XLink is a local company whose focus areas include machine-to-machine communication services to the retail market, specifically in the area of secure connectivity, authentication and acknowledgement of card transactions and funds transfers between credit card devices and the bank’s back-end host systems. Typical customers are merchants in the retail market, including big retail chains, specialty stores, fuel companies and service stations, and travel and leisure companies.
One of the devices offered by the company, the VersaLink, is a multipurpose communication device that can connect to any device at the place of deployment and dynamically route to different host systems. The wireless communication function is provided by a Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC8792V HSPA embedded module.
XLink has now extended the capabilities of its VersaLink by connecting it to the Sierra Wireless AirVantage services platform, in partnership with Trinity Telecoms which hosts the AirVantage platform in South Africa. The AirVantage device management portal is being used to monitor and diagnose communication problems with the terminals. The unique service was launched with SPAR, a major retailer which operates close to 800 grocery stores in South Africa.
With AirPrime embedded modules, XLink is able to deliver fast and reliable electronic funds transfer from credit card terminals to banks across South Africa, including rural areas which previously did not have access to electronic payment facilities. Today, XLink is taking its service offering a step further with the AirVantage services platform, enabling customers to proactively monitor their payment devices and quickly take action if required.
XLink says it is now poised to use the competencies and technology experience it has gained from its experience with connected credit card machines in other vertical and geographical markets, and to continue to expand its flourishing business.
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