Oki Electric and Payment First Announce Inter Debit Payment Accessible from i-Mode, First in Japan

December 13, 2001

Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., and Payment First Co., announced the joint launch of "Inter Debit Payment Services for i-mode," a service enabling Internet payments through Inter Debit from NTT DoCoMo's i-mode. This service will be offered first to users of the "Fuji Bank Cyber Bank Inter Debit Service" and the "Fuji Bank em-town Branch, em-town Debit Service." This service will also be available through the website for All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (ANA), enabling both i-mode and PC users to purchase air tickets through a secure Inter Debit payment. Nomura Holdings, Inc., and Maruhachi Securities are also companies considering to adopt this service.

This new service expands the Inter Debit Wallet Service, a service launched in April 2001 to provide Inter Debit payment, by enabling Inter Debit payment from DoCoMo's i-mode. Previously accessible only to PC users, the service was implemented after numerous requests from i-mode users for a secure online payment service. In response to such demands, Oki Electric has developed an exclusive server for i-mode Inter Debit Payment Service that gives all i-mode users access to the Inter Debit payment service. Linked by a leased line from NTT DoCoMo's i-mode gateway, this exclusive-use server ensures a high-security online payment method for all i-mode users.

Those currently accessing the Inter Debit payment from their PCs can also access from i-mode without performing any additional procedures or changing settings. Virtual stores with this payment service can provide support to i-mode users by adding features to their websites.

"Oki Electric and Payment First plan to expand this service to provide compatibility with other devices, including other mobile terminals. Through these efforts, we hope to provide increased convenience for all consumers while ensuring the safety and security of internet payments," says Kazushige Matsui, President of Payment First.

This service allows users to make secure payments by a method that protects confidential data, such as user account numbers, passwords, and payment information, while increasing convenience by enabling payment at any time, from any location. This service also allows financial institutions to broaden access to Inter Debit payment services to include i-mode users as well as conventional PC users, with the expectation of enhancing diverse users. The introduction of Inter Debit allows virtual stores to expand sales by expanding the target consumer base to include both PC and i-mode users.

Mr. Takeshi Natsuno, Managing Director, i-mode Strategy, NTT DoCoMo Inc., says, "We are pleased to hear the launch of this new payment service for i-mode. I expect this service to enhance mobile Internet usability dramatically."

-Devices supported Supports all i-mode models

[Inter Debit Wallet Service]

A service that enables convenient, secure Inter Debit payments. Payment First controls an online server wallet for each user that contains electronic certificates issued to users by financial institutions. For financial institutions, the system reduces the cost of providing the Inter Debit payment service. For users, the system provides safe, easy access to the Inter Debit payment service, with no need to make complex settings. Payment First's wallet system complies with security standards set by Japan Internet Payment Promotion Association, standards designed to protect confidential personal data such as bank account numbers and card numbers.

[Inter Debit Service]

A payment method with standards specified by the Japan Internet Payment Promotion Association. This service allows e-retailers to make prompt withdrawals of debited amounts for e-commerce transactions from the purchaser's bank account. Stores that implement this system are indicated by the Inter Debit Mark. The wallet system expands the scope of e-commerce for users, virtual stores and various financial institutions.

Under the wallet system, order information and payment information are transmitted separately. The virtual store receives only order information from the user, while payment information is sent to the financial institution where payment is to be processed. This offers significant advantages in security for e-commerce transactions over the conventional SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) system, under which the payment component of e-commerce transactions also involve the e-merchant.

Benefits for Users of Inter Debit Service

1. Allows users to make online payments by using their bank account balances just like cash.

2. No need to venture out of the home or office to make purchases, since the entire sales process is completed online.

3. Available to users who don't own credit cards.

4. The most secure online payment method available, effectively safeguarding against unauthorized access or alteration of bank account information, passwords, or payment information.

Benefits for e-Merchants

1. Prompt withdrawal and payment from user bank accounts eliminates bill collection headaches.

2. Allows implementation of payment systems for a wide range of products, from hard merchandise shipped to consumers to digital content and securities.

* i-mode is a registered trademark of NTT DoCoMo Inc.

* Inter Debit mark is a trademark of Japan Internet Payment Promotion Association.

* Other names of companies and products are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.


[ Home | Contact | MobiChat | Experts database | Let's do it ]

Comments to the content of this page can be posted on the MobiChat discussion group

logo.gif (1569 bytes)