Our Product Pick

Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ) has unveiled Acrobat All-in-One with Android and Acrobat All-in-One J1900. Acrobat Android has Freescale iMX6Q Quad Core CPU at 1 GHz. Features include fanless and ventless design, 14" widescreen LED LCD, true-flat resistive touchscreen, fully adjustable die-cast foldable base, and multiple I/O. As options, it offers 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN, magnetic-stripe reader, barcode scanner, and customer displays. Android J1900 (Intel Celeron Quad Core CPU at 2 GHz) joins Acrobat D2550 (Intel Atom Dual Core CPU at 1.8 GHz). "We are thrilled to extend our product offering of Android POS Terminals, which complements our DT07 Android Mobile POS," relayed Craig Paritz, President of Touch Dynamic.

Touch Dynamic's Acrobat

COMPANY BUSINESS

All "I's" on Payments

Intel, Ingenico, and the Internet of Things (IoT) came together at last week's Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) Show. A jointly developed mobile tablet, with Atom CPU, will support Intel's next-generation "Data Protection Technology for Transactions" along with Ingenico's payment platform in the U.S. and Canada. In concert with the evolution of IoT, this collaboration will pave the way for additional efforts between the companies in intelligent vending machines, kiosks, and digital signage.

"We are very pleased to enter a collaboration with Intel, deploying secured payment acceptance into new connected devices," commented Philippe Lazare, Chairman and CEO of the Ingenico Group (Paris). "This is a great example of how innovation can simplify the purchasing experience and further enhance the merchant-consumer relationship. Bringing secure payment into connected devices will root our payment acceptance expertise in the Internet of Things."

"The shift in liability this October [to EMV] will be a major milestone in the United States for banks and credit card companies, but especially for retailers," indicated Doug Davis, SVP and GM, Internet of Things Group, Intel (San Francisco, CA). "Intel and Ingenico Group are working to bridge the retail experience and security gap while also making sure devices are easy to deploy and manage so we don't create new burdens for the merchants." Announced in October 2014, Intel's Data Protection Technology for Transactions, which may be characterized as "secure silicon," was developed in concert with NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA).

Doug Davis, SVP and GM of Intel's Internet of Things Group, Welcomes Philippe Lazare, Chairman and CEO of Ingenico Group, at Transact 15 in San Francisco)

Datacap Orbits Mercury

Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA) and Mercury/Vantiv (Durango, CO) have partnered to further payments for the SMB. Under this agreement, Mercury/Vantiv will offer Datacap's PaymentsDrawer (and associated peripherals for POS) for its payment processing customers. For VARs and ISVs, this empowers the delivery of "Solution-as-a-Service," according to the two parties. In conjunction, Mercury/Vantiv also will offer IPTran LT Mobile from Datacap.

Introduced in 2014, PaymentsDrawer sources APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis, MN). As one hub, it greatly eases integration of peripherals (i.e., receipt printers, pole displays, scanners, card readers, and weigh scales). Since it drives the peripherals directly, the POS application does not come into contact with cardholder data (so-called "payment unaware") and is therefore removed from the scope of PA-DSS. As another benefit, PaymentsDrawer has the ability to remotely activate, or more importantly, de-activate the POS hardware in the event of contract termination or non-payment.

"ISVs that write to one of Datacap's 'out-of-scope' interfaces can purchase the PaymentsDrawer directly from Datacap, or if their merchant is processing through Mercury, the ISV can obtain the PaymentsDrawer at no cost," Justin Zeigler, Director of Marketing at Datacap Systems, told RRN.Com. "Essentially, Mercury 'rents' the PaymentsDrawer and POS peripherals to the merchant through the ISV. This is ideal for ISVs as it allows them to offer a POS hardware bundle as a 'Solution-as-a-Service' without the risk of losing the hardware investment. Also, because the PaymentsDrawer drives the hardware directly, updates-- such as EMV PIN Pads and Apps--are significantly simplified. "

Mercury/Vantiv Offers Datacap's PaymentsDrawer

Worth Your While

Retail Realm Technology Conference
"Microsoft for the Retail Sector"
April 25-27
Las Vegas

WERC
Warehousing Education Research Council
May 3-6
Orlando

NRA Show 2015
National Restaurant Association
May 16-19
Chicago

RetailNOW 2015
Retail Solutions Providers Association
August 2-5
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Beyond the Galaxy, N5Print

Two Technologies (Horsham, PA) has fashioned its new integrated device for mobility, dubbed N5Print. It incorporates the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (and SIM), employing native communications and user features, and adds capabilities for credit-card reading, data collection, and thermal printing. Measuring 4.7 in. (W) x 10.8 in. (H) x 2.6 in. (D), and weighing 27 oz. with full paper roll, N5Print holds an IP-65 rating for water and dust and MIL-STD-810G for shock and vibration.

As a major highlight, Two Technologies cited full three-inch print width. A one- and two-dimensional barcode scanner, smart card reader, front and rear cameras, and NFC/RFID have been furnished. For payments, N5Print has three-channel, bi-directional, magnetic-stripe reader with 3DES or AES. Information may be stored on 16-GB RAM or 64-GB Micro-SD.

Two Technologies Rolls Out N5Print

She's Like A Rainbow

MAXStick Products Ltd. (Lancaster, PA) has presented "Spectrum Packaging" for its color, liner-free, removable adhesive labels. This approach provides all seven colors--pink, orange, canary, green, blue, violet, and white--together in one carton. "A new level of customization and flexibility for customers to market their products and increase their brand identity without having to buy seven colors individually," said MAXStick.

Initial release of MAXStick Spectrum Packaging is targeted at libraries that use the removable labels as hold/reservation notices. Additional applications include daily color coding, transfer labels, shelf labeling, new media processing, and categorization/classification labeling. Recyclable, silicone-free, and BPA-free, MAXStick is environmentally friendly, confirms parent company MAX International Converters.

MAXStick Spectrum will be shipped in 28-roll cartons of Side-Edge Adhesive, packed with four rolls of each color. Additional product offerings under the Spectrum Packaging methodology are planned for release throughout 2015. In terms of partners, MAXStick works with many major thermal printer product lines.

MAXStick Spectrum Packaging for Labels

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ALLIANCES

A Phoenix Flies at BlueStar

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) will offer data security technology from Phoenix Managed Networks (Reston, VA). Under this agreement, BlueStar will bring to market for its partners PhoeniXSentry, an end-to-end cloud-based network security and management service. Suitable for credit and debit information, as well as healthcare, PhoeniXSentry delivers PCI-DSS Level 1. It also automatically populates PCI-DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ).

"As PCI Data Security Standards become increasingly stringent, VARs want to protect their customers from fraudulent activities. By partnering with Phoenix Managed Networks, BlueStar can offer its VARs secure end-to-end point-of-sale systems," maintained Mark Fraker, VP of Marketing for BlueStar, one of the "big three" distributors of POS & Auto ID. "With PhoeniXSentry, VARs can sell with confidence knowing their customers' data won't be breached."

"We are excited about the opportunity to partner with BlueStar and bring PhoeniXSentry to its portfolio of technology solutions," affirmed Trevor Fall, EVP of Global Sales for Phoenix Managed Networks. "As compliance becomes increasingly important to businesses, BlueStar will be able to fill that need for its value-added partners with an affordable security management offering that is easy to implement and ensures continuous PCI compliance." PhoeniXSentry is delivered via subscription service.

Mark Fraker, VP of Marketing, BlueStar

E-Nabling EMV

A prominent ISV, e-Nabler Corporation, developer of eMobilePOS, has enlisted Handpoint, Inc. as its partner in Mobile POS. New to the U.S., Handheld delivers payment services and card readers, with experience in EMV and NFC. As part of this agreement, eMobilePOS has integrated and certified three Chip-and-PIN devices--the Handpoint HiLite, HiBrid, and HiPro--for use with smartphones and tablets.

"The EMV liability shift is causing U.S. merchants to reconsider their POS needs," contributed Jody Muehlegger, Head of U.S. Operations at Handpoint (Palo Alto, CA). "New tablet-based POS systems are making the switch affordable and attractive for merchants of all sizes. Our partnership with eMobilePOS provides small-to-midsized merchants access to next-generation handheld and tablet-based POS systems with enterprise-class functionality and integrated EMV payments--at a fraction of the cost of a legacy solution."

"Handpoint complements the eMobilePOS offering by providing secure, EMV-certified payments to eMobilePOS users across multiple industries," enthused Joel Vazquez, CEO/President of eMobilePOS (Fort Lauderdale, FL), which supports iOS and Android. "With this partnership we continue to deliver on our promise of providing more options and up-to-date systems to our clients." The eMobilePOS and Handpoint solution will be made available through main distribution channels, according to the two parties.

A New Partnership for Mobile POS

Code Corner

Scandit (San Francisco, CA) has released its new mobile app suite for the logistics and transport industries. Available separately or bundled together, each of these software modules--Pick-Up and Delivery, Shipping and Receiving, Asset Management, and Check-in and Boarding--offers customization and cross-platform capability--thereby allowing businesses to transform smartphones and tablets into enterprise-grade scanning devices. An integrated Software Development Kit (SDK) and App Templates are included. In concert, Scandit has launched its cloud-based barcode back-end service. "Our new mobile app suite for logistics and transport helps these businesses lower costs, increase efficiencies, and boost worker productivity by enabling them to use existing mobile devices in new and powerful ways," reported Samuel Mueller, CEO of Scandit.

Channel Correction

In last week's RRN.Com, we incorrectly identified the distributors who will be stocking new thermal labels for Star Micronics' SM-T4001 Portable Printer. They are: BlueStar (Hebron, KY), M-S Cash Drawer (Pasadena, CA), and Ingram Micro Data Capture/POS (Carlsbad, CA). -The Editor

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Harbortouch: Hear the Echo

Harbortouch (Allentown, PA) has opened shop for its Echo POS. Since its unveiling in October 2014, more than 250 merchants have beta-tested the Echo system, according to the vendor, with subsequent feedback and improvement. It will be offered as part of the "Free POS" program, which charges no up-front cost and has base monthly service charge of $39.

Echo features sleek format, brushed aluminum finish, screen size of 13", and swivel base for the customer. As support, the vendor has module-based software that allows businesses to hide features they don't need in order to maintain an uncluttered look. It also provides cloud benefits, such as real-time reporting and redundant back-up, as well as free training and around-the-clock customer support, and notably, free equipment replacements.

"In recent years, tablet-based mobile POS systems have generated a lot of attention," noted Jared Isaacman, CEO of Harbortouch. "But now, we are starting to see a backlash against these tablet systems as merchants realize their limitations. Harbortouch Echo gives business owners the design they want with the capabilities they need to succeed in today's world."

Echo POS, "A Tablet Killer," From Harbortouch

Silver Lining for Verifone

Verifone (San Francisco, CA) has recast GoPago as Verifone POS Cloud. Sold through the company's network of partners, this platform supports smartphones and tablets running Android. It targets small-to-midsized merchants in foodservice, sports and entertainment, and retail. A full bundle of hardware--tablet, credit-card reader, receipt printer, cash drawer, and scanner--has been assembled for the front counter. A mobile app will allow consumers to order via their smartphone.

"This scalable cloud POS offering, as well as the new suite of mobile products we announced earlier this year, will address merchants' requests for mobile terminals that are more flexible, future-proof, and operate at a lower cost of ownership," declared Vin D'Agostino, EVP of Commerce Enablement for Verifone. "Both developments are initial steps in a series of end-to-end mobile solutions that will package hardware, software, gateways, and other assets to fully address our clients' and partners' needs and enable them to add more value for consumers at the point-of-sale." An open architecture, reporting capacity, remote management, and value-added services were cited as further benefits.

In more news for partners, Verifone also has channelized its Payment-as-a-Service, Verifone Point, for SMBs in the U.S. "With more than sixty developments with large retailers and POS solution providers and integrators in the U.S. alone, our Payment-as-a-Service offering has quickly established a new model for reducing payment complexity, speeding innovation, and allowing merchants to focus on growing their core business," suggested Vince Roland, SVP for Payment-as-a-Service for Verifone. It bundles hardware, software, gateway, and support.

Launch of Verifone POS Cloud

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Bematech
Elo Touch Solutions
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
PowaPOS
TEAMSable

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
SATO America

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover
Mercury/Vantiv

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp
PrehKeyTec

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

From Retail Pro, to 24Seven, to E-Commerce

Retail Pro International (Folsom, CA) has engaged 24Seven Commerce (San Jose, CA) to bring e-commerce to its customers in specialty retail. A unified platform yields management of in-store and online operations, including ties between Retail Pro, eBay, and Amazon. With modules such as 24Seven Cart, Link, and Channel, 24Seven also supports Tally Soft, Microsoft Dynamics RMS, VRP, and Yellow Dog POS Software..

"24Seven serves an important role in providing an accessible omni-channel solution that is affordable for even the smallest enterprises," reflected Kerry Lemos, CEO of Retail Pro International. "Our partnership enables our customers to build and launch an integrated online/offline operation at the minimum investment possible. With 24Seven, Retail Pro customers have access to turn-key integrated e-commerce applications that extend and enhance the capabilities of their physical stores."

24Seven Links POS to eBay and Amazon

That Old ThingMagic

Trimble (Woburn, MA) has debuted the latest embedded UHF RFID module in its ThingMagic Mercury 6e series--the ThingMagic Nano. It extends low cost and low power consumption, as well as small form factor (about the size of an average postage stamp, with surface-mount technology), according to the vendor. It joins the M6e, Micro, and Micro-LTE for use in EPC Global Gen 2 (ISO 18000-6C)

"One advantage of using the M6e series of modules in an RFID solution is that the Application Programming Interface (API) works across all of the modules and our finished readers," emphasized David Emma, VP of Sales, Marketing, and Engineering at ThingMagic. "This means that a customer can design different types of readers for different uses within the same RFID solution. Customers can build a handheld device, a fixed reader, or other RFID device using different modules to suit their needs without having to re-write the software for each individual reader."

Trimble's ThingMagic Nano has power output for read/write levels from 0 dBm to 27 dBm. It reads up to 10 ft./3 m at maximum rate of 200 tags/second. In addition to its API, Trimble ThingMagic supplies its Universal Reader Utility for common tasks such as selecting application-specific performance settings, as well as its Mercury xPRESS Sensor Hub for developers. ThingMagic Nano is scheduled for widespread distribution in Q2 2015.

Trimble's ThingMagic Nano RFID Module

Channel Factoid

A contrasting note on the death of the physical store: occupancy rates for shopping centers in the U.S. hit 92.7% at the end of Q4 2014, the highest level since Q2 2008, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). For the mall segment (combined super-regional and regional malls), occupancy rates were 94.2% at the end of 2014, the highest level since Q4 1987. In addition, shopping center base rents rose 6.5% year-over-year in 2014, the third consecutive annual gain, and strongest level since 2008. For the mall segment, base rents rose 17.2% in 2014, marking the strongest annual gain since ICSC began tracking this statistic in 2000. Similarly, net operating income at both shopping centers overall and the mall segment saw historic growth rates. At malls, for example, it rose 17.5% in Q4 2014, the fifth consecutive quarter with double-digit gain. Overall, mall sales productivity reached an annualized $475 per square foot; in 2009, by comparison, it was $383. As tracked by the U.S. Census Bureau, the value of shopping center construction, including work done on both new and existing structures, reached $14.5 billion in 2014, again, the highest since 2008, and an 18.6% increase over 2013. "This data paints a very strong picture of the shopping center industry for the year ahead, and is especially promising in the mall segment," observed Jesse Tron, ICSC Spokesperson.

HELLO GOODBYE

Torch Passes at Printronix

Printronix (Irvine, CA) has chosen its new CEO, Werner Heid. As background, Heid previously served as SVP for Global Sales and Marketing at Logitech, CEO of Iomega, and President of Proxima. Additional experience includes twelve years at Hewlett-Packard, where he ran HP's European Laser Jet and Printing Supplies Division, as well as helping to introduce HP's "All-in-One" OfficeJet.

Heid succeeds Randy Eisenbach, who retired as CEO. "After an extensive search, we found a proven leader with deep printing industry expertise and strong experience as CEO," commented Dan Allen, Chairman of Printronix's Board of Directors. "We want to thank Randy for his many accomplishments and contributions. He has guided Printronix to a solid foundation for future success."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Printronix, a company with a rich heritage of delivering innovative solutions to enterprise customers globally," remarked Heid. "We truly have great customers and partners and I look forward to expanding on the foundation of developing solutions that enable the accurate movement of goods along our industrial customers' supply chains and bring substantial growth to the company." In our area, Printronix supplies thermal barcode printers, consumables, and accessories such as the PrintCart.

Werner Heid, CEO, Printronix

Creighton in Control

Control Solutions (Gig Harbor, WA), which has Compsee and POSDATA, has named Jeffrey Creighton as CEO/President. Creighton joined Control Solutions in April 2014, serving as EVP and GM of Operations. As experience, he was CEO/President of ACS for twenty years, followed by VP of Computer Support Services, Inc. (CSSI) for six years.

"Having worked closely over the past year with the company's management and front-line employees, I am honored to have the opportunity to now lead the Control Solutions team," shared Creighton. "My focus will be to compete aggressively in the marketplace, while continuing to build the company's service capabilities and brand recognition." As many readers will recognize, Compsee integrates Auto ID, while POSDATA distributes payment solutions.

His promotion follows the retirement of Richard Mahmarian, CEO/President of Control Solutions since 2003, when he led an acquiring investment team. "I am proud of the company's growth in our targeted markets," mused Mahmarian. "I have enjoyed working with the dedicated team members at Control Solutions, and look forward to continuing to serve the company on the Board of Directors."

Jeffrey Creighton, CEO/President, Control Solutions