ZixCharge™ is a transaction authorization system that solves major problems facing consumers on the Internet.

Background
When shopping at merchant web sites, consumers are required to provide confidential information such as charge card numbers, billing information and email addresses. The merchant uses some of this information to obtain a charge card approval for the transaction.

Consumer Privacy
While under the merchant's control, this confidential data can be sold, rented, or otherwise used for commercial gain. Additionally, the storage and handling of this sensitive information by computer personnel at the merchant site may lead to unauthorized or accidental distribution of the data. Merchant sites are also targets for hackers, who may be able to gain access to consumer information. 

Consumer Security
A consumer who has had confidential information distributed may then be the victim of fraudulent use of their charge cards or complete theft of their identity. Further, unauthorized use of their email or postal addresses can result in unwanted solicitations or "spam."

Consumer Convenience
Merchants often require consumers to use long input forms to enter name, address, credit card number and so on. New products, such as "wallets" or "one-click" systems can be employed to relieve the consumer of certain repetitive typing tasks. However, these methods all provide confidential consumer information to the merchant.

Solution
ZixCharge solves these problems and it's free to consumers. It provides an easy-to-use charge slip user interface that allows the consumer to choose payment method. The charge card information is sent to an authorization processor on behalf of the merchant. An approval is obtained and sent to the merchant. Confidential data is not given to the merchant.