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Closed Loop Payment Systems
DTA is working with various clients in Scandinavia developing closed loop payment systems for
use in clubs, sporting events, canteens and so on. Members put money into an account and can pay
merchants via SMS, smartphone and tablet apps and via the web. Transactions are completed in real time.
The systems are integrated with loyalty and reward programmes, and support enhanced rewards for
higher classes of member.
Kingston Pound
DTA is working with local businesses to implement a local currency in Kingston upon Thames called the Kingston Pound.
The idea is to encourage resident of Kingston to shop with local traders and keep the money spent in the local area.
In addition they will be able to transfer money between themselves, and the traders will be encouraged to source their
goods from the local area. The Kingston Pound will be both a physical currency and an elecronic surrency. DTA is producing
a proof of concept system whereby registered people and traders are able to pay each other by sending a short text
from any registered mobile phone with the transaction. A text such as john,12.34 would send 12.34 Kingston Pounds to the
person with the shortname of john. John and the sender get a confirmatory text, and a receipt is emailed to both their email addresses.
Statements and summaries are also emailed on request. For more information on the Kingston Pound visit their website.
The Kingston Pound will also be combined with a loyalty and discount scheme, thus rewarding users with special offers
and discounts. The cost to retailers is intended to be very competitive compared to the current methods of transferring
money.
DTA Loyalty
DTA has produced a loyalty scheme for businesses and restaurants. Everyone knows that persuading
customers to return to a business is vital for survival.
Many businesses have little cards which get stamped whenever you make a purchase and after
10 or so visits you get a free cup of coffee or an extra on a food course and so on. Having the right
card in the right place is sometimes a real frustration, but nearly everyone has their phone on them at all times!
The DTA system uses a smartphone app which scans a QR (Quick Response) barcode at each business and
records the visit on an online database.
The business can decide the time between scans so in some places a scan will only work once a week and
other places a scan every day will count.
When a customer has gained enough points for a particular business they can be given a one time voucher
on their phone which can be redeemed by the business, or a coupon sent to their email address.
Businesses can send their customers special offers and news items.
DTA supports the idea of residents supporting their local businesses and restaurants, and a workable loyalty
cheme is one way to encourage this, and if more people are encouraged to shop locally it could well transform
the way people interact in their communities.
Ingenico Terminals
DTA has produced several systems utilising the Ingenico range of payment terminals. These
systems include discount and loyalty schemes, tax free refund, car park payments and local
currency payments.
We can produce a prototype system very quickly for evaluation purposes.
Club Membership
The Club Membership system allows members entering a club to be validated
as paid up members through the use of contactless smart cards. When the card
is waved over the reader at the club entrance the meber's photo, name and
expiry date are displayed on a PC screen.
Members can be added to the database using a camera or member supplied
photo files.
More details
Festival Card
Festival Card is a payment system for short term events. Merchants are supplied with
smartcard payment terminals (Ingenico i7910 terminals). These take money off smartcards
in exchange for products and services. At the end of each day the transactions are
sent via FTP transfer over GSM/GPRS link to an FTP server. The transactions are then
processed and the money transferred from the smart card holding account to the
appropriate merchants.
The cardholders are either provided with cards already charged with money by the event
sponsors, or charge their cards up at a cashiers office. Money taken in is placed in
the smart card holding account which is used to pay the merchants. At the end of the event
unused sponsor's money is returned to the sponsors and personally charged money may
be returned to the cardholder.
The advantages of the system are that cash can be eliminated from the event completely,
speeding up service and reducing security isues. It also enables sponsorship to be handled
in a very efficient way.
A volunteer tutor database
The Volunteer Tutor Database assists with the tracking of relationships
between volunteer tutors and their students. It was written for Learn English
at Home, a charity based in Kingston upon Thames (www.leah.org.uk). This
charity trains volunteer tutors to teach English to students, mostly women
who cannot attend local authority classes for a variety of reasons (housebound,
no crèche facilities at external classes etc).
Download a 30 day trial copy
A school attendance system
The system collects attendance data from schoolchildren as they enter each class,
either by inserting a smart card into a reader, or putting their MiFare card near
a reader so that it emits a beep. This data is added to a database, which is available
to the teacher via the LAN. The database holds the expected attendees for each class and will
flag missing or unexpected pupils. There is a facility for permitted absences to be registered.
MiFare Smart Card Reader
MiFare Smart Card Reader For TCP/IP Networks incorporating
IEEE std. 802.3af "Power Over Ethernet"
MiFare®NetReader a versatile surface mounted MiFare smart card terminal which
provides direct reading/writer facilities over standard Ethernet networks.
Installation is simple as the MiFare®NetReader uses "Power over Ethernet"
allowing the unit to be positioned without the burden of a "Mains" and external
DC power supply. Just connect the MiFare®NetReader to a PoE hub or switch using
standard CAT 5 cabling.
Link to more details
Hotel Internet
Hotel Internet is a computer usage control package, suitable for use in Hotels
and Cybercafés. The operators sell their customers cards with an identity
number on them, and when this number is entered at the prompt on any of the PCs
operated by the Hotel the user is granted a length of time to use the PC. The card
may be reused until all the time is used up.
The system works on any internet connected PC, and it will also autodial an ISP if
the connection is via modem.
Valid numbers may be purchased by the operator via the internet, and of course cards may
be printed with local advertising as required.
In busy locations a low or zero cost PC may be supplied!
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Card Access
Card Access is a simple smart card based utility which prevents anyone using
a PC unless they insert a valid smart card first.
When a card is not inserted the PC can display a succession of images, a screensaver or a static message.
The utility uses any PC/SC compliant smart card reader or a MiFare reader.
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Networked Card Reader
The Networked Card Reader is a programmable smart card terminal, collecting data
and sending it via TCP/IP over a LAN to a central polling server.
Initial installations have been in schools where the readers are used to monitor
attendance at classes. As each student enters a classroom they put their smart
card into the reader, and a beep and green LED signify a good read. A central server
requests each terminal to send its data, which is then stored in a SQL Server database.
140 terminals are polled and their data collected in about 90 seconds. Students earn points
for class attendance, and truancy is more easily controlled.
The readers can be configured for use with magnetic cards, bar code readers,
external sensors, security systems and so on. They can operate in a stand alone mode, or
with reference to a central controller.
Link to story in Observer
Link to story in Independent on Sunday
Link to Newham document as HTML or as PDF
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Computer Usage Control
Computer Usage Control is a suite of programs designed to limit access to a PC
using time limited codes, entered in the PC via keyboard, barcode, mag stripe, memory card,
MiFare card
or smart card. The PC is disabled from use until a valid code is entered, then it can be used
for the length of time it takes for the units associated with that code to
be used up. Units may be used at a standard rate, or at differing rates depending
on the programs used.
This suite is especially useful when used in Cybercafes, since it allows for differential charging rates
depending on the facilities used.
Many of the facilities available with Card Lite are also available with this product.
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Smartcard Payment System
The Retail Payments System consists of terminals which are placed at the Point
of Sale, either by themselves where a smart card only system is involved, or
together with a normal till where mixed payments are allowed.
Customers pay with their smart cards at the terminals, and the transaction data
is collected from the terminals and transferred to the Admin PC using Data
Collection cards.
The basic terminals are Ingenico Elite 710 terminals, which are mains powered
and sit on a desktop.
Alternative terminals in the same range allow for portable operation for trolleys
and other non-fixed points of sale.
The smartcards used are Gemplus MPCOS-EMV cards with triple-DES encryption support.
The Smartcard reader attached to the Admin PC (used for charging cards, collecting
data etc) is a Gemplus 410 or one of its variants. These can be mounted inside
the PC system case if required.
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NetCafé / Card Lite (Charging for computer use)
Card Lite is an application which permits access to the Windows Desktop only when a
valid card is inserted. Passwords may be requested if required. There are no menus or other
functions, so the Card Lite program is very useful for guarding a PC from use by anyone
without the correct card, without restricting a bona fide card holder from using the PC.
Additionally the File and Group numbers held on the card can be used to restrict a PC to
use by a particular user or group of users. An external program is used to put
values onto the card. The cards for each particular installation have a unique key, so
cards from one Card Lite customer cannot be used on another customer’s PCs. NetCafé is
a version of Card Lite which is tailored for use by internet cafés.
Card Lite also has a Time charging system. This uses the time values put on the card
by charging programs or through interaction with other programs which have been set up
to make charges or credits. Program names are listed in the registry, together with a
multiplier. If, say, Netscape were listed with a value of 5, then while Netscape is active
on the Desktop the time gets used up 5 times as fast, and if other programs in the list are
also running at the same time the multiplier is increased. A small movable window shows the
current value on the card, with the time left. When time is running out this window will
flash. The user has the option of withdrawing the card without closing the applications
running, to enable more time units to be added to the card. If this option is not chosen
all active programs which are in the list will be terminated, and all other programs will
be minimized.
Applications can be set up to run when cards with a particular group number are
inserted or removed. Many other program features can be controlled from the system
registry, including default comport, timings, prompts, positions and so on.
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DTA-SMART (Smart Card Systems)
DTA-SMART is a suite of applications which enable the use
of smart cards to provide cashless payments within a
controlled environment. DTA-SMART was used as the basis for the VISA Cash
system used for the World Nordic Ski Championships in Trondheim during February and March
1997. Over 1.3 million Kroner was traded during the 10 days of the championships, and
over 10% of the transactions in the arena were handled by the system, making a considerable
impact on the length of time it took to process the coin transactions. VISA Cash terminals were
placed in the Sponsor village (The Princesse Ragnhild Cruise Liner), in various shops and
restaurants in Trondheim town, and in all the food and souvenir shops in the arena itself. Cards
could be loaded and refunds made at various banks throughout the area.
Another implementation is the TusenFryd Amusement
Park near Oslo which uses DTA-SMART to eliminate the use of cash
by its own staff. Drinks Vending machines have been fitted with
Smart Card readers so buying a bottle of cola involves inserting the
Smart Card, choosing a drink, removing the Smart Card and taking the coke.
Payments in the staff canteen are made
using a smart card which also doubles as a security card
and personal identifier. This cuts down the possibility of
missing cash, since staff never have a reason to carry money
when they are on the amusement park site.
DTA-SMART is based on PC technology. The back office system
runs on any Windows system. It permits a cashier to credit and debit
an employee's card, and collect information on the transactions
made with the card. Transaction data is collected from
the terminals, and by normal data collection means in the
case of the cash registers. The cash registers in Norway are connected
to GEMPLUS GCR500 smart card readers which have been programmed to use
the Bank-Axept communications protocol. Any cash register which can use
a swipe card reader to debit bank cards can have a DTA-SMART card reader
attached.
Overview of DTA SMART
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DTA-POLL (Data transfer systems)
DTA-POLL is a polling package designed to transfer data between a central
computer and a number of PCs,LINUX/UNIX/XENIX machines, POS terminals or bespoke devices,
connected via PSTN,
leased, networked or directly connected lines. Data transferred may be in binary
or text format, and multiple data transfers can be processed in any one session.
In case of line failure during a session DTA-POLL can pick up at the beginning of
the item interrupted, if required. There is no software limit on the number of
remote sites to be called during a session, and DTA-POLL will handle as many
ports as can be fitted onto the host. The default transfer protocol is the ASCII
subset of the IBM 3780 BiSynch protocol, in transparent and non-transparent
mode, though external protocols such as KERMIT (TM) or ZMODEM (TM) may
also be used.
DTA-POLL consists of software running on a WINDOWSTM/LINUX/UNIX or DOS host, and software on
a PC or other target computer. The remote site requires the host to send a valid
host identification message before any session can be initiated. The central site
can act as an active polling site - connecting to the remote sites, or as a receiving
site, accepting calls from remote sites.
The host software enables the functions:
- Port maintenance
- Branch maintenance
- Action file maintenance
- Session maintenance
- Timed scheduling of sessions
- Viewing, analysis and printing of log files
- Viewing and printing of branch files
- Viewing and printing of session files
- Deletion of log files, automatically or interactively
- Execution of programs on the host computer
The remote software enables the functions:
- Collection and deletion of stock information
- Collection and deletion of EPOS information
- Downloading of text or binary files
- Uploading of text or binary files
- Execution of programs on the remote computer
Link to more detailed information
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DTA-Talk
DTA-Talk is a software system which enables people who are unable to speak to use a computer to
generate text which is then spoken by the computer. It can be combined with a head controlled 'mouse'
for people who do not have consistent use of their hands. The system does not require the use of a 'mouse
button' function, so being able to move a cursor around a screen is the only requirement to be able to
drive the system. DTA-Talk can also interface with Microsoft Internet ExplorerTM and Microsoft Outlook
ExpressTM so Web browsing and emailing are also enabled using the non clicking interface.
DTA-Talk also enables the writing of text which may be stored in a file for later use, the storage of
phrases for rapid retrieval, the use of a dictionary for rapid word completion when composing sentences.
There are several voices to choose from.
Download a trial copy now (13MB)
Purchase Product - Low price of 58.75 GBP
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Authentik(Authentication Systems)
One of the problems in doing business over the internet is that it is very difficult to ensure that people are who they say they are. If a person gives a credit card number to a web page, who is to say that they have not just found the number on a slip somewhere? If someone claims to be a person, what guarantee is there that their statement is true?
Authentik is a solution to some of these problems. It guarantees that the person claiming to be someone at least has a smart card which has been issued to that person, and a PIN number which only that person knows.
Applications
- Magazines publishing on the web and on paper can be sure only their subscribers can read via the internet.
- Areas formerly protected by an insecure password system can now have greater security
- Pages can be charged for, by time or by page
- Immediate delivery of online goods can be made more securely, since the purchaser can be authenticated immediately
Description
Authentik is a smartcard based authentication and payment system which operates over the internet,
or on intranets. It is used to ensure that a computer user has inserted a valid
smart card in the client machine, and also to modify values on that smart card
if desired. It can be used to take payments from users while accessing
particular web pages, or time based payments, or just to restrict certain pages
to particular users or types of user.
Operation
The Authentication Server
runs a program which listens for messages on a designated TCP/IP port. When it
receives a message it establishes a connection with the PC sending that message
and attempts to conclude an authentication process. This process is designed to
only complete when a compatible card has been inserted and validated. When an
authentication has completed the SERVER program sets a semaphore which is
available to the host machine, which may useVBSCRIPT in its web pages, thus
allowing the web pages to ensure that a valid card has been inserted on the
CLIENT machine before continuing with processing.
An optional Authentication
Client may be used. This is a computer which wishes to use authentication
without being an Authentication Server. It determines the URL of a requesting
client and asks the Authentication Server whether that URL has a current valid
smart card inserted, and it also retrieves information from the card which has
been set up to be given to the particular authentication client.
The CLIENT PC runs a program
which is constantly trying to send a message to the SERVER. When it succeeds in
sending this message the SERVER responds and tries to authenticate the CLIENT’s
smart card. To do this it needs to have a valid smart card inserted in the card
reader. The server asks the CLIENT PC operator to insert the card using a web
page message. When the card has been read an interchange of messages occurs.
These are encrypted using the 3-DES encryption method, and serve the purpose of
the CLIENT authenticating the SERVER and vice versa.
When the CLIENT operator connects to the internet (intranet) the authentication
program sends a message to the SERVER. If the operator goes to a web page where,
say, an order system is running that system checks (optionally as an
Authentication Client) to see if a valid card has been inserted and if it has
not yet been inserted it requests the operator to insert the card. The operator
can return to another page, or fill in a response form requesting to join the
system, but cannot move on in the ordering system until the card has been
validated.
System Requirements
The Authentication Server and Authentication Client must be
PC based systems, running Windows NT. They must have a permanent connection to
the internet (intranet).
The CLIENT must also be a PC, running Windows 95, 98 or NT.
It must have a supported smart card reader installed. This can be an integrated
keyboard/smart card reader, a stand-alone reader, a PCMCIA based reader or a
reader fitted to a PC in a spare 5¼ or 3½ slot. It needs to have the DTA-AUTH
client program running before connection to the internet (intranet).
Interaction with the SERVER does not have to be done via browsers.
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Keep your passwords secure with DTA-PASS
You probably have a lot of passwords. It could be that they are getting hard to handle. You might even compromise your security by using the same password for many purposes, or even keeping them in a file on your PC so you can get to them easily. Reading your password files is very easy - if you have the right programs!
DTA-PASS allows you to keep all your secret information on a smart card - one that only you can
access. The program that talks to the smart card will allow you to store and retrieve up to
16K bytes of information. You can add and delete information from the card as often as you wish,
and you can protect it with a pass phrase of your own devising, and even change that phrase
every time you write to the card - if you want. It doesn't store any information on your disk,
and even the information temporarily in the program is wiped from the computer's memory when
the card has been written.
What you need
DTA-PASS uses any PCSC compliant smart card reader, we can supply them,
or you may be lucky enough to be given one by your bank or credit card company. You also need
a DTA-PASS smart card and the reading program. The smart card is tailored for you specifically,
so someone finding your card could not read it in their machine. In fact we can disguise the
card so it looks like a different sort of Card(viewed on the right)altogether, if you wish. When you read the card and enter
your pass phrase the stored information is displayed
in a Notepad like window, and information can be copied to the clipboard, amended and so on.
If the card is withdrawn the window shuts and the data deleted from the computer
(but not the smart card!). You can of course save any new information back to the card if you
want.
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Smart Card based Canteen system
DTA's canteen system allows users of school or work canteens to pay for their
purchases using a secure smart card. There are three main components
- an item setup module where items for sale are added to the system
- a charging module where credit is put onto the cards, usually in exchange for money
- a till module where payments are taken off smart cards
The system runs on a basic PC fitted with a smart card reader. For ease of use a touch screen
may be used to select items to be paid for. A master smart card is used to enable the changing of values
on the cards, and a full record of each transaction made is kept, for audit and reporting
purposes. A bar code system is also an option, allowing rapid selection of prices either by scanning the
items directly, or a list of items held near the pay station. A printer may be attached for receipts, if required.
The system allows preset menus for days of the week or month, with pictures, descriptions and prices
easily maintained.
Please contact us for a demonstration or details on pricing and delivery.
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Card Guard (Computer Security)
Where and Why you should use Card Guard
- Anywhere in the office where there is a risk of the following:-
- Theft of computer information
- Unauthorised access to information
- Potential loss of Company Confidential Material
Card Guard will help prevent occurrences of these kinds through ensuring that only bona
fide employees have access to and use of your company information. By attaching Card Guard to each
PC your organisation can be confident that only authorised personnel can have access to your
business critical applications.
Typical application areas
- Dealing Rooms
- Health Service Areas
- Libraries
- Universities
- Anywhere where PCs may be left unattended, however briefly.
CARD GUARD is a Windows based application that controls access to selected programs
by means of a smart card. Users are given a card that holds their name and optionally
a password. When they use their computer the system asks them to insert their smart card;
it then welcomes them by name and requests their password where required. Until the card
is inserted no keyboard or mouse movement is accepted. A number of invalid entries makes
the card useless until reconfigured by the administrator. When the user has entered a
correct password, or when the card has been validated when passwords are not required,
a menu of program options becomes available. This can be a general menu or one tailored
for this particular user. A mouse click or key entry on the requested option invokes the program.
In addition, if a window appears in that application with a name stored on the card in
the Application Name spot, then a user name and password will be sent to that windows,
thus facilitating login in to external services without the user being aware of their
password at all.
CARD GUARD uses Gemplus MPCOS-3DES 8K or 32K smart cards to hold the data. Various
levels of security, depending on the application, can protect data on the card. This
can range from triple-DES encryption to data areas protected from access by Security
Access Modules (SAMs).
CARD GUARD will also enable time and charge based access to programs. A card can be
charged up with minutes of time and units of charge, so users will have to return to an
administrator to get more time or charge units. Individual programs can be given different
rates, so usage of premium programs will cost more.
CARD LITE is a stripped down version of CARD GUARD which will permit access to the Windows
desktop and applications only when a valid smart card is inserted in the reader. When the card
is removed all the user can see is a screen requesting that a card be input.
CARD GUARD is currently being used in libraries to enable secure usage of library facilities.
Different levels of card are issued to different types of user, thus allowing adults to view
material which can kept away from children.
Another application is the locking of terminals when not in use, so when users take a break
they can just remove their card, knowing that no-one can access their computer when they are away.
We can supply stand alone card readers, card readers built into a PC and card readers built
into a keyboard. Cards can be provided with artwork to the user's specification, with magnetic
stripe, barcode, photographs or other additional functionality.
More details on CARD GUARD and CARD LITE
A link to a Card Guard retailer
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Amstrad and other weird conversions
DTA is able to transfer data from Locoscript documents on Amstrad PCW 3" or 3.5" disks onto
PC compatible media and in PC compatible Word Processing format. If you have loads
of documents held on Amstrad disks and have moved on to a PC, DTA will put the
documents into Word for Windows ® or Lotus ® or most other PC formats. PC files can be
emailed back to you for a fast turnaround.
If the Amstrad disks are corrupted or give error messages such as 'Address Mark Missing'
then do not despair, DTA can usually recover the disks.
We can also get data off disks created by other word processors and computers. This is not always
successful, and when we fail we will only charge you £5 per disk for the attempts, plus postage at cost.
Costs are £12 per disk, falling to £8 per disk when 5 or more are processed at one time,
plus £1 per disk if supplied by DTA, plus VAT, postage and packing. Most jobs can be
processed by return of post.
or try Ontrack
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