Is near-field communication close to success?

Near-field communication (NFC) is a new wireless technology that could unite various standards and proprietary technologies found in the millions of standalone contactless cards. Contactless technology lets users pay for transactions by simply holding cards close to, rather than swiping them through, a reader. NFC is a short-range wireless technology that lets devices communicate when in close proximity. The technology allows for the development of devices, including mobile phones, that can be used like contactless cards. A shorter transmission range and slower data rates distinguish NFC from other short-range wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and Wi-Fi. NFC could be used in many ways, including merchandise and service payments, event ticketing, and facility- and computer-access control. The technology could even enter information from a buyer's NFC phone to a suitably equipped PC for e-commerce transactions.