A new strategic direction from digital services company Spark, formerly known as Telecom, has provided a significant boost for one local tech company.
Optimizer has recently entered into partnership which allows Spark’s SME customers to utilise their Swipe Reader mobile payment solution.
As a result of this partnership, Optimizer says the company has grown its total customer base by 44%, while experiencing an increase in daily settled funds from transactions made through its wireless payment devices by 60%.
The K1 Swipe Reader device is a wireless credit card and EFTPOS terminal which connects to a merchant's smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi or cellular data connection, allowing them to take payments from customers.
Group CEO of Optimizer Manas Kumar says the device is popular with tradespeople and retailers who have a need to transact away from their office, or as way of reducing queues for payment around the traditional cash register.
“Spark had seen first-hand how its Swipe point of sale technology was making a difference to small and medium sized businesses,” he adds.
Spark GM for Home, Mobile and Business Jason Paris notes how Spark’s rebrand reflected the telecommunications provider’s move into a new era within the industry.
“Our rebrand was about signalling a fundamental change for our business,” he says. “As technology evolves rapidly, SME’s that don't have in-house IT support can face challenges when it comes to keeping up with the latest advancements. Now we can fill that gap.
“Spark Business Hubs have the core expertise to research and evaluate which new tools and technology can add real value for our customers, and the relationships they have with their customers.
"Latest generation payment hardware such as that provided by Swipe is a great example of where we can connect our customers to a tool that makes it easier for them to do business.
“The Swipe Reader can make a real difference to the cashflow and operating efficiency of New Zealand’s SME’s.”
Kumar says the partnership provided Optimizer with an established distribution channel where business customers could be made aware about the product benefits in the context of their own enterprise.
Optimizer provides mobile payment solutions to SME’s around the world including Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.