Apriva, the leading provider of end-to-end wireless transaction and secure information solutions, today announced a strategic initiative with Open Solutions to deploy EMV-compliant contactless debit and credit card acceptance technology for vending machines and unattended devices throughout Canada. EMV-compliant (Europay MasterCard and Visa) payment solutions enable vending operators to enjoy the profound business advantages realized through cashless technology, while cost-effectively satisfying Canadian regulatory mandates.
The joint offering is based on Apriva's highly successful Apriva Vend cashless vending solution and is expected to be deployed throughout Canada later this year.
"Canadian vending operators have been watching the advances in cashless vending in the United States and are eager to grab the reported higher sales and better margins for themselves," said Rob Palin, general manager of Open Solutions' Payment Solutions Group. "By working closely with Apriva, we have developed a card-based payment solution for operators that incorporates secure and reliable operation and addresses the unique market and EMV requirements for Canada. This solution provides consumers with choices to pay at an unattended point of sale and introduces a disruptive technology that will invigorate the Canadian vending market."
Highly regarded as a leading provider of ATM, credit and debit card services throughout Canada, Open Solutions is a Direct Connector member of the Interac Association, a national payment network that allows Canadians to access their money through automated banking machines and point-of-sale terminals across Canada.
Introduced in 2010, Apriva Vend is an end-to-end cashless vending solution that enables operators to accept card-based payments at vending machines. Apriva Vend incorporates all aspects of a cashless vending solution, including hardware, software, payment processing, cellular carrier services and reporting. Apriva Vend provides vending operators expedited access to their cashless funds, 24/7 customer support, leading-edge flexible hardware that meets the most stringent security and privacy mandates, and numerous other benefits.
"As the leading provider of wireless payment processing solutions in North America, Apriva is excited to partner with Open Solutions to deliver an EMV-compliant solution that will help to jump-start cashless vending in Canada," said Paul DeRosse, Apriva's vice president of business development in Canada. "This joint effort not only gives our companies a strong foothold in this important market, but also enables vending operators to provide secure service to their customers, and make more money along the way."