23 July 2004

Braintree researches using PTT technology for data

Leading technology developer, Braintree Communications, is researching the opportunities for Push to Talk (PTT) technology to be used for applications outside of voice traffic.

Push to Talk allows your phone to operate like a two-way radio or walkie-talkie. You select the person or user group you wish to communicate with, and by holding down the talk button while you speak you can communicate in real-time.

“PTT services are being promoted by Telstra and Optus for cheaper voice applications but we are investigating the potential to transmit small packets of payment data like EFTPOS and ATM transactions across the same network. Just like voice, using PTT for data should deliver significant cost savings to merchants,” says Braintree Communications chief executive, Mr Peter Hall.

Braintree is researching sending POS and ATM transactions over the PTT network to a financial institution using Braintree 's Axon technology. The cost savings to merchants would come through replacing fixed line networks where they pay monthly line rental charges with a wireless alternative.

Hall says “Being wireless allows the merchant to move their EFTPOS equipment anywhere around the store without being limited to phone connections in the wall. All you need is a power point”

The research into PTT will include using the Axon to wide area network multiple stores POS networks to a head office for data transfers.

“We have to investigate the opportunities and challenges in using PTT for POS traffic, in particular ensuring that network is secure enough for financial traffic,” says Hall.

Braintree has developed a range of Axon terminal adapters that allows Telco's, banks, merchants and terminal manufacturers to migrate existing fixed line EFTPOS and ATM equipment seamlessly and immediately to wireless or broadband networks.

The unique offering from Braintree 's Axon technology is that it drives further life out of existing transaction terminals whilst at the same time upgrading merchants to modern wireless or digital networks.

“Our technology is innovative in that you don't have to upgrade your equipment to access wireless or digital networks. Keep your existing kit and be wireless-enabled through the unique protocol conversion technology embedded in our Axon's” says Hall.

Braintree has already supplied 4000 of its GPRS Axon devices to Optus for its leased line EFTPOS network and is trialing the GPRS technology in the Middle-East and Indonesia .

Braintree recently received an R&D Commercialisation Loan of $1.79million from AusIndustry for its Axon technology.

Development is underway for wireless broadband variants of Braintree 's Axon for CDMA, 3G, Satellite and now PTT.

About Braintree Communications

Braintree Communications has supplied over 14,000 gateways in Australia that have carried over 60 million transactions. Braintree specialises in the design and development of data communication solutions that allow existing transaction terminals to connect to modern IP networks and transact immediately through embedded intelligent protocol conversion.

Braintree 's primary technology focus is on Short Duration Transaction Networks (SDTN) such as EFT applications like Point-Of-Sale and ATM connectivity, defence communications systems, airline reservation networks, security systems and financial services.

Braintree has been developing unique solutions since 1990 for clients such as Telstra, Optus, TNS Australia, Boeing, Cashcard and Ericsson.

Contacts:

Mr Peter Hall on
Chief Executive Officer
Braintree Communications
Ph: +61 7 3033 8800
www.braintree.com.au.


   

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