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IrDA Launches Standard

T he Infrared Data Association (IrDA) and its members have developed a Universal Wireless Payment Standard. The IrDA has been at work on the standard for more than two years. Known as Infrared Financial Messaging (IrFM) Point & Pay Profile, the standard sets criteria for hardware, software and systems developers and manufacturers to ensure global compatibility and interoperability.

The new "Point and Shoot" Payment Standard is expected to help speed up worldwide development of wireless infrared transactions. Consumers will be able to use the technology to make payments and conduct transactions at locations such as in-store payment terminals, vending machines, drive-through restaurant terminals, gas pumps or public transportation terminals.

The Standard leaves current payment and processing infrastructures intact for merchants and financial institutions. It also incorporates existing payment technology and standards such as magnetic stripe credit/debit cards, smart cards and checks. It was developed by IrDA in conjunction with its member companies, major stakeholders and allied associations.

The IrFM Point & Pay Profile contains detailed consumer usage models, terminal and mobile client guidelines and recommendations for sending and receiving payments and transactions information on mobile devices. The IrFM Profile is available online at www.irda.org.