Pepsi Introduces Credit Card Vending

Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- No change in your pocket? Can't find that dollar bill you thought you had in your wallet? You can still get a Pepsi from a vending machine -- as long as you have a credit card. Beginning this week, Pepsi-Cola North America is implementing a wireless technology system that will enable consumers to pay for Pepsi soft drinks with credit cards. Currently operating on a test basis in Memphis, the card payment technology will work alongside existing coin and bill payment options, giving consumers three different ways to purchase a drink.

The new system also will allow Pepsi bottlers to receive up-to-the-minute inventory information from the vending machines via a Web browser. Route drivers will know exactly how much product they will need for their daily delivery routes and will no longer carry excess inventory or make unnecessary trips to full machines.

New York City-based U.S. Wireless Data, Inc. developed the new card payment and telemetric technology, called Synapse. Information from the wireless vending machines will be reported to bottlers via a web browser using Synapse's proprietary and secure Internet technologies. In addition to allowing credit card purchases and providing tracking data, the Synapse technology also will enable Pepsi to eventually implement loyalty card, gift card, and other "plastic" programs -- such as smart cards -- that will enhance customer purchasing options and buying power.

"Our belief is that this technology will be very popular with consumers because of the simplicity and speed of paying with a credit card -- the only truly ubiquitous payment method other than cash," said Todd Piatnik, Director of Innovation for Pepsi. "Customers will be able to purchase the Pepsi soft drink of their choice without concern for having the right amount of change while enjoying the speed of two-second wireless card authorizations."

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to team with Pepsi in bringing card-based payments to vending," said Dean M. Leavitt, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Wireless Data. "Our Synapse technology will maximize consumers' drink vending experience by providing greater purchasing flexibility and also will help Pepsi bottlers keep machines stocked and functioning at peak levels."

ABOUT U.S. WIRELESS DATA
U.S. Wireless Data (USWD) (OTC Bulletin Board: USWE) makes credit card and ATM transactions faster and more cost effective. USWD connects credit card processing companies to their merchant clients. Using wireless and landline technology, USWD provides improved transport, data translation, and value-added processing. In addition, by enabling wireless point of sale terminals, USWD adds speed and mobility that has been unachievable in the past. USWD now handles more than 500 million transactions each year through its centralized computer center and nationwide network. Further information is available at http://www.uswirelessdata.com.

ABOUT PEPSI-COLA NORTH AMERICA
Headquartered in Purchase, N.Y, Pepsi-Cola North America (http://www.pepsi.com) is the beverage division of PepsiCo, Inc. (http://www.pepsico.com) in the U.S. and Canada. Its brands include Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi ONE, Pepsi Twist, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew Code Red, Mug, Sierra Mist, Slice, Wild Cherry Pepsi, Aquafina, SoBe, Dole single-serve juices and FruitWorks. The company also makes and markets North America's #1 ready-to-drink iced teas and coffees, respectively, via joint ventures with Lipton and Starbucks.

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SOURCE Pepsi-Cola North America