JCB to Launch Wireless Mobile Offica Corporate Solution

JCB has launched Mobile Offica, its wireless corporate solution. The commercialization of Mobile Offica, which incorporates a broad range of Offica administrative functions into a wireless handset, follows a successful eight-month site trial, run in association with NTT DoCoMos "i-mode FeliCa Preview Service", which concludes in July. JCBs Offica solution is designed to meet the increasing administrative and security needs of corporations with advanced employee convenience and usability. Built around Sonys FeliCa* contactless IC chip technology, Offica includes a suite of functions including employee identification, office and network access, and cashless payment. Mobile Offica is the latest in a line of customer applications, and will mark the first time that mobile phones incorporating a contactless chip enabling credit card payment will be available in Japan. Advanced postpay functionality is provided by linking to the employees own credit card account, eliminating the need to carry cash, and allowing the employee to earn loyalty points or mileage for spending in company restaurants or stores. Mobile Offica also enables users with i-mode capable phones to monitor outstanding credit card balances and view detailed transaction histories, and users may be able to request increases in their credit limits on-line. JCB is committed to taking advantage of the latest chip and information technology to provide corporations a best fit solution in functionality and media, whether in the form of plastic card, key chain token, PDA, wristwatch or mobile phone, while employees enjoy greater convenience and personalization. JCB Corporate Solutions offer a technical edge that complements its expertise in domestic and international payment systems. NTT DoCoMo, the worlds leading mobile communications company, will itself be releasing i-mode FeliCa Service for mobile wallet applications, including train pass and e-money, on four i-mode smart-card handset models, in early July.