GMO Blockchain Open Source Software project enters next phase, focusing on payments
The new service, named Pay@Table, aims to lower operating costs and to provide a frictionless user experience.
GMO Internet Inc. (TYO:9449) continues to push further with the GMO Blockchain Open Source Software Project (GMO Blockchain OSS). Earlier today, the company announced that the project has entered its sixth phase, with the focus now being on payments.
GMO Blockchain OSS, in collaboration with GMO MAKESHOP, today launches an open source service named Pay@Table. Open source Pay@Table is a program that allows table payments without the assistance of shop staff when paying at restaurants. If implemented, the user (e.g. a customer at a restaurant) can read the QR code displayed on the slip with a smartphone or the like and only pay the displayed amount (token quantity). The shop side can also confirm the payment by reading the QR code as the customer leaves. As a result, operating costs are cut and the user experience gets enhanced.
Less than a fortnight ago, the GMO Blockchain OSS project entered its fifth phase via the launch of open source KYC, in a move seen to reduce human and financial costs of identity verification through the use of the blockchain. GMO Blockchain OSS is now preparing for the development of smartphone application for certification body and demonstration experiments in collaboration with GMO GlobalSign to put this mechanism into practical use.
The preceding phases of GMO Blockchain OSS have seen the rollout of services such as the new Region Token, a program whereby municipalities and companies can issue their own tokens (points).
In the meantime, GMO Internet keeps growing its cryptocurrency business. GMO Coin has been adding new instruments to its offering – the latest being Litecoin. GMO Internet is also pushing into virtual currency mining, with its Bitcoin mining business set to launch in the first half of 2018. The company will operate a next-generation mining center utilizing renewable energy and cutting-edge semiconductor chips in Northern Europe. It will use cutting-edge 7 nm process technology for chips to be used in the mining process, and will collaborate on its research and development and manufacturing with an alliance partner having the necessary semiconductor design technology.
