Visa plans migration to EMV technology

Visa Inc has disclosed plans to accelerate the migration to Europay, MasterCard and VISA (EMV) contact and contactless chip technology in the United States.

Confirming this, the global head of product, Visa Inc, Mr. Jim McCarthy, noted that the adoption of dual-interface chip technology, would help prepare the U.S. payment infrastructure for the arrival of NFC-based mobile payments by building the necessary infrastructure to accept and process chip transactions that support either a signature or PIN at the point of sale.

“By encouraging investments in EMV contact and contactless chip technology, we will speed up the adoption of mobile payments as well as improve international interoperability and security,” he said, stressing that as NFC mobile payments and other chip-based emerging technologies are poised to take off in the coming years, Visa is taking steps to create a commercial framework that will support growth opportunities and create value for all participants in the payment chain.

According to him, not only will chip technology accelerate mobile innovations, it is also expected to secure payments into the future through the use of dynamic authentication.

“Chip technology greatly reduces a criminal’s ability to use stolen payment card data by introducing dynamic values for each transaction,” he said, adding that even if payment card data is compromised, a counterfeit card would be unusable at the point of sale without the presence of the card’s unique elements, hence reducing static authentication, and diminishing the value of stolen cardholder data, benefiting all stakeholders.

Ellen Richey, chief enterprise risk officer, Visa Inc, said “Dynamic authentication is the key to securing 

payments into the future. Adding dynamic elements to transactions makes account data less attractive to steal and takes more merchant systems out of harm’s way, shrinking the battlefield against criminals. The migration to chip technology will be an important security layer and a critical step in a comprehensive strategy to use dynamic authentication across all markets and all channels.”

Globally, he pointed out that Visa would continue to support a range of cardholder verification methods including signature, PIN and no-signature for low-value, low-risk transactions.

“In the longer term, we expect that the use of static verification methods such as signature and PIN will be reduced or eliminated entirely as new and dynamic forms of cardholder verification are implemented,” he said.

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Lagos to host joint Nigeria-India IT CEOs

The Information Technology Industry Association of Nigeria (ITAN) has finalized plans to host a one-day high-level business networking forum in Lagos.

The forum being hosted in collaboration with the Indian counterpart from the National Software and Services Companies of India (NASSCOM) on Monday, September 19, 2011, at the centre of excellence.

Programme Officer, Marho Atumu, said in a press statement made available to ITRealms Online that the theme of the meeting is “Enriching Global Partnership.”

Atumu noted that it’s envisaged that deeper Nigeria a-India collaboration in the field of Information-Communications Technology (ICT) would enhance the attainment of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) by 2015, which is targeted at truly connecting the global economy. The officer also said that over 20 top Indian ICT companies and CEOs are expected to be led by Mr. Anil Bakht, CEO Eastern Software Ltd and Lead Strategic Projects are expected to visit for partnership with Nigerian IT CEOs.

The press statement quoted ITAN President, Dr. Jimson Olufuye as saying the meeting would consolidate on the gains of the visit last year, where alliances were forged.

He stressed that it is good for the nation’s economy as her IT CEOs partner with their Indian counterparts for technology and best practice adoption and adaption to local needs and the boosting of the much needed foreign direct investment into the Nigerian IT ecosystem. He further disclosed that participants would include, Prof. Cleopas Angaye, director general (DG), National Information Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Baba Adamu, Senior Special Adviser (SSA) ICT to the Vice President, Abhilash Gowdara: IT Advisor at the office of the Vice President,  Mrs. Florence Seriki, CEO Omatek Computers, Dr. Leo Stan-Ekeh, chairman, Zinox Technologies Ltd, Mr. Abiodun Adeoye, MD Contact Solutions Ltd,  Mr. Etim Amana, CEO, MIS Software; Mr. Amos Emmanuel, Programos Software Ltd, among others.

Also expected, he said, are Mr. Kola Omotunde Young, CEO Kes Computers Ltd, Mr. Tayo Adeniyi, MD Worldwide Computer Ltd, Mr. Emmanuel Udotong, CEO Isatong Nig Ltd, Mr. Olaolu Sasore, CEO Schoolnet Nigeria,  Mr. Udoji Ephraim, President Eltech Networks, Mr. Adams Sambo CEO Revolve Technology Ltd, Mr. Austin Okere, CEO Computer Warehouse Ltd to name a few.

Expected as the Chairman of the Forum is Mr. Emmanuel Ikazobor, DG Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Special Guests of Honour are the Honourable Minister of Communications & Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; Dr Adamu Baba, Special Adviser to the Vice-President of IT and the Indian Consular General Mr. Mahesh Sachdev. Representatives of the World Bank and UNDP will also be in attendance.

Remmy Nweke

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NSN reiterates commitment, opens office

Acclaimed leader in telecom infrastructure, solutions and services, Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) has reiterated its commitment to the Nigeria’s telecom market by officially opening its office in Banana Island axis of Lagos.

Speaking at the interactive session with journalists at the Lagos office, the Head, Africa Region, Nokia Siemens Networks, Mr. Dimitri Diliani, said that NSN has a vision in Africa of ‘Internet for every African’ and Nigeria is an important country in achieving this vision.

As part of the company’s renewed focus on the African continent, he said, Nokia Siemens Networks restructured and separated its Africa operations at the beginning of 2011.

The African market, he said, no doubt has continued to grow at a strong pace and NSN felt the need to provide additional focus to support this growth, hence the office in Nigeria.

“Our new office in Lagos will serve as an integral part of our strategy to strengthen our operations in the continent and deliver superior services to our customers,” Dimitri said.

He also proclaimed the appointment of the former Head of Sales at MTN Group in Africa, Mr. Raphael Udeogu, as the new country director for Nigeria.

Dimitri noted that Mr. Udeogu is a Nigerian national with over 23 years experience and a holder of Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Business Administration from the United States.

He added that Udeogu joined Nokia Siemens Networks as part of the company’s acquisition of the wireless network infrastructure assets of Motorola Solutions in April 2011, stressing that at Motorola Networks, he served as the Senior Director for Motorola sales for Sub-Sahara Africa region and held multiple leadership positions in sales across the African continent and in the United States of America.

Head, Communication and Marketing, Nokia Siemens Networks in the country, Ms Ify Isinguzo said that the opening of new office was witnessed by Mrs. Lolia Emakpore, Director, Policy & Competition, Nigeria Communication Commission; Mr. Adebiyi F. Mabadeje, Honourable Commissioner, Science & Technology; Mr. Tokunbo Fashola, Consultant to the Governor, ICT; Mr. Walter L. von den Driesch, Consul General, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany; Ms. Arja Koski Representative of Ambassador of Finland; among other dignitaries and company executives.

For the head, Corporate Communications – Africa, Mr. Carlyle Fernandez who was accompanied by the Director of Corporate Communications, Mr. Azizi, Nokia Siemens Networks is focused on innovation and sustainability, adding that the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services.

NSN, he said, is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world, operating in 150 countries with its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland.

Remmy Nweke
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SMS’ notice board on Etisalat, debuts

Etisalat Nigeria, on Friday said it’s making another innovative product launch with the debut of DotMe, a new bulletin board service based on Short Messaging Service (SMS) to spur on the go information sharing.

Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat, Mr. Wael Ammar said that DotMe acts like a bulletin board on Etisalat mobile numbers, which is a new way of encouraging subscribers to stay connected with their individual contacts while on the move.

“You can instantly publish information via SMS from your mobile phone,” he declared, adding that anyone, on any network, anywhere in the world who has Etisalat customer’s contact number could check their bulletin board using SMS whenever they need to and without having to directly contact the individual.

DotMe, he explained, starts and ends with an SMS, hence having access to the Internet or a smart phone is not optimal as long as such a person is using Etisalat DotMe, which is as simple as sending a text.

According to him, a person that posts a status is a dotter and could be any subscriber on the Etisalat network. He also described as a follower, any person that wants to access information posted on a dotter’s bulletin board. 

“Followers could be on any network, anywhere in the world,” he asserted. On the tariffs, Ammar who was accompanied by the Specialist, High Value Segment, Mrs. Rahila Isa-Oni; chief executive officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Steven Evans and Director, Brands & Communications, Mr. Enitan Denloye, among others, said posting a dot costs N1.

“To follow a dotter is N1 for Etisalat subscribers, while for all other networks, normal SMS rates apply,” he said.

Etisalat customers who wish to be part of this latest service, he said, could get started as soon as send 8900 followed by composing of a text which must not exceed 140 characters.

The status message, he said, would be active for 30 days or until it is cancelled. 

“Anyone who has your contact number can dot you to get your status,” he said.SMS ‘Notice Board’ on Etisalat debuts

Etisalat Nigeria, on Friday said it’s making another innovative product launch with the debut of DotMe, a new bulletin board service based on Short Messaging Service (SMS) to spur on the go information sharing.

Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat, Mr. Wael Ammar said that DotMe acts like a bulletin board on Etisalat mobile numbers, which is a new way of encouraging subscribers to stay connected with their individual contacts while on the move.

“You can instantly publish information via SMS from your mobile phone,” he declared, adding that anyone, on any network, anywhere in the world who has Etisalat customer’s contact number could check their bulletin board using SMS whenever they need to and without having to directly contact the individual.

DotMe, he explained, starts and ends with an SMS, hence having access to the Internet or a smart phone is not optimal as long as such a person is using Etisalat DotMe, which is as simple as sending a text.

According to him, a person that posts a status is a dotter and could be any subscriber on the Etisalat network. He also described as a follower, any person that wants to access information posted on a dotter’s bulletin board. 

“Followers could be on any network, anywhere in the world,” he asserted. On the tariffs, Ammar who was accompanied by the Specialist, High Value Segment, Mrs. Rahila Isa-Oni; chief executive officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Steven Evans and Director, Brands & Communications, Mr. Enitan Denloye, among others, said posting a dot costs N1.

“To follow a dotter is N1 for Etisalat subscribers, while for all other networks, normal SMS rates apply,” he said.

Etisalat customers who wish to be part of this latest service, he said, could get started as soon as send 8900 followed by composing of a text which must not exceed 140 characters.

The status message, he said, would be active for 30 days or until it is cancelled. 

“Anyone who has your contact number can dot you to get your status,” he said.

Remmy Nweke

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Airtel Nigeria names Seghal, VP enterprise

Airtel Nigeria has named Mr. Rajiv Seghal as Vice President for Enterprise, SMEs and Postpaid.

Disclosing this, the Head, Public Relations, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Emma Otokhine said, Seghal was until his latest appointment the Vice President and National Head, Voice and Solutions for Bharti Airtel Ltd India.

He also said that Seghal would be responsible for developing innovative mobile solutions for SMEs and postpaid consumers across the country, just as he would assist Airtel to reclaim leadership position in the SME segment.

Commenting on Seghal’s appointment, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Rajan Swaroop said this demonstrated Airtel’s commitment to realizing its ambition of being the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians as it moves to empower businesses and high network individuals to succeed in their endeavours.

“With this appointment, Airtel will focus on how to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed and maximize profits. Seghal and the entire Airtel team will roll-out specific telecoms packages that will address the need of the SME and also create value offerings that will make life more enjoyable for entrepreneurs and high network individuals,” he said.

Seghal, a professional with over 17 years experience, has been in the telecom industry for over 8 years. He joined Airtel in India in 2003, and has led various positions in sales, marketing, product development and value added services. Prior to joining Airtel Nigeria, Seghal was heading the Enterprise solutions division for 

Airtel Enterprise Services, the enterprise division of Bharti Airtel in India.

Seghal has been credited with developing various solutions for enterprises in India. This includes the mobile enablement platform called Airtel MATE (mobile application tool for enterprises) and other hosted and managed services like the contact center solutions and conferencing services.

Seghal, a 1992 graduate of Electronics and Communications from the Delhi Institute of Technology also has a Masters Degree in Finance and Control from the same University.

ITRealms Online recalls that Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa.

Also, the mobile operator offers mobile voice and data services, fixed line, high speed broadband, IPTV, DTH, turnkey telecom solutions for enterprises and national & international long distance services to carriers.

 
Bharti Airtel had over 228 million customers across its operations at the end of June 2011.

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