WebCharge integrates with existing order forms and shopping-card software either on a local server or an ISP''s server. Users don''t need anything on their end (like e-cash or wallet capabilities) to place orders on a site -- all that is needed is a secure Web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
The basic mechanism behind WebCharge is simple: a merchant''s online storefront links to the Anacom commerce server (either via a direct link or through a shopping-cart software used by the merchant) which performs all credit-card transactions. The user will not realize that they connected to the Anacom site, as the entire process is run in the background, with the communication occurring between a merchant''s Web site and the Anacom payment server only. It''s up to the individual merchant to supply a generic "thank-you" page indicating that the transaction was successful and completed for the customer''s benefit. After a transaction has been approved, merchants will receive an e-mail detailing the order and the payment confirmation. Customers receive an e-mail receipt of their order as well. Once the transaction has taken place, it''s then up to the merchant to fulfill the order.
Security Features
An area where Anacom distinguishes itself from the rest of the marketplace is in its special security system, Internet Fraud Screening (IFS). Basically, IFS is a level above the basic security offered by the actual credit-card vendors, and works by applying a series of filters to transactions. (The basic screening is applied to all transactions at any Anacom plan, while users of the premium service have the ability to add filters.) The Basic IFS includes credit-card number and type validation, required data field checking, proprietary data encryption, and duplicate checking. The Premium IFS includes checking against a negative credit-card database, IP address filtering, e-mail address filtering, country filtering, area code/state matching check, and zip code/state matching check.
Be warned that WebCharge is merely the end of the journey. Anacom doesn''t offer any shopping-cart capabilities or any sophisticated links to inventory databases, and while the company says that it will do the coding to make WebCharge work with your existing Web site, a little technical proficiency on the merchant''s end would be useful in order to plan the system that works best. (However, there is excellent documentation on the Anacom Web site with these technical details.) Anacom does offer WebForm, an order form geared toward small businesses. Up to 50 products can be listed, and WebForm can be set up to calculate shipping and sales tax. These forms are stored on the Anacom Web site.
All in all, WebCharge is a good choice for the small or medium-sized business that wants to process credit-card transactions and is willing to put a little elbow grease into the process. It is not, however, applicable for small businesses who want an all-in-one e-commerce site or large businesses that need more interaction between their e-commerce sites, accounting software, and inventory databases.
Pros: Added level of fraud screening; works with any Web server; relatively inexpensive.
Cons: No links to accounting packages or inventory databases, no shopping-card capabilities.
