This Week’s Product Pick

Datalogic Scanning (Eugene, OR) shipped its new Gryphon I GM4100 Base Station, which helps detect counterfeit money and verify ID documentation. This innovative feature suits both the 433-MHz and 910-MHz models of the Gryphon I GM4100 handheld barcode reader and enables customers to avoid the extra expense and additional counter space needed for freestanding UV detection equipment. Datalogic has integrated eight state-of-the-art UV LEDs into the base station. These lights allow end-users to check for embedded markings found on money and documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, and national ID cards. Event tickets and traveler’s checks may also be authenticated. The operator simply holds the item being verified under the LED lights to check for the presence of the markings, using whatever duration of fluorescent emission deemed to be necessary. “Datalogic Scanning is excited to bring this enhancement to our Gryphon I GM4100 Base Station to the marketplace,” shared Pietro Todescato, GM, Handheld Scanning Business Unit. “We are always looking for ways to improve the ROI for our customers that choose our products. We think this great new feature does that.” For more information, click here.

Datalogic Scanning’s Base Station Now Fights Counterfeiting

Worth Your While

Self-Service Expo & Digital Signage Show
KioskCom
April 14-15
Las Vegas

NACStech
Association for Convenience and Petroleum Retailing
May 5-7
New Orleans

FMI Show
Food Marketing Institute
May 10-13
Las Vegas

WERC Annual Conference
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 16-19
Anaheim, CA

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 22-25
Chicago

POS Partner Invitational
Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS Division
May 26-28
Chicago

U Connect Supply Chain Conference
GS1 US & VICS
June 7-10
San Antonio, TX

COMPANY BUSINESS

FEC Enters Garden of Eden

FEC USA (Fremont, CA) has upgraded its MP-3525 POS terminal with VIA Eden 1.6-GHz CPU, and will promote the new product with special pricing of $799 until April 30, 2010. The package includes the POS terminal plus Microsoft WEPOS or POS Ready O/S, RRN.Com has learned from Scott Johnston, VP of Sales at FEC. It is open to any interested reseller and there is no quantity limit. FEC distributes through BlueStar (Hebron, KY) and Metropolitan Sales (Lynbrook, NY).

“This attractive All-In-One delivers powerful performance and an entry price to close customers in today’s tight economy,” Johnston stated. In addition to VIA Eden 1.6-GHz CPU, the MP-3525 features 1-GB RAM, 80-GB SATA HDD, 15-inch resistive touchscreen, two or three-track MSR reader, and the full complement of ports (3 Serial, 1 Parallel, 5 USB, and Cash Drawer). It also supports customer-facing, secondary 15-inch display as an option. Later in the year, “FEC will be offering plastic-housing terminals in low, mid, and high end, as well as our standard die-cast aluminum design in low, mid, and high end to meet both ranges of the customer spectrum,” Johnston added.

Also, FEC terminals recently garnered certification from Menusoft (Springfield, VA), makers of Digital Dining. As many RRN.Com readers know, Digital Dining supplies integrated restaurant management systems for all segments of the hospitality market and foodservice industries. The company has long been one of the strong channel players in POS, selling exclusively through dealers.

For more information on the MP-3525, click here.

MP-3525 All-In-One from FEC USA Carries VIA Eden 1.6-GHz CPU and Special Pricing

Atomic Blast at Pioneer POS

Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA) has upgraded its Stealth-M5 touch computer with Intel Atom processing capabilities, from 1.6-GHz Dual Core to 2.5-GHz Core 2 Duo. The new terminals allow Pioneer POS to address the entire gamut of end-user requirements from the same platform, RRN.Com was told by Michael Flores, Director of Business Development. At 1.6 GHz, the M5 can be set up to run diskless and fanless, with significant reductions in cost and energy consumption. At 2.5 GHz, the M5 addresses more demanding requirements for memory and storage. Pioneer’s M5 features small footprint, choice of 15-inch touchscreen technologies, and multiple USB, Serial, and Parallel ports. The company offers free 30-day evaluation for VARs, Flores noted, and will incorporate Atom processing across its entire Stealth family.

All in all, busy times for Pioneer POS. The company recently announced strategic alliances with two interesting ISVs, iOffice (Houston) and The Next Up (Anaheim, CA). The former addresses facilities management, campus mail rooms, in this case, and will standardize hardware on the Pioneer StealthKiosk. The latter specializes in sales automation for auto dealerships, with the Pioneer Stealth-M5 as its specified hardware.

In addition, Pioneer POS has enlisted the services of three new channel sales representatives: Adam Case, Heather Hobson, and Melanie Garza. “Our Value-Added Reseller and software development partners are the key building blocks that define the success of our organization,” indicated Gee Singgih, VP of Pioneer POS, Inc. “Therefore, it is vital that we continue to offer excellent sales and service support to our channel partners. I am confident these new additions will make our team stronger.”

For more information on the Stealth-M5, click here.

Michael Flores, Director of Business Development, Pioneer POS

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

RFID on the Rocks

Clear View Technologies (San Jose, CA) introduced The BarMaster, its alcoholic beverage management, inventory control, and loss prevention system based on RFID technology. From top shelf, to stock room, to POS, in the lingo of purveyors. The BarMaster pays for itself many times over by immediately reducing shrinkage due to theft, sales fraud, and improper free-pour behavior, according to its developer.

The solution encompasses four key elements. Its patented speed rail sensory system with hidden RFID and weighing technology identifies brand and bottle location, measures changes in bottle weight to as little as 1/20th of an ounce, and can be installed into any station configuration, whether standard or custom, according to the company. Supporting RFID hardware includes mini-labels for every bottle, readers, and remote sensors. SaaS-based software ties together pour activity, POS transactions, and event-based video monitoring for establishment, station, server, and transaction. This software also carries comprehensive drink recipes database and modular, prebuilt management reports. Finally, Mini-PC and Server connects all devices, sensors, and stations, and may be used to access CheckMyBar.com, the web-based remote management dashboard.

“We have worked very hard to develop this system that rewards exceptional bartenders for their mixology and hospitality talents, and at the same time, provides bar owners with the business management system they require to run profitable operations,” said John Zevgolis, VP of Marketing and Sales for Clear View Technologies. “The BarMaster combines best practices with the best technology to achieve perfect balance that we think will satisfy both sides of the house.”

Free Pours Don’t Get Past The BarMaster From Clear View Technologies

POS Fingered by SecuGen

SecuGen Corporation (Santa Clara, CA) presented its iD-SERIAL fingerprint reader for POS applications. This new device contains the company’s popular optical sensor with scratch-resistant platen and comes housed in desk-mountable casing with an RS-232 cable and power supply. A complete biometric system, it captures, enrolls, matches, and stores fingerprints with state-of-the-art capability, according to its manufacturer. “Our focus has always been on providing our partners with the rugged, very accurate, and affordable tools they need to thrive in the competitive landscape of today’s biometric industry,” offered Won Lee, CEO of SecuGen, which sells through its worldwide partner network of OEMs, ISVs, and System Integrators.

The iD-SERIAL can store up to 3,000 fingerprints within the device, or it can be integrated with an external database to match and store an unlimited number of fingerprints. “Smart Capture” functionality logs high-quality scans in traditionally difficult situations, while “Auto-On” makes operation easy and convenient for end-users. SecuGen will debut additional models in its iD family in the upcoming months.

“The development of the iD-SERIAL is the result of listening carefully to our customers and responding to their needs,” related Dan Riley, VP of Engineering at SecuGen. “In particular we have seen numerous requirements for fingerprint readers to use in Point of Sale with terminals such as the VeriFone Omni 3750. Our engineers have worked hard to design this product, which we believe very ably fills this requirement.”

SecuGen’s iD-SERIAL Biometric Reader

Code Corner

SeePoint, Inc. (Redondo Beach, CA) introduced Remote Management Service (RMS) for centralizing the control of entire kiosk systems. RMS manages all aspects of kiosk deployment, according to the developer, allowing for configuration, content update, and remote monitoring of widely dispersed machines on the network. To avoid critical downtime, the service provides redundant connection to the Internet, virus and spam monitoring, and back-up power if needed. To gauge the health of the system, SeePoint offers “heartbeat monitoring,” which continuously logs over 30 different performance parameters, inspects the status of peripheral devices such as card readers, scanners, and even the paper supplies of onboard printers. Further, SeePoint troubleshoots any problems that may arise, and, if necessary, dispatches the repair technician immediately. “Remote Management Service completely takes the pressure off the client who does not have the time or manpower to check on and update all of their systems, and it gives them instant analysis of kiosk user statistics, page views, survey results, and Point of Sale transactions,” related Jeff Goldstein, VP of Sales at SeePoint.

Jesta I.S. Inc. (Verdun, QC, Canada) has extended its Vision Suite to include multi-channel retail operations with Vision E-DOM (Electronic Distribution Order Management), thereby allowing companies to integrate their brick-and-mortar merchandising, online activities, inventory management, and corporate policies. Vision E-DOM allows product fulfillment from any designated location, virtual or storefront, according to its developer. Moreover, the solution supplies real-time information to managers across the enterprise, allowing them to make better decisions in areas of cost reduction, demand generation, and corporate branding. “In order to compete, the ‘21st Century Retailer’ must have an integrated retail software solution that provides insight into customer data across multiple sales channels, uncovers new revenue and growth opportunities, improves customer relationships, and increases profitability,” suggested Leslie Belcher, President of Jesta I.S. “However, many retailers today face lingering technical shortfalls. Our Vision Suite with E-DOM is the foundation to successfully face this challenge.”

ALLIANCES

BlueStar Bundles Up for Latin America

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) will distribute the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) in Latin America. This partnership will focus on creating unique POS bundled solutions for retail resellers in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico, according to the two parties. Albert Baranera, former head of Impuls ID Distribution (Sabadell, Spain), which BlueStar purchased in January, now serves as President of BlueStar Latin America.

“BlueStar is pleased to partner with Microsoft to provide our customers with this complete POS solution that adapts to their unique and changing needs,” stated Jason Firment, Microsoft Business Development Manager at BlueStar. “This relationship will significantly strengthen our POS offerings and bundled solutions in Latin America as we use our current reseller base to drive growth.”

“We’re happy to see BlueStar expand its presence in our region,” shared Daniel Pena, Regional Director of Microsoft Business Solutions. “At Microsoft, we are very optimistic about the growth opportunities for our vertical solutions, including retail. We are positive that Dynamics RMS represents a great opportunity to bring continued innovation to Latin America.”

Microsoft Dynamics RMS, as RRN.Com readers know by now, represents the software giant’s SMB POS solution. It provides centralized control for multi-store retailers and integrates with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Dynamics GP, and other popular applications. BlueStar has handled the POS package in the U.S. for several years, with much success.

Taking Microsoft RMS South of the Border

ScanSource Security’s Sneaky Stuff

Dishonest employees and shoplifters beware! ScanSource Security (Greenville, SC) has signed to distribute the family of covert IP camera solutions from CameraVision. The Swedish manufacturer’s enclosures allow existing cameras to be positioned inconspicuously and at better angles for watching over business environments, including retail. Configurations even place cameras into electrical boxes and smoke detectors, allowing for undetected, unobstructed oversight. CameraVision has pioneered this type of architecture for network cameras.   

“CameraVision offers a great solution for our reseller partners who are looking to provide enhanced security options and reinforces our commitment to the retail segment,” commented Paul Constantine, VP of Merchandising, ScanSource Security. “What’s more, their solutions integrate well with our Axis Communications network camera technology, enabling our customers to add on to their current security offering.”

“A strategic collaboration is important when entering a new market,” added Asa Ericsson, the female CEO of CameraVision. “We are happy to have ScanSource Security as our distributor and are excited to add value to the American surveillance/CCTV scene together with them. CameraVision’s experience in the European CCTV market, together with ScanSource Security’s knowledge and great service to the American market, matches up well.”

SmartWall from CameraVision Hides Behind the Vertical Red Stripe in Corner

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar

POS & Peripherals
FEC USA
Logic Controls
Posiflex Business Machines
POS-X

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF Cash Drawer

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Datalogic Scanning
Honeywell Scanning & Mobility
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Self-Service Kiosks
Zebra/Motorola

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

CERTIFICATION

Other Voices, Other Rooms

Vocollect, Inc. (Pittsburgh) announced that its VoiceDirect ERP 1.0 solution has been certified by SAP for use with SAP Warehouse Manager (SAP WM) and Extended Warehouse Manager (SAP EWM). Vocollect now offers both direct integration as well as middleware-based voice-driven support of SAP, targeting customers and resellers involved with distribution centers and warehouses. Integrators savvy with SAP solutions now can leverage their existing proficiency in ABAP programming language, HTML, and XML to better meet customer workflow needs, according to the two parties.

“Our collaboration with a variety of highly proficient system integrators and customers has been extremely helpful in developing this voice-centric workflow solution in support of SAP applications,” reported Thomas Murray, VP of Product Management and Marketing for Vocollect. “With SAP certification, customers around the globe can more easily tap the vast potential of workflow productivity and accuracy improvements that voice provides, working with integrators or one of Vocollect’s other world-class, supply-chain partners.”

Elsewhere, Genesta’s SyVox Client has been loaded onto LXE’s HX3 voice-directed wearable computer. SyVox employs multiple modalities, including natural speech, barcode scanning, and keyboard entry, to exchange information between an enterprise system--WMS or ERP--and mobile workers. “The HX3 four-pin audio connector means less noise and improved recognition over competitors’ three-pin models,” maintained Bill Roeder, VP of Marketing and Business Development for LXE (Norcross, GA). “The HX3 is also easily paired with our Bluetooth Ring Scanner, creating multi-model versatility that fits perfectly with a software solution like SyVox Client.” SyVox was already available on LXE’s HX2 wearable and MX7 handheld computers.

Vocollect’s SRX Wireless Headset Tops Intermec’s CK3 Mobile Computer

Tokenization in the Real World

First Data Corporation (Atlanta) will flex its considerable muscle to push its TransArmor secure payment solution, which marries asymmetric encryption, tokenization, and key management to provide end-to-end protection of cardholder data. Over the next four months, the processor will expand its current pilot program to 400 merchants in the U.S., to be followed by launch of the product in the summer. If successful, such widespread deployment of tokenization/encryption will be groundbreaking for both payment processing providers and end-users, according to industry experts.

The TransArmor solution (previously called First Data Secure Transaction Management) was developed in close partnership with EMC Corporation and leverages RSA SafeProxy architecture. It addresses the root cause of merchant data security by removing payment card data from the store environment as part of processing the transaction, significantly reducing risk and the scope of PCI compliance efforts. Unique features of the token make it possible for merchants to continue to handle pivotal business functions such as returns, recurring billing, loyalty programs, and reporting and analysis. Further, the scheme can be implemented by computer download without the need for new hardware or back-end IT systems.

“Response from merchants interested in participating in this trial has been enormous and testament to the sought-after service TransArmor delivers,” observed Craig Tieken, VP of Merchant Product Management at First Data. “Up until now, there have been few easy and cost-effective solutions to the growing risk of handling sensitive cardholder data. TransArmor represents fundamental change in how merchants can confidently protect and manage such data.”

Ohio’s Center of Science & Industry Premiered TransArmor from First Data

Channel Factoid

Customer Relationship Management remains high on the business agenda for CIOs, placing No. 5 on their list of priorities for this year, according to Gartner, Inc. Inside the crystal ball of Gartner’s 2010 CIO Agenda, you’ll find four major predictions:

-By the end of 2010, Facebook will be the No. 1 social network in all but 25 countries, but it will not be No. 1 in Brazil, Russia, India, China, or Japan.

-Through 2010, marketing budgets will remain flat for more than 90% of companies, despite an anticipated return to growth.

-By the end of 2010, more than 80% of market growth in social applications will center on the business case for improving external customer relationships, rather than improving internal collaboration.

-By the end of 2011, more than 90% of Fortune 1000 marketing campaigns will include online activities, up from 50% in 2009.

“For most organizations, the single most logical way to differentiate the business is through great customer experiences, rather than having the lowest cost or most innovative products and services,” said Ed Thompson, VP and Distinguished Analyst at Gartner.

HELLO GOODBYE

Fast Times at TSYS

TSYS (Columbus, GA) has named Mark Pyke as President of TSYS Acquiring Solutions. Pyke previously served as President of Bank of America Merchant Services, the third-largest merchant acquirer in the U.S. in terms of dollar volume, as well as COO and EVP for the National Processing Company. In his new role at TSYS, he will report to M. Troy Woods, CEO/President.

Pyke joins TSYS on the heels of an announcement that the company has invested in First National Merchant Solutions, thereby partnering with First National Bank of Omaha. Under terms of the agreement, TSYS will take 51% ownership of FNMS for $150.5 million, while FNBO will control the remaining 49%. Ranked as the tenth-largest merchant acquirer in North America, FNMS had net revenue of $93 million in 2009, with more than 300,000 merchant outlets. The transaction is expected to close on April 1, 2010.

“After years of providing acquiring solutions to our clients, this joint venture positions TSYS as a full-service merchant acquirer for the first time in our company’s history,” reported Philip Tomlinson, Chairman of the Board and CEO of TSYS. “We felt that FNMS presented the right opportunity for TSYS to broaden its participation in the payments industry.” TSYS, incidentally, stands for Total System Services.

Philip Tomlinson, Chairman and CEO, TSYS

Dynamic Designates RFID Business Manager

Dynamic Computer Corporation (Farmington Hills, MI) has hired Ken Cheslik as Executive Business Manager for its RFID business. Cheslik joins the system integrator with more than 25 years of relevant industry experience. Most recently, he owned MKM International, which consulted in the area of manufacturing for automotive suppliers. Prior positions have included Contract Director of New Business Development, North America, for Nobel International and Executive Business Manager for Collins & Aikman Automotive Company.

“We are looking forward to Ken’s leadership in continuing the growth of the Dynamic RFID business across all industries, including healthcare,” said Farida Ali, President of Dynamic Computer. “Ken’s automotive and alternative-energy experience has provided him with an exciting and diverse skill-set that aligns with our goals to penetrate new vertical industries. As Dynamic continues to grow its RFID business, his ability to adapt to each market will be invaluable.”

Ken Cheslik, Executive Business Manager, RFID, for Dynamic Computer