Developing apps for an Android payment terminal: The inside story
At CCV, we’re bringing Android functionality to payment devices. As the most popular smartphone operating system (OS) on the planet, Android offers amazing flexibility and familiarity to payment users. And, thanks to its app capabilities, it promises greater functionality too.
From integrated reward systems to staff and stock management tools, Android enables end-users to achieve much more with their devices. That’s the beauty of apps. And to unlock this potential, we’ve built the CCVStore — our specialist app store for payment and business applications. Here, the end users can take advantage of brand new tools, and bring innovative solutions to their terminals.
At the same time, the CCVStore brings benefits to other stakeholders in the Android scene. As one of the leading payment providers in western Europe, CCV gives app developers access to a new audience who are hungry for new applications that enhance their business.
Here, we’ll show you how you can work with CCV to build new solutions for our Android payment terminals. Whether you’re an app developer looking for a new route to market, or a partner with an application you want to build, we’ll show you how to develop an app with CCV. Let’s dive in.
Developing apps for the CCVStore: The opportunities for developers
Before we look at how app development works with CCV, we want to tell you why it’s worth your effort. We built the CCVStore to give the end users the apps they need. But what’s the benefit for app developers?
Reach new markets. The CCVStore offers developers the path where they can reach a dedicated, specialised business market. We work with thousands of businesses across Europe — meaning you won’t find a better audience for your applications anywhere else.
Build deeper business relationships with existing clients. You may have built a smartphone or tablet app to complement a client’s existing payment terminal. With the CCVStore, we can help you offer them an alternative, all-in-one solution instead. This way, you can provide all of their business functionalities on the same device.
Explore the full potential of business technologies — with expert support. The CCVStore gets you seen by businesses that want to do things differently. With CCV, you can build relationships that can push your app development to new levels. And, as you’ll see, we’ll be there to help.
Furthermore, within our environment, there is space and flexibility for a range of commercial models. You can develop a free or paid app, and discuss each contract with your users directly.
Publishing an app on the CCVStore: What’s the process?
Developing apps for the CCVStore is a great opportunity for app developers who want to gain a strong reputation in this field. But what needs to happen to make this opportunity a reality?
Next, we’ll reveal all the information that app developers need to know about the process behind the CCVStore — from the initial idea to final publication. Let’s walk you through it.
- Let’s get to know each other
Publishing apps on Google Play couldn’t be easier. Yet, more rigour is needed when businesses require an app that guarantees payment security and integrity for themselves and their customers. That’s why we’ll need to do things a little differently for the CCVStore.
When developing business apps for the CCVStore, you’ll have our support and guidance from the get-go. That means that we’ll want to get to know you, your existing app portfolio, and the needs of your business clients as we get started. This way, we can ensure that we’re giving you the right support — and together, we can build an application that has the best chance of success.
If you’re a business who doesn’t yet have an app, but you have an idea, we can also help. We’ll guide you through the whole process, and we can link you up with a developer who will get the job done.
- Get working on the app
You might be used to developing apps for smartphones or tablets. But when it comes to payment devices, although still Android, some of the technicalities will be different.
Whether you’re an experienced developer or a business making your first forays into apps, we want to make the process as easy as possible for you. That’s why we’ll provide you with all the documentation and APIs you’ll need, as well as the necessary tools to debug the app. And, of course, our technical team will be available to help with any queries or concerns you might have along the way.
- We’ll need to run some tests
At this point, you’ll show us everything your app can do — from the problem it solves to the user experience. Yet, as a payment provider, security is our top priority. As a result, we need to be sure that the integrity of our systems, app ecosystems, and customer data is not compromised by any new code.
That’s why, once you’ve developed your app, we’ll need to ensure that it complies with our standards – and with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards. For example, we’ll need to ensure that your app doesn’t compromise the payment process whatsoever, and that it doesn’t contain any malware or avenues for unauthorised communication. These are straightforward checks, but that’s our job!
- Bringing your app to the world
After the approval process, your app is good to go. We’ll publish it on the CCVStore and make it available to our audience of business partners and payment operators. Whether designed for a single use case or adaptable across functions and contexts, other clients can download it and enjoy its benefits.
Note: Our app partners can choose whether their application is available just for certain customers, or whether it is available to every CCV Android terminal.
Of course, though, that’s not the end of your relationship with CCV. We’ll have developed a launch plan with you before publication — and we’ll help you market your application to the widest possible audience. We couldn’t do what we do without you, so we want to make your experience easy, enjoyable, and commercially beneficial for you.
New apps, new audiences
CCV’s new Android payment terminals offer new opportunities for business users and app developers alike. And the CCVStore is the platform that allows you to take advantage of those opportunities.
For app developers and software providers with ideas, we offer more than just a new route to market, or a new platform to publish their applications. From the beginning of the development process through to the very end, we offer a tailored service that ensures that we can build the best business apps we possibly can, together.
If you’re interested in developing Android business apps for the CCV Store, contact us today.
