This Week’s Product Pick
Posiflex (Hayward, CA) launched its next-generation KS6600 Series of fan-free POS terminals, aimed directly at the channel. “Posiflex values VAR input and consistently engages its partner network to see how the company can help resellers be more successful, and as a result, our new KS6600 Series was specifically designed with easy installation and service in mind,” reported Tim Becerra, EVP of Sales and Business Development at Posiflex USA. “A key feature is the new front-panel pull-out SATA Hard Drive on the newly improved base design, and we’ve added a comprehensive set of legacy ports, including a CF Memory Card Slot, 4 DB9 Serial Ports, and 6 USB Ports—two of which are conveniently located on the side of the display.” The terminals are powered by Intel’s Celeron 1.5-GHz CPU with 1-MB of Level 2 cache and DDR2 RAM, and feature low power consumption. This series offers 15-inch resistive touchscreen available in popular wall-mount configurations. Digital signage opportunities can also be leveraged with the Posiflex LM6000 Secondary Display. Finally, Posiflex offers the opportunity to private label the terminal with an illuminated company logo displayed on the front bezel.
KS6600 Series from Posiflex
PARTNER PROGRAMS Motorola’s Partner Program Hits WLAN Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility Business (Holtsville, NY) has launched its new Enterprise Wireless Partner Program in support of VARs seeking to deploy WLAN solutions in verticals such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, warehousing, transportation, and logistics. This global effort builds on Motorola’s well-known PartnerSelect Program, and seeks to further the company’s vision of the “All Wireless Enterprise,” according to Kevin Goulet, Senior Director of Marketing for Motorola’s Enterprise WLAN Division. In talking with RetailResellerNews.Com, Goulet emphasized that Motorola brings a comprehensive suite of wireless capabilities to the task of providing seamless enterprise mobility, including both indoor and outdoor WLAN solutions, full-function and mesh access points, and wireless switches. As goals for the Enterprise Wireless Partner Program, he identified the need to broaden Motorola’s reach into new vertical markets for WLANs and to complement its strong reseller base in retail. The company will selectively bring new partners on-board with the necessary network-centric skills, interest, and commitment, he added. Members of the Enterprise Wireless Partner Program will have access to “a comprehensive set of resources” in marketing, sales, training, and technical benefits, according to the company. In addition, members will have preferential access to WLAN product teams, technical support, and the Motorola Enterprise WLAN Division management, as well as first crack at pre-qualified Enterprise WLAN leads acquired through Motorola marketing initiatives.
Harris: All “Signs” Point to Channel Harris Corporation (Cincinnati) will ramp up its new Channel Partner program for its expanded portfolio of Harris Digital Signage solutions in July. The program will provide “highly competitive” benefits, including special pricing, terms, and promotions, according to the company. In addition, partners will have the opportunity to design end-to-end digital signage solutions for end-users by choosing individual products, managed service offerings, or a combination of both. “Harris is sensitive to the needs of resellers and system integrators who drive this market,” declared Tim Thorsteinson, President of Harris Broadcast Communications. “We believe our line of products is second to none in our industry, providing a selection that no other supplier can touch, and our digital signage offering provides unique opportunities for incremental revenues.”
Harris Digital Signage Solution
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Worth Your While
“Business
Opportunities for
Retail Technology”
This Web Seminar Presented by
Microsoft Dynamics RMS on
Tuesday, June 10
To Register, Click Here
HITEC
Hospitality Financial and
Technology Professionals
June 16-19
Austin, TX
www.hftp.org
Retail Market Seminar
Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS Division
July 9
Atlanta
For more info, Click Here
RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 12-17
Las Vegas
www.gorspa.org
VARTECH 2008
BlueStar
September 15-17
Orlando
www.bluestarvartech.com
COMPANY BUSINESS BlueStar Expands VARTECH BlueStar (Florence, KY) has set plans for VARTECH 2008, scheduled this year for September 15-17 at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. The two-day conference and exhibition is open to all VARs interested in POS, Auto ID, Mobility, and RFID, and will feature more than 100 vendors and ISVs displaying hardware and solutions for the channel. Activities will include one-on-one product demonstrations in the exhibit hall, seminar sessions presented by industry experts, and numerous networking opportunities at evening events, according to the distributor. This year’s event will feature seven “Classroom Tracks” offering deep dives into Retail, Hospitality, Grocery, RFID, Mobility, AIDC, and Government. Hours for the popular “CodeZone,” which matches resellers and solutions, will be extended. In addition, at BlueStar’s “Fusion” Center, resellers can learn how to leverage this customizable business development and marketing program to grow their business. Finally, as befitting its Orlando setting, VARTECH 2008 also sets aside time for recreational activities such as golf, skeet shooting, fly fishing, eco-tours, and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. “VARTECH 2008 is going to provide Value-Added Resellers with an inside comprehensive view of the strategies and supplier relationships required to survive the rapidly changing dynamics of the AIDC and POS channels,” shared Steve Cuntz, BlueStar President/CEO. “This year’s event represents an unparalleled opportunity for resellers to meet the agents of change.” To register, or learn more, go to: www.bluestarvartech.com
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Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business—in the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?
E-mail Michael
Kachmar for advertising information,
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INTEGRATION
Maitre’D Certifies Star TSP700II
Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) announced its popular TSP700II thermal receipt printer has been certified with the Maitre’D POS software suite for hospitality. “Star’s printer was easy to work with, and in turn, simple to certify with our software,” commented Mitesh Mandavia, Quality Assurance Specialist, Posera Software (Montreal).
Star’s TSP700II offers high-speed printing of 53 receipts per minute or 250 mm/second and offers support for logos, coupons, and barcodes. Features include jam-proof autocutter, “Drop-In and Print” paper loading, and optional splash-proof cover. It ships complete with wall mount, power switch cover, starter roll of paper, and CD that features drivers and utilities. Also included with each purchase of the TSP700II is a complementary three-year “Extend-A-Star” warranty service program.
“Star Micronics is pleased to have its premier thermal printer certified by industry leader, Posera Software,” said Michael Hanson, VP of Star Micronics America. “We believe Star’s line of receipt printers is an ideal complement to the Maitre’D software solution.”
Dolphin Set Free at Honeywell
Honeywell Imaging and Mobility (Skaneateles Falls, NY) has enhanced its Dolphin 7600 Mobile Computer with GSM wireless technology and Microsoft Windows Mobile 6, enabling voice communication, text messaging, e-mail, and Web access from any location.
“The addition of GSM technology to the Dolphin 7600 Mobile Computer enables mobile users to communicate from the field and stay connected to mission-critical data, regardless of their location,” observed Garrison Gomez, VP of Product Management and Mobility Systems, Honeywell Imaging and Mobility. “The combination of versatile data collection technology, wireless communication, and powerful computing architecture makes the 7600 GSM an extremely useful tool for field-based workers.”
The Dolphin 7600 GSM is targeted at light-industrial applications in transportation and logistics, parcel and postal delivery, route accounting, and field service. Integrated Adaptus Imaging Technology 5.0 provides multi-functional data-collection capabilities, including linear and 2D barcode scanning, digital picture taking, and paperless signature capture. An ergonomic and durable design facilitates one-handed use, the company noted.
Honeywell’s Dolphin 7600 GSM Mobile Computer
Code
Corner
Oracle (Redwood, CA) announced Oracle Utilities Mobile Workforce Management 1.5 to help utilities more effectively wield their employees in the field. The new release comes pre-integrated with the company’s other product offerings and allows customers to fully leverage Oracle Database and Oracle Fusion Middleware to improve application performance, according to the company. It allows utilities to automate scheduling by identifying linkages/flows between various tasks on projects and/or staffing changes in real-time. By integrating with Oracle Fusion Middleware MapViewer, it displays geospatial date from multiple sources, allowing users to access map data from the central repository and receive immediate updates on job sites. Route replay documents where vehicles have historically traveled for insurance, public information, or other schedule/location verification purposes. “The new release of Oracle Utilities Mobile Workforce Management provides features that allow utilities to improve communication between operations and field personnel, reschedule crews as needed, optimize available workforces, and more proactively plan repairs and maintenance to enhance customer service,” stated Quentin Grady, SVP and GM, Oracle Utilities.
STARTS & STOPS
PPI Explores the Mind of the Merchant
Curious how merchants really feel about payment processing? A new survey from Payment Processing, Incorporated (Newark, CA) offers some answers. Titled “The Benefits of Integrated Payment Processing: Survey Results from Businesses Using Integrated Payment Solutions,” the document offers industry-wide statistics on how merchants compare integrated payment systems to stand-alone terminals, and what features they want from their payment solution.
The survey provides software developers with empirical data to both justify integrating electronic payment processing into their applications, and to communicate the financial benefits of an integrated solution to their customers. It shows that savings associated with an integrated system increase over time, for example, exceeding $800 per month for those with comprehensive support. Almost two-thirds of merchants (62%) said they saved most on decreased administrative tasks, while more than one-third (38%) pointed to data entry error reduction.
“The transition to integrated payment solutions is booming because the sheer volume of electronic revenue a merchant has to deal with has grown to a size where managing the revenue stream manually is no longer viable,” asserted Chuck Riegel, EVP, Software Products and Partnerships at PPI. “The PPI survey offers the first definitive analysis measuring the business impact of this move.”
PPI’s survey results have been offered free of charge to our readers. To get your copy, click here.
Tally Tackles Thermal
TallyGenicom (Chantilly, VA), well-known for its impact and laser business printers, has introduced its new line of thermal label-printing solutions. The 7000 Series thermal printers are available in two-inch and four-inch paper widths, and handle label roll diameters of up to eight inches. These printers support popular emulations, including ZPL, EPL, PCL5, and carry minimal integration costs, according to the manufacturer. They also utilize metal print mechanisms and interfaces to fortify ruggedness.
A unique USB-A port enables the 7006 and 7008 models to operate in stand-alone applications requiring ancillary components such as USB sticks, weighing scales, barcode readers, and keyboards. The 7008 and 7006 are considered “hybrids” because customers use these printers for both desktop and midrange applications.
Targeted at the manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and other vertical markets where “high reliability and print quality are requirements,” the thermal printers are now available through TallyGenicom’s worldwide network of resellers and distributors.
Key
Advertiser
Links
Be sure to visit these vendors for the latest in channel products and offers for resellers.
POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Ingram Micro
POS & Peripherals
Bematech
Logic Controls
PC-PoS Inc./DigiPoS
Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic
Mobile
Honeywell
Imaging and Mobility
Janam
Technologies
ECRs / Touchscreens / Printers/
Parts and Supplies
CRS, Inc.
Receipt
Printers
Bixolon
Citizen Systems America
Star Micronics
Retail Software
Microsoft Dynamics
Screen Protection
3M
Optical Products
Thermal Print Technology
Seiko Instruments USA
Touchscreens
FireBox Displays
ALLIANCES
Fleet Management Delivered by Intermec and Shaw
Shaw Tracking (Mississauga, ON), which supplies GPS-based mobile communication solutions for the Canadian transportation industry, has joined the Intermec Honours Partner Program. The partnership will target end-to-end solutions for fleet and freight management applications such as LTL (less-than-load), P&D (pickup & delivery), courier, cartage, and private fleets. “Customers now have the software, hardware, and services all in one place that can increase fleet visibility and provide comprehensive communication options for their mobile workforce,” said Gary Jones, VP of Global Channels at Intermec (Everett, WA).
Shaw Mobile boasts demand-driven utilities that recognize customer-specific, exception-based data such as schedule changes, delays, and unplanned stops, according to its developer. Shaw Mobile also provides engine diagnostic reporting that includes hard brake events, speed, idling, fuel efficiency, and odometer readings. [Editor’s Note: Shaw should consider marketing to parents with teenage drivers.]
“Shaw Tracking offers integrated on-board computing technology and has been focused on providing scalable over-the-road fleet management business solutions for organizations of all sizes for 17 years,” noted Mike Ham, VP Business Services, Shaw Tracking. “Intermec is multi-dimensional in its product offerings, and we are pleased to be working with them to provide our customers with a complete portable mobile technology solution.”
Making Sport of Gift Cards
Smart Transaction Systems (Boulder, CO) has integrated its gift-card solution with InvenTrak POS software, the most recent release from Specialty Retail One (Concord, CA). Retailers using InvenTrak can now process gift cards directly through their POS systems, simplifying employee training and maximizing speed and convenience, according to the two parties.
“InvenTrak is rapidly gaining popularity with our sports and entertainment retail clients that can benefit from innovative solutions like wireless POS networks and remote inventory management,” commented Ray Clopton, President of Smart Transaction Systems. “We see great potential for multi-application stored value cards in this market. With our solution, season tickets can store a cash value as well as earn reward points with purchases in stores and online.”
Added Kevin Colaco, President of Specialty Retail One: “SROne’s experience in the industry has shown us that you can’t assume two or three products will serve every merchant’s needs. InvenTrak provides the specialty retail industry with a more convenient, customized solution, in tune with their specific needs. Our partnership with STS gives our customers the ability to process gift cards efficiently, right at the POS without any additional training, which is critical to retailers in our industry.”
Channel Factoid
The worldwide RFID market will experience 15% compound annual growth rate between 2007 and 2013, at which point total revenues will hit $9.7 billion. It should come as no surprise to the channel that closed-loop applications continue to lead the charge, in particular, asset management in one form or another. Bolstered by investment on the part of large end-users such as Sam’s Club, Airbus, and the U.S. Department of Defense, passive UHF sales currently represent 20% of overall RFID revenues, with 45% annual growth projected for passive UHF tags through 2013. These statistics come from ABI Research’s newly minted “RFID Forecasts.”
Reseller Rewind
If you missed either of the two recent “Retail’s in the Bag” presentations sponsored by RetailResellerNews.Com and Microsoft Dynamics RMS, don’t despair. Microsoft has given you another chance to benefit from these deep-dives into POS.
-For Microsoft Dynamics “Retail’s in the Bag: Retail Industry Trends That Impact Your Future Profitability,” click here.
-For Microsoft Dynamics “Retail’s in the Bag: Grow Your Customer Base and Consulting Revenue,” click here.
HELLO GOODBYE
Avery Dennison Strengthens its RFID Roster
Harry Watkins and Ken Tinnell have joined Avery Dennison RFID (Atlanta) as VP of Engineering and Senior Director of Applications. As VP of Engineering, Watkins will primarily be responsible for the creation of new RFID products and processes that serve both U.S. and international emerging markets. He brings business development skills and leadership experience from his work as Senior Director at Tyco Sensormatic.
Tinnell is joining Avery Dennison RFID in the new position of Senior Director of Applications. He will lead the applications team at the Atlanta Technical Center and support the overall strategic applications between ATC and manufacturing. He previously served as Director of Technology at Terso Solutions.
“Avery Dennison RFID is committed to designing innovative inlays to meet emerging market opportunities for RFID applications,” said Robert Cornick, VP and GM of Avery Dennison RFID. “Watkins and Tinnell will enhance our team of engineering leaders, professionals, and technicians who are working to develop new RFID designs, products, applications, and process engineering.”
Avnet Technology Solutions Crowns New Americas President
Jeff Bawol has been elevated to President of Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas (Tempe, AZ), where he will direct the group’s business in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Bawol will report to John Paget, President, Avnet Technology Solutions, Global. He has worked at Avnet for almost 30 years, 10 with Avnet Technology Solutions and 19 with Avnet Electronics Marketing. Since 2003, he has served as SVP and GM of the ATS Enterprise Software and Storage Solutions Group.
“Technology solutions distribution has never been more dynamic,” said Bawol. “Our innovative and experienced team understands how to connect business partners with market opportunities that are aligned with our suppliers’ strategies. I am committed to helping this team, as well as our customers and suppliers, achieve their full potential.”
Avnet Technology Solutions also announced it has entered into a Pan-European distribution agreement covering 31 countries with Datamax/O’Neil, both subsidiaries of Dover Corporation’s Product Identification & Printing Group. “With Datamax/O’Neil we can provide a printer for every application, including fixed or barcode label printing, receipt printing and RFID, further strengthening Avnet Technology Solutions’ position as one of the leading full service and solutions distributors,” said Keith Robinson, EMEA Director, Wireless & Mobility, for Avnet Technology Solutions.
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