Simplify CommerceTM by MasterCard quickly enables payments acceptance for e-commerce transactions

Dublin, Ireland  (September 18, 2014) - MasterCard (NYSE: MA) is reaching out to merchants and developers in Ireland with Simplify Commerce™, a product that enables any business to quickly and easily accept payments from major brands, online or in person, in a matter of minutes.

Merchants, especially those managing smaller businesses, do not always have the resources readily available to help them set up the payments acceptance portion of their sites.  Simplify Commerce is the developer-friendly online payment system that gives merchants the power to accept electronic payments, which can lead to additional revenue and a larger customer base.  Simplify Commerce launched in the U.S. in 2013 and is now focused on offering the solution in additional countries.

"There are so many entrepreneurs and small businesses in Ireland, but less than a quarter of small companies in Ireland are selling online, according to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources," said Debbie Barta, Simplify Commerce product lead for MasterCard.  "Where they are challenged is being able to accept electronic payments.  Simplify Commerce solves that challenge and provides secure, robust features designed to manage their business."

Marion King, President of MasterCard UK and Ireland, said: "The growth and health of SMEs is critical to economic stability and success.  As highlighted by the Irish Government's "E Day" initiative, electronic payments gives government and business a safer, simpler and more efficient way to accept payments.  Today's launch of Simplify Commerce underpins MasterCard's commitment to partnering with businesses of all sizes across Ireland and delivering innovation at point of sale in both the digital and physical world".

  • SMEs are a crucial component of the Irish economy, employing over 900,000 people, and equal to 64% of all private sector employees1.
  • Of the approximately €4bn Irish consumers spend online each year, 60-70% goes on overseas purchases and represents an enormous opportunity for Irish SMEs that decide to accept online payments2.

Simplify Commerce also offers APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and SDKs (Software Development Kits) in a variety of programming languages such as Java, Ruby, PHP, Python and .NET for developers who are supporting merchants to use.  Mobile SDKs for iOS and Android are also available.  In addition, sample source code and engineering support are accessible at www.simplify.com.

Initially, Simplify Commerce will be available in private beta to merchants.  Businesses interested in participating can visit www.simplify.com and request to be contacted as the product is launched in other countries.

Simplify Commerce launched from MasterCard's internal Incubation unit within MasterCard Labs. To learn more about Simplify Commerce, visit the website at www.simplify.com.

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About MasterCard

MasterCard(NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com,is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Pioneers Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

Media contacts:

James Thorpe, Mastercard, +44 20 7557 5430, james_thorpe@mastercard.com

Notes to Editors:

1 http://isme.ie/assets/14133-submission-to-oireachtas-committee-Access-to-Finance.pdf

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