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Power in the Palm of ISO Hands

B igger is not always better. Ask the ISOs who have traded in their desktops and laptops for a sleek new way of selling payment-processing services. They have discovered the power of Artaban Solutions Inc.

Having evolved from a contract consulting firm founded in 1995 by CEO Melisa Nowag, Artaban Solutions has become a leading software development group that includes financial services in its focus. Utilizing its expertise in digital technology and mobile communication, Artaban recently introduced a merchant enrollment system for bankcard services that just might change the way ISOs do business. NOMAD, GeneXus, Oasis - these names may not be ISO household words yet, but if what Artaban says is true, then that's sure to change as well.

NOMAD (Net Online Merchant Acquisition Device) is a digital merchant application (or electronic version of the standard "hard copy" merchant app) that runs on pocket PCs.

GeneXus is the software-development tool that Artaban programmers used to create Oasis.

Oasis is the merchant-enrollment system that stores merchant info and interfaces with various processors. Storing front-end global payments and back-office data, this system works not from a bulky desktop or a clumsy laptop but from a handheld device that fits in the palm of an agent's hand.

Why would an organization that had concentrated its efforts on providing specialized software, software development, automated data collection, Internet development and consulting services opt for the challenge of working in the merchant acquiring industry and establishing relationships with ISOs?

"ISOs clearly generate the majority of new merchant processing accounts, and we feel that we can have a significant impact on their business," says Jason Burgess, vice president of business development for Artaban.

That impact can be found in the Compaq Ipaq - the device that, combined with Artaban software, promises to deliver an unprecedented level of sales success to ISOs. Just how does it do it? Let's see exactly what Artaban can put in your hand!

As every ISO on the move knows, laptop computers are not only expensive, they're clumsy. Artaban's pocket PC product fits in the palm of your hand and does everything the laptop does.

With a screen that looks just like a desktop, NOMAD's customized features include residual reporting, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, e-mail, electronic Rolodex, fax capabilities, full ability to view Internet, ability to capture digital pictures for site inspections, ability to plug into a keyboard and many more. Any application a normal Windows app runs, so does NOMAD.

It also recognizes handwriting - write on the screen, and the pocket PC converts it to type. Want to input data but don't want to write it? Just talk into the microphone on the side and it will convert it to text. That's one sure way to be sure you're doing what the customer asks - record it.

Using this advanced technology, every term and condition of a merchant application can be modified and entered to meet the specific requirements of the ISO or financial institution. The merchant's signature is even captured right on the PDA screen. Once entered, all data is digitally transmitted to Artaban's operation center from the merchant's location. Account processing can be immediate, although some accounts take longer.

That same-day service reduces overnight fees and encourages immediate generation of revenue. Artaban is banking on the hope that merchants will be more inclined to give their business to the ISO who has this application, thus creating more loyalty as well as more revenue. Think about it: When was the last time you opened a merchant account while you still were at the merchant?

How much does it cost? Artaban offers the complete package of device and software for a one-time fee of about $1,000. The device is a Compaq Ipaq. Artaban's software only works on the Ipaq. Artaban has acquired rights to market the Ipaq.

Why Compaq? According to Burgess, "We liked the product. Its ratings are higher. Its screen is easy to read. We purchased all brands of pocket PCs and did our own comparison. Ipaq was clearly the winner."

Should you already own a Compaq Ipaq, the cost of installing the product and connecting to Artaban is less than $250. But the price isn't written in stone.

"We talk directly to ISOs. We ask their specific needs, seeing exactly what they need, and do a proposal. In some cases, it could be more, it could be less," says Burgess.

ISOs are encouraged to contact Artaban for free proposals and quotes. And all types of accounts are encouraged to be submitted.

"We'll customize solutions to do other things we don't have it doing," says Burgess. "We work with the design and application exactly to the specs of the merchant."

Artaban also provides customer support via telephone as well as specialized training in person for ISOs. Whether it's two or 20 agents, Artaban will send a rep to the ISO offices to help roll out the product. The ISO, though, does have to pay travel and hotel for the trainer.

Artaban is the only company providing this advanced technology to ISOs. Headquartered in Memphis, Artaban boasts 40 employees with 10 staff members solely dedicated to supporting the ISO community. Want to rule your world from the palm of your hand? Visit www.artaban.com.