Fidelity National Information Services has been ranked at the top of the latest Mobile Banking Vendor Matrix ranking released by ABI Research.

Fiserv and Sybase claimed the second and third spots in the company's new evaluation of worldwide mobile banking vendors. The Vendor Matrix is an analytical tool developed by ABI Research to provide a clear understanding of vendors' positions in specific markets, with vendors being assessed on the important parameters of "innovation" and "implementation" across several criteria unique to each vendor matrix.

"FIS has assembled a comprehensive suite of mobile banking solutions, which can accommodate a financial institution whether they would like to offer consumers an SMS, mobile Internet or downloadable application, all of which are integrated into FIS' core banking solutions," said Mark Beccue, Tampa, FL-based senior analyst of consumer mobility for ABI Research.

"That, combined with their market-leading reach into financial institutions worldwide, which became even larger with their recent announcement that they would acquire Metavante Technologies, secured them the top score," he said.

ABI Research provides analysis and quantitative forecasting of emerging trends in global connectivity.

Fiserv claims second place because of its strong global relationships with financial institutions, and a smart tie up with mobile specialist M-Com.

Sybase takes the third spot because of a powerful combination of factors.

It has strong relationships with MNOs globally, while its Paybox acquisition and C-Sam partnership bring together a comprehensive and accessible mobile banking solution with multiple options for banks and MNOs.

For this particular matrix, under "innovation," ABI Research examined these vendors' products' unique features and the breadth of technology involved, as well as their experience and leadership in both mobile and financial services.

Under "implementation," ABI Research scrutinized the following criteria: the vendors' market presence, their global sales and support capabilities, any complimentary products on offer, the breadth of their product lines, and their regional expertise.

Access to the rankings and profiles of all companies surveyed is available to clients of ABI Research.

This Vendor Matrix forms part of ABI Research's Mobile Money Research Service.

Mr. Beccue believes that carriers are prioritizing personalized services over mobile advertising (see story).