First Data is launching First Data Integrated Solutions Group (ISG), a new business segment focused on expanded software developer tools for integration with First Data’s platforms. With the formation of First Data Integrated Solutions Group, First Data is deepening its engagement with independent software vendors (ISVs), value-added resellers (VARs), software developers, system integrators, and other market participants to expand commerce capabilities around the globe.

“First Data has a long and established heritage of working with a diverse group of software partners, from leading developers in Silicon Valley to multinational technology companies,” said Dan Charron, EVP of Global Business Solutions, First Data. “The First Data Integrated Solutions Group is an important milestone in our effort to further enhance our market-leading platform and operational processes to better serve partners and clients who have increasingly sophisticated technology needs.”

First Data Integrated Solutions

With support from First Data’s Integrated Solutions Group, partners will be able to easily integrate and certify their solutions with First Data. A full library of easy-to-use integration specifications, allowing developers to securely embed payments and other value-added services into their software applications, will be available as part of First Data’s ISG. Developers can also take advantage of a self-guided certification process or work with First Data specialists for certification assistance.

Partners will receive a “one-stop-shop” experience that addresses the full spectrum of developer needs, including:

  • A developer portal for ISVs to manage their relationship with First Data, including self-directed or assisted integration as well as account management
  • A broad menu of commercial options tailored to partners’ individual preferences, including referral, independent reseller, or payment facilitator
  • Sales, marketing, and training support
  • Competitive, transparent compensation and incentive structures
  • Automated boarding processes
  • An extensive array of value-added services that complement payment card processing, such as TransArmor security, loyalty offerings, eCommerce solutions, and data & analytics tools
  • 24/7 dedicated partner service and support
  • Hardware fulfillment
  • Access to First Data’s global merchant acquiring footprint through a single integration

First Data is also launching enhancements to its Clover point-of-sale platform that allow developers to build their own branded solutions for merchants within the platform. The enhancements include:

Use of Clover as a PCI PTS with SRED compliant, semi-integrated terminal that supports EMV, contactless payments, physical and virtual gift cards, and electronic checks
A new “Platform-as-a-service” model, which allows POS developers to build their software directly on top of Clover’s operating system and modular APIs
Access to Clover source code, allowing developers to write their own register and order applications that can be deployed through the Clover cloud-based operating system

“The launch of Integrated Solutions marks an important new chapter of openness for First Data, and continues the spirit of collaboration we have built in recent years,” said Guy Chiarello, President, First Data. “From our point-of-sale operating systems to our eCommerce solutions and mobile technology, First Data has made significant strides in building platforms to spur the development of next-generation FinTech innovations.”

In addition, ISG today is announcing a collaboration with KWI, the pioneer of real-time cloud technology solutions for specialty retailers. KWI is the latest of many partners to integrate with First Data on a robust POS device that supports merchandising, omnichannel commerce, loyalty, and loss prevention.

“Working with First Data, we are able to provide the first end-to-end platform for specialty retailers that is both completely scalable and EMV ready, eliminating the cost and complexity of required certifications,” said Sam Kliger, Founder and CEO of KWI. “The collaboration we announce today takes an innovative approach to solving some of the most significant challenges facing retailers now and in the future.”

The KWI partnership follows First Data’s successful integration with other leading software partners including Bypass Mobile, the developer of POS software for the sports and entertainment industries, and Booker Software, a provider of cloud-based appointment-booking and marketing software for the service industry.

EJ Jackson joins First Data to lead ISG

First Data has hired EJ Jackson, a widely-respected industry leader, to head up ISG. Jackson has spent more than two decades in leadership, product strategy, business development, marketing, and sales for VC-backed software companies. He comes to First Data from SAP, where he served as SVP and GM of SAP Anywhere. Prior to his role at SAP, Jackson was the president and founder of Provade Inc., a leading VMS SaaS provider in the market.

“I’m excited to join the First Data team and look forward to collaborating directly with the company’s partners across the ISV and software developer community,” said Jackson. “By leveraging the agility of our partners combined with the distribution, scale, and innovation of First Data, we can deliver best-in-class solutions to the marketplace.”

“EJ has a proven track record of understanding the important role the developer community plays in the commerce ecosystem. We are thrilled to welcome him to the First Data team,” added Charron.