Everything about digital commerce is evolutionary, down to its most fundamental binary code, so begins this issue's lead article. The same can be said of the payments industry overall. It is nothing if not evolutionary. Long-time industry veterans recall the days when knuckle-buster receipt imprinters and xeroxed lists of fraudulent card numbers represented the extent of sophistication required of a new line of entrepreneurs: the ISOs and merchant level salespeople convincing merchants to accept those newfangled things called credit cards.
Fast forward through multiple iterations requiring numerous adaptations in all corners of the industry, and you find transformations occurring at lightspeed due to technologies that, while complex, are so seamless, we don't notice them in action. This issue's lead, the second article in a two-part series on the frameworks and building blocks of the technologies we depend on, explains in layman's terms how security experts are editing these technologies to create a new generation of post-quantum cryptography—something the first ISOs and agents probably never contemplated while on the job.
Technology is also central to our ongoing news coverage. In news briefs, for example, we report on growing interest in payments within the metaverse, particularly among younger generations of consumers; the upcoming MPC: The Digital Commerce Event, which will explore the theme "currency of change"; the Payments Choice Act's addition to the National Defense Authorization Act; and how researchers and fintechs are finding help amid high inflation. Technology is also affecting consumer spending habits this year, a topic explored by one of our contributors. Topics discussed by other experts featured herein also hinge on technology: the need to assess whether you've adapted your sales approach, so you can remain relevant amid significant industry transformation; why retailers need to identify and use seasonal sales trends; and the accelerating decline of check payments.
If you're looking for new products using breakthrough technologies or potential partners who've harnessed technology effectively, we've got you covered in our product and company profiles, as well as in our Resource Guide and media placements. Plus, we offer updates on milestones of interest, including awards for, you guessed it, stellar uses of technology, along with compelling research, innovative partnerships, ambitious acquisitions and the latest appointments.
Are there topics you'd like to see us cover more fully, or do you have company news to share with the payments community? Please send your ideas to greensheet@greensheet.com, and your press releases to press@greensheet.com. 
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