I am in the process of developing a Content Management System, whereby my clients will be able easily operate their own online magazines. I need to integrate code for a PSP that will enable my clients to charge for subscriptions, on a 'recurring billing' basis. I know that there are several PSPs that offer such a facility, but I wonder what happens if the PSP service degrades or simply becomes too expensive, and I wish to switch to a different one?

This isn't really a problem for one-off payments, but with subscriptions the relevant details are held by the PSP or a bank, and there is no guarantee that the information will be released. Even if there was, no standards exist that I am aware of that would enable a smooth transfer to another PSP.

I could in theory arrange to keep all the end-user data on my server, but that is very awkward and requires expensive auditing processes. Further, there is still no agreed protocol re. encryption keys etc. for transferring to a new PSP!


So, I have three questions:
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can we somehow encourage the adoption of suitable industry-wide protocols?
in the meantime, can anyone recommend a really good PSP that can handle subscriptions?
can I arrange insurance to cover loss of income for my clients should the current PSP fail to provide a good service?
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Please bear in mind that I am based in the UK, but my clients and their customers could reside anywhere in the world. I may be willing to incorporate in the USA to handle the largest segment of the market, but I still have to cater for other countries.

I believe that this is a major issue for any subscription-based web service, and I am surprised that it does not seem to have been addressed by the relevant international bodies. Even the credit-card companies do not seem to be aware of the problem.


Thanks ...