This Week’s Product Pick
Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) presented its XG100 Series, the company’s rugged gun-shaped mobile computer optimized for use in warehouses, distribution centers, and loading docks. One of the first rugged mobile computers to be based on Marvell’s PXA320 processor, the XG100 locates its removable battery inside the pistol grip. This design lowers the product’s center of gravity for easier handling and maneuverability, according to Janam. It also allows the upper portion of the XG100 to be as slim and sleek as a rugged PDA, enabling a wider keypad area for larger keys without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. The XG100 is also one of the first rugged mobile computers with an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tag integrated into the body of the unit for enhanced asset protection. Other key features include: powerful Adaptus imager that reads virtually all 1D and 2D barcodes, robust 802.11 b/g Summit WLAN radio with Cisco’s CCX V4 support, emulator keypads ensuring compatibility with existing installations, vibrator alert for successful scan feedback, and bright LED tail lights for visual feedback during overhead scanning. “Janam engineered the XG100 Series to maximize worker comfort and productivity, perform flawlessly in scan-intensive environments, provide easy migration and integration, and stand up to the toughest operating environments,” said Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam. “We’re thrilled to offer our customers and channel partners a rugged gun-shaped mobile computer that delivers superior levels of performance and quality at a price point [MSRP $1,695] that makes sense.” For more information, click here.
XG100 Series from Janam Technologies
COMPANY BUSINESS Microsoft Dynamics Readies POS 2009 How time (and technology) flies. Two years ago, in his keynote presentation at the National Retail Federation Show in New York City, Steve Ballmer announced Microsoft Dynamics Point of Sale 2.0 and Retail Management System (RMS) 2.0. This week’s NRF Show saw the first peek at Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009, scheduled for launch in Q2. The new product looks to combine the best features of its two predecessors—marrying full functionality with ease of use—and may one day replace them altogether. “It’s a fabulous looking product,” James Watkins, Director, Microsoft Dynamics U.S. Retail, told RRN.Com. “We’ve had tremendous results from early testing with retailers and developers, working mainly in the Northwest.” At NRF, Watkins demonstrated the product, which has been optimized for touchscreen and mirrors the look and feel of Microsoft Outlook. According to Watkins, retail workers can be brought up-to-speed on the system in only 15 to 30 minutes, an important issue since employee turnover now approaches 100% per month in some sectors. Additional selling points include comprehensive reporting and scalability. Of particular interest to VARs, Microsoft has attempted to minimize the number of database changes and plans to ship migration tools. While Microsoft POS 2.0 and RMS 2.0 address the needs of the SMB market, POS 2009 aims somewhat higher. “It runs the single store beautifully,” said Watkins, “but also integrates into our Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP [formerly Axapta], which is important for many larger users. In addition, our Software Development Kit allows our partners to customize this in really interesting ways.” Decisions about distribution are expected to be made over the next month or two, as the package is readied for general release.
[Editor’s Note: Bye-bye, Broadway. Next year will be the last for the National Retail Federation Show at the Javits Center in New York City. In 2011, the NRF Show will move to Washington, DC.] Leaner, Greener Look Coming for IBM SurePOS IBM has refreshed its SurePOS 300 terminal with new features and functions, including “deep sleep” technology and its smallest footprint yet at 10 inches (37% smaller than previous models). The new terminal will be available on March 20, with SurePOS 300 Express solutions starting at $1,045, according to IBM. Both ScanSource and Arrow ECS will handle the new SurePOS 300, which also features an energy-saving power supply, fanless operation, and ultra-low-volt Intel Celeron mobile processor. IBM’s SurePOS deep sleep technology allows clients to place checkout systems in low-power mode. The systems can be set to sleep mode during after hours, then “wake up” via remote cue before employees arrive the next morning. During the work day, the SurePOS units not being used can also be put to sleep and reactivated quickly when traffic picks up. A new SurePOS 300 system by itself can offer retailers 35% savings on their energy bills, according to IBM. When deep sleep kicks in, costs can go down another 47%. That adds up to 66% off the original power bill. “The convergence of economic pressures, consumer interest, and environmental factors is forcing retailers to take notice and adapt processes, policies, and products to become more cost effective, efficient, and green,” observed Leo Suarez, VP of IBM Retail Store Solutions Marketing & Strategy (Raleigh, NC). “IBM is committed to helping retailers find new, affordable ways to apply new technology to create smarter, greener, more efficient retail operations.” Look for deep sleep automation to become available on the IBM SurePOS 700, IBM AnyPlace Kiosks, and AnyPlace Self Check-Out systems by mid-year. And expect more and more green efforts from IT vendors, as well as legislation from the Obama Administration making those efforts doubly profitable with tax credits and rebates.
Energy-Saving IBM SurePOS 300 CPU, with Friends |
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Worth Your While
FOSE 2009
1105 Government Information Group
March 10-12
Washington, DC
AIM Technology Leadership Summit
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility
April 20-22
Chicago
Put RFID 2 WRK
RFID Journal Live
April 27-29
Orlando
KioskCom
Self-Service Expo & Digital Signage Show
JD Events
May 6-7
Las Vegas
NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago
NACStech
National Association of Convenience Stores
May 18-20
Grapevine, TX
RetailNow 2009
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 11-16
Las Vegas
ALL IN THE FAMILY
An “Advantage” in Cash Drawers from MMF
As promised, MMF Cash Drawer (Wheeling, IL) unveiled its next-generation Advantage Series Cash Drawers at the NRF Show held this week in New York City. The new line is available in five sizes and boasts a long list of features and options suggested by leading VARs and retailers. Among those features, according to MMF’s VP and GM, Bill Youngquist, is a major increase in capacity and improvement in access to media and coin roll storage, thereby reducing the time and resources required to replenish tills.
“The Advantage Global till has more storage space than any other till on the market and can be configured to meet individual needs, “ Youngquist pointed out. “Another of our objectives for the Advantage Series is to provide our channel partners and end-users with cash drawers that can easily adapt to the constantly evolving POS environment. This will enable them to take advantage of advances in POS technology without worrying about how their cash drawers will integrate.”
To that end, MMF offers upgradeable interfaces, including Printer, USB with Statistics and Serial Emulation, USB with Statistics and Four-Port Hub Combo, Multi-Serial Programmable for Added Security (includes Statistics and Two-Drawer Open/Close Detection), and Standard Serial. Other notable design features include high-security lock options, configurable Global tills for all major world currencies, removable coin cups for North American and European coins, and heavy-duty peripheral platforms for select sizes. The Advantage line is now available through the channel, along with MMF’s new VAL-u Line Plus drawer measuring 18 in. x 16.7 in. x 4.2 in. and its new pair of VESA-compliant display poles. For more information, click here.
Advantage Series Cash Drawers from MMF
Busy Bees at Honeywell
Honeywell Mobility & Scanning has moved far along with the integration of resources and technologies from both Hand Held Products and Metrologic, with neither company name to be found in its booth at the NRF Show in New York City this week. At NRF, Honeywell turned its attention to software with Remote MasterMind (ReM), its new remote scanner management solution. ReM delivers the five value drivers of remote scanner management: asset tracking, firmware upgrades, configuration updates, scanner diagnostics, and performance metrics. Each can be instantly performed from any single remote location without disrupting the performance of the scanner, according to the company.
ReM is browser-based and compatible with more than 20 of Honeywell’s products. The UPOS-compliant tool also integrates seamlessly with IBM’s Remote Management Agent and can be administered via IBM Director. “This new offering enables significant labor savings and increased ROI for customers,” cited Darius Adamczyk, President of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Blackwood, NJ).
In the hardware arena, Honeywell unwrapped its MS4980 VuQuest compact area-imaging scanner, designed for applications in POS, self-service, and mobile ticketing systems in which barcodes must be read directly from the screens of mobile devices. VuQuest reads 1D, 2D, and PDF barcodes and its 1.2-megapixel camera can be used to capture high-resolution images of items such as signatures, damaged goods, and personal checks. In addition, Honeywell announced enhancements to several products. Its Dolphin 7600 now comes with Windows Mobile 6 Standard or Professional. The Dolphin 9900 Series has been outfitted with integrated pistol grip and multiple keypad configurations in the form of the new Dolphin 9950. Finally, the Dolphin 7850 features three new long-range scanning options and the MS7580 Genesis now sports EAS deactivation technology.
MS4980 VuQuest Area-Imaging Scanner from Honeywell
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INTEGRATION
Push-to-Talk Clicks at Wavelink
Wavelink (Midvale, UT) has released Wavelink Communicator, its client-side, push-to-talk solution that enables companies to add two-way radio functionality to their existing ruggedized and voice-enabled mobile devices. Communicator allows users to hold private conversations between any voice-enabled computers—mobile or desktop—running the Windows platform. Be residing client-side, it eliminates the need for costly server-side hardware and software and can be deployed in a matter of minutes, according to the developer.
“Be adding Wavelink Communicator to our wireless solutions, we continue to enable companies to get the most out of their existing hardware investments,” stated Lamar Van Wagenen, President of Wavelink. “Organizations can essentially turn any ruggedized mobile devices running Windows into walkie-talkies to enhance communication and improve efficiencies across the company.”
Wavelink Communicator supports 802.11 a/b/g wireless networks and computers running on Windows CE, Windows Mobile, and Windows 2000/XP/Vista. One-to-one and one-to-many modes enable employees to communicate privately, across pre-defined groups, or globally. The solution offers multiple channel support for setting up and labeling unique channels for different groups or departments. Users can also transmit across multiple channels simultaneously. Additional features include Caller ID for the speaker and all active participants on the channel, user-defined page key to initiate the paging process, and “beep on talk” to alert users when the call is established.
Partnering Up for POS Protection
Merchant Warehouse (Boston) and pcAmerica (Pearl River, NY) have joined forces to offer PCI DSS-compliant POS. The first effort in the partnership will be the integration of Merchant Warehouse’s MerchantWare solution with pcAmerica’s Cash Register Express and Restaurant Express POS systems. This joint offering will significantly reduce the possibility of cardholder data loss in the event of any network security breach, according to the two parties.
“It is extremely important for us at pcAmerica to supply our customers with the highest quality and most secure products,” declared David Gosman, CEO at pcAmerica. “After careful consideration and research, it was obvious Merchant Warehouse has the right technology and is the partner to help us deliver the next-generation solution for our customers. As we continue to develop our products to meet the changing needs of our retail and restaurant customers, our relationship with Merchant Warehouse will continue to grow.”
The MerchantWare solution contains two core components, the first being a secure card reader that instantly encrypts card data at the point-of-swipe to ensure sensitive data is never exposed while transmitted throughout private and public networks. The second component is the MerchantWare Payment Gateway, which enables merchants to process credit, debit, and EBT cards, manage their account over a secure Internet connection, and store transaction information at the MerchantWare host. Additionally, the software provides extensive reporting features with the capability to re-charge, refund, or adjust previously processed cards, all without decrypting confidential cardholder data.
Code
Corner
TradeStone Software (Gloucester, MA) has extended its Merchandise Lifecycle Management capabilities, including Virtual Showroom, into handheld devices such as PDAs with its just-released TradeStone Mobile. The new solution allows retailers to scan vendor showrooms and catalogs, request samples, and place pre-commitments and orders from their PDA and other mobile devices. It supports popular platforms such as the Apple iPhone, BlackBerry, and Microsoft Windows Mobile 5 or 6. With TradeStone Mobile, the retail buyer logs into the TradeStone Website via their PDA browser, then enters the item number or scans the barcode label on samples, with product details (including images) displayed on the screen. A key feature includes the buyer’s ability to enter product selection and quantity, comment on the selected product, and also request samples. The buyer can also track and provide offers, which are captured within the TradeStone system, giving everyone visibility into the supplier negotiation process. “TradeStone Mobile is part of TradeStone’s ongoing efforts to provide tools that make it easier for retailers to work in today’s environment and accommodate the way retailers and suppliers communicate and collaborate,” declared Sue Welch, CEO. “Already in use within the private label and global sourcing division of one of Europe’s largest retailers, TradeStone Mobile is helping them offer private label products to various retail banners in 27 different countries. This exciting new platform is just the beginning of the many new developments we will be offering our customers in 2009.”
BELLS & WHISTLES
HCM Gets Going at ATS
Accu-Time Systems (Ellington, CT) has enhanced its popular Global Series of Human Capital Management (HCM) terminals by offering GSM cellular capability. The GSM modem is offered on all three terminals in the Global Series—Maximus, Optimus, and Prodigy—meaning they can be used virtually anywhere cellular service is available. These potential locations include construction sites, temporary venues such as seasonal festivals and sporting events, and other places where wired or Wi-Fi is not an option.
To provide protection for these terminals in the field, ATS has also introduced hostile environment and extreme weather protection for the Global Series. The NEMA 4X-rated enclosure is designed to withstand high pressure and salt water spray, making the terminals well-suited for shipping, cruise liners, harbors, marinas, and many other outdoor applications. With optional heaters, the terminal can be used in freezers or in cold outdoor environments.
Finally, ATS outfitted its Maximus terminal with a new, vibrant color display described as “similar to an iPod display screen,” and intended to highlight and emphasize functions in either time and attendance or employee-based systems. The Global Series is the latest line of HCM terminals from ATS, which has long been active in the VAR channel. The Series features Java, Linux, C+ +, and Python programming in an environment that includes ATS’s popular UCS programming language. Barcode, Magnetic-Stripe, Biometric, RFID, and Proximity (contactless smart cards) are all supported
Zebra Kiosk Print Station Rounds Out Self-Service
Zebra Technologies (Vernon Hills, IL) launched the Zebra Kiosk Print Station, its off-the-shelf enclosure for rapid deployment of self-service applications. The unit houses Zebra’s TTP 2000 Series kiosk printer, media roll, and compact touchscreen kiosk computers such as the IBM AnyPlace or the Motorola MK Series. It will become available globally next month, according to the company, and should help the VAR channel in particular by cutting the long lead-time and high cost associated with custom self-service configurations.
“The increased customer use of self-service applications has driven retailers to develop cost-effective solutions that improve store efficiencies while increasing customer satisfaction,” reported Denise Hampton, Zebra Retail Practice Leader. “Until now, all kiosk enclosures had to be custom built, causing long deployment times. This has led to lost sales opportunities and decreased customer confidence. The Zebra Kiosk Print Station allows even the smallest retailers to quickly realize the benefits of self-service solutions.”
The Print Station can be mounted on walls or poles, freeing up valuable floor and counter space. Zebra’s TTP 2000 receipt kiosk printer is kept secure in the lockable enclosure along with the associated media. Retailers can choose from a variety of media options depending on their needs, including four different receipt label widths. The IBM AnyPlace or Motorola MK Series are both compact, interactive self-service devices that can be securely fastened to the Zebra Kiosk Print Station.
Zebra’s New Off-the-Shelf Kiosk Enclosure
[Editor’s Note: Michelle Kabele, Senior Manager, Channel Programs and Marketing for Zebra Technologies, has taken up the reins of the company’s VAR efforts, following the recent departure of Juliann Larimer. Larimer, credited with building Zebra’s PartnersFirst Program, has joined NCR as VP of North American Channel Sales.]
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
pcCashdrawer
Pioneer POS
POS-X
Barcode Printers
Datamax
Cash Drawers
MMF Cash Drawer
Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic
Mobile
Janam Technologies
Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Precidia
Mobile Printing
O'Neil Product Development
Receipt
Printers
Citizen Systems America
Retail Software
InfoTouch
Logivision
Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters
Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA
HELLO GOODBYE
Ingram Micro DC/POS Raises Rachiele
Ingram Micro’s Data Capture/POS Division (Carlsbad, CA) has named Marc Rachiele as Director, Marketing and Vendor Management. He replaces Justin Scopaz, who was recently appointed to GM and VP of the Data Capture/POS Division. Rachiele will be responsible for managing all aspects of vendor relations and marketing.
He will also be responsible for supervising and coaching the team of associates who serve as the point of contact for manufacturers, Ingram Micro and vendor sales representatives, and customers. In addition, he will oversee category management for POS and Auto ID, including determining line-card gaps and recruiting additional vendors as needed.
Rachiele has been with Ingram Micro for nine years and has experience in several areas of the company, including sales, marketing, product management, and market development. He also possesses director level experience in the IT recruiting and commercial real estate industries.
Marc Rachiele, Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS Division
CipherLab Bolsters BlueStar Effort
CipherLab (Plano, TX) has added Steven Pergantis to its team as Northeastern U.S. Territory Manager, focusing on boosting sales and service within BlueStar. CipherLab and BlueStar established their formal partnership in 2007 to strengthen channel sales within the U.S. and Canada.
“CipherLab has seen tremendous growth with the BlueStar account, and Steve’s appointment will help ensure that the company’s customers and representatives receive the top-notch service and support CipherLab is known to deliver,” noted Al Crawford, VP of Technology for CipherLab. “Steve will help BlueStar representatives take full advantage of our growing product line, particularly the newly introduced 9400 industrial mobile computer and the CipherLab 1500 handheld scanner.”
Pergantis has more than 10 years of sales experience, including positions with Fortune 500 and Japanese Nikkei firms. Prior to CipherLab, he served in regional and national sales positions at Cognitive-TPG Printers and Star Micronics America.
Steven Pergantis, CipherLab
Channel Factoid
Shoppers this holiday season left an average of $95 unspent when items they wanted were not available due to stores’ limited merchandise, out-of-stock items, or limited associate support, amounting to an estimated multi-billion-dollar loss in retail sales. Almost one-quarter of shoppers (23%) in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. reported that they were unable to purchase everything they needed or wanted in stores this holiday season. Half these shoppers (50%) could not find the product they were looking for or needed better information, while an additional one-third (34%) stated that their selected products were out of stock. Once these holiday shoppers left a particular retailer, nearly six in 10 did not revisit that same location after their dissatisfying experience. “Retailers can claim these lost dollars simply by shortening lines and keeping better track of inventory with technology solutions that place real-time information in the hands of associates, and help customers find what they need, when they need it, and to check out quickly,” observed Frank Riso, Motorola Senior Director of Retail Solutions for the Enterprise Mobility Business, which conducted the survey.
PARTNER PROGRAMS
Google (Yes, Google) Calling for Resellers
Google has launched its worldwide reseller program for Google Apps. Authorized resellers will be able to sell, customize, and support Google Apps Premier Edition, creating new revenue opportunities for partners and easier access to Google’s popular cloud services for more businesses, according to the company.
Google will provide resellers with training, support, and tools for sales and marketing, as well as access to tools for integrating Google Apps into their customers’ business operations. Resellers will bill their customers directly, with the possibility of bundling additional services and support with Google Apps. The program has already been successfully rolled out to more than 50 pilot partners.
“Google Apps has reached the level of maturity where it is useful and valuable for almost any business,” claimed Dave Girouard, President of Enterprise, Google (Mountain View, CA). “This program gives IT solution providers an easy way to introduce cloud computing to their service offerings, while helping more businesses to make the transition to this new era of technology.”
Potential resellers will be evaluated on relevant experience and credit worthiness, according to Google. In particular, applications are encouraged from companies with strong Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) orientations and business models “built around providing value-added services and solutions.” Authorized resellers will be able to begin selling Google Apps by the end of March.
The market is rather large, with more than 1 million businesses and 10 million users as of this writing. The Google Apps Premier Edition suite of communication and collaboration tools includes Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sites, Google Talk, and Google Video for business. For more information, of course, you can always google “Google Authorized Reseller.”
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