MasterCard to Double its Transactions to 42billion on the back on 4 new co-branding Launch

Credit card giant MasterCard, the second largest payments network in the U.S has been outmaneuvering its rivals and outbidding the markets  this year in 2014 ,led  by surging transaction volumes in US and as well as non US markets

1.  The strong performance was also reflected by a nearly 14% growth in revenues in the first half of 2014 compared to the previous year. 
2. MasterCard in 2013 processed over 38 billion transactions and in 2014 April  it has already processed over 20 billion transactions. Online Stock Research and consultancy firm Trefis is projecting an excess of 41 of  billion transactions by MasterCard ending this year in 2014
3. Though the numbers look too big to be achieved. Recently MasterCard has drew and slew up many plans that could help achieve its ambitious growth numbers .Among them include 

• It has created co-branded card partnerships with retail giants Target (formerly partnered with rival visa on co-branded cards) and Wal-Mart which dumped Discover to sign on with MasterCard), 
• Launched an partnership with Amazon in Japan on a co-branded card.
•  MasterCard also expanding the Wal-Mart co-branded card beyond ond the U.S. to Latin American markets 
• MasterCard’s recent agreement with the Middle Easts largest retail brands  Landmark Group, will provide MasterCard with access to more than 6 million new  customers 
•  MasterCard, originally known as Interbank/Master Charge, was created by several California banks as a competitor to theBankAmericard issued by Bank of America, which later became the Visa credit card issued by Visa Inc In the U.S., which alone contributes 40% of total revenues and is a highly penetrated market 

Is your business safe from the Visa & MasterCard Backlash?

By Sarah Morgan

Visa and MasterCardwill suspend your ability to process online payments if you are using Windows Server 2003.

When Windows Server 2003 End of Service hits in July 2015, any business running the software will no longer adhere to the PCI compliance standards. Without updates and support, the integrity and security of the Windows Server 2003 platform cannot be guaranteed.

Adherence to PCI is required for businesses that want to host Visa and MasterCard transactions on their websites. Lose it and your crippling your businesses ability to make money online.

Microsoft states that “Payment Card Industry (PCI) policies will not be met with an operating system that is EOS”.

With just under a year to go until Microsoft cuts all support for the outdated software, businesses could be risking far more than they realise.

You don’t have much time - Upgrade now

When Windows Server 2003 loses all support on July 14^th2015, you can’t afford to be caught unawares.  Continue running the software at your peril – failing to upgrade could cost you £100,000 a year.

What’s more, according to Microsoft’s initial estimations, it could take you 200 days to migrate, so you’re going to have to act fast.

But, updating to Windows Server 2012 doesn’t have to be a trial. If you’re amongst the 62% of businesses who haven’t yet planned to migrate – you can still make sure your transition a smooth one.  

Avoid those frustrating first-time software mistakes. Become a Windows Server 2012 expert in just 9-days and make your upgrade an easy one. Plus, you’ll be Microsoft MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certified– your first step to earning the advanced MCSE certification.

What percentage of your revenue comes from online payments? This could disappear come 2015.

So, start making your migration plans now, you don’t have long!

About the Author:       
Sarah writes for Firebrand Training on a number of IT related topics. This includes exams, training, certification trends, project management, certification, careers advice and the industry itself. Sarah has 11 years of experience in the IT industry.