Top security practices (web browsing)

When our customer service team trains our client's staff they notice vulnerabilities in the organization's IT environment.  Many of these organizations are smaller and don't think they are at risk, however, they are more at risk by failing to implement simple and often free practices into their daily work routine.  

Below is a listing of general recommendations our customer service team has provided:

• Set your anti-virus and anti-spyware software to auto-update. 
• Use an Internet firewall (hardware or software). 
• Don't click pop-ups and never download files from websites you don't trust. 
• When making online transactions, be sure web addresses begin with https (not http) and look for a key or padlock icon in your browser window. 
• Upgrade your Internet browser. Newer browser versions support advanced security features, such as phishing site detection and extended security certificates. 
• Don't surf to other sites while you're visiting a secure site; finish your work within the secure site, sign out and close your browser before you move on.

Connected Pay's team of CPA's can help prevent security issues you may encounter.  For more information on PCI Security Standards, or best practices for web browsing, click Operations Consulting.    

Since Jan 2010, we have shown merchants +$294,000 in savings on their processing fees compared to their previous vendor.  We provide merchant accounts, terminals, gateways, virtual terminals, and merchant account pricing negotiations.  Check out our testimonials from our happy clients!

 

FAQ: What is cloud computing?

FAQ: What is cloud computing?

According to Carolyn Duffy Marsan, NetworkWorld

"Cloud computing refers to IT services that are purchased and delivered on demand over a network, either the public Internet or a private IP-based network. Cloud computing services are powered by highly virtualized processing and storage systems in data centers that are made available via a Web interface to remote users."

Cloud computing offers a business several advantages – including faster set-up, easier scalability and no capital expenditures for hardware and software.  This is an attractive option for companies wishing minimize cash outflows.  Some examples of cloud computing are Google Apps, Salesforce.com, and ConnectedPay.com.  These services allow businesses to have the benefits of large network without the required capital investment, IT staff, and development time required to maintain the desired services.  Google Apps allows users to share and edit basic office software tools over the internet.  Salesforce.com offers a Customer Relationship Management suite that can be accessed by sales staff from home.  ConnectedPay.com helps businesses accept online credit card payments for services rendered 24/7 even if the business isn't on the web.

Each of these services is dedicated to making business more efficient by providing their subscribers with powerful IT tools at a low cost.  Cloud computing goes back to the term "re-inventing the wheel".  Why should a business spend loads of money to create a static, in-house version of a service that is accessible anywhere there is an internet connection.  Since hundreds/thousands of independent businesses are using the services, each service provider continues to develop more and more features which makes the product even more desirable.

Wireless Credit Card Acceptance

Connected Pay's goal is to keep our clients up-to-date and competitive with payment solutions, to help our clients' customers make hassle free, secure online payments and to provide top client service.


Our newest product offering, the Way5000, from Way Systems.  This wireless unit looks like the old Nokia phones that were popular back in 2003.  Its simple design and easy to use features make it a popular product for mobile merchants who sell their goods while out and about.  Wireless credit card processing is growing in popularity with service providers who perform services at a client site.  Examples include plumbers, landscape contractors, car detailers, HVAC contractors, and small contractors.  

For those individuals that desire to process cards on their smart phone, Connected Pay's gateway partnership works with Porcess Away.  These product offerings are Connected Pay's commitment to keep our client's up-to-date with technology and to provide payment flexibility for our clients' customers.

As a one stop shop for credit card processing, Connected Pay offers a customized virtual terminal interface, merchant accounts and gateway services. We have done the research so you don't have to.  

For more information click on the links below:

Sign up today.     Contact Us.      Services.     Questions?

UMKC Dental Convention

Staff from Connected Pay attended the UMKC Midwest Dental Conference over the weekend.  


Topics of interest to Dentists and Office Managers were credit card processing, merchant services, online payments, collections, virtual terminals, and payment solutions.  Additionally, dental practitioners like the idea of receiving payments when the office was closed.  Many dental practitioners work 4 days a week and the ability to leverage the internet to accept payments twenty four hours a day is attractive and beneficial to their cash flows.


In terms of credit card issuers, we found that the Dentists and Office Managers were interested in Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.  American Express was not a preferred issuer.  This was due to the additional costs associated with accepting American Express.  Many urban practitioners felt that they needed to accept American Express due to the higher demographic the issuer focuses on.  The smaller practitioners found that accepting Visa, MasterCard, and Discover adequately covered their customer base.  They reasoned that if they had an American Express card, it was likely they also carried a Visa or MasterCard since most checking account debit cards carry the Visa or MasterCard logo.

Connected Pay is your partner in payment processing.  Our virtual terminal is processor neutral, so it is easy to integrate an existing card processor account.  

As always, Connected Pay's mission to keep our clients up-to-date and competitive with payment solutions, to help our clients' customers make hassle free, secure online payments and to provide top client service.

For more information click on the links below.

Sign up today.  Contact Us.  Services. Questions?

Easy online payments and affordable credit card processing

Accepting payments all day, everyday  

No other credit card processor can come close to to the performance of our virtual terminal.  It was created by CPAs specifically for service providers.  We know that service providers are held to a high level of accountability, which is why a general payment platform does not meet the needs of service professionals.  The need for dynamic payment fields, easy navigation, top encryption and professional looks were the building blocks behind the Connected Pay virtual terminal.  In addition, it had to be simple turn-key solution designed for uncompromising service providers. Whether you are a veteran of e-Commerce or just e-Curious, Connected Pay's service is straightforward, effective and proven.  

Sign up today to increase cash flows, offer payment convenience, differentiate yourself, and above all, reduce administrative time to be the provider your clients expect you to be. 

Sample of the Connected Pay Payment Page

Connected Pay's mission to keep our clients up-to-date and competitive with payment solutions, to help our clients' customers make hassle free, secure online payments and to provide top client service.  We offer a customized virtual terminal interface, merchant accounts and gateway services. We have done the research so you don't have to.  

Sign up today.  Contact Us.  Services. Questions?

Virtual Terminals

Q: What is a virtual terminal?

Think of a virtual terminal as a credit card terminal (aka a card swipe machine) that is on the internet. Virtual terminals are typically hosted by a gateway companies and are typically used only by the Merchant account owner or their staff. A virtual terminal runs on a computer through a website and as long as you have internet access you are able to process credit cards.

PROS: Having a virtual terminal is a great way to eliminate extra equipment sitting on desks, the virtual terminal is often less expensive than a tradition the hard wired terminal, and it can be accessed anywhere there is a computer. You are able to process Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express cards.

CONS:

You have to manually take down credit card information and re-enter information which leads to errors. Card holders know that if someone else has their credit card data, then that person can fraudulently use their card. If you want instant approval/denial of a card you need to have a dedicated staff or staff team taking information over the phone or in person and instantly processing the card.

My question is: Why take the risk. Why invest the time? Why pay for extra staff?

Connected Pay sought out to solve this problem. As a CPA, I tell my clients that this is a market about doing more with the people you have and need. It is about leveraging your current staff (even if you are the only staff) by investing in time saving tools. Your customers should be responsible to ensure their card holder data is entered properly, after all they know themselves best. You can provide your customers a secure, professional, service-based website where payments are made. By accepting credit cards you can incentive you customers to pay because they may receive rewards points, or it simply provides your customers the ability to pay your bill by using their personal credit.

Connected Pay's virtual terminal is the only terminal that allows your customers to use your virtual terminal to make payments. Our secure Make a Payment site allows customers to enter a few pieces of data provided by you to access your Branded Login Page to pay you. You to elimate the time and costs associated with having to use a virtual terminal. Connected Pay's virtual terminal is built around helping your business grow and giving consumers confidence you are moving with the future.

Please contact Contact Us and let the Connected Pay staff provide you with the time saving, secure, easy solution that you have been looking for. If you are ready to start accepting payments online, complete our no obligation Application Form.