Skip to main content

Pay by Phone

Starbucks is kicking off a mobile payment system, which means users of BlackBerry and Apple iOS platforms will be able to get their morning cup of joe with their cell phone. It seems pretty secure, as long as you have your cell phone in hand.

Here’s how it works. You download the Starbucks Card Mobile App and load money onto the app to enable payment via a Starbucks card. Order your cup of Java and then hold your smartphone in front of a countertop scanner. The device reads the on-screen barcode for the purchase, and in seconds, voila, you have your morning drink and Starbucks has its overpriced payment.

Last year, Starbucks loaded $1.5 billion onto Starbucks cards, reflecting a 21 percent increase from 2008. Mobile currency is a growing popular trend, allowing customers to replace cash and credit cards. By 2014, mobile payments are expected to reach as high as $633 billion, with nearly half a billion customers using their phones to make payments.

I applaud the payment industry for introducing this creative means to make payments. As long as it is secure and doesn’t put individual cell phone users at risk for theft, I think this is good technology. Several cell phone providers have launched a joint mobile commerce network, called Isis, and should be operational within the next 18 months. Visa, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo also are working on smartphone payment technologies.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.