Aix-en-Provence, France: December 5, 2001: Welcome Real-time, a leading provider of smart transaction software and Cards etc, developers of Arterium, the leading smart card infrastructure management system, today announced the finalization of an MOU regarding strategic cooperation. This agreement between the two companies significantly simplifies the implementation and management of smart card programs.
Welcome Real-time and Cards etc are working closely on a number of large-scale smart card implementations in the United States. The integration of Welcome Real-time's XLS and Cards etc's Arterium solution has proven to be highly effective in streamlining numerous smart card processes such as customer service, card re-issuance and post-issuance downloading of applications.
"Loyalty is one of the key applications for smart card issuers," said Michael Walters, Joint CEO and founder of Cards etc. "Welcome Real-time and Cards etc complement each other very well as Welcome has the proven instant rewards application both issuers and retailers want, and Cards etc's software manages smart cards, devices and applications regardless of card technology."
In the past, interfacing different elements of smart card solutions sometimes challenged financial institutions and merchant groups entering the smart card arena. Combining the strong loyalty benefits of Welcome Real-time with Cards etc's power to simplify the complexities related to smart card programs creates a winning situation for the cardholder, the issuer and the acquirer.
"Issuers face important new support issues as they upgrade to smart cards," said Aneace Haddad, president and CEO of Welcome Real-time. "Integrating XLS and Arterium from Cards etc provides issuers the tools they need for everything from fast and accurate answers on programs or card replacement, to managing application programs and security across multiple card technologies and loyalty systems."
Welcome Real-time and Cards etc are now making it easier for both issuers and acquirers to launch and manage smart card programs. The result is what every issuer demands -- a significant reduction in implementation cost and time, and the tools to provide high levels of customer support.
