This Week’s Product Pick
POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) introduced its new premium line of heavy-duty cash drawers. The XCHD Series complements and improves upon the XC-Z Series by adding enhancements in security, functionality, and performance, according to the company. Available in both 19 in. x 16 in. and 16 in. x 16 in. footprints, with painted black or stainless steel face, the XCHD Series features an OPOS-compatible drawer sensor, dual media slots, smooth rolling till, and raised ribs in the bill slots for easy bill removal. An interchangeable interface cable plugs into the bottom of the drawer, allowing for more discrete cable management. Security enhancements include additional metal reinforcements, screwed-in rubber feet, all new locks, and improved locking mechanism. In addition, all POS-X cash drawers come with full three-year warranty. “We designed these cash drawers to provide maximum firepower for customers needing added security and durability,” said Karl Schoessler, VP of POS-X. “At up to 30% heavier, these drawers appeal to resellers and end-users seeking top-quality POS equipment, at prices that still beat the competition.” For more information, click here.
Heavy-Duty Cash Drawers from POS-X
MARKET WATCH POS Heats Up The next few months promise to be some of the most interesting in the past several years for POS, as major technology providers roll out solutions targeting the SMB market serviced by resellers. We will keep our readers in the loop on these exciting announcements, which kicked off this week with Hewlett-Packard and Intuit. HP’s POS Solution-in-a-box Building on the success of its recent launch of the HP rp3000 POS System for the SMB market, Hewlett-Packard (Palo Alto, CA) unveiled its POS Solution-in-a-box, which bundles hardware, software, and services into one neat package. The goal: “simplicity for merchants and for the channel,” reported Tate Davis, Product Manager for HP’s POS Business in North America during an interview with RRN.Com. The solution combines the HP rp3000 POS platform, which features Intel’s Atom processor for lower power consumption and retail-hardened design, with peripherals such as receipt printer, cash drawer, keyboard with integrated magnetic-stripe reader, and barcode scanner. Retailers can complement their POS system with one of three monitor options: 15-inch touchscreen, 15-inch flat-panel display, or wide-screen flat-panel monitor. Customers can also choose from pre-qualified POS applications from HP’s growing list of Solution Ready Partners addressing retail segments. In addition, customers will receive access to more than $1,000 of value through the new HP Total Care Access Card program. This program offers SMB customers a full portfolio of services, support, security, and business offerings to help them manage and grow their companies. Examples include free downloads of popular software packages, subscription to anti-virus/anti-spyware protection, data backup and recovery, and even discounted marketing and promotion. “These are things they’re generally not thinking about when they’re starting their business,” Davis noted. “We just want to make the small merchant experience that much simpler and easier.” Davis emphasized that sales to the SMB will be driven through HP’s trio of distributors: BlueStar, Ingram Micro’s Data Capture/POS Division, and Arrow ECS. The HP Solution-in-a-box will carry one part number and the Total Access Card, which lists for $49, will be included at no charge. Starting price for Solution-in-a-box will be $1,499 and HP will offer its resellers the sales out rebate of $150 from December 1 through March 1, 2009, as well as other creative financial packages, according to Davis. Intuit’s Pair of POS Programs Intuit (Mountain View, CA) has upped the stakes in the SMB POS market with three new offerings. First there’s QuickBooks Cash Register Plus, priced at less than $300, which goes after the 70% of small merchants still using ECRs. With little setup time and training, the solution lets such merchants ring up sales and credit cards, automatically track sales data and customer information, and run instant reports, according to the developer. Intuit also released QuickBooks Point of Sale Version 8.0 with enhancements such as simple sales receipt view, user-friendly touchscreen interface, and easier access to common tasks. It allows retailers to manage up to 20 registers, and with the multi-store version of the software, to oversee up to 20 stores from one location. New reports also help track inventory turn so retailers know how quickly items sell. Intuit also answered the request of its customers for help in online sales with Storefront for QuickBooks Point of Sale, fulfilling functions such as designing and hosting the Web store, to managing all inventory, to attracting customers. It syncs seamlessly with QuickBooks Point of Sale 8.0, not surprisingly. Pricing starts at $199 plus $149 monthly subscription. In an interview with RRN.Com, Ron Gillies, Director of Intuit Solution Provider Programs, noted that the company has quietly been building its reseller channel. “We’ve made the commitment as a company to build a world-class Retail Solution Provider Program,” Gillies said. “Not only have we addressed margins and added recurring revenue streams, but we’ve also built and launched a very exciting rebate and compensation program, as well as effective co-op and co-marketing opportunities.” In the future, look for Intuit to test the waters of two-tier distribution for its POS products. Finally, the two key technology providers have combined forces to offer the Intuit-HP Retail Solution, which includes QuickBooks Cash Register Plus or QuickBooks Point of Sale 8.0, HP’s rp3000, and peripherals. Intuit, of course, has long offered hardware in conjunction with its POS software. This solution, representing its move higher up the SMB market, sells for the same price as HP’s Solution-in-a-box, $1,499.
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Worth Your While
NRF Annual Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 11-14
New York
ProMat 2009
Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA)
January 12-15
Chicago
Inspire 2009
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 18-21
Aruba Marriott Resort
AIM Technology Leadership Summit
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility
April 20-22
Chicago
NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago
NACStech
National Association of Convenience Stores
May 18-20
Grapevine, TX
ALL IN THE FAMILY
ThingMagic Targets VARs
ThingMagic, Inc. (Cambridge, MA) introduced its low-cost USB RFID reader controlled and powered by desktop or network PC and targeted at solution providers, system integrators, and application developers. Priced at $495 for individual orders, with volume discounts available, the USB RFID reader is EPCglobal Gen 2 UHF compliant, includes an integrated RF antenna, and features read range of up to 12 inches. RFID tags are not included.
“RFID is being deployed in an ever-widening range of applications and our developers, integrators, and application partners have been asking for a smaller, inexpensive, easier to deploy UHF RFID reader,” reported Yael Maguire, CTO of ThingMagic. “The USB RFID reader’s small size, low price, and USB interface meets these needs and greatly expands the opportunities for our partners and customers to create innovative RFID applications for enterprises, small businesses, and consumers.”
Powered by the ThingMagic M5e-Compact embedded RFID module, the USB RFID reader is FCC and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) certified. Supporting ThingMagic’s application development tools, including Reader Assistant, the USB RFID reader makes it easy to develop and deploy interactive read/write applications, according to the supplier. It is available from selected ThingMagic partners and from the ThingMagic online store.
ThingMagic’s USB RFID Reader
Apex 3 Outfitted by Extech
Extech Data Systems (Waltham, MA) debuted its new Apex 3 direct thermal printer for remote transactions. Reflecting recent market needs, Extech has added Short Range Bluetooth, designed for WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Networks), as one standard feature. For long-range wireless connectivity, the Apex 3 has optional Long Range Bluetooth or 802.11 b/g. IrDA and 3-track magnetic card reader are also available for the three-inch receipt printer.
The Apex 3 features the powerful ARM 7, 32-bit microcontroller from ST Microelectronics. The flash-based, integrated CPU contains firmware, fonts, graphics, logos, and barcodes. Utilizing its high-capacity Li-Ion, 7.4 V, 2200 mAh battery that charges internally to the printer or with an external two-bay battery charger, the Apex 3 incorporates 4 MB Flash and 2 MB SRAM memory that is under direct user control. New fonts are included and a number of downloadable fonts are available, including those for Middle Eastern, European, and Asian requirements.
A significant new feature is the inclusion of Extech’s Form Fiesta utility. An easy-to-install, Windows-based page printing utility that allows users to create forms such as boarding passes and parking tickets, Form Fiesta mixes text, barcodes, and tables. Print utilities are available for most operating systems, including Windows CE, PocketPC, .NET, WM5, Windows Vista, and Palm, and programming in the field is achieved through the new Extech Bootloader.
Apex 3 Thermal Printer from Extech
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INSTALLATIONS
This Concierge Gets Carted Around
Springboard Retail Networks (Toronto) will deploy its Concierge shopping system, an interactive touchscreen computer console, at Bloom, Food Lion’s innovative grocery chain located in the Southeast U.S. The technology deployment project is underway and the Concierge shopping system is scheduled to be available next year to shoppers at Bloom’s 30,000-sq.-ft. store in Fort Mill, SC. About 125 shopping carts will be equipped with the system, which connects wirelessly to the store network and database to deliver consumer information such as in-store specials, coupons, recipes, and product finder. The system’s 8.4-inch capacitive touchscreen is encased in water-resistant, shatterproof plastic and fully integrated into the cart handle.
“With the Concierge shopping system, we have designed a real-time, interactive shopping solution that is unparalleled in the retail industry,” declared Sylvain Perrier, VP of Technology at Springboard. “It will fundamentally improve the relationships that retailers, vendors, and advertisers have with consumers. We’re so excited to be involved with Bloom and are on track to go live at the start of the new year.”
Shoppers begin by activating their personalized access key or by scanning their store loyalty card via an integrated barcode scanner. The scanner also allows shoppers to keep running totals of items and savings. In addition to improving the customer experience and maximizing promotional opportunities, Concierge can provides retailers with valuable knowledge of consumer behavior and preferences, according to Springboard. “Think of it as an interactive, electronic store flyer,” said Perrier. “It can showcase product launches, announce new store services, or simply inform customers that field-ripened strawberries are in season and available in the produce department.”
Springboard’s Interactive Touchscreen Computer Console
Brown Goes Green: UPS Inks Its Labels
UPS has become “greener” by adopting Hewlett-Packard’s new paperless printing solution. The two giants collaborated for 18 months to develop the mobile printing/scanning solution called the HP Handheld sp400 All-In-One, which is powered by Honeywell’s Adaptus Imaging Technology. UPS then built its custom business application to support the device, which it has already deployed in 41 U.S. package centers with further plans to expand the install to a total of 850 imprinters in 55 centers by the end of the year. The company expects to use the devices to process 1.5 million packages per business day by mid-2009 and to increase that to 3.1 million by 2010. By eliminating paper labels, it estimates it will save 1,338 tons of paper each year once the imprinter is fully deployed as well as millions of dollars in annual operating costs.
The wireless, wearable HP device is being used in conjunction with UPS’s Package Flow Technology (PFT) system for route planning. PFT not only designs delivery routes that minimize left-hand turns, but also generates specific handling instructions for each package that tell loaders the exact position in which truck to place the package for delivery the next day. As the package enters the UPS center for sorting, the UPS employee uses the HP device to scan the shipping label. The device obtains the proper sorting information from the UPS database via the Wi-Fi network inside the facility, then prints those instructions directly onto the package using specially formulated, fast-drying HP ink. The new system improves processing time and reduces the rate of mislabeled packages to virtually zero, according to the two parties.
“Leveraging technology innovation is critical in today’s tough, competitive economy,” observed Dave Barnes, SVP and CIO of UPS. “The new HP handheld device means increased efficiency and effectiveness at a lower cost, with less waste. This is a perfect example of how technology helps to drive business solutions at UPS.”
Paperless Printing/Scanning with the HP Handheld sp400 All-In-One
Code
Corner
ServiceSource (San Francisco) launched its Channel Advantage Solution, designed to help high-tech OEMs and channel partners deliver more predictable revenue and profit streams from service sales. ServiceSource Channel Advantage is the first complete solution solely focused on achieving improved service revenue and profit in the channel by directly providing renewal sales support to partners, according the company, which claims to have founded the service performance management industry. The solution gives visibility into partner performance and helps high-tech OEMs with single or two-tier channels develop differentiated, incentive-based partner strategies. It comprises four prescriptive phases. First, the dedicated renewal sales team collaborates with the channel partner and OEM to immediately improve and close service renewal sales. Second, technology infrastructure provides OEMs with the consistent view into partner-by-partner performance. Third, performance analysis and peer benchmarking identifies trends and metrics by partner. Lastly, client advisory services help drive formation of the differentiated partner incentive programs based on performance. “OEMs have done a great job developing and incentivizing the channel to sell products and build market share, where service renewals historically have been an afterthought,” maintained Mike Smerklo, President/CEO at ServiceSource. “ServiceSource Channel Advantage works with OEMs and their partners to systematically and profitably build service share by equipping the channel to focus on the renewals business and build a predictable and continuous annuity stream.”
STARTS & STOPS
Faster Cash Collection with DepositNow
BankServ (San Francisco) has added the capability for small businesses to be paid directly from e-mailed invoices to its DepositNow remote deposit payment solution. With DepositNow, business owners start by customizing their branded payment Website hosted by BankServ and used by their customers to make electronic check and card-based payments. With the secure invoicing feature, DepositNow inserts its hyperlink within invoices e-mailed from the business owner’s accounting software package such as QuickBooks or Peachtree. Secure invoicing will also support invoices e-mailed from Microsoft Word.
Once the customer receives an electronic invoice, they simply click the hyperlink to pay the invoice at the business’ branded payment Website, authorizing either card payment or electronic check. DepositNow deposits the payment to any checking account in the U.S. (as designated by the business owner) and automatically updates accounts receivable for businesses using QuickBooks or Peachtree. For payments made by paper check, DepositNow allows the business to quickly and securely deposit the check into its existing checking account using its desktop computer and check scanner, all while automatically updating accounts receivable within QuickBooks or Peachtree.
“This is a significant development in payments and receivables management,” commented Doug Sleeter, President and Founder of the Sleeter Group (Pleasanton, CA), which provides consulting services to small business owners. “BankServ created a truly novel solution with DepositNow because they understood the importance of making check deposits an easier process, while also linking the customer payments to the AR transactions in the accounting system. By expanding this vision to include electronic check and card-based payments, DepositNow has become even more valuable for business owners who are concerned with speeding cash flow and creating a stronger relationship with customers.”
Heartland Pockets Chockstone
Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ), one of the payment processors most active in the POS channel, has purchased Chockstone, Inc. (Portland, OR), the privately held provider of gift card programs and loyalty solutions embedded into 65,000 restaurants, convenience stores, and other retail locations in North America. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Heartland’s acquisition of this premier niche provider expands our ability to equip businesses nationwide with enhanced gift card and loyalty programs,” indicated Robert Carr, Chairman/CEO of Heartland Payment Systems. “Chockstone’s strong solution provides added value to our business owners who want to improve and maximize their customer relationships.”
“We are very excited to become part of Heartland, a company widely respected by business owners and the industry,” added Jeff Lipp, CEO of Chockstone. “By adding Chockstone’s services to its payments services, Heartland can offer merchants proven loyalty and gift card programs that provide a competitive edge in the market today. Heartland believes, as we do, that if you invest in your customers, you’ll earn their loyalty.”
Robert Carr, CEO, Heartland Payment 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
ScanSource
POS & Peripherals
Logic Controls
pcKeyboard
POS-X
Barcode Printers
Wasp Barcode Technologies
Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic
Mobile
Honeywell Scanning & Mobility
Honeywell Scanning & Mobility/Metrologic
Janam Technologies
Keyboards
Cherry Corp.
Payment Processing
Precidia Technologies
Receipt
Printers
Citizen Systems America
Star Micronics
Retail Software
InfoTouch
Toshiba TEC
Screen Protection
3M
Optical Products
Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA
HELLO GOODBYE
Nix Promoted at BlueStar
BlueStar (Florence, KY) has announced the promotion of Bill Nix to the position of BlueStar VP of Global Distribution. Nix will lead BlueStar’s international business development in all regions outside of the U.S. and Canada, including adding more vendors’ products to the distributor’s line card internationally, and expanding its international presence.
Nix most recently held the position of Director of Global Channel Marketing and Sales at BlueStar. Prior to joining the BlueStar team, he held the title of COO at TSC, where he coordinated operations between the company’s factories based in China and Taiwan, and established an international sales organization in North and South America as well as Europe. Prior to TSC, Nix served as SVP of Marketing and Sales for six years at Datamax where he managed over 70 employees in four offices, including the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
“Bill’s many years of experience in international AIDC/POS channels makes him an ideal choice to promote BlueStar’s distribution value proposition on a global basis,” said Steve Cuntz, BlueStar President/CEO. “Bill has consistently demonstrated his ability to effectively create regional values that help add profits and revenues for our customers.”
Bill Nix, VP of Global Distribution, BlueStar
Vocollect Names Supply Chain Czar
Vocollect, Inc. (Pittsburgh) has named Joe Pajer as President of its Supply Chain Business. Pajer will report to Roger Byford, CEO of Vocollect, and will oversee sales, marketing, product management, engineering, and operations for Vocollect’s Supply Chain Business. Vocollect, as most of our readers know, develops and delivers voice-driven solutions for inventory management and order picking.
Pajer’s career spans 20 years in high-technology markets such as consumer electronics, semiconductors, personal computers, and computer networking. His experience includes global senior executive positions with the former Marconi and Fore Systems, Inc. He also held executive management roles with Compaq Computer Corporation and AT&T Consumer Products.
“I am very excited to be joining Vocollect and I look forward to the opportunity to build on its wealth of experience in delivering voice applications to the supply chain industry,” Pajer stated. “Vocollect has been very successful in creating significant value in their existing markets. I look forward to helping the team extend that success to new customer segments and new geographies. With one of the most talented teams in the industry, we will develop new applications for voice technology and expand our footprint to new customers across the globe, thereby solidifying and extending Vocollect’s leadership position.”
Channel Factoid
Promotional coupons delivered and redeemed via mobile phones are forecast to be used by some 200 million mobile subscribers globally by 2013. Today, nearly all mobile coupon usage takes place in the Far East. However, by 2013 Western Europe and North America will together account for almost 20% of coupon redemption values, with such services offered across all the main retail sectors, including restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and grocery. One significant hurdle remains the lack of suitable POS infrastructure at the supermarket checkout allowing for the quick and easy redemption of coupons, which is critical to the consumer shopping experience. From “Mobile Coupons, Strategies, Applications & Markets 2008-2013,” by Juniper Research.
CERTIFICATION
ECR Software Hurdles PCI DSS
ECR Software Corporation (Boone, NC), one of the most respected POS ISVs, has received full Payment Application Best Practices (PABP) certification from Visa in compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). This compliance certification includes Catapult Retail Automation Software Version 4.1 and all subsequent releases.
Catapult Customer Compliance documents have been created to assist customers in the implementation process of Catapult to achieve security standards. These documents define general requirements regarding networks, system setup, patch downloading, and other detailed information. To help guide product development in order to meet compliance standards, ECRS engaged Trustwave (Chicago), one of the recognized qualified security assessors (QSA). ECRS also created an internal PCI Security Team to monitor this developmental process and maintain compliancy after certification.
Elsewhere, ECRS and Wisconsin-based Aurora Health Care announced the successful retail automation solution rollout at over 60 Aurora locations, marking the midway point of an enterprise installation for 130 Aurora Pharmacy and Aurora Retail Stores. ECRS was selected to provide both technology and consulting services. Aurora will employ Catapult 5.0 to enable them to achieve IIAS (Inventory Information Approval System) certification for acceptance of FSA/HSA (Flexible Spending Account/Health Savings Account) debit cards. IIAS certification is required by IRS law and must be completed before January 1, 2009 so that pharmacies can continue to accept health benefit debit cards.
[Editor’s Note: ISVs continue to fall in line with PCI DSS compliance. XProtean (Milpitas, CA) also has completed PABP audit for its Integrated Retail Management Solutions for the convenience/gas and quick-service restaurant segments.]
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