Authorize.Net offers several methods for connecting Web sites and point-of-sale (POS) systems to the payment gateway for submitting transactions. Web merchants can choose the method that is right for them, according to their customization requirements. Retail and mobile merchants integrate to the payment gateway via third-party hardware and software solutions that have been certified to Authorize.Net’s security and performance standards.

Advanced Integration Method (AIM) Implementation Guide
Authorize.Net recommends Web merchants implement AIM, a highly secure, merchant-initiated server-to-server connection for submitting transactions to the payment gateway. AIM provides merchants with a high degree of control over each phase of the customer’s online transaction experience, including the payment form and receipt page. View this guide (PDF)

• Employs industry standard secure data encryption technology — 128-bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol.
• Uses transaction key authentication for ultimate security.
• Allows control over all phases of the customer’s online transaction experience.
• Configurable transaction response integrates easily with merchant applications.

Simple Integration Method (SIM) Implementation Guide
The Simple Integration Method (SIM) is ideal for Web merchants with basic customization needs. The Authorize.Net Payment Gateway can handle all the steps in the secure transaction process — payment data collection, data submission and the response to the customer — while keeping Authorize.Net virtually transparent. View this guide (PDF).

• Payment gateway hosted payment form employs 128-bit SSL data encryption.
• Digital fingerprints enhance security, providing multiple layers of authentication.
• Customize the look and feel of the payment gateway hosted payment form and/or receipt page.

Mail and Telephone Order (MOTO) merchants can submit transactions by logging into the Authorize.Net Merchant Interface and keying information into our Virtual Terminal, or by using our Batch Upload tool.

• Virtual Terminal and Batch Upload are standard features of the Authorize.Net Payment Gateway.
• A single payment gateway account allows for multiple users across your network or call center.
• The AIM and SIM connection methods make it easy to integrate your proprietary applications to the Authorize.Net Payment Gateway.