This Week’s Product Pick

Fujitsu Component America (Sunnyvale, CA) shipped its “smallest and most cost-effective” receipt printer, the FP-1000. Measuring approximately 5.7 in. (W) x 7.2 in. (D) x 4.7 in. (H), this new device prints small text, specialized fonts, graphics, and one- and two-dimensional barcodes with 203-dpi resolution at 180 mm/second print speed. Its three-inch thermal printer mechanism carries lifetime of 60 million lines, with integrated paper feed and built-in paper guide that supports selectable paper widths (58-mm and 80-mm) and paper rolls up to 83-mm in diameter. Additional features include an integrated cutter, buzzer, cash drawer kick-out, and drop-in paper loading. It supports Linux SUSE 9.3, Windows, WePO (Web Print Object), and ESC/POS emulation, as well as RS-232C Serial, USB 2.0, and Ethernet interfaces. For mounting flexibility on tabletop or wall, receipts can feed out from either the top or the front. Built-in power supply and splash-proof cover are offered as options. The FP-1000 series gets priced at $179 at 1,000 pieces, according to Fujitsu.

Fujitsu FP-1000

COMPANY BUSINESS

ISVs Ascend at Seiko

Seiko Instruments USA, Thermal Printer Division (Torrance, CA), has launched its Ascend ISV Partner Program for Independent Software Vendors. Targeting POS, mobile printing, and kiosk applications, this new effort seeks to offer ISVs the full complement of benefits: direct access to factory-trained technical personnel; free evaluation units; drivers, Software Development Kits (SDKs), and utility tools; technical documentation, test reports, and sample code; and marketing and sales support. Michael Valdez, Technical Support Manager for Seiko Instruments, will coordinate testing and qualification efforts, RRN.Com was told, with senior marketing and sales management also chartered with supporting the program.

“Our Ascend ISV Partner Program is an integral component to solidifying our strategy,” stated Kaz Onishi, VP, Seiko Instruments USA. “Our printers are designed for performance, reliability, ease-of-use, and simplified integration, and our support team is responsive and technically astute. Now we are locking in the right partnerships to ensure Seiko Instruments and our partners are best positioned for long-term success.”

“We’re looking for complementary technologies and business models,” added Adam Ortlieb, Associate Director, Marketing, at Seiko Instruments. “I believe that half-a-dozen ISVs just finished qualifying and obviously more are in the works. It allows VARs to offer their customers total solutions that make an immediate impact based on greater efficiencies, lower costs, and new revenue streams.” Early participants in the Ascend ISV Partner Program include Maitre’D/Posera Software (Seattle, WA) and Retail Pro (Folsom, CA).

Kaz Onishi, VP, Seiko Instruments USA

Climbing the Beanstalk to Loyalty

A new entry, Beanstalk Loyalty (Charlotte, NC), has entered the chase for POS and social media integration, with the goal of real-time, trigger-based marketing for the multitudes. The company, which spun out of the marketing services arena in 2009, now works with the IRIS POS package from Xpient (also based in Charlotte, NC) to bring its SaaS-based scheme to the foodservice industry. Beanstalk and Xpient began their relationship last year, with customer roll-outs and test sites now underway, RRN.Com was told by Gilbert Bailey, VP of Marketing and Business Development for Beanstalk. During our interview, Bailey emphasized that Beanstalk ties Facebook directly to transactional data from the POS terminal, with all the benefits that implies, through its proprietary campaign engine.

Under Beanstalk, the customer swipes his or her loyalty card or provides phone number, and the transaction checks into Facebook. The brand may post on the customer’s wall that they just ate at the restaurant or purchased an item at the store. The customer’s Facebook friends see the transaction and can click on it to receive coupons or offers. Customers who influence their friends to become customers themselves can be rewarded with additional benefits. Moreover, revenue created by social media is now measurable to the marketer, allowing campaigns to be curtailed, extended, or modified.

“I think what we’re doing is unique in terms of the fact it’s all under the same roof,” Bailey told RRN.Com. “It’s our own end-to-end platform from the POS all the way to the output channel, whether social media, e-mail, texting, or direct mail. We don’t make end-users purchase third-party loyalty programs, and then add our product on top.”

Beanstalk will now look to partner with POS vendors in additional markets such as pharmacy, movie theaters, convenience stores, and apparel--as well as end-users with home-grown POS. For the time being, the focus will be on larger chains, since critical mass is needed for this loyalty program to demonstrate return-on-investment, Bailey said. For quick-service restaurants, that means 50 locations or more. For dining establishments with higher check totals, probably 25 locations, he added.

Facebook Page With Loyalty/Marketing Posting

Worth Your While

Southeast Dealer Profit Booster Conference
CRS, Inc.
May 3
Roswell, GA

WERC 2011
Warehousing Education and Research Council
May 15-18
Orlando

NRA Show 2011
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

RetailNOW 2011
Retail Solution Providers Association
July 24-27
Orlando

VARTECH 2011
BlueStar
August 15-17
Miami

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Cash Drawer Opened by POS-X

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) unveiled the newest member of its EVO product line: the EVO-CD1 cash drawer. Representing POS-X’s third generation of these critical components, the EVO-CD1 features smoother operation, stronger locking mechanism, and fully adjustable till, according to the vendor. Available in two of the most common sizes--16 x 16 in. (EVO-CD16) and 18 x 18 in. (EVO-CD18)--EVO cash drawers have been designed to withstand the wear and tear of retail and restaurant applications.

“The philosophy behind our cash drawers is simple,” declared Dan Moseley, CEO/President of POS-X, Inc. “Engineer a drawer that will last a long time, and offer it at an extremely competitive price point.” POS-X, which distributes through ScanSource (Greenville, SC), also has announced that its entire product line has been tested to work with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 32-bit and 64-bit.

With black or stainless steel front bezel, the EVO cash drawer carries three-year warranty and compatibility with multiple printer brands, including POS-X, Epson America, Star Micronics, Citizen Systems, and TransAct/Ithaca. Accessories include under-counter mounting brackets, additional keys, spare tills, and locking till covers. All products include POS-X’s Two-Day Advanced Replacement Protection free of charge for the life of their warranty.

EVO Cash Drawer Offered in Two Common Sizes

Zebra Deals Its High Card

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) introduced its new UHF Gen 2 RFID card featuring Impinj’s Monza 4 chip technology. This new card, which also incorporates Zebra’s patent-pending antenna design, achieves enhanced read rates and an unprecedented read range of more than 50 feet, even while worn in lanyards. When combined with Zebra’s UHF card printer/encoder product line, it extends possibilities for access control, personnel tracking, long-range verification, and hospitality check-in/check-out, according to the manufacturer. Notably, it allows card reading through handbags, pockets, and backpacks, thereby significantly raising control and efficiency.

Several additional benefits of the UHF Gen 2 RFID card were demonstrated at the recent RFID Journal Live Exhibition in Orlando. A new data structure offers optional memory configuration to protect privacy and hide sensitive information, while maintaining its high level of readability. Further, an optional read-range reduction feature protects users from unauthorized tracking by temporarily limiting card effectiveness to less than one foot. Lastly, its 48-bit Unique ID feature protects against card cloning and validates each card.

“Advancing the power and range of people identification and management applications is essential for businesses looking to maximize safety, security, and convenience for employees, guests, and customers,” remarked Michael Fein, Technical Product Manager at Zebra Technologies. “With Zebra’s new UHF Gen 2 RFID card, organizations now have the ability to track people with greater range and increased reliability, while offering sophisticated security features.”

UHF Gen 2 RFID Card Holds Impinj’s Monza 4 Chip

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ALLIANCES

Radiant: No Break in the Action

Radiant Systems (Atlanta) and FanGo (Chicago) have collaborated to bring enhanced mobile ordering services to stadiums and arenas. Specifically, Radiant’s customers can now integrate FanGo’s mobile commerce platform into their existing Quest POS products, which span touchscreen, keypad, membrane, and wireless technologies. “Using the Quest Connect Application Programming Interface (API) to pass mobile orders into the Quest Venue Manager function allows fans to quickly place orders, and keeps those sales intact with the rest of the event’s normal concession activities,” explained Jim Marzullo, CEO of FanGo. Radiant purchased Quest in 2007, RRN.Com readers may recall.

“Consumers’ use of mobile technology is greater than ever,” commented John Brasch, GM of the Stadium and Arena Division at Radiant Systems. “Embracing that technology by offering services like mobile ordering is a key focus point for Radiant. Quest Connect makes it easy for operators to provide the ultimate guest experience by enabling integration to new and emerging third-party technologies, like digital menu boards and FanGo’s mobile ordering service.”

Among the first venues using the new mobile ordering tool is Atlanta’s Gwinnett Center and Proof of the Pudding, its foodservice provider. Customers seated in designated sections at Gwinnett Center can easily download the application, send an order to the nearest concession stand, and have the order delivered to their seats, eliminating the need to stand in line and miss the event. With the technology, the venue has reported improvements in both speed of service and overall customer satisfaction.

FanGo Helps Bring In-Seat Mobile Ordering to Atlanta’s Gwinnett Center

Ceridian “Beefs Up” With Precidia

Precidia Technologies (Ottawa) has been certified by Ceridian Stored Value Solutions (Louisville, KY), one of the prominent prepaid card providers. This relationship broadens the list of transaction processors that can be chosen by users of Precidia’s TransNet payment engine/POSLynx220 payment router to two dozen. Prism Data Systems (San Antonio, TX) recently deployed TransNet for an Arby’s franchise, processing gift card transactions to Ceridian SVS. “Our customer was pleased to find this option available for gift card transaction processing at their locations,” said Daniel Sarfati, Technical Services Manager at Prism. “Precidia was very responsive in working with Ceridian SVS to ensure this certification was completed to meet the needs of the customer.”

“Gift card acceptance has grown exponentially in recent years, and the popularity of prepaid cards is expected to continue,” volunteered Deepak Wanner, President of Precidia. “Ceridian SVS processes more than one billion gift card transactions annually, making them a key transaction processor for our customers. We’re pleased to offer this certification to Arby’s for our TransNet/POSLynx220 payment solution.”

TransNet is payment engine software that integrates with POS, ECRs, and payment terminals. Housed on the secure POSLynx220 payment router, TransNet carries PCI PA-DSS validation, offers SSL encryption and key management, and also includes features that help merchants maintain PCI DSS compliance, according to its developer. For its part, POSLynx220 furnishes automatic dial back-up in case of network failure. In corollary, Precidia’s NetVu management server and MerchantVu store-level portal allow for remote deployment, monitoring, and management.

Precidia’s POSLynx220 Payment Router

Code Corner

CSRSI (Jensen Beach, FL) released Version 2.0 of the PCI ToolKit, intended to help merchants complete their mandatory annual Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQ) for PCI SSC compliance, while bank and payment processor administrators monitor and manage their progress. The PCI ToolKit provides self-guided interviewing written to the 7th grade level of reading, making it very user-friendly for the average small merchant, according to the developer. It integrates seamlessly with ComplyGuard Networks (San Antonio, TX) for scanning and single sign-on reporting, but works in conjunction with all approved scanning vendors. Version 2.0 offers greater flexibility to banks and processors who oversee the proceedings, thereby encouraging all the merchants in their portfolio to become PCI compliant. Implementation protocols are simpler and expanded, with requirements presented in even clearer terms. “With the PCI ToolKit, we have found, without fail, that our merchants are now embracing these very necessary security measures,” reported Abe Maghaguian, President of Atlanta-Pacific Processing Systems, Inc.

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

One Fingerprint Fits All

DigitalPersona (Redwood City, CA) has released cross-platform Java Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that provide fingerprint biometrics on both Linux and Windows. These new APIs are now part of the company’s “One Touch for Linux” and “One Touch for Windows” Software Development Kits (SDKs), both of which can be downloaded free of charge. With the new capability, Java programmers may now add advanced biometric authentication to their applications once and then run them on multiple operating systems without modification.

“A growing number of our ISV partners are using Java to meet the needs of both their Windows and Linux customers with a single cross-platform application,” observed Jim Fulton, VP of Marketing at DigitalPersona. “By offering a consistent Java API on both Linux and Windows, DigitalPersona makes it easy and efficient for application developers to deliver enhanced security and fraud prevention features to all of their customers with a single biometrically-enabled application.”

With its latest build, DigitalPersona also boosted the speed and efficiency of the biometric engine in its Linux SDK and added more broad distribution support of Ubuntu, OpenSUSE, and Fedora. Significantly, language wrappers are provided as source, allowing developers more insight into the inner workings of the SDK layer. Sample code is included to illustrate fingerprint capture, extraction, and matching operations.

DigitalPersona’s Biometric API Bridges Linux and Windows

A Drill Down for Web Inventory

ChannelAdvisor (Research Triangle Park, NC) has released inventory-driven paid search targeted expressly at retailers. This new function allows retailers to create unique messages, keywords, and advertising groups while ensuring that only in-stock products are being promoted. It headlines ChannelAdvisor’s 2011 Spring Release, which also delivers updates to its Marketplaces, Comparison Shopping, and Web-store solutions. 2011 Spring Release also includes major infrastructure investments and upgrades to increase storage space, improve processing speed, and create room for future growth, according to the developer.

“Inventory Driven Search solves a tremendous challenge for both retailers and consumers alike,” maintained Scot Wingo, ChannelAdvisor’s CEO. “Consumers today are not just searching for broad topics or categories like ‘cameras’ or ‘smart phones’--they’re searching for specific item numbers, SKUs, and sizes. If a retailer wants to be ‘found’ with such a specific search, they have to keep up with thousands of different products and an inventory base that changes in real time. This feature enables retailers with deep inventory to dramatically improve their paid search strategy with product ads that sync in tandem with inventory updates, whether it’s price changes, promotions, or items in or out of stock. The result is higher conversion for the retailer and more efficient search for the end-user.”

“Our inventory includes more than 12,000 unique products, which makes it challenging to keep up with promotions, price changes, and the competition,” reported Jose Prendes, President and Founder of pureformulas.com, an online health supplement retailer. “Since implementing ChannelAdvisor’s Inventory Driven Search, our revenue has grown by 30% and our ad spend has decreased by 20%. If you’re running paid search campaigns online, this is a no-brainer.” In 2010, ChannelAdvisor managed $2.8 billion in gross merchandise value on behalf of an extensive list of retailers, led by Saks, Dell, Brookstone, GSI Commerce, and 129 of the Internet Retailer Top 500 online retailers.

Scot Wingo, CEO of ChannelAdvisor

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Logic Controls
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Software - Hospitality
Aldelo Systems

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
SATO America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Pay at Table
Bellatrix Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

BIM Put in Motion

Motion Computing (Austin, TX) has supplied its F5v Tablet PCs to Texas-based commercial contractor SpawGlass as part of an enterprise-wide building information modeling (BIM) strategy. SpawGlass has put the device into use at the construction site for the Student Activity Center/Liberal Arts Building at the University of Texas. It supports Primavera P6 project management software, Autodesk Navisworks design, simulation, and project review software, and Carson CAD survey software--thereby making all relevant information readily accessible to personnel working on the site.

To prepare the system for maximum efficiency, SpawGlass’s BIM team has tagged building components with barcode numbers within the model. Each barcode carries information such as commissioning details, installation requirements, maintenance schedule, and start-up procedures. Interestingly, when construction has been completed, SpawGlass will download the complete model and database to the F5v and hand it over to the owner.

“Our goal is to create a tight connection between design intent and field activities, and then provide the owners with the same level of coordination and visibility throughout the lifecycle of a structure,” declared Chris Tisdel, BIM Technologist at SpawGlass. “BIM data has the potential to provide far-reaching benefits to our customers. The ability to arm the owner of the F5v with all the commissioning data and the model that directly connects to their server system is a very powerful and critical step forward for the future of our industry.”

F5v Tablet Furthers Building Information Modeling

National Vision Eyes New POS

Specialist Data Solutions Ltd. (Horsham, West Sussex, England) has won the multimillion-dollar, multi-year contract to replace the POS system for National Vision Inc., the fourth largest optical retailer in the U.S., with more than 650 outlets and plans to increase that number by 40 each year. Roll-out and software support throughout 2011 will be carried out by Specialist Data Solutions, which has offices in Michigan and Wisconsin. This solution provider has specialized in the optical retail sector for the past two decades and offers the complete package for this vertical niche, including POS, CRM, Dispensing/Ordering, Inventory, and Medical Billing, which all rolls up into so-called “e-PMS,” or Electronic Practice Management System.

“National Vision has operated with an in-house point-of-sale system for as long as anyone can remember,” relayed Reade Fahs, National Vision’s CEO. “With SDS, we expect to move light years ahead of where we are today. Beyond the advantages that go with having a more stable, secure, and robust IT infrastructure, point-of-sale systems are a key component of creating enthusiastic customer ambassadors. That’s why investing in SDS is part of National Vision’s long-term growth strategy.”

Added John Chartres, CEO and Founder of Specialist Data Solutions, “National Vision has for years been the fastest-growing optical retailer in North America. We are ecstatic to have been chosen, after thorough and commercial assessment, to replace their current store and home office systems. With the addition of National Vision, SDS is now used by half of the ‘Top 10’ optical companies in the U.S.”

America’s Best, One of National Vision's Many Retail Brands

Channel Factoid

More and more, customers are looking to their IT resellers for guidance on eco-friendly technologies, according to recent research conducted by CompTIA. A sizeable number (74%) of firms report that the capacity to help implement IT efforts that conserve energy is one of the top factors when considering which IT partner to hire. Organizations with comprehensive green IT strategies in place are significantly more likely (91%) to factor green into their hiring decisions than those with partial (55%) or no (18%) green strategies. More than half of the companies surveyed by CompTIA (59%) said that the IT partners they’ve hired have provided assistance with green implementations. This includes furnishing information, installing technology, calculating energy savings, or performing recycling, disposal, or salvage efforts. Among additional findings: 33% have utilized IT partners for green IT audits, 29% have calculated their carbon footprint with the help of IT partners, and 28% have used data destruction services offered by IT partners. More than seven in ten respondents with 100 or more employees say green is an important factor, compared to five in ten respondents with less than 100 employees. “IT resellers who are knowledgeable about energy conservation can use that knowledge not only to help current customers, but to attract new ones as well,” suggested Brenda Chan, Senior Research Analyst, CompTIA.

HELLO GOODBYE

Domorski Up to PAR

PAR Technology Corporation (New Hartford, NY) has named Paul B. Domorski to succeed John W. Sammon as the company’s CEO, President, and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Domorski most recently served as CEO/President of EMS Technologies, Inc., and previously held leadership positions at Avaya, RSL Communications, British Telecom Syncordia Solutions, and Unisys Corporation, where his career began. His senior executive roles have been characterized by transformative strategic initiatives, according to his new employer, often through redirection of resources to promising opportunities.

“Paul Domorski’s background and professional experiences uniquely qualify him to lead PAR at this time,” stated Sangwoo Ahn, Lead Independent Director of PAR’s Board. “We are delighted PAR’s strategic plan and Paul’s background are aligned, and we are confident he brings the required experience, skills, and perspective to enhance our performance.”

Ahn added, “On behalf of the Board of Directors and PAR’s entire management team, I want to thank Dr. Sammon for his many years of dedicated and outstanding leadership. We look forward to his continuing contributions as Chairman Emeritus of PAR Technology and member of the Board of Directors, including the assurance of this seamless transition.”

Paul Domorski, CEO/President of PAR Technology

JDA Dials in Dziersk

JDA Software Group (Scottsdale, AZ) has promoted Tom Dziersk to EVP of Sales and Marketing, replacing Jason Zintak, who has resigned from the company. In his new office, Dziersk’s responsibilities include oversight of global software sales for all of the company’s geographic regions and its major industry segments--retail, wholesale/distribution, and manufacturing. In addition, he will spearhead global marketing and alliances and the company’s pricing and revenue management business unit.

Dziersk joined JDA in August 2006 as SVP, Americas, bringing over 20 years of experience in the retail and supply chain enterprise software market. Before that, he spent five years as CEO/President at ClearOrbit, Inc., successfully rebranding and repositioning the company. He also has held senior management as well as sales and marketing positions at several emerging technology companies, including Essentus International (formerly Richter Systems) and JBA International, an ERP software provider.

“Under Tom’s leadership, JDA’s North American sales region has been a consistent driver of the company’s overall license growth,” noted Hamish Brewer, CEO/President of JDA Software. “With the promotion of Tom to EVP of Sales and Marketing, we will now reorganize our global sales and marketing capabilities in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific to mirror the advances in the Americas. We believe that leveraging Tom’s successes in the Americas across JDA’s global footprint will enhance our ability to achieve our growth objectives.”

Tom Dziersk, EVP of Sales and Marketing, JDA Software Group