Casio Computer and NTT DoCoMo have agreed to form a joint venture company to provide digital payment systems, mainly for DoCoMo's iD mobile credit-card platform, and related customer relationship management (CRM) services that enable proprietors to systematically manage and analyze sales information. The joint venture, to be named CXD NEXT Co., Ltd., will be established on July 9 and begin providing services on September 1.

Combining Casio's outstanding digital cash-register technologies and retail support know-how with DoCoMo's expertise in mobile payments, CXD NEXT will develop services centered around Casio's new cash register with virtual private network (VPN) capability and reader/writer compatibility for mobile e-wallet services. The register, which also supports magnetic credit cards, will connect via the Internet VPN to servers provided by CXD NEXT. Casio will begin marketing the register on August 1.

Strong demand exists among retail stores and restaurant chains for introduction of IT based efficient business operations, enabling proprietors to quickly conduct data analysis and apply the results to systematic sales management. At the same time, as iD and e-wallet mobile payment systems gain popularity, the digital payment market is quickly expanding. By providing the necessary equipment and systems, CXD NEXT will enable companies, particularly small and midsized businesses, to quickly benefit from more cost-efficient and effective day-to-day operations, as well as more effective CRM initiatives, in the mobile environment.

The company plans in future to expand its CRM offerings by incorporating DoCoMo's Osaifu-Keitai™ e-wallet and ToruCa™ information-capture services.

related article

http://www.slashphone.com/101/1925.html