REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 16, 2004 — Microsoft Business Solutions today announced it is adding availability of comprehensive payment processing for businesses that use Microsoft®
Business Solutions Retail Management System 1.2. In addition to Citi Merchant Services, businesses that use Microsoft Retail Management System 1.2 and have an Internet connection* will have access to fully integrated card-processing capabilities from BA Merchant Services LLC, Paymentech and Wells Fargo Merchant Services. Developed for small and midsize independent retailers, Microsoft Retail Management System 1.2 is an easy-to-use, affordable way to automate single- or multiple-store retail businesses.
The three new preferred acquirers and Citi Merchant Services, which in 2003 began providing services to merchants using the solution, will offer fully integrated credit and debit processing to retail merchants using Microsoft Retail Management System 1.2 with Service Pack 2 installed. Thanks to the agreements announced today, merchants who use Microsoft Retail Management System 1.2 will no longer need to acquire and install costly middleware, such as standalone payment applications, which are typically used to integrate payment processing. Moreover, merchants who use the solution will no longer need a credit card terminal or dedicated phone line for transaction processing.
Additional feature benefits include native integration for payment processing support from within the product. This includes setup and configuration of the merchant activation information and integrated settlement for credit and debit transactions. With competitive rates for merchant services, streamlined point-of-sale processes and integrated payment processing, Microsoft Retail Management System 1.2 will result in more efficient operations, reduced operating and labor costs, and increased customer satisfaction. The preferred acquirers also are offering customer service representatives who are specifically trained to assist businesses using Microsoft Retail Management System 1.2.
“By working closely with our preferred acquirers, we have significantly broadened our customers’ options when it comes to easily achieving integrated payment processing with Microsoft Retail Management System 1.2,” said Joseph Corigliano, director of business development at Microsoft Business Solutions. “Merchants that want integrated card processing included in Microsoft Retail Management System 1.2 now will be able to simply set up an account with one of four industry-leading acquiring companies. These additional choices further differentiate Microsoft Retail Management System 1.2 as a premier technology solution of choice for small and midmarket segment retail merchants.”
Microsoft Retail Management System 1.2 underwent extensive internal testing to help ensure that debit and credit card transactions will be accurately processed through each of the preferred acquiring companies announced today. In addition, Microsoft Business Solutions has taken steps to make sure that each Microsoft Retail Management System preferred acquirer has established sales and support models that will meet the specific needs of merchants who use the solution.
About Microsoft Business Solutions
Microsoft Business Solutions offers integrated business applications and services that allow small and midsize organizations and divisions of large enterprises to connect employees, customers and suppliers for improved efficiency. The financial management, customer relationship management, supply chain management and analytics applications work with Microsoft products such as Office and Windows®
to streamline processes across an entire organization, giving businesses insight to respond rapidly, plan strategically and execute quickly. Microsoft Business Solutions applications are delivered through a worldwide network of channel partners that provide specialized services and local support tailored to a company’s needs.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
* Internet connect-time charges may apply.
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