Narian has created a new platform for companies to easily develop apps that use near-field-communication, opening the door for smaller retailers to take advantage of NFC.
Apps created with NFC4All don't just focus on mobile payments, but also on a variety of other services NFC can create to enhance a customer's shopping experience. For example, if customers need help in a certain section of a store, they can run the store's app and swipe the phone at the nearest reader. The app will then alert the store's staff of the customer's request along with where they are located in the store.
With NFC-enabled phones like the Nexus S hitting the market, several companies look to capitalize on the potential of mobile payments. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are part of a joint venture called Isis, which plans to roll out a mobile payment platform in major cities like Austin and Salt Lake City early next year.
Google also announced its own mobile payment system, Google Wallet, which is expected to begin testing in San Francisco and New York at major retailers like Macy's, American Eagle and Subway.
But while Google and Isis go after major retailers to institute mobile payment methods, the NFC4All platform is less expensive and more attractive to small businesses. The affordability and ease of use of Narian's technology will likely help grow NFC powered services in small businesses as well as major brands.
If Narian's plan is successful, users may find themselves booting up an app at their local butcher to check in and be alerted when workers are ready to serve them, and another at Best Buy to find out more information on a product. The two apps may serve completely different purposes at two totally different merchants, but both would be built on the NFC4All platform.
While Google, the cell carriers, banks and credit card companies all look to take advantage of NFC technology by targeting major retailers, Narian may find an avenue appealing to mom-and-pop stores.
No comments:
Post a Comment