This Week’s Product Pick

Getac (Lake Forest, CA) has retooled its V100 rugged notebook by adding extra memory, storage, and communications capabilities. The new performance-enhancing features include processor upgrade from 1.2-GHz Intel Merom to 1.4-GHz Intel Penryn. The front side bus has been increased from 533 MHz to 800 MHz and the 2-MB L2 cache has jumped to 3-MB. Memory on the V100’s RAM has been doubled from 2 GB to 4 GB. Storage capabilities have moved from the minimum HDD of 120 GB to 160 GB, and maximum capacity from 250 GB to 320 GB. In addition, the computer’s wireless networking capabilities have been upgraded to include Draft 802.11n and the V100 now offers an ExpressCard slot in the standard configuration. Described as “transformable,” the Getac V100 features its swiveling LED screen, magnesium-alloy design, shock-mounted hard disk drive, and sealed I/O caps and doors to prevent damage from solid particles. It recently received UL 1064 certification by Underwriters Laboratories designating safe, spark-free use in potentially explosive environments. “The V100 fully rugged convertible has been very popular because of its advanced feature set and super bright 1200 NITs screen,” said Jim Rimay, Getac’s President. “With better performance, memory, storage and wireless capabilities, the new Getac V100 is even better suited for mobile field workers and users of rugged notebook PCs.”

Getac’s V100 Rugged Notebook

Worth Your While

RetailNow 2009
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 11-16
Las Vegas

VARTECH 2009
BlueStar
August 13-15         
Nashville, TN

2009 APICS International Conference & Expo
Association for Operations Management
October 4-6
Toronto

NACS Show 2009
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 20-23
Las Vegas

BAI Retail Delivery Conference & Expo
Bank Administration Institute
November 3-5
Boston

Synergy 2009 Customer Conference
Retalix
November 8-11
Dallas

ALLIANCES

Remote Printer Management for Datamax-O’Neil

Datamax-O’Neil (Orlando) has announced that its product line of portable printers can now be remotely managed through Motorola’s Mobility Services Platform, continuing the collaboration between the two technology providers. Designed to help companies realize the full benefits of mobility applications, Motorola’s MSP can control up to 100,000 mobile devices--including handheld computers and portable printers--across an enterprise’s network, regardless of location. It provides seamless and secure management architecture for large networked environments in retail, transportation and logistics, warehousing, and healthcare.

Datamax-O’Neil 802.11-equipped printers run under an MSP environment can be remotely provisioned, monitored, and managed to ensure optimal performance and maximize cost efficiencies, according to the two parties. MSP also collects meaningful printer metrics, including available total physical memory and battery level. In addition, it allows updating of firmware applications and security schemes to meet the latest IT compliance policies.

“As programs that improve mobile workforce efficiencies continue to return positive cash flow within one year, it has become more important than ever that any problems are resolved quickly and effectively,” stated Paul Lehmann, Director of Product Management for Datamax-O’Neil. “Our portable printers operating on 802.11, managed with Motorola’s MSP, will offer even greater ROI through the enhanced efficiencies and reduced costs that MSP provides. The engineering teams from Datamax-O’Neil and Motorola collaborated to enable this hardware/software compatibility, and it is further evidence of the strength of our business alliance.”

Motorola’s Mobility Services Platform for Networked Environments

E3 Payments Pilot Planned by Heartland and Voltage

Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ) has selected Voltage Security (Palo Alto, CA) as its partner to develop end-to-end encryption software (dubbed “E3”) specifically suited to payments processing. The Voltage SecureData product line, based on its Format-Preserving Encryption and Identity-Based Encryption approaches, will power the software component of Heartland’s E3 solution. Heartland also employs Voltage SecureMail and SecureFile to protect personal information throughout its corporate and extended business network.

“Heartland’s vision for E3 sets the new security standard for the payments industry,” declared Sathvik Krishnamurthy, President/CEO of Voltage. “With Heartland E3, merchants will be able to significantly reduce their PCI audit scope and compliance costs, and because data is not flowing in the clear, they will be able to dramatically reduce their risks of data breaches.”

“Heartland is developing this complete end-to-end encryption solution designed to protect data at all stages of the transaction--from card swipe through delivery to the card brands,” said Bob Carr, Heartland’s Chairman/CEO. “Together with Voltage, we are developing this comprehensive solution, one which currently does not exist.” Heartland expects to launch its E3 pilot in Q3 and said it will continue to roll out additional features and products through 2010.

Sathvik Krishnamurthy, President/CEO of Voltage Security, on Fox News

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STARTS & STOPS

Intura Closes Down

Intura Solutions (Arlington, TX), the provider of hospitality POS software headed by Gary Peek, ceased all business operations last week. “We are unable to maintain a viable business due to the ongoing recession and the impact this has had on the restaurant industry and our business,” reads the statement on the company’s Website. “We apologize for the late notice but our team has been working diligently to prevent the closure of our business up to the very last day.”

For support of its POS software, Intura has directed users to an independent third-party, The Support Guys, who will charge for their services. Their support offering does not include discontinued products such as Relief Manager Plus and Sell More Pizzas, however. Participants in the Intura Enterprise System can expect to be contacted by Intura’s hosting partner concerning future plans. Software downloads, updates, and training documentation may still be accessed at the company’s former Website, which has been moved to the hosting partner. In addition, Intura’s Licensing System will continue to be maintained at this location, with registration periods for each of the company’s customers automatically updated to five years.

Intura was planning to release Intura Vision 5.00 later this summer, which it described as 85% complete at this point. After surveying its customers, it will decide whether to complete the project, according to the company statement on the Website. If so, it will attempt to recover its development costs by charging for the upgrade. Intura Vision 4.20 remains available for those interested.

Recession Blamed for Company’s Demise

QuickBooks Bundled with Fishbowl Inventory

Fishbowl (Orem, UT) will offer its Fishbowl Inventory software bundled with Intuit’s QuickBooks Enterprise to provide an integrated inventory management system targeted at medium-sized businesses. Fishbowl has long supported QuickBooks, but this will be the first time the company’s customers will be able to get the solution bundled, rather than separately. The solution will go to market directly from Fishbowl as well as from Intuit Solutions Partners who resell Fishbowl.

“Many small businesses eventually grow to mid-size businesses and abandon QuickBooks for a variety of very expensive inventory solutions,” maintained David Williams, Fishbowl CEO. “Providing the complete bundle of these two great technologies for a strong inventory management system allows us to expand aggressively into the medium-sized business category because we can offer the efficiencies these businesses are looking for and give them long-term returns and benefits at a fraction of the cost they expected to pay.”

Fishbowl said it will assist resellers by providing demonstrations, training, and support services. In addition, the company recently announced the launch of its new Customer Service Team, which assigns an account representative to each end-user of Fishbowl Inventory. They navigate support or service issues, handle requests for additional user licenses and hardware, and keep customers aware of software upgrades.

[Editor’s Note:  This Fishbowl, which supplies inventory management solutions, should not be confused with Alexandria, VA-based Fishbowl, which provides marketing services to the hospitality industry, as RRN.Com readers learned in an earlier edition.]

Medium-Sized Businesses Targeted by Two Software Leaders

Code Corner

Precidia Technologies (Ottawa, Canada) released Version 2.11 of its TransNet payment engine software on the POSLynx220 hardware platform. This latest version of the TransNet solution is the most comprehensive to date, according to the developer, with support for multiple POS systems, including Posera Maitre’D and PAR PixelPoint, ECR models from Sharp and TEC, as well as open-source POS systems such as OpenBravo. It also encompasses the developer’s growing list of pre-certified transaction processors, which includes gift and loyalty. In addition, Version 2.11 has received PA-DSS validation from the PCI Council, making it among the first such applications to meet these cardholder data security standards. Finally, Version 2.11 introduces TransNet’s e-commerce capability, which allows businesses to avoid gateway fees and meet security mandates when accepting transactions online. “TransNet is gaining traction in the payment industry, leading to more certifications and support for processors, equipment, and applications,” reported Deepak Wanner, President of Precidia Technologies. “This latest version offers all the features and functionality of previous versions, while including our new e-commerce capability that developers can take advantage of.”

[Editor’s Note:  PAR PixelPoint also announced the addition of Bixolon America (Carson, CA) to its list of certified hardware partners. Bixolon’s SRP-275 impact receipt printer and SRP-350Plus thermal receipt printer were both approved for use with PAR PixelPoint’s restaurant and hospitality POS software.]

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Uniwell Unpacks the AX-3000

Uniwell Corporation (Norcross, GA) will debut its next-generation AX-3000 POS terminal at the upcoming RSPA Show in Las Vegas next month. The unit delivers high-speed RISC-based processing, new cabinet design, and “modern GUI interface never before seen on an EPROM-based machine,” according to the company. Target markets include bars, nightclubs, fine dining, casual and fast food, and catering and retail environments.

The AX-3000’s GUI boasts features such as drag-and-drop programming, pop-up QWERTY keyboard, pull-down menus, check boxes and radio buttons. XML is utilized for the communications protocol, which allows for easier integration to third-party platforms. With FTP communications standard, all firmware upgrades, programming changes, and sales reporting can be achieved over the Internet. Finally, the lack of moving parts--hard disk or fan--means increased reliability.

“At a competitive price with similar PC-based systems, overall cost savings can be realized with lower maintenance and repair,” suggested Lyle Spencer, Director of Operations for Uniwell USA. “With issues such as data integrity, viruses, hard drive failures, and O/S compatibility, there is now a way to break free from the problems plaguing the PC-POS industry.”

Next-Generation AX-3000 from Uniwell Corporation

Luna Shines at Two Technologies

Two Technologies, Inc. (Horsham, PA) unwrapped its Hydrus Luna, an ultra-rugged handheld computer that employs an integrated Xenon Flash System to facilitate barcode and image capture in difficult situations such as poorly lit offices, dark warehouses, and overcast skies. With an IP67/IP68 environmental rating, the new Hydrus Luna also features its 320x240 landscape QVGA display with integral touchscreen, as well as “Super-Sunlight” display readability. Its battery capacity of 37 watt-hours allows the device to function for over 40 hours without recharging, according to the supplier.

A powerful computer with 256-MB SDRAM and up to 32 GB of data storage, the Hydrus Luna runs Microsoft Windows CE .NET 5.0 and Marvell PXA270 processor operating at 624 MHz. It offers wireless communications and networking capabilities via Bluetooth, WLAN, and 802.11 b/g. Both RS-232 and USB ports allow peripherals and accessories to be added, with integrated precision GPS offered as an option. In addition, the Hydrus Luna is PACK Ready, providing expansion space for custom electronics such as RFID, HID RF/IR, proprietary radios, and other data collection modules.

With its rugged casing, extended battery life, and customized keyboard, the Hydrus Luna was designed for demanding applications such as law enforcement, agriculture, inspection, forensics, security, and fleet management. A 55-key alphanumeric keypad with application-specific graphics plus an eight-position joystick allows for individual or combined operations. Its integrated speaker and microphone enable use of the device for voice communications.

Hydrus Luna Carries 5-Megapixel Camera with Xenon Flash System

Key Advertiser Links

Be sure to visit these vendors for the latest in channel products and offers for resellers.

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
M-S Cash Drawer

POS & Peripherals
Aures Technologies
FEC USA
Logic Controls
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil

Cash Drawers
MMF Cash Drawer

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies
Motorola

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

Receipt Printers
Star Micronics

Retail Software
Logivision

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

HELLO GOODBYE

New Edge Networks Picks President

EarthLink has named Cardi Prinzi as President of New Edge Networks (Vancouver, WA), the company’s business communications division. Prinzi joins New Edge from TelePacific Communications, where he served as SVP of Marketing for the full-service business telecommunications company. In addition to his six years with TelePacific, Prinzi brings more than 25 years of industry experience in sales and marketing and operations management in the telecommunications industry.

“New Edge is poised to capitalize on the evolving technologies in the communications industry,” Prinzi commented. “With its extensive nationwide footprint, suite of IP applications and MPLS-based network [Multi-Protocol Label Switching], it is very well positioned. New Edge has the proven track record serving the small-to-medium enterprise market and carrier wholesale market for 10 years. The business model of focusing on multi-location customers with diverse access technology needs gives New Edge fantastic opportunity for growth.”

Earlier this year, New Edge enhanced its portfolio of access technologies with two new offerings: Ethernet and IP Security (IPSec). In addition to DSL, T1, DS3, and wireless, customers may now access the company’s nationwide MPLS private network via an Ethernet connection and over the public Internet with IPSec. Ethernet is an attractive alternative for host or corporate headquarters with large bandwidth requirements, while IPSec is suited for remote locations needing to access the corporate network.

Cardi Prinzi, President, New Edge Networks

Escalate Recruits Business Development Honcho

Escalate Retail (San Diego) has hired retail technology veteran Gene Eubanks as its SVP of Business Development. Eubanks most recently served as VP of Oracle’s Retail Global Business Unit, overseeing the company’s southwest and eastern regions. He also previously held positions with Manugistics as VP of Global Strategic Accounts as well as VP and GM with SAP. Other positions included Principal with Price Waterhouse and President/CEO of Modulant Solutions.

“Gene has a long track record of success in working with premier Tier 1 and specialty retailers, making him an ideal fit for our business development executive position,” noted Stewart Bloom, CEO for Escalate Retail. “Escalate continues to gain momentum with our cross-channel solutions, and I am confident that Gene, along with our high-caliber executive and sales teams, will help Escalate take advantage of new customer opportunities.”

Escalate Retail’s “Buy Anywhere, Fulfill Anywhere Commerce” is powered by the company’s Cross-Channel Suite, which includes Escalate e-Commerce, Relationship Marketing, Clienteling, and Order Management. Eubanks remarked that “the economy and consumer demands for cross-channel shopping experiences are reshaping the landscape for retailers and technology providers alike.” He added that “Escalate has the most compelling business solution for cross-channel commerce of any single provider in the world right now.”

Gene Eubanks, SVP of Business Development, Escalate Retail

Channel Factoid

The U.S. retail sector, led by specialty retailers, grocers, mass merchants, and department stores, now constitutes the largest collective market for U.S. loyalty reward program memberships, outstripping travel-hospitality and financial services, according to the 2009 Colloquy Loyalty Census, which measured activity in 2007 and 2008. Across-the-board retail loyalty program memberships--including multi-tender vehicles, private label, and co-branded credit cards--now number 701 million, representing 39% of the U.S. loyalty market. That compares to 556 million for travel-hospitality (31%) and 422 million for financial services (23%). Here’s the breakdown by retail category:  specialty retail, 191.3 million; grocery, 153.3 million; mass merchants, 124.8 million; department stores, 92.8 million; drug stores, 73.9 million; fuel-convenience, 51.2 million; and restaurant, 13.7 million. Colloquy offered some noteworthy predictions. Grocery, which grew 23% since the 2007 Loyalty Census, will continue to surge as the industry fights back against Wal-Mart. Department store investment in loyalty activities will continue to suffer because most programs remain tied to store credit cards. Lastly, things look bullish in this area for the drug store sector, thanks to consolidation among operators.

PARTNER PROGRAMS

“Are You Retail Ready?” Fujitsu asks ISVs

Fujitsu America (Sunnyvale, CA) has debuted its RetailReady partner program for ISVs. After becoming Fujitsu RetailReady, ISVs can market their solutions as compatible with Fujitsu retail hardware such as the recently announced TeamPoS 3600 POS system. The partnership also exposes the ISV’s brand and solutions to potential Fujitsu clients and offers access to Fujitsu product marketing and technical information via secure partner Web portal. Finally, each RetailReady partner will also receive one Fujitsu POS unit for customer demonstrations.

“ISVs are very important to the continued success of Fujitsu, and as part of our larger channel initiatives, we want to introduce programs that enable ISV growth when partnered with Fujitsu,” explained Bill Buie, SVP, Channel, Alliance, and Partner Sales at Fujitsu America. “Retailers know that these ISVs have successfully qualified their solutions against Fujitsu compatibility checklists, and will therefore have more confidence in purchasing RetailReady solutions. This program will not only broaden the scope of software offerings for our hardware, but it will help boost our RetailReady partners’ sales as well.”

Three ISVs have already joined the Fujitsu RetailReady program:  LS Retail (Reykjavik, Iceland), MATRA Systems (Duluth, GA), and Retail Pro (La Jolla, CA). Spokesmen for the three developers all praised the TeamPoS 3600 family, which was expressly designed to provide retailers with an optimal price-performance fit. Retailers may pick and choose from among its wide range of Intel processor and memory options, for instance, as well as from various input/output modules.

Fujitsu’s TeamPoS 3600