warning that without an encryption policy or proper enforcement businesses "are asking for trouble".
Data encryption was also recently used in the US by a woman attempting to hide personal information on her laptop.
However, a Colorado judge last week ordered her to decrypt the information, after a criminal investigation into her illegal activities.
read more 2012-02-01
Rhapsody acquires Napster to compete against Spotify
Rhapsody has completed the acquisition of Napster International, a move which it hopes will help the company to compete with rival firm Spotify in the Europe.
Rhapsody has completed the acquisition of Napster International, a move which it hopes will help the company to compete with rival firm Spotify in the Europe.
The internet merchant account, which offers online music subscriptions, has enjoyed success in the US. However, its latest buy will allow it to go head-to-head against Spotify, which currently dominates the European market.
It will operate under the Napster name in the UK and Germany and is hoped to increase the number of paid subscribers using the service outside of the US.
Rob Wells, president of Universal Music Group, claimed that Rhapsody has played a pivotal role in defining legal music streaming services.
"I welcome Rhapsody's arrival in Europe, where I am eager to see them duplicate their success attracting paid subscribers in the US," he went on to add.
read more 2012-02-01
Sky 'planning to launch on-demand TV service'
Sky has revealed plans to launch a new on-demand service, allowing customers to watch popular content online.
Sky has revealed plans to launch a new on-demand service, allowing customers to watch popular content online.
The digital broadcaster is looking to take advantage of the growing rise in mobile devices, while also branching out into a multi-platform format.
Online payment processing fees will be required for consumers who do not currently subscribe to a pay TV service in order for them to receive simple access to a range of Sky content.
The service will launch in the first half of 2012 and will also allow anyone in the UK with a broadband connection to receive access to hundreds of films from Sky Movies.
With regards to payments, the broadcaster assures that there will be no minimum contract lengths, meaning that customers are free to pay for unlimited access or use pay-as-you-go methods.
The service has been created to work with a range of digital connected devices, including PCs, Macs, laptops, tablets, games consoles and internet-connected TVs, making it accessible to a wide consumer base.
"Alongside the continued growth of our satellite platform, this will be a new way for us to reach out to consumers who love great content, but may not want the full Sky service," commented Jeremy Darroch, Sky's chief executive.
Mr Darroch claimed that the new service would help Sky to "meet the needs and demands of an ever wider range of consumers" and will extend the firm's options for continued digital growth during 2012.
The British Sky Broadcasting group has also recently released its financial results for the six months ending December 31st 2011.
Revenue was shown to have increased by six per cent over the period, reaching £3.4 billion in total.
read more 2012-01-31
New gTLD adoption 'necessary for many firms'
The new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) could be a necessary investment for many internet merchant account holders looking to safeguard their brand, according to an expert.
The new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) could be a necessary investment for many internet merchant account holders looking to safeguard their brand, according to an expert.
John E Dunn, security editor at Computerworld UK, claimed that if companies "have brands to protect they probably have no choice" but to purchase a gTLD.
Mr Dunn explained that despite the regulations "put in place to help trademark holders defend themselves from speculative registration", many businesses will choose to sacrifice the cost of buying a gTLD in order to protect against any legal problems.
"In the short run gTLDs will probably serve to fuel the suspicion among larger companies that the internet has turned into a money-making scheme for those in the domain-registration business," he argued, however they could still prove useful in the long run.
GTLDs concern the introduction of new web suffixes including brand names and were officially opened for applications from January 12th.
read more 2012-01-31
Subscription MMOs 'not dying' claims games expert
Subscription-based Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games are not in decline, according to a leading games expert.
Subscription-based Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games are not in decline, according to a leading games expert.
Turbine spokesman Adam Mersky told Eurogamer in a recent interview that the platform was still alive and well and that games which insist upon one-time online billing solutions payment could be faring worse.
"People now in the West expect to have full control over their entertainment dollar and spend it the way they want to," Mr Mersky explained.
"It's probably not right to say the subscription MMO is dying, it's probably more right to say the idea of forcing a player to only have one option for having to consumer your content - that's probably dying," he claimed.
Turbine's most popular titles, Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online, both helped to increase their profits and rejuvenate their market by switching to a free-to-play model (F2P). Money instead was earned through in-game micropayments, a design which gamers seem to have embraced.
Due to the success of this model numerous other MMOs have followed Turbine's lead, such as Champions Online, DC Universe Online, EverQuest 2 and Star Trek Online.
Since switching to a new payment mode Mr Mersky told the gaming site that both its leading titles are earning record profits and helping to significantly grow customer numbers.
"While we certainly pioneered [F2P changeover] in the online games space, and the industry is adopting it - this is pretty prevalent throughout the entertainment industry," he went on to add, citing examples such as on-demand TV and film content available online.
While many digital titles may be under the impression that the F2P model and micropayments should only be attempted after a few years of market presence, Dungeons & Dragons Online producer Erik Boyer told Eurogamer: "The right choice would be to make it a player-choice of subscription or free-to-play."
read more 2012-01-31
Data security 'will be focus of 2012'
2012 could be an important year in the fight for data protection security among internet merchant account sites, according to an IT expert.
2012 could be an important year in the fight for data protection security among internet merchant account sites, according to an IT expert.
"More people having more devices means more malware and the same goes for data theft," claims Kevin Wharram, independent IT security consultant.
While he admits that hacking was a major problem last year, this year he claims that data leakage could be an equally pressing issue.
"The European Union has proposed a new law … which actually states that they want to fine companies two per cent of their annual revenue in the event of data loss," Mr Wharram explained, meaning that data protection and security are becoming increasingly important.
In particular this year could see a rise in malware across mobile and tablet devices, as they become more mainstream internet-connected platforms.
read more 2012-01-30
Nintendo branches into online games territory
Nintendo is to enter the world of online games, allowing it to finally compete with platforms such as Xbox Live and the Playstation Network.
Nintendo is to enter the world of online games, allowing it to finally compete with platforms such as Xbox Live and the Playstation Network.
News of this expansion was broken to investors this weekend by president Satoru Iwata shortly after the company released its fourth quarter earnings report for 2011.
Mr Iwata explained that the Nintendo Network would encompass a new generation of products, including the portable 3DS and the Wii U console, both set to be released later this year.
The new network will attract online billing solutions users by giving gamers the opportunity to play against one another over the internet, download full versions of game titles, add-ons and access to other digital content.
Nintendo's current network offers limited connectivity, meaning that the new developments would be a major upgrade.
Mr Iwata claimed: "Unlike Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which has been focused upon specific functionalities and concepts, we are aiming to establish a platform where various services available through the network for our consumers shall be connected via Nintendo Network service so that the company can make comprehensive proposals to consumers."
The first examples of the new network functions include user-selectable music for the Final Fantasy franchise, which is available for paid download from February 16th.
While Nintendo's chairman believes that the prospect of Nintendo offering a fully fledged internet merchant account site would take a little longer, the functionality is already built into the 3DS and the Wii U platform, however games release dates have yet to be announced.
The Wii U is also set to accept mobile payment processing, as Near-Field Communication (NFC) is to be integrated into the tablet controller for the console.
Mr Iwata claims that with this NFC "it will become possible to create cards and figurines that can electronically read and write data … to expand the new play format in the video game world".
read more 2012-01-30
ITV delays content micropayment system
ITV is to delay taking micropayments for some content on its on-demand service until the summer, according to reports from the Telegraph.
ITV is to delay taking micropayments for some content on its on-demand service until the summer, according to reports from the Telegraph.
Last July the UK broadcaster revealed that it was to start charging consumers for some of its ITV Player content, such as archived episodes of long-running soaps or dramas.
However, the organisation has yet to publicly announce a payment processor or model of collecting such payments.
Chief executive Adam Crozier had claimed that switching to a micropayments system was one of the cornerstones of his five-year plan, with trials beginning in 2009 behind closed doors.
A spokeswoman told the newspaper that ITV will be "conducting closed trials as is standard practice", however these have yet to reach a conclusion.
She added: "Our wider pay strategy is also progressing well, with deals with subscription platforms LoveFilm and Netflix secured in the last month both contributing to our goal of driving new pay revenue streams."
The delays are said to be due to indecision over what the micropayments will cover.
Mr Crozier's plan to attract online payments is part of his target to reduce ITV's dependence on the advertising market and also to improve profits by selling content overseas.
New research from the latest KPMG Media & Entertainment Barometer shows that UK consumers are willing to pay for online streaming services, representing a growing market for internet merchant account holders.
Services such as BBCiPlayer, ITV iPlayer and 4oD are all seeing greater adoption levels, with 64 per cent of survey respondents admitting that they would be willing to pay to watch films online.
Pay TV content was shown to be less popular, with 30 per cent of people happy to spend on this service.
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