Sicap launches two new mobile payments solutions
New systems to simplify cross platform loyalty schemes and credit reloading
Sicap, a wholly owned subsidiary of Swisscom Mobile and leading provider of software solutions for mobile operators, has launched two new payments solutions for operators. Reload Server is an innovative solution which offers a simplified and consistent method for credit reloading, while Price Broker Suite is a set of payments products that can be individually deployed or combined to offer solutions for the management of loyalty, rating, scheduling and revenue assurance.
The new payments products follow Sicap's strategic restructure into two dedicated business units, Payments Services and Services Delivery Platforms, and the recent acquisition of French company, Swapcom.
Reload Server
Traditionally, mobile operators offer their end users many different ways of reloading their prepaid account. As a result, typical solution architecture is often based on several modules and interfaces in order to handle different reload models, leading to inconsistencies and increased support requirements for the operator.
With Sicap's Reload Server operators can now handle all reload methods and reload channels from a one centralised system. The benefits for the operator is a single customer care interface that provides access to all reload transactions and allows for simplified maintenance and reduced support costs. For the end user, Sicap's Reload Server offers one common user interface and a single PIN code which can be used with any reload method. Reloading credits can be carried out using whichever source of funds the subscriber finds most convenient, including vouchers, credit and debit cards, credit transfer and PayPal, and over any of the various channels available, such as contact centre, USSD, SMS, WAP or Web.
Price Broker Suite
Many operators run their loyalty programs on proprietary solutions which are usually part of their existing billing or customer care solution. Most of these systems have been developed as add-ons to their 'parent' billing or customer care platform and have not been designed with the flexibility that operators require.
Sicap's Price Broker Suite enables operators who have difficulty upgrading legacy billing systems a way to quickly launch cross-platform loyalty schemed. Price Broker Suite provides flexibility and high performance as well as open interfaces, giving the operator the possibility to customise the solution to their individual needs. Restrictions imposed by operators' legacy billing systems impact upon real-time loyalty, considered one of the strongest customer incentives as the user receives their reward or notification directly upon a qualifying action. This causes a long time-to-market for promotions and bonus schemes, if they can be implemented at all.
Christian Giroux, Head of Product Management at Sicap AG, explained, "The mobile industry is experiencing a period of evolution, with traditional voice revenues in decline. To ensure that they stay competitive, operators need to ensure that they have the most efficient billing systems in place in order to maximise revenues. Moreover, with the average churn being close to 20%, a billing solution which incorporates customer loyalty schemes and user-friendly credit reloading systems is an invaluable element in maintaining a satisfied subscriber base."
Sicap's Price Broker Suite consists of four modules that can either be deployed stand-alone or as an integrated solution:
* Pricing Manager - ensures full and fast rating capabilities.
* Revenue Assurance Manager - offers real-time and off-line functionality
* Scheduling Manager - actions scheduler that ensures timely delivery of actions and events
* Loyalty Manager - delivers offline and real-time bonuses / rewards
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