Isis continues to sign new partners to help it bring its mobile payment network to life. The latest addition is C-SAM Inc., a provider of secure mobile transaction technology. C-SAM announced it has signed an agreement with Isis to license its wallet management platform and software development kit (SDK).

According to the announcement of the agreement, C-SAM's platform will give Isis the ability to offer a comprehensive mobile wallet for conducting near field communications (NFC) transactions including payments, rewards, coupons, tickets, transit and other services. C-SAM's SDK enables service providers to build their own applications for NFC transactions and remote over-the-air services. The announcement said Isis intends to use C-SAM's SDK to build out its open mobile commerce platform.

"We have incorporated learnings over the years from diverse markets and deployments to build a highly scalable mobile wallet management platform, supported by a comprehensive SDK," said Felix Marx, CEO of C-SAM, in the announcement of the deal. "C-SAM's platform and SDK will enable Isis and their partners to rapidly build a secure transaction ecosystem in the U.S."

After some early doubts about its direction and plans, this is the second big deal for Isis in as many months. The mobile payment joint venture between AT&T Inc., Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile USA formed in November 2010 and recently announced that all four major U.S. payment card brands — MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover — have agreed to process transactions across the Isis platform. With the addition of C-SAM's technology, Isis now has a mobile wallet product to "store" those cards in, or at least the virtual versions of those cards. What's more, C-SAM's SDK and experience will help Isis merchants, vendors and retailers create offers to put in that mobile wallet and hopefully spur consumer adoption.

"C-SAM's platform provides coverage across various carrier networks, operating systems, and NFC handsets, ensuring Isis can rapidly scale," said Michael Abbott, CEO of Isis. "Together with C-SAM, Isis will allow consumers to experience a new and secure way to shop, pay and save, all with the tap of their phone."

Isis is looking to roll out pilot programs in Salt Lake City and Austin, Texas, in the first part of 2012.

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