FöreningsSparbanken launches new method of ensuring simpler and safer on-line shopping

FöreningsSparbanken launches new method of ensuring simpler and safer on- line shopping In a move destined to provide best-in-class services to its customers, FöreningsSparbanken has developed a secure solution for on-line payment. The e-kort service is expected to further enhance consumer confidence in a market that is already well acquainted with remote shopping over the Internet. Customers using the new service will be provided with a "virtual" payment card that generates a unique, disposable number for each payment transaction. This makes it unnecessary to specify the real card number, which is thus protected from fraudulent use. "The free e-kort service means new watertight security for FöreningsSparbanken's customers trading over the Internet", says Markus Edstrom, Card Product Manager at FöreningsSparbanken. "This will be excellent news to consumers who are still wary of shopping on-line. It should remove the last barrier, allowing everyone to reap the benefits of e-commerce." Consumers can use the e-kort service to pay at any sales outlet worldwide that accepts credit or debit cards. Customers do not need any special hardware and it is both quick and easy to connect to the service. The service will not only boost security but also greatly simplify on- line shopping. Features that enhance customer convenience include automatic filling in of order forms, transaction history viewing and the ability to charge purchases to different accounts. FöreningsSparbanken has teamed up with Orbiscom - the leading supplier of secure payment solutions worldwide - to bring the e-kort service to its customers. "We are thrilled to have been chosen by FöreningsSparbanken as their technology partner for remote payments," says Olivier Stoica, Director of Sales and Marketing Europe at Orbiscom. "With more than 1 million customers (30% of the total customer base) using its flagship e-banking service, FöreningsSparbanken is an uncontested e-business leader. We are committed to working with FöreningsSparbanken to bring secure on-line shopping 'anytime, anywhere' to its 3 million customers" "e-kort is the first in a series of enhanced payment products that we are currently developing with Orbiscom to meet the evolving needs of our customers," says Kennet Karlsson, Head of Market Cards and Payments at FöreningsSparbanken. "This is an integral part of FöreningsSparbanken's strategy of leveraging the power of the Internet to provide enhanced services to our customers." The e-kort service will be demonstrated at a pressconference at the CEBIT fair the 18 March at 10.30 A.M, in room 3A in the Convention Center. For further information, please contact: Kennet Karlsson, Head of Market Cards and Payments, FöreningsSparbanken, phone +46 8 585 923 41 or +46 70 531 15 88 kennet.karlsson@foreningssparbanken.se Olivier Stoica, Director of Sales and Marketing Europe, Orbiscom, phone +32 2 357 10 00 olivier.stoica@orbiscom.com ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/03/15/20020315BIT00220/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/03/15/20020315BIT00220/wkr0002.pdf