Cardtranz Stacks the Deck

A t the recent ETA meeting in San Diego, Cardtranz Inc., a secure transaction processing payment gateway and application service provider, introduced its cardtranz.net suite of products and services.

The suite uses the Internet as the front-end entry mechanism for authorization processing and report access. These applications and gateway services have been operating at merchant locations for more than three years through ACCARD, a proprietary software system developed by Cardtranz's affiliate, Accelerated Card Company Inc. Cardtranz acquired ACCARD last September and is now marketing these products to the acquiring industry.

Cardtranz.net offers a Web-based virtual terminal for real-time authorization processing accessible via a browser from stand-alone PCs or integrated into a client's order entry system. The application uses secure socket layer (SSL) encryption for transaction security. It resides on the cardtranz.net host, and software installations are not required on a client's computers. This allows clients to receive software updates and system upgrades seamlessly.

The sophisticated security hierarchy allows different users access to differing levels of data from any terminal ID. Security access can be updated in minutes. The host-based system allows new merchants to be set up the same day Cardtranz receives the merchant number.

The system allows up to 999 terminal IDs per merchant number and unlimited merchant numbers per client. The company's Web link product can interface into shopping carts to support eCommerce merchant processing. The availability of multiple terminal ID's per merchant number allows high- volume Web sites to process numerous transactions simultaneously. All of the company's applications support Level II Purchasing Card.

Cardtranz.net Data Manager is an online Web-based reporting tool supporting all of the company's products. Transaction information is available to the client within seconds of input. The system logs all authorization attempts and reports on authorized as well as failed transactions. Clients can see both fatal and non-fatal errors immediately, as well as any required action. This allows expedient resolution and resubmission of as many transactions as possible.

The query tools allow research by 144 different variables to enable easy research of chargebacks, customer payment history and segmentation of data within the client's transaction history. Acquirers, banks and ISOs have access to Data Manager for their entire portfolio.

Pamela Stewart, president and CEO of Cardtranz, says, "We originally developed ACCARD to solve the needs of our direct marketing clients who were not satisfied with the options available in the market. At ACC we served sophisticated high volume business-to-business merchants who were looking for a seamless, secure method of processing very large average ticket transactions at the best interchange qualification possible."

Bill Glen, director of value-added services at CellStar Inc., says, "We have achieved numerous financial and internal process efficiencies over the last three years as a result of the product's flexibility and superior financial reporting."

Robbie Warrell, senior manager of financial services at Aviall Inc., adds, "Cardtranz has provided our company with excellent customer service and has been very flexible about customizing formats and reports to suit our needs."

The system accommodates multicurrency transaction processing through its affiliate, ACC's agreement with NatWest Bank. Mannatech Inc., an international company located in Dallas, utilizes this system for its processing. Mannatech treasurer Ron Norman says, "The reporting features are so flexible that we sometimes believe that this product was specially designed for us."