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i2POS Technology

The i2POS Framework

The i2POS framework consists of ICE terminals and the i2POS server environment. ICE terminals contain both embedded financial software and a browser. A set of encryption and authentication techniques provide software security to prevent the loading of unauthorised software into the terminal. Communications use dial-up or high-speed digital connections such as cable or xDSL modem. In both communication modes, the terminal can send financial transactions directly to the processor or bank, independently of the communications with i2POS servers.

i2POS Gateway

i2POS gateway is the security and translation gateway between the Internet and the ICE terminals. This gateway contains a number of servers that support security, routing, the electronic receipt capture (ERC) application, e-commerce, e-commerce gateway, e-mail gateway and screen translation and routing for advertising. i2POS gateway allows terminals to securely access Web-server-based applications and to display Web-based advertising, electronic coupons and other promotional programs. i2POS gateway also incorporates RealPay™, a secure e-commerce credit transaction gateway server, that provides the interface between the e-commerce payment environment and existing hosts that process payment transactions. The ICE terminal also contains a hardware security token that is bulletproof against hacker techniques. The i2POS framework is a unique configuration of enabling technologies consisting of ICE POS terminals, software, networking components and Internet capabilities.

i2POS Supports Electronic Receipt Capture (ERC)

The demand to eliminate credit card receipt paper from the retail store and to reduce chargebacks has long existed. In the past, electronic receipt capture or signature capture, was practical only for large merchants who could afford to install the costly signature capture pads and large server systems. By integrating the signature capture pad into the ICE touch-screen, the cost per-counter was reduced from $300 to about $40. Providing the receipt storage and retrieval server with Internet access adds to the practicality of ERC. This latter function enables small to mid-sized merchants to access their receipts stored on a central server operated by third-party service providers. Merchants without a PC can also retrieve receipts via the ICE terminal. The same terminal that printed the first receipt can retrieve the image data from the ERC server and print another copy many months after the transaction. The system can also connect to chargeback-control systems for automated resolution. In the future, it will be possible to e-mail electronically processed receipts to personal finance packages on the cardholder PC. This will simplify tax and expense accounting, as well as small business corporate cards.

Advertising, Loyalty and Electronic Couponing

The electronic payment industry has shifted focus toward the cardholder. Today, it is the cardholding customer who interacts with the POS terminal, swipes the card and makes the account selection. These customers represent a captive audience receptive to specific, targeted advertising during the 2 ½ minutes the average customer typically spends waiting for goods to be scanned and bagged at checkout. The i2POS framework places an ICE touch-screen terminal in front of the cardholder and builds an entire group of services to deliver information and Internet content to that customer at the retail counter. Advertising can be delivered from an actual Web site through the Internet. Through the ICE screen, content providers can reach a single individual with a specialised targeted message. For example, an advertisement for a new set of golf clubs goes only to a customer in a golf shop. Only a customer in a music store sees a special offer on a new musical recording. Significantly, this narrowcasting by i2POS is the vital one-to-one contact marketers seek. A customer can choose several coupons displayed on the ICE screen. Research indicates a low redemption rate for traditional coupons and a ten-fold increase in redemption when a customer actively chooses a coupon on a touch-screen. Using i2POS, coupon choices, messages and rewards can be printed on receipts. Merchants can generate more sales with loyalty and other programs supported by i2POS. Targeted advertising and promotions at the point of sale are powerful because they address a captive audience focused on the terminal.

Electronic Commerce

For most merchants, the Internet, and more specifically e-commerce represents the most cost-effective opportunity to expand and increase revenue. Most small merchants, however, want to fulfill orders received via the Internet from inventory already on shelves using staff already in the store. Just as importantly, they do not want to invest in a PC and its training and support. To enable small merchants to go online, i2POS offers an easy way to set up and uses remote merchant hosting package. Any e-commerce store hosting packages can be accessed using ICE terminals and the i2POS gateways. This enables merchants to receive and fulfill orders in their stores without the cost, complexity and problems of a PC. The i2POS framework incorporates a translation server that converts Web pages to the screen format of the ICE terminal. Merchants can receive orders, verify transaction approvals, arrange shipments of merchandise, notify customers of shipments, and respond to simple inquiries, all without the complex training and support requirements of a computer.

E-Mail

Another feature of i2POS is e-mail. Merchants can use ICE terminals to send e-mail to and receive it from the bank or processor, suppliers, and customers. Processors and banks can inform merchants of new programs and send settlement confirmation. Merchants can e-mail receipts to customers.

Security

Unlike the Internet, the POS terminal industry has an excellent security record. The challenge, therefore, is to bring Internet content and applications to the point-of-sale without the fraud. The i2POS framework provides remarkably tight security through multi-layered architecture. ICE terminals contain a hardware security token that allows the secure loading of public keys used for certificates of authority and for establishing spoofing proof SSL sessions. The security token is also used for secure software downloading and terminal management. Furthermore, all ICE terminals are tamper resistant and meet the most stringent PIN pad security requirements. This level of security is not available in generic Web appliances or hand-held PDAs. Additional security is provided through the i2POS Security Proxy and Routing servers. The Security Proxy server allows only authenticated terminals to connect to i2POS (authentication that is traceable to the keys in the hardware token), and it manages the secure SSL sessions. The Router server allows only authorised Internet connections to predetermined Web sites.

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