A SoftPOS solution based on the Swiss ep2 standard offers far more than simply accepting card payments on a mobile device. It integrates seamlessly into the existing payment infrastructure, enabling merchants to deploy SoftPOS without modifying established processes or systems. As a result, merchants benefit from maximum flexibility while minimizing integration effort.
Seamless Integration into Existing Terminal Provisioning Processes
An ep2-based SoftPOS solution integrates fully into existing terminal onboarding and provisioning processes. Merchants, acquirers, and terminal management systems use the same established workflows as they do for traditional payment terminals. There are no disconnected processes or manual workarounds, simplifying operations and reducing the risk of errors.
Consistent User Experience and Checkout Processes
From both the merchant’s and the customer’s perspective, an ep2-based SoftPOS solution delivers the same user experience as a conventional hardware payment terminal. The user interface, payment flow, and checkout process remain consistent, eliminating the need for additional staff training while providing customers with a familiar and reliable payment experience, regardless of whether a physical terminal or SoftPOS is used.
Full Integration into Reconciliation and Accounting Processes
Because SoftPOS operates as a fully integrated component of the existing ep2 ecosystem, all downstream processes remain unchanged. Reconciliation, settlement, reporting, and accounting continue to function exactly as before, without requiring modifications to ERP systems, point-of-sale software, or back-office applications. Merchants can introduce SoftPOS without disrupting their existing financial processes.
Rapid Switch from Hardware Terminals to SoftPOS in Emergency Scenarios
If a physical payment terminal fails or becomes unavailable, merchants can switch to SoftPOS within minutes. A compatible Android device can immediately be used as a payment terminal, ensuring business continuity and minimizing service interruptions. In difference to non-ep2 based solutions this change occurs completely transparent to the merchant, no new terminal identifier, no additional setup process, no need to configure, administrate and maintain additional backup devices in the infrastructure. This significantly improves operational resilience and business continuity.
Comprehensive Support for Local Payment Cards
An ep2-based solution provides full support for all relevant local payment cards and domestic payment schemes within the standardized Swiss payment ecosystem. No proprietary extensions, additional integrations, or workaround solutions are required, allowing merchants to benefit from comprehensive local payment acceptance through a single standardized implementation.
No Vendor Lock-In and Complete Acquirer Freedom
One of the key advantages of an ep2-based SoftPOS solution is the elimination of vendor lock-in. Unlike many global SoftPOS offerings, merchants remain free to choose or change their acquiring partner independently of the SoftPOS provider or any payment orchestrator. This protects long-term investments, promotes competition, and prevents dependency on a single technology provider.
Autonomous Operation with SEPN – Independent of Internet Connectivity
When combined with SEPN (Secure Electronic Payment Network), an ep2-based SoftPOS solution can operate completely independently of the public Internet. Payment transactions are routed through a dedicated and secure payment network, significantly reducing exposure to the threats and vulnerabilities associated with Internet-based connectivity.
This capability is particularly valuable for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) deployments. Even privately owned Android devices without Mobile Device Management (MDM), corporate security policies, or dedicated mobile network operator contracts can securely process payment transactions through the isolated payment network.
By separating payment communication from the public Internet, SEPN enables a security-by-architecture approach with a reduced attack surface, while simplifying deployment and increasing operational flexibility. Merchants can deploy SoftPOS at scale without requiring control over the device, the mobile network, or the surrounding IT infrastructure.
Conclusion
An ep2-based SoftPOS solution combines the flexibility of modern software-based payment acceptance with the robustness of Switzerland’s established payment infrastructure. It integrates seamlessly into existing processes, delivers a consistent user experience, preserves reconciliation and accounting workflows, and provides merchants with complete freedom in selecting their acquiring partner.
With SEPN, it also enables secure and autonomous payment acceptance independent of the public Internet, making SoftPOS deployments possible even in challenging environments such as BYOD scenarios without MDM or dedicated corporate connectivity.
The result is a future-proof SoftPOS solution that enables digital payment acceptance without compromising operational efficiency, security, or strategic flexibility.
