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Letter from the editors

ith spring in full swing, advances in
payments continue at a dizzying pace,
and business is booming in payments,
W as well as in interconnected sectors.
Everyone involved ‒ from the feet on the street and
customer service reps who interact with merchants,
to hardware and software developers who upgrade
old and devise new products, to visionaries who set
the course of our industry's major brands for years to
come ‒ must work efficiently, always poised to face
the next challenge.

In the midst of this, it is easy to overlook how
breathtaking the solutions that have transformed
our industry truly are. Many of the people we meet
at tradeshows, exchange emails with and greet on
social networks have applied their gifts over the years
in ways that have given the industry tremendous
benefits. The lead article in this issue, which is the
second in a three-part series, examines transactions
as they have evolved from simple tasks to complex,
interactive communications. It is a microcosm that
offers insights applicable to the whole.

Industry experts who contribute articles to The Green
Sheet have shared valuable gifts over the years, too.
In this issue, alone, they discuss ISO registration and
why and when it makes sense to take the plunge;
the sobering threats to data security worldwide;
the CFPB's track record so far and uncertain future;
the skyrocketing value of operational expertise in
the ISO realm; strategies for dealing with the wall
of governmental regulation innovators face when
endeavoring to make payments safer, faster and easier;
and a rationale for implementing semi-integrated
EMV solutions.

Also included are news stories on questions raised
about fees charged by Wells Fargo Merchant Services;
a request by NAC that FICO substantiate claims of
escalating card fraud at nonbank ATMs; Harbortouch's
collaboration with Jon Taffer to develop a "smart" POS
system; and a Supreme Court ruling that validated the
assertion that regulating retail prices is tantamount to
regulating speech.

You'll also find briefs on innovations in the retail
sector; company and individual payment professional
milestones, including awards, settlements, research,
partnerships, acquisitions and appointments;
company and product profiles; upcoming industry
events; and more.

What topics do you want to learn more about? Do you
have a pet peeve or new insight to share? Let us know
at greensheet@greensheet.com. We are here to serve you.
And please continue to send press releases to press@
greensheet.com.

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