First Data Launches ‘Revolutionizing’ POS Terminal

Global payments provider First Data launched the Clover Mini, its new POS device for brick-and-mortar stores, yesterday (June 16). The device strives to create an “all-in-one” solution aimed at streamlining operations, expanding business and customer intelligence, and improving the customer experience.

“Just as the smartphone changed the lives of billions of people around the world, Clover is revolutionizing the way business owners run their companies,” First Data president Guy Chiarello said in a company release. “With its elegant design, ease of use, and ability to customize the user experience with the growing Clover App Market, Clover Mini is the comprehensive solution that business owners need.”

The payment terminal accepts most payment types, including PIN Debit, EMV and NFC transactions, all within the smaller package of a tablet with a 7-inch screen.

“The device also comes with a built-in receipt printer and a camera to scan QR codes and paper checks, and pits First Data against a host of young companies such as Square, Shopkeep and Poynt,” Re/code reported. “All of these companies are pitching small and mid-sized businesses on upgrading their checkout equipment before October, when businesses could get stuck with fraud liability if they don’t accept the new chip payment cards that banks have been issuing to U.S. shoppers over the past year,” they added.

The Clover Mini also features cloud-based, customizable software, and multiple layers of security designed to safeguard customer data, which is important since point-of-sale systems are prime targets for hackers.

Prior to the product launch, First Data ran a pilot program which made the Clover Mini available to select business owners and industry analysts.

“With its extensive app market and sleek design, the Clover POS platform promises to do for the small business owner what the smartphone did for the consumer – solve pain points and enrich everyday experiences,” said Nikhil Joseph, an analyst with Mercator Advisory Group.

Shortly after the Clover Mini’s official launch yesterday, Bank of America Merchant Services, a joint venture between First Data and Bank of America, confirmed the inspiration behind the new terminal. The company release also provides details on the Clover Mobile, another EMV/NFC-ready smart terminal that allows merchants to take the Clover payment functionality and features on the go.

“The launch of Clover Mini is a response to our small business clients, who tell us they want streamlined capability and innovation,” Bank of America Merchant Services CEO Tim Tynan said. “The built-in layers of security protection also give business owners peace of mind, so they can focus on what matters most, their customers and growing their business.”

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