This Week’s Product Pick
Honeywell Imaging and Mobility (Skaneateles Falls, NY) presented its new Dolphin 9900 Mobile Computer, which combines robust features and an ergonomic, rugged design optimized for the industrial mobile worker. The Dolphin 9900’s computing architecture is powered by Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 with an Intel PXA 270 624-MHz processor with 256-MB RAM x 1-GB FLASH memory to ensure fast performance in data-intensive applications. An integrated Wi-Fi certified 802.11b/g radio delivers real-time network access and supports advanced wireless security standards. The Dolphin 9900 is Cisco CCX Version 4 certified and offers multi-mode wireless connectivity (GSM/GPRS, WLAN, and Bluetooth). Adaptus Imaging Technology 5.0 reads linear and two-dimensional barcodes, captures digital images, and enables electronic signature capture. The Dolphin 9900 is also Honeywell’s first solution that enables customers to capitalize on the company’s lifecycle strategy for backwards compatibility, meaning customers can keep in place much of their legacy infrastructure. “The Dolphin 9900 fills a significant customer requirement for a device built specifically to serve applications in harsh environments that require high levels of both barcode scanning and keypad data entry,” observed Greg Payne, Manager of Product Marketing, Mobility Systems, Honeywell Imaging and Mobility. “You simply cannot find this optimized balance of performance, durability, and ease of use from any other mobile computing manufacturer.”
Dolphin 9900 Mobile Computer
PARTNER PROGRAMS Ingram Micro Links Up With National Service Center Ingram Micro’s Data Capture/POS Division (Carlsbad, CA) has announced several new SKU’d professional service offerings provided by the National Service Center (Greenville, SC) for its U.S. channel partners. Available now through Ingram Micro DC/POS or the Ingram Micro Services Network, these offerings include POS and AIDC equipment maintenance, rollouts and installation, as well as wireless networking site surveys and launches. “Professional services are a lucrative profit center for our channel partners and a competitive differentiator that really translates to high value-add in the eyes of end-users, business owners, and retailers,” commented Justin Scopaz, Senior Director, Vendor Management and Marketing, Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS Division. “The addition of these retail-focused POS and AIDC professional services offerings enables our partners to enhance, and in many cases expand, their current services portfolio and geographic reach without adding significant costs to their business,” Scopaz continued. “Simultaneously, these services make it easier for partners to increase their revenues and profits by simply attaching SKU’d services to every POS and AIDC hardware sale. It’s a strong value proposition that really resonates with our growing partner base.” Founded in 1995, NSC is a services-only company that offers resellers multi-vendor support that includes onsite and depot repairs, service contracts, installations, rollouts, and project management for barcode, data capture, POS, laser, RFID, and wireless equipment. [Editor’s Note: Ingram Micro DC/POS has also scheduled its Government & Mobility Markets Seminar for August 5 at the company’s corporate offices in Santa Ana, CA. For more information, or to register, click here.]
Kyman Comes with Windows Mobile 6.0 Datalogic Mobile (Eugene, OR) has added Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 for its Datalogic Kyman mobile computer. Kyman will now ship with the Professional Version of Windows Mobile 6.0, enhancing mobile communications, interoperability, development, and third-party application compatibility. Designed for demanding environments in retail, warehousing, and field force automation, Kyman features the full range of state-of-the-art data capture and networking capabilities. With Windows Mobile 6.0, Kyman now provides: full support for e-mail, SharePoint documents, VoIP communications, and AJAX Web-developed applications; synchronization with Windows Vista-powered personal computers; the inclusion of Microsoft Office Mobile, .NET Compact Framework Version 2.0 and SQL Compact Edition, and Remote Desktop Mobile; and, lastly, full phone integration through its “Smartdial” application. “We released the Kyman with Windows CE earlier this year and the reception was excellent; our resellers were excited to see such a rugged, full-featured, and competitively priced mobile computer,” stated David Paufler, Senior Product Manager for Datalogic Mobile. “Now we have added the latest Windows Mobile operating system to Kyman. This combination lets IT professionals choose the right operating system for their application on the most reliable mobile computer available today.”
|
|
Worth Your While
Retail Market Seminar
Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS Division
July 9
Atlanta
RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 12-17
Las Vegas
RFID World 2008
CMP Technology
September 8-10
Las Vegas
VARTECH 2008
BlueStar
September 15-17
Orlando
Impact Now
ScanSource
November 10-11
Orlando
ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS Visa Puts Best Facebook Forward You can stop wondering if Web 2.0 really impacts our business. Recently, Visa unveiled its Visa Business Network, described as the first-ever application dedicated to connecting small businesses on Facebook. This new resource is designed to empower small business owners to expand their customer base, manage their business better, and exchange ideas with their peers. Utilizing the Facebook Platform, this new site can help small business owners easily tap into the global network of peers and advisors from among the more than 80,000 small businesses already on Facebook. It will also provide small business owners with business tools, provide timely content, and help them efficiently identify and target thousands of prospective customers. Keep in mind that Facebook has more than 80 million active users worldwide. “Visa has been working closely with small businesses for many years, and we know that they are anything but small. Small businesses have big ideas, big expectations, and big ambitions. We established the Visa Business Network to help them thrive and grow,” declared Antonio Lucio, Chief Marketing Officer at Visa. “Working with Facebook, Visa is breaking new ground by harnessing social networking to connect business owners. We are putting the power of the network in the users’ hands, and it will be fascinating to see how the community evolves.” Visa will provide the first 20,000 U.S.-based businesses that join the Visa Business Network with $100 Facebook Ad credits, allowing them to reach the exact audience they want through advanced targeting capabilities. Small business owners can quickly create their Facebook account by logging on to Facebook. From there, they can visit www.visabusinessnetwork.com on Facebook to join the Visa Business Network. Moving Past POS at PCI SSC The PCI Security Standards Council (Wakefield, MA) has added two new payment industry device types to its PIN Entry Device (PED) Security Requirements program in an attempt to further strengthen cardholder data security. Unattended payment terminals (UPTs) and hardware (also known as host) security modules (HSMs) can now undergo the testing and approval effort to ensure they comply with industry standards for securing sensitive payment card data during any point in the transaction process. The Council also will maintain the list of approved UPTs and HSMs and provide documentation and training for parties evaluating these devices. Included as UPTs are self-service ticketing machines, kiosks, automated fuel pumps, and vending machines. HSMs are categorized as secure cryptographic devices that can be used for PIN translation, card personalization, electronic commerce or data protection and do not include any type of cardholder interface. “PIN entry devices go well beyond the typical POS terminals we are all familiar with and we are continually expanding into more and more areas,” explained Bob Russo, GM, PCI Security Standards Council. “Any device that processes personal information numbers is an important link in the transaction chain. By including both UPTs and HSMs in the PED Security Requirements, the Council is re-affirming its commitment to developing additional standards to meet the needs of the industry and to ensure continued safety and security for consumers.” |
Join the Party at No Charge
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
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,
or call 973-270-3284
Did you miss one of our issues and suddenly realize your competitors know more than you do?
Hurry ! Use the links below to catch up :
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Panasonic “Hands Over” New Toughbook
Starting in August, Panasonic Computer Solutions (Secaucus, NJ) will offer its Toughbook CF-U1, incorporating the new low-power Intel Atom processor in a rugged handheld computer for use in the field. Measuring 2.2 in. x 7.2 in. x 5.9 in., and running Microsoft Windows XP and Vista, the Toughbook CF-U1 features an LCD touchscreen and solid-state drive, as well as an optional fingerprint scanner for user authentication. Data capture is enabled using 1D and 2D barcode and RFID readers and two-megapixel digital camera. Finally, the Toughbook CF-U1 offers full-shift battery life, sunlight-viewable screen, backlit QWERTY keyboard, and seamless connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G Mobile.
“Panasonic builds the new Toughbook CF-U1, but our customers designed it,” reported Kyp Walls, Director of Product Management for Panasonic Computer Solutions. “The form and functionality is a direct result of more than two years of feedback we solicited from an array of government and commercial organizations seeking to address the needs of a broad range of mobile users.”
The Toughbook CF-U1 should find wide use in mobile computing environments such as construction sites, mining operations, oil and gas refineries, manufacturing facilities, railroad yards, city streets, and warehouses, according to the company. Potential customers also include insurance adjusters, building inspectors, police officers, firefighters, and other first responders. “The entrance of the largest rugged notebook manufacturer onto the Ultra-Mobile PC market is a key validation of the UMPC for enterprise applications,” commented David Krebs of Venture Development Corporation.
Motorola Thinks Inside the Box for PDF-417
Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility Business (Holtsville, NY) has introduced its Symbol DS6708-DL digital imager scanner, which reads and parses the data embedded in the PDF-417 barcode on U.S. driver's licenses. The DS6708-DL combines all of the features of the company’s standard DS6708 imager, including omni-directional 1D/2D barcode scanning, while adding functionality for age verification, returns monitoring, and auto-population of credit or loyalty card forms.
By eliminating additional software and licensing fees, the DS6708-DL requires minimal start-up effort, making it well-suited for retailers of all sizes, according to the vendor. In addition, yearly updates for new driver’s license format releases will be provided. With the ability to read driver's licenses, retail customers can increase efficiencies, eliminate manual keying errors, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding the sales of items such as tobacco and alcohol.
“As the pioneer in the barcode scanning market and market leader in both handheld laser scanning and imaging, Motorola is committed to developing next-generation technologies, like the DS6708-DL, that customers demand to protect their IT investments and better serve their mobile workforce,” asserted Bob Sanders, VP and GM of Advanced Data Capture, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Business.
DS6708-DL from Motorola EMB, for Age Verification, Returns Monitoring, Auto-Population of Forms
Code
Corner
Agilysys (Boca Raton, FL) unleashed Hospitality Analytics 2.0, its made-for-hospitality business intelligence solution that consolidates data across disparate systems and multiple locations into a single integrated source for reporting, auditing, and predictive analysis. Hospitality Analytics works with the InfoGenesis POS by Agilysys solution and the Stratton Warren System (SWS) inventory and procurement solution by Agilysys and will soon integrate with the company’s property management solutions. The recent addition of an On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) cube for the SWS solution enables customers to analyze and track trends and costs in the inventory and procurement area of operations, according to the company. Hospitality Analytics is now available in a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, allowing customers to pay for an ongoing subscription rather than having to purchase the software. Benefits include lower entry price point and elimination of software maintenance and support. “The latest version of Hospitality Analytics enables hospitality providers to turn predictive analysis into data-based decisions,” said Tina Stehle, SVP and GM of Agilysys Hospitality Solutions Group. “It gives management unprecedented support for their business and operations decisions, enabling them to see the ‘big picture’ and use that information to increase profitability and enhance guest service.”
ALLIANCES
A Library Card for Self-Checkout
NCR (Dayton, OH) has partnered with the Integrated Technology Group (Norcross, GA) to bring self-checkout to your local library. ITG, an NCR RealPartner, will offer its Apex XpressCheck library self-checkout software on NCR EasyPoint kiosk hardware equipped with an integrated barcode scanner and printer. Future plans call for integrating the NCR EasyPoint kiosks with ITG’s RFID-enabled self-checkout software.
In a typical transaction using the library self-checkout solution, patrons first scan their library card to pull up account information on the kiosk screen. Patrons then scan the items for check out using the kiosk barcode scanner. A receipt prints from the kiosk to complete the transaction.
“Ever-expanding their services to include Internet access, DVDs, and other interactive options, libraries are increasingly looking toward technology solutions to help make simpler tasks—like checking out books and other materials—an automated process,” pointed out Shai Robkin, President and CEO of the Integrated Technology Group, a wholly owned division of Vernon Library Supplies. “By offering a self-checkout experience to help accomplish basic transactions, library employees can be readily available to assist visitors with more personalized customer service.”
No Wait for Safety Compliance
Psion Teklogix (Cincinnati) and N4 Systems (Toronto) have joined forces to deliver real-time safety compliance and field inspection management solutions. The effort integrates N4 Systems’ Field ID software with Psion Teklogix’s Workabout Pro and Ikon PDA rugged mobile devices. It includes RFID for asset identification and 3G WWAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS communication capabilities. The application also features highly secure data management, remote system management and support, and high-speed Web network integration, according to the two parties.
“Being able to wirelessly collect, analyze, and report on critical inspection data at ‘the point of work’ can dramatically improve safety and compliance,” said Mike Jachimiec, VP of Channel Sales at Psion Teklogix. “Our partnership with a leading software provider for safety and inspections, N4 Systems, brings a complete and targeted solution to this growing market.”
The solution has been implemented at mining, oil and gas, automotive, and utilities sites throughout North America. With increasing government requirements for ongoing inspections, cranes have emerged as an important new market. Crane inspections involve hundreds of different parts unique to the individual piece of equipment, and the difficulty of determining which inspection criteria matches which particular piece of equipment is substantial. “By eliminating the problems of paper-based inspections, our solution not only saves time and money, it saves lives,” exclaimed Somen Mondal, President and CEO of N4 Systems.
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
pcCashdrawer
PC-PoS Inc./DigiPoS
Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic
Mobile
Honeywell
Imaging and Mobility
Janam
Technologies
ECRs / Touchscreens / Printers/
Parts and Supplies
CRS, Inc.
Keyboards
Cherry Corp.
Receipt
Printers
Citizen Systems America
Star Micronics
Retail Software
InfoTouch
Logivision
Screen Protection
3M
Optical Products
Thermal Print Technology
Seiko Instruments USA
Touchscreens
FireBox Displays
STARTS & STOPS
Delivering Digital Signage to SMB Retail
Electrograph Systems (Hauppauge, NY), a leading national distributor of display technology, has partnered with EK3 Technologies (London, Ontario) to give system integrators a profitable opportunity to sell an “easy-to-manage, cost-effective” digital signage system for small to medium-sized businesses, including retail. EK3’s Web-based Digipost product comes with everything needed to distribute content, including customizable templates, an image library, news feeds, and time-of-day scheduler, according to the two parties. As such, it offers integrators an opportunity to add value in this area.
“It usually takes considerable effort and resources for smaller businesses to deploy digital merchandising strategies,” observed Jeff Jerome, Director of Product Management for Electrograph Systems. “But the EK3 Digipost product is simple yet amazingly powerful because it can control and schedule the content of hundreds of media players via the Web, and it’s easy to manage the network.”
Founded in 1998, EK3 is one of the leading providers of in-store digital merchandising solutions, with its network of more than 4,000 installations worldwide. ShopCast, an EK3 subsidiary, is a full-service digital media provider that offers customers a non-traditional media buying opportunity through its EK3 narrowcasting network. ShopCast allows vendors to target their communication through the purchase of advertising space specific to their product/category in identified zones of national retail stores.
Space Race at Pioneer POS
In response to increased product demand, Pioneer POS has announced the expansion of its current facility located in City of Industry, CA. The expanded facility now includes office and warehouse space, product development laboratory, and technical support center. Two unique features of the Pioneer POS facility include a clean room for assembling touch monitors and all-in-one touch systems and anti-static floors for handling electronics. Totaling over 35,000 square feet, the expanded facility will allow Pioneer POS to better service customers, according to the company.
“All customers who have visited our corporate headquarters are impressed with our facility, production process, and customization capability,” noted Gee Singgih, VP of Operations for Pioneer POS. “The expansion allows us to have larger inventory of parts, offer better and quicker custom-integration service, cut lead time, and provide quicker customer service.”
Clean Room at Pioneer POS
Channel Factoid
Near Field Communication (NFC) may not be quite as near as we thought. The global market for NFC technology was valued at $10 million in 2007, with approximately 61,000 NFC-enabled devices shipped. This market is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 143% through 2012, when it is expected to exceed $877 million in revenues. End-users will benefit from the POS technology by having multiple cards managed on a single device, reduced time for checkout and transactions, as well as other value-added services such as being able to receive and store a transaction log or ticket. From Venture Development Corporation’s recent NFC market findings.
COMPANY BUSINESS
Metrologic: “Pay Only for What You Need”
Metrologic Instruments (Blackwood, NJ), now officially part of Honeywell Imaging & Mobility, has introduced flexible licensing for its MS7580 Genesis presentation scanner. A base version of Genesis that reads one-dimensional barcodes only is now available. Scanner functionality can be enhanced by purchasing additional decoding licenses as needed for PDF, two-dimensional matrix, and optical character recognition (OCR). In the future, this flexible licensing solution will become available for Metrologic’s complete line of imaging products.
“Metrologic’s new licensing solution provides end-users with the flexibility to create a customized solution that meets the current scanning requirements of their application, while retaining the ability to purchase additional functionality as the need arises,” said Mark Schmidt, Metrologic’s VP of Marketing and Product Management. “In addition to delivering best-in-class scanners, Metrologic is committed to delivering advanced software and service solutions such as the recently launched TotalFreedom open-system architecture and EasyID software plug-in. We are pleased to introduce our new flexible licensing solution as the third offering in this category.”
Effective immediately, Genesis can be purchased with any combination of decoding licenses. Additional licenses can be purchased and installed in the field, by simply scanning an activation barcode, according to the vendor. The base version of the scanner, which performs omnidirectional reading of one-dimensional barcodes only, was described as “price-competitive with traditional omnidirectional laser scanners."
PinPoint Media
All Rights Reserved