Smart Transaction Systems(R) (STS), a provider of stored-value card systems, including gift card and customer loyalty programs, announced today that its gift and loyalty programs are now compatible with the latest technology in smart cards. The new "contactless" smart cards, key tags, and "smart stickers" need only be passed in front of the card reader to complete the transaction. The stored- value or loyalty card does not even need to be handed over to the clerk.

When used in combination with high-speed broadband transaction processing technology available from STS, contactless transactions are faster than any other type of transaction, including cash. "This is an ideal solution for any organization that wants to give their customers a very fast and convenient way to complete multiple types of stored-value card transaction, including gift and loyalty programs," said Ray Clopton, president of STS. "We're seeing a great deal of interest from organizations ranging from coffee shops to sporting venues and food service companies that run corporate and college cafeterias."