Identive Group Inc., best known as a provider of RFID security and ID solutions, announced a new sticker tag that may prove to be the proverbial "game changer" for NFC. The tag allows payment card manufacturers to offer contactless payment services using a consumer's existing device — no need for an NFC-enabled handset.

The new sticker, called tomPay, is based on Identive's "tom" (tag on metal) smart inlay technology and features a form factor that even makes manufacturing easy; it's basically no different than the current process used to make PVC cards, the company said.

The tomPAY card is compliant with MasterCard's PayPass contactless specs and also supports loyalty or reward programs. It can also be adapted to support EMV-compliant chips, making it possible for card makers and issuers to offer an EMV-enabled tap-and-go experience.

"Identive’s strong roots in both security and RFID technologies give us particular insight into the needs of the payment industry and the addition of this market-first offering underscores our focus on mobile payment solutions," Said Dr. Manfred Mueller, COO of identification products for Identive.

Mueller said tomPay has been tested and accepted already by a major card issuer in Europe who will deploy the tags in the next few months.

"Over the next few years there is a significant opportunity for payment solutions that bridge existing phones with the coming wave of NFC-enabled devices," Mueller said, "and with a strong portfolio of NFC offerings, Identive is positioned to address the market at every point along the way."

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