NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) announced today the development of a system that can securely integrate the reward cards of more than 100 retailers into a single mobile phone. Users can easily register, access or overwrite membership and loyalty data just by waving their mobile phone, equipped with a contactless IC chip, over a terminal in a retail shop. The system, named “Gyazapo” (pronounced “gah-zah-poh”), frees users from carrying and searching through multiple rewards cards while shopping. By simply waving their phone over the terminal, they can enjoy the convenience and benefits of shopping with membership services, including customer rewards and discounts. Gyazapo is also a green system that helps to save natural resources by eliminating the need for traditional plastic cards.
The Gyazapo system includes features for security and privacy, such as unauthorized access detection and user-required permission before a retailer can share membership information with other retailers. Reward cards registered in Gyazapo are more difficult to duplicate or falsify than traditional plastic cards, making this a more secure system for loyalty programs.NTT Com will test the Gyazapo system in a trial from February to June 2009. Participants will include major Japanese retailers Bic Camera Inc., Nojima Corporation and Runsystem Co., Ltd.
