STRATEGIC PARTNERS
June 1, 2000
MAITLAND, Fla.-- Star Systems, Inc. (STAR) said that it successfully routed the nation's first digital signature-secured ATM/debit card payment on the Internet. STAR routed the transaction as part of the NACHA Internet Secure ATM Payments Pilot (ISAP), a collaboration aimed at establishing technical standards for secure Internet ATM/debit card payments. The digital transaction was initiated by a simulated Internet retailer, which sent the request for payment through the STAR Network for authorization. STAR then sent the transaction to the partnering financial institution, Citibank, for verification of the digital signature and payment authorization. After receiving verification and authorization from Citibank, STAR sent a message back to the Internet retailer approving the transaction. "The nation's 200 million ATM/debit cardholders have come to rely on their PIN code to ensure secure, reliable transactions at thousands of ATMs and point-of-sale locations. This historic pilot test brings consumers one step closer to enjoying the same security and dependability on the Internet," said Ronald V. Congemi, president and CEO of STAR. "With a digital signature, consumers will know that their e-commerce transactions are just as safe as a 'real world' transaction secured with a PIN." An expanded and final pilot test is scheduled for later this year. STAR expects to have the technology certified by fall to route digital signature-secured transactions. STAR is also continuing to develop and promote other Internet payment methods. In addition to STAR, NACHA ISAP Pilot participants include: ActivCard; AmeriNet; ANI Services; A-OK Network; Certicom; Citibank; eFunds; and UTM Systems.
