Friday , March 29, 2024

First Data Launches Integrated Solutions Group in a Bid To Open Its Platform to Developers

First Data Corp.’s newest division, the Integrated Solutions Group, is designed to entice software developers to create tools that hook into the giant processor’s payments platform.

Announced Friday, the division is meant to foster ties between the Atlanta-based processor and independent software vendors, value-added resellers, software developers, and systems integrators.

Among the services are a developer Web site, sales, marketing, and training support, automated merchant boarding access, and access to First Data’s global merchant-acquiring network via a single integration.

First Data also is opening its Clover point-of-sale platform to developers to make their own branded software using Clover. This means they can use Clover hardware as a PCI-approved POS terminal. Clover also can be used as a “platform-as-a-service” model, enabling developers to build their software directly on top of Clover’s operating system and application programming interfaces.

Developers also gain access to Clover’s source code, enabling them to write their own register and order application that can be distributed through the Clover operating system.

“The launch of Integrated Solutions marks an important new chapter of openness for First Data, and continues the spirit of collaboration we have built in recent years,” said Guy Chiarello, First Data president, in a press release. “From our point-of-sale operating systems to our e-commerce solutions and mobile technology, First Data has made significant strides in building platforms to spur the development of next-generation fintech innovations.”

First Data also named Edward “EJ” Jackson as the lead executive for the new division. Jackson previously worked at SAP, a business-software developer.

In related news, First Data said it and KWI, an enterprise-software provider, are making a POS platform available for luxury and specialty retailers.

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