Payment processor Vantiv Inc. has entered a new strategic partnership with NCR Corp. Through the multi-year agreement, the companies will focus on developing exclusive new solutions and expanding both companies' technology platforms to deliver personalized customer experiences that help smaller merchants compete more effectively against larger competitors, the companies said.

The intent is to offer tools like tablet-based POS solutions. The very first offering from the partners will be Vantiv Mobile Checkout, an iPad-based POS built on NCR Silver and offering merchants a solution that combines NCR hardware with processing services, software and back-office functions.

"At Vantiv, we've been working to leverage the power and efficiency of our single-integrated processing platform to provide greater value to small and medium-sized businesses," said Donald Boeding, president of merchant services at Vantiv. "Now with this new relationship, we will be able to quickly offer more small merchants powerful POS technology that balances affordability with critical functionality and mobility."

Christian Nahas, VP and GM of the small and medium business team at NCR, said smaller merchants are competing in an omni-channel world and deal with the same challenges larger merchants face.

"Our relationship with Vantiv is focused on ensuring that all merchants have access to the best technology at affordable prices in order to help differentiate themselves, connect with their customers and thrive," Nahas said.

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