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Letter from the editors

he business climate is favorable for investors:
they have cash on hand, interest rates are low
and the economy, while not booming, shows
T solid signs of strength. The payments indus-
try has caught the eye of an increasing number of inves-
tors, as well. In good times and bad, the services our
companies provide are needed and valued. This issue's
cover story takes a look at investment trends and activi-
ties taking place in our sphere. It appears great oppor-
tunity exists for those who wish to acquire or invest in
payment companies, as well as for those seeking funds
for expansion or building companies to sell.
The mobile sphere continues to be ablaze with activity.
In 2013 alone, consumer mobile device adoption grew
by double digits in the United States. Included herein
is coverage of research done on marketing in the new
omnichannel landscape. The good news is that doing
business in today's fragmented environment holds
promise for those who adapt.

Square Inc. is in the news again. Most recently, many
have questioned the true potential of a company
that is bleeding so much cash. Will Square be able to
capitalize on all the data it accumulates about consumer
purchasing and habits? Will changes to Visa Inc.'s Fixed
Acquirer Network Fee be too much for the enterprise to
bear? Our news section addresses these questions, and
more.

Also in the news, we discuss what the Heartbleed
bug is, who is affected by it and a potential upside
for acquirers. In addition, we report on a "roadshow"
recently embarked upon by experts intent on spreading
the fraud-prevention and Europay/MasterCard/Visa-
solution word in the United States. And, as always,
this magazine is loaded with news of breakthroughs,
research, milestones and trends in payments in addition
to profiles of companies interested in doing business
with you.

Special thanks to our contributing writers who offer so
much knowledge to payment pros month after month.
For this issue, they have provided a further exploration
of Square's impact on the industry, including insights
provided by members of GS Online's MLS Forum; a
debunking of myths that can trip up ISOs and merchant
level salespeople (MLSs); and sound insights and advice
on how to avoid data breaches.

We always welcome feedback from readers. Please email
us at greensheet@greensheet.com, or call us at 800-757-4441.
And send your press releases to press@greensheet.com.
We look forward to hearing from you.

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