Card briefs: Applied Communications to Aid Visa Launch

OMAHA - Applied Communications Inc. said it will be providing electronic funds transfer authorization software for Visa's launch of stored-value smart cards next summer in Atlanta.

About 5,000 merchant locations are expected to accept the cards in the pilot, which will be tied in with the summer Olympic Games. Visa is working with First Union Corp., NationsBank Corp., and Wachovia Corp. to allow the cards with computer chips to be accepted in place of cash.

Applied Communications' software will be used to load value onto the cards through a variety of automated teller machines. Cards will be accepted for parking and purchases of food, fuel, beverages, and other items.

"We are involved in several smart card and stored-value card projects worldwide," said Sonia Reed, a senior product manager for Applied Communications, a subsidiary of Transaction Systems Architects Inc. "This technology is gaining recognition because of its speed, simplicity, and convenience, not to mention its ability to handle multicurrency applications."

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