Sybase 365 has expanded its existing mCommerce partnership with O2 in Germany, to offer an innovative hybrid mobile airtime top-up solution. The solution is aimed at subscribers with prepaid accounts, who can choose to simply and transparently manage their mobile airtime recharging costs, in addition to taking advantage of itemized billing services and payment on credit, that have been historically reserved for post-paid accounts. The service was launched last month to subscribers of German MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), Tchibo mobil. It enables Tchibo mobil to offer its subscribers easy and direct airtime top-up choices, anytime and anywhere.
By providing a hybrid solution, we offer our customers greater flexibility and easier access to fast top-up possibilities says Eckart Kurze, Managing Director, Tchibo mobil Germany. As we evaluated our options for the ideal technology partner, we opted for Sybase 365 based upon their international reputation and technical expertise. The simpler the interaction becomes for customers, the more the underlying technology has to work seamlessly and effortlessly in the background. Together, Sybase 365 and O2 have achieved just that, as their robust solution provides the security, speed and scalability needed for mass market adoption.
Following a one-time registration of bank details, subscribers are able to top up mobile airtime via SMS or the web, with the payment processed via direct debit to the registered bank account. By sending an SMS with keyword LOAD to a dedicated shortcode, the airtime is directly added to the subscribers mobile device. On the web, top-up is via a dedicated customer portal, where subscribers can also choose to subscribe to a monthly automatic airtime top-up service.
For the hybrid top-up solution, Sybase 365 has linked its mCommerce Mobiliser platform and services tightly to O2s systems. For the CRM system, for example, Sybase 365 handles all transactions and data between the customer portal interface, the bank clearing house and the mobile provider. In addition to payment, billing and registration, Sybase 365 also offers operations support functionality, as well as customised rRisk and limit management.
Mobile Operators and MVNOs require a low-cost, rapid entry top-up solution with a high security level, saysMatthew Talbot, Vice President, mCommerce at Sybase 365. This innovative solution is another milestone in further strengthening the mCommerce movement, by offering solutions that cater both to a subscribers increasingly mobile lifestyle, and that increase ARPU and improve customer retention for the operator.