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BofA, Thales Team Up for Wireless Solution

B ank of America has introduced its Merchant Services Wireless Solution, which includes a wireless payment terminal and access to an intercarrier network. The handheld device offers businesses of all sizes an innovative and flexible way to accept and process credit card transactions.

"The Bank of America Merchant Services Wireless Solution takes credit card payments directly to the customer at the point-of-sale," said Bette Wasserman, Senior Vice President, Bank of America Merchant Services. "With one call, this full-service product gives users a mobile answer to the challenge of receiving credit card payments in the field within seconds, ensures the transactions are secure and cuts down on expenses."

Fred Silverman, President and CEO, Thales e-Transactions, said, "The processing terminal fits easily in the palm of the hand and is ready to go wherever card transactions are made. Now anyone can become a mobile merchant and accept all major credit cards accurately, rapidly and safely."

The Merchant Services Wireless Solutions is ready to use right out of the box. It comes preprogrammed with user-friendly software that guides merchants through the transaction process. Manufactured by Thales e- Transactions, the Artema handheld device is lightweight and battery- operated. An integrated thermal printer for receipts operates easily, and the included base unit doubles as a base for performing dialup downloads and as a battery-recharging station.

The Wireless Solution accesses US Wireless Data's intercarrier network, eliminating the merchant's need to set up a separate account with an additional fee. Because the network covers 90% of U.S. metropolitan areas, users also can roam nationwide at no extra charge.

The system offers users the option of performing transactions offline when they are not in a coverage area. Transaction data can be stored in the terminal and forwarded later when the user is back in a coverage area, avoiding the higher rates for manually entered account numbers.

For more information, visit their Web sites at www.bofa.com or www.thales-e- transactions.com.