Network International, one of the payment solutions providers in the Middle East, announced the launch of a packaged card acceptance solution, “SME in a Box,” which enables small and medium enterprises to accept cards as a means of payment.

The start-up kit for the solution will be offered literally in a ‘box,’ containing a merchant application form, a bank account opening form, a configuredpoint of sale (POS) terminal for plug-and-play operations (once approved), branded POS rolls, training manual and e-commerce payment integration to SME website, in addition to addendums for value added services.

“Typically, SMEs have been hesitant to move from cash-only payments because they do not fully recognise that card payment systems are an effective way of cutting down on operating costs and increasing profitability,” said Bhairav Trivedi, Chief Executive Officer, Network International. “As the leading payment solutions provider in the UAE, Network International has the capability to develop custom-designed solutions for various organisations and we are pleased to extend our pioneering technology to the benefit of the SME sector.”

The programme will provide SMEs fully secure card acceptance instantly, delivered through modern dial-up or wireless POS terminals and secure payment gateway. It will also enhance the current offering through new planned technologies, and introduce value-added services, to enable SMEs to generate greater revenues.

“The SME in a Box concept has been developed to enable instant card payment acceptance at small and medium businesses and enhance their capabilities to receive cashless payment,” said Paolo Zambonini, Executive Vice President, Products & Marketing, Network International. “By providing instant e-commerce payment solutions in both the physical and online environment, “SME in a Box” will prove to be a significant differentiating factor in the functioning of the SME sector.”

SMEs wishing to apply for the “Biz-In-A-Box,” programme need to register with Network International. Once the required documentation has been completed and KYC (Know Your Customer) checks performed, an SME merchant and bank account will be setup and activated for business, and the merchant will receive the start-up kit. Card payments collected will be funded into the SME bank account on the next working day, and the merchant will receive a complete statement of transactions done the previous day via email.