Few technologies go long without some kind of update; updates to firmware, to functionality, to fix bugs and a host of other issues.
Payment systems are no different, and recently NCR Corp took an update bat to its Authentic system, developed by Alaric, which is an NCR business. Several new functions came along with the Authentic upgrades.
With the new upgrades, Authentic now comes with the Message Mapper system, which makes it easier to translate XML messages into the ISO 8583 approach, as well as improving on ease of use when it comes to adding new types of payments into standard payment systems.
Also included is a new Web service import system that generates additional code as needed to back up Message Mapper’s activities. A new browser-based point of sale (POS) system as well as card management interface makes it simpler to work with overall, and the whole thing is regarded as better keeping with connecting Authentic to the NCR CxBanking suite of software tools.
Naturally, no payments system can be considered long without security features, and there are some new ones in here as well. Changes have made Authentic now better able to match PA-DSS 3.0 standards and include new authentication tools and a lack of dependence on SSL, which makes it largely impervious to attacks from tools like Poodle.
That’s quite a bit of upgrade in one package, and the kind of thing that might make Authentic attractive to more potential users than it was previously.
Given the sheer number of platforms vying for the retailer dollar these days, it’s not surprising to see Authentic add on some new features to help drive interest; if it doesn’t, there are more than enough products looking to step in and seize a new chunk of market, so there always has to be some attention paid to keeping up the overall appeal.