February 5, 2014 - First Data Corporation, a global leader in payment technology and services solutions, and Capgemini, one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, have formed a global alliance to develop next generation payment technology software using First Data's VisionPLUS(R) and AccessPLUS solutions.
FThis collaboration will leverage Capgemini's global vertical industry and payments expertise and First Data's market-leading suite of payments solutions, assisting clients in numerous sectors, including Financial Services, Retail, Public Sector, Telecommunications and Media, in growing their businesses, mitigating risk and improving operational efficiencies.
Capgemini will serve strategic roles as value added reseller, payment processor and managed services provider in a number of global markets. Capgemini will also actively enable the development of innovative payments solutions leveraging VisionPLUS, AccessPLUS and other First Data and third-party solutions. These new solutions will provide enhanced servicing and channel integration, accelerated implementations, and improved local payment solutions coverage to clients around the world. As part of this alliance, Capgemini will also become a holder of a developer license to offer development services and systems integration services to First Data's VisionPLUSand AccessPLUS licensees.
Change is accelerating in the payments marketplace. Consumers are demanding the latest in innovation that includes not only a great user experience, but also enhanced and localized functionality, data security protection, loyalty programs and mobility.
"Never before in the history of financial services has the speed of change been faster, and competition for customers more fierce," said Guy Chiarello, president of First Data. "Our singular focus is helping our clients grow their businesses, and this important global alliance with Capgemini helps deliver on that commitment by enabling our clients to navigate an evolving global marketplace with our optimal solutions and deployment expertise."
More than 200 financial institutions around the world trust VisionPLUS and AccessPLUS for payment processing and servicing. VisionPLUS is the leading software that enables clients to issue, acquire and process credit, debit, commercial and prepaid transactions, as well as handle loan account processing on a single, secure platform. The software supports multiple currencies and addresses compliance challenges faced by financial institutions globally.
"With the rapid evolution of the payments marketplace impacting many key vertical industries, our clients recognize the need for highly flexible, scalable, and easily integrated solutions that can meet dynamic customer demands, regulatory changes, security threats and emerging competition from alternative players," said Thierry Delaporte, Chief Executive Officer, Capgemini Financial Services. "Coupling First Data's comprehensive payment solutions portfolio with Capgemini's deep technology expertise and payments industry experience (with over 100 implementations globally) enables us to provide a global, market-leading payments platform and solutions portfolio to clients."
The First Data-Capgemini alliance is expected to begin delivering new solutions in the second quarter of this year.
