INSIDE Contactless, the world leader in advanced open-standard contactless chip technologies, today announced it has signed an agreement with Discover Financial Services, LLC for the development of future Discover Zip® contactless payment devices. Through this partnership, INSIDE has committed to support Discover Zip in upcoming versions of its award-winning MicroPass® contactless payment platform, and has been designated a preferred vendor for card-based Zip implementations.

The MicroPass 4002 contactless payment processor is the first Discover-certified implementation on the market. Designed from the ground up for Discover Zip contactless payment applications, the MicroPass 4002 offers superior transaction speed for an enhanced cardholder experience, enabling contactless transactions to be completed quickly and reliably. Card issuers have access to a complete suite of form factors, including chip, module, card inlay, fob inlay (mini, 2D, 3D), sticker or paper ticket configurations. With pre-certification to Discover’s requirements, MicroPass 4002- powered payment devices can be delivered to market quickly and easily.

“INSIDE’s MicroPass provides our card issuers with a multifaceted contactless platform from which they can build their unique product offerings,” said Farhan Ahmad, general manager, prepaid & director of emerging payments, Discover. “Future MicroPass platforms will allow issuers to combine Discover Zip with other value-added contactless applications such as mass transit, building access and merchant loyalty programs in one convenient payment device.”

Discover Zip is accepted at over 60,000 U.S. merchant locations and its payment devices can be issued by banks in many forms. In addition to the traditional bank card or key chain fob, a mini-adhesive card can be attached to personal items that are always at hand, such as a mobile phone, PDA or MP3 player. Purchases are made with a quick tap of these devices on a reader found at the checkout. Cardholders also benefit from additional security because the card never leaves the customer’s hand.

“This strategic agreement with Discover Network signals our commitment to supporting Discover Zip on future MicroPass products,” said Charles Walton, executive vice president for INSIDE Contactless. “As a strategic partner, we will work very closely with Discover Network to ensure our future MicroPass products continue to provide superior Discover Zip implementations to meet their needs in the timeliest manner.”

About Discover Financial Services

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a leading credit card issuer and electronic payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers student and personal loans, as well as savings products such as certificates of deposit and money market accounts. Its payments businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com.

About INSIDE Contactless

INSIDE Contactless is the global leader in open-standard contactless payment and Near Field Communication (NFC) semiconductors and software that power the next generation of payment, transit, identity and access control applications. The company’s intelligent, microprocessor-based platforms offer the flexibility to be embedded in smart cards, mobile phones and other consumer electronic devices, documents, badges and other items to support a wide range of innovative contactless applications and bring new levels of convenience to users. INSIDE has delivered more than 300 million contactless platforms worldwide to customers and partners that include many of the leading payment card and mobile phone manufacturers, systems integrators and financial institutions. With a portfolio of 60 families of patents, including several essential NFC patents, the company has played a leading role in NFC and contactless innovation. INSIDE is headquartered in Aix-en-Provence, France, with offices in Shanghai, Singapore, Warsaw, Seoul and Silicon Valley. For more information, please visit www.insidecontactless.com.