Atos Origin chosen to operate platform for new online payment standard ’iDEAL’ in the Netherlands

Standard can be adapted for Europe to facilitate standardised implementation using a Single European Payment Area (SEPA)

Amsterdam, ECPA, 4 April 2006 - Atos Worldline, an Atos Origin company was selected to operate the acquiring platform for the new online payment standard “iDEAL” on behalf of the major banks ING Bank N.V., Rabobank Nederland and Fortis Bank in the Netherlands. The new payment standard was introduced in October 2005 in order to offer buyers and retailers on the Internet, greater security with regard to online payments. Today over 10 % of all e-commerce transactions in the Netherlands are already done via “iDEAL”.

Programming is the name of the game
“iDEAL” is an online transfer with payment guarantee that offers numerous advantages, which customers can use as an alternative to paying with a credit card over the Internet. The process is user-friendly, simple, cost-effective and, above all, highly secure. In the retailer’s on-line shop, customers can choose the “iDEAL” payment method by clicking on the “iDEAL” logo, where they will be directly forwarded to their banks’ website.

High demands on the external partner
A decisive factor in Atos Worldline being granted the implementation and operation contract was that the company was able to fulfil all of the operator’s technical requirements and complete the project within budget and according to schedule in just nine months. “We were looking for a reliable service provider who already had proven experience in implementing major projects on an international scale. In addition, it had to be able to provide cost-efficient processing and offer a ”one stop shop“ solution, with development and operation from a single source. Atos Worldline was able to meet all of these ambitious demands. The company specified the functionalities and created a highly available acquiring platform in an incredibly short time and, what’s more, supported the banks in a design and advisory capacity, which proved to be particularly helpful in the integration of new supplementary functionalities to be determined specific to the banks,” states Bart Nicolai, at that time Senior Product Manager TWYP/iDEAL Acquiring, ING Group, Amsterdam.

Payment standard with the potential for European use
Bank-specific adjustments mean that the system can also be used on a European and international scale. For instance, at present there is a standard that can be adapted for use throughout Europe that facilitates standardised implementation using a Single European Payment Area (SEPA).

According to Erik Munk Koefoed, Executive Vice President and responsible for international business at Atos Worldline, “iDEAL reinforces our capacity to garner new customers in the international arena and to accomplish on our own demanding large-scale projects in a flexible manner within the stipulated time frame. In addition, with ”iDEAL“ we are operating an acquiring platform for a payment standard that can really compete with similar methods in other countries.”

Clear user guidance
The retailer begins a payment inquiry with the corresponding bank. Customers identify themselves on their bank’s web site for the payment procedure by the use of a “security code”, such as a PIN or TAN number or a password. After the buyer’s identity has been validated and the bank has authorised the payment procedure, the payment takes place online in real time and is guaranteed to the retailer. Customer and retailer alike receive a payment confirmation as proof of the purchase transaction.

Forward-looking concept
Designed to be user-friendly and forward-looking, the standard is also open to modern payment methods such as mobile, mini or micro payments. Acquisition, maintenance and changeover costs are easy to understand for the user.


About Atos Origin
Atos Origin is an international information technology services company. Its business is turning client vision into results through the application of consulting, systems integration and managed operations. The company’s annual revenues are EUR 5.5 billion and it employs over 47,000 people in 40 countries. Atos Origin is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic Games and has a client base of international blue-chip companies across all sectors. Atos Origin is quoted on the Paris Eurolist Market and trades as Atos Origin, AtosEuronext Market Solutions, Atos Worldline and Atos Consulting.

About Atos Worldline
Atos Worldline is a major European player in the processing of large-volume electronic exchanges, specialising in electronic payment services, CRM and e-services (internet, voice and mobile services). With the focus on technological innovation, Atos Worldline implements its solutions in processing or integration mode. Atos Worldline has 2500 employees in Europe and has an annual turnover of €400 million.

About Fortis
Fortis is an international financial services provider engaged in banking and insurance. We offer our personal, business and institutional customers a comprehensive package of products and services through our own channels, in collaboration with intermediaries and through other distribution partners. With a market capitalisation of EUR 39 billion, Fortis ranks among the twenty largest financial institutions in Europe. Our sound solvency position, our presence in 50 countries and our dedicated, professional workforce of 57,000 enable us to combine global strength with local flexibility and provide our clients with optimum support.

About ING
ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 115,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

About Rabobank
Rabobank’s roots lie in agriculture. What began at the end of the nineteenth century as a collection of small rural banks, has grown into an extensive financial group. Today Rabobank is owned by 288 local banks which provide financial services and products to the Dutch retail and business markets. The collection of these banks, together with Rabobank Nederland and the following subsidiaries form Rabobank Group and establish Rabobank as an allfinanz services provider. Insurances, Pensions, Occupational health and safety: Interpolis; Asset management/Investment: Robeco Group, Schretlen & Co, Effectenbank Stroeve, Alex; Leasing: De Lage Landen; Real estate: Rabo Vastgoed, FGH Bank; Other: Gilde Investment Management (venture capital), Obvion (mortgage finance). In its Dutch home market, Rabobank Group has approximately 1.5 million members, nine million business and private customers and is market leader in virtually every area of financial services. Outside the Netherlands, the Group has 244 offices, in 37 countries. Consistently being awarded a AAA credit rating from the leading rating agencies, the bank’s stability is further evidenced by its being named among the Top 10 World’s Safest Banks by Global Finance magazine.

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