Our Product Pick

Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ) has shipped its SM-L200 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) portable printer. It connects any iOS compatible device without need for pairing, and with no limitation on number of devices. In addition, the SM-L200 is Bluetooth (3.0/4.0) compatible with all O/S (Windows, Android, and iOS). Measuring 4.8 in. (L) x 3.3 in. (W) x 1.7 in. (H), and weighing 7.8 oz. with battery, the direct thermal SM-L200 features 2-inch/58-mm print width and print speed of 1.4 inch/35 mm per second at 203 dpi. It may be charged using an included USB cable with any mobile device USB power adapter, external battery, or PC USB port, eliminating the need for multiple power supplies. Also, it has optional MSR. "A perfect solution for bring-your-own-device (BYOD)," according to Star Micronics America.

SM-L200 by Star Micronics

COMPANY BUSINESS

ScanSource: At Your Service

A sure sign of the times, as ScanSource POS and Barcode (Greenville, SC) unveils its "As-A-Service" Suite. "The transition in retail to 'as-a-service' and managed services models are hot topics," confirmed Paul Constantine, President of ScanSource POS and Barcode, U.S. and Canada. "End-users are driving this shift and expect to work with one reseller for all of their IT needs, with the flexibility to pay for everything as they go. We developed ScanSource's As-A-Service Suite to help our customers better meet this evolving way of doing business."

Offered to all of the distributor's partners with no charge, it encompasses three areas. A new finance tool, entitled "FlexAbility," streamlines the customer's services, software, and hardware into one monthly invoice and allows resellers to decide how they structure sales. Secondly, best-of-breed products will be bundled with maintenance and service contracts to produce "POS As-A-Service." Initially, this will engage Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA), Epson America (Long Beach, CA), and APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis, MN), RRN.Com was told.

Lastly, with "Managed Retail Solutions," resellers can manage each store IT system from one central dashboard. "At the core of this Managed Retail Solution is the network," Constantine explained to RRN.Com. "It is comprised of access points by Zebra Technologies (Lincolnshire, IL), switches by Adtran (Huntsville, AL), and PCI firewall by Netsurion (Houston, TX). The first end-point solutions are mobility, telephone, and video surveillance. They will follow in Q3 of this year." Chatting with RRN.Com at the recent Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show, Constantine identified three fields of opportunity for ScanSource: services, payment processing, and perhaps surprisingly, consumables.

ScanSource's New Finance Tool, Entitled "FlexAbility," Supports "As-A-Service" Model for IT

Ecstasy for EMV (at Datacap and Mercury)

It's come to fruition, the certification of an EMV-capable solution between Mercury Payment Systems/Vantiv (Durango, CO) and Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA). ISVs may now integrate, and certify, for EMV with Mercury through Datacap's dedicated payment application, dsiEMVUS. Initial release of this "NETePay for Mercury" will support the VX 805 PIN Pad by Verifone (San Jose, CA).

"We're ecstatic to make our initial U.S. EMV release available for Mercury and its partners," relayed Justin Zeigler, Marketing Director at Datacap Systems. "Mercury has been very aggressive in assisting the integration channel to deliver a full suite of payment security options to their merchant base, including point-to-point encryption, tokenization, and now EMV. This makes Mercury the ideal partner to lead the charge."

"One thing we really like is the Datacap solution with Mercury allows the out-of-scope control to handle all the integration to the 'Secure Devices,' eliminating the need for our developers to integrate with different hardwares," stated Roger Blanchard, President of ISV Osprey Retail Systems (New Bedford, MA). "In about a week of development time we had integrated the new dsiEMVUS into our POS applications and will deploy the EMV release in late August." An integration guide and developer's toolkit for dsiEMVUS has been released by Datacap Systems.

Justin Zeigler, Marketing Director, Datacap Systems

[Editor's Note: Next week, RRN.Com interviews Matt Taylor, Group President for Integrated Payments and Emerging Channels at Vantiv, on his company's "Security Pays" Program, of great interest to the POS Channel.]

Worth Your While

VARTECH 2015
BlueStar
September 14-18
Enchantment of the Seas - Departs Orlando

Pack Expo
PMMI
September 28-30
Las Vegas

NACS Show
Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 11-14
Las Vegas

Money 20/20
i2i Events
October 25-28
Las Vegas

IAAPA Expo 2015
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 16-20
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Epson's Cubism

A busy time for Epson America (Long Beach, CA), judging by the recent Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show. A pair of new thermal receipt printers--the TM-m10 and TM-m30--with stylish, symmetrical, cubist dimensions--4 in. x 4 in. x 4 in. and 5 in. x 5 in. x 5 in., respectively--were unwrapped for "mobile friendly" environments. Offered in black or white, both feature the company's "ePOS" technology for easy set-up with iOS, Android, and Windows, with the added benefit of innovative, swiveling casing which enables either top load or front load.

Model TM-m10 has 2-inch/58-mm print width and speed of 6 inch/150 mm per second at 203 dpi, while Model TM-m30 has 3-inch/76-mm print width and speed of 8 inch/200 mm per second at 203 dpi. As choices in connectivity, there's combinations of USB, Ethernet, Wireless, Bluetooth, and NFC. "The idea is for retailers and hospitality providers to quickly and painlessly add receipt printing wherever needed, irrespective of the preferred connectivity or O/S environment," commented Gregg Brunnick, Director of Product Management and Technical Services, Business Systems Division, Epson America.

Also at RSPA, Epson America introduced auto-cutter functionality for one of its popular portable printers, the Mobilink P80 Plus, with 3-inch/76-mm print width. It also announced that its full line of POS printers has been tested to work with the newly released Microsoft Windows 10 O/S. Finally, Epson America revealed its new distribution agreement for the U.S. and Canada with M-S Cash Drawer (Pasadena, CA). "We are pleased to take this relationship to the next level by forming a direct partnership where best-in-class distribution services and reliable print solutions can come together to best serve our channel partners," reflected Tom Kettell, Director of Commercial Channel Sales at Epson America.

Epson America's TM-m10 POS Printer

Prime Time for POSBANK

POSBANK USA (Plainview, NY) has premiered its new high-end All-in-One POS, entitled Imprex Prime. With an arch-type stand and fluid contours, Imprex Prime carries 15" projective capacitive touchscreen LED LCD, built-in 3-inch/76-mm thermal receipt printer, and up to 16 ports for USB. A fanless configuration, aluminum die-cast frame, and industry-grade components extend durability, according to the vendor, with tool-less access and modular technology for easy service.

As processing, Imprex Prime employs Intel's Haswell Core i3, i5, and i7 or Intel's Celeron Quad-Core J1900. With adjustable viewing angle, the display is sealed to prevent damage from liquids or dust in harsh work environments. Optional upgrade to a second 32-GB or 64-GB Solid State Drive and RAID capabilities are available. As peripherals, POSBANK offers customer-facing displays, reader for magnetic-stripe and smart card, and battery with UPS--as well as customer color casings in addition to white and black.

"Today's in-store environments are demanding more than ever," remarked Steve Eun, CEO/President of POSBANK (Seoul, South Korea). "Customers require POS systems that deliver design, performance, and reliability all at the same time. Imprex Prime has the latest technological innovations they would expect. It's truly All-in-One POS."

Imprex Prime All-in-One From POSBANK USA

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PARTNER PROGRAMS

PAYD Day at Moneris

Moneris Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) now offers its pair of mobile payment products, PAYD and PAYD Pro, in the U.S. In addition to the PAYD App, which enables credit card transactions via swipe technology for iPhone and iPad, PAYD Pro adds Bluetooth PIN Pad from Ingenico (Alpharetta, GA). Security includes card data encryption at the point of purchase. PAYD for Android is expected for late summer 2015, according to the payment processor, which recruits VARs and ISVs in POS.

As additional features, the PAYD App delivers real-time reporting and e-mailing of digital receipts in the cloud. According to Moneris, there are no set-up fees, early termination fees, or minimum processing limits. "Moneris' PAYD Pro bridges the gap between POS technology available to smaller merchants and their larger-scale competitors," suggested David Martin, Senior Product Manager and VP of BMO Harris Bank, which will supply both solutions to its business customers. (FYI: Moneris is a registered ISO/MSP of BMO Harris Bank, based in Chicago, IL.)

"Moneris is pleased to be one of the first to bring an EMV-enabled M-POS solution to the U.S. market," relayed Chris Lee, President of North American Strategic Partnerships at Moneris. "PAYD Pro offers the latest security features and payment technology, while providing the convenience of quick and efficient mobile transactions. It gives merchants greater flexibility in payment acceptance, while fulfilling consumer preferences." In its home country of Canada, Moneris Solutions also offers its PAYD Pro Plus, which introduces inventory management and the full range of peripherals for POS.

Moneris Solutions Brings Its "PAYD" Mobile Payments Family to the U.S.

A Key Fits With Ingram Micro

Accelerating its efforts in electronic transactions, Ingram Micro (Santa Ana, CA) now adds software and key encryption for payment terminals on behalf of its channel partners. This is performed directly at its secure facility within its distribution center. In support, the distributor has passed the Payment Card Industry's PIN Security Requirements and Accredited Standards Committee's TR-39 Audit. Both tests were described as complex and time consuming, requiring in-depth technical knowledge and dedicated internal resources.

As could be expected, this effort draws heavily upon Ingram Micro Professional Services. "Such in-house expertise, combined with our growing portfolio of multi-vendor solutions, gives Ingram Micro channel partners cost-saving, sales, and service advantages that allow them to address the October 2015 'Chip-and-PIN' EMV payment standard head on and without hesitation," declared Greg Richey, Director of Ingram Micro Professional Services. "We've demonstrated our expertise in EMV and are dedicated to helping our channel partners in the U.S. and Canada capitalize on this growing market opportunity."

"Education and training around the sales opportunity and EMV mandate are essential, but when it comes time to take action, channel partners need a distribution partner who is able to deliver a complete, EMV-ready solution that includes the right software, secure key injection services, and field support," counseled Jeff Yelton, VP and GM for Advanced Solutions at Ingram Micro. In the spring, Ingram Micro announced its "Electronic Payments Playbook" spanning hardware, merchant services, implementation roll-outs, and network certification and testing. In meetings with RRN.Com at the recent Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show, executives of Ingram Micro emphasized their strategy to "un-silo" POS and Auto ID and to bring to bear associated resources in Digital Signage, Security, and Computing.

Greg Richey, Director, Ingram Micro Professional Services

Code Corner

Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ) has applied its nifty package of security solutions for pcAmerica. Heartland, of course, purchased pcAmerica (Pearl River, NY), supplier of Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express, in February 2015. It now brings state-of-the-art data security protection as well as comprehensive breach warranty to end-users of Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express. As "Out-of-Scope," which means no cardholder data is ever sent to the POS, Heartland's encrypted and tokenized solution streamlines the path to EMV and NFC's Apple Pay and Android Pay. To be covered under Heartland's breach warranty, part of Heartland "Secure," the merchant must process payments through Heartland and employ hardware certified by Heartland. "Heartland's technology, with breach warranty, helps put dealers at a competitive advantage versus dealers selling standard payments technology," David Gosman, SVP of Heartland Commerce (and former CEO of pcAmerica), told RRN.Com. "They can sell more systems by having a stronger story on security, and the expertise to install it. Also, Heartland offers competitive revenue share through its Trusted Dealer Program." As readers of RRN.Com will recall, Heartland Payment Systems also bought ISV Dinerware (Seattle, WA) in February 2015, preceded by ISV Xpient Solutions (Charlotte, NC) in November 2014, so no doubt they will also offer Heartland Out-of-Scope and Heartland Secure.

David Gosman, SVP, Heartland Commerce

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

An EVO-lution for ISVs

A fast track to EMV for ISVs has been fashioned by EVO Payments (Melville, NY). Debuted at the recent Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show, this three-way approach includes web-based application programming interfaces (APIs); compatibility with iOS, Android, and Windows via EVO's new "Commerce Driver" software development kit (SDK); and cross-platform interoperability with strategic third-party partners, such as new integration with the integrated payments effort, dubbed EVO Snap, on the part of mobile payment expert, Handpoint. As security elements, EVO pointed to tokenization, point-to-point encryption, and EMV Level 3.

"A holistic EMV program requires a concerted effort between all members of the commerce value chain, including payment processors, hardware providers, and solution vendors," indicated Peter Osberg, SVP of EVO Snap. "Handpoint's extensive experience with ISVs and EMV payments provides the perfect complement to our integrated strategy. We're thrilled to have them as an early-mover partner and to serve as the first U.S. processor to support the platform from Handpoint [which is based in the U.K.]."

Peter Osberg, SVP of EVO Snap

All You Need Is Love . . . of Leads

A lead generation website called ShopPOS.com--provided for VARs and ISVs--has been launched by payment processor Sterling Payment Technologies (Tampa, FL). After completing their free company profile, the firm's partners will become eligible to purchase recent leads from merchants looking for POS. ShopPOS staff will qualify each lead with critical information such as type of POS system, budget, and timeframe for purchase, as well as confirm the merchant's interest in other business technologies--accompanied by detailed notes.

ShopPOS has dedicated significant resources to drive merchants to the website (and has pre-populated the site with thousands of profiles of VARs and ISVs in POS). Once merchants have specified their needs, they will be directed to matching resellers of POS. On the website, merchants also will find educational materials to help in their buying decisions, and the profiles of resellers will be prepared for indexing on search engines. A preview of ShopPOS took place at the recent Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show.

"Sterling developed ShopPOS to give resellers what they have been asking for: more leads, more business," contributed Ken Willis, VP of Sales at POS VAR MicroSale (Brandon, FL). "We're encouraging our resellers to claim or create their company profile on ShopPOS." Added Gary Staub, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Sterling Payment Technologies, "We're committed to helping merchants find the best POS system and providing qualified leads to our growing network of POS resellers. ShopPOS joins the list of innovative solutions we have developed to help our POS partners grow their business."

Sterling Payment Technologies Launches Lead Generation Website for Partners

Key Advertiser Links

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

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

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Honeywell Scanning

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover
iPayment Inc.
Mercury/Vantiv
Shift4

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

INSTALLATIONS

Tracking, Tracing, and Tortillas

In an example of simplification and the SMB, Barcoding, Inc. (Baltimore, MD) has automated the finished goods warehouse of Azteca Foods (Chicago, IL). With the system integrator's barcode scanning solution, the Mexican foods leader generates unique pallet identification numbers. Its system consists of MC65 handheld computers from Zebra Technologies (Lincolnshire, IL), customized software developed on the CaptureSoft eXpress platform by Barcoding, Inc., an internally hosted web service, and wireless network extenders (not new access points). It replaces manual data entry processes.

As a result, Azteca has enabled full traceability of its pallets. Information includes location, number of items the pallet contains, which shift or line created the pallet, and shipping directions. Looking forward, Azteca plans to introduce printers that create pallet tickets to track products throughout the shipping process. It also plans to connect its database with its enterprise resource planning (ERP). In recognition, Azteca has received the first-ever Barcoding, Inc. "Innovator of the Year" Award.

Barcoding, Inc. Presents Innovator Award to Azteca Foods. From left to right: Tony Stepuszek, Account Manager, Barcoding, Inc.; Nannette Zander, VP of IT, Azteca Foods; Renee Togher, President, Azteca Foods; and Shane Snyder, President, Barcoding, Inc.

What's Brewing at First Data

A fast-growing franchise, Scooter's Coffee, has chosen the Clover Mini POS from First Data in conjunction with store management software from TrueBeacon. This includes TrueBeacon's Multi-Location, Order Display, and White Label Mobile App. By the end of this year, Scooter's Coffee will have approximately 150 stores across the southern end of the Midwestern U.S.. Both Scooter's Coffee and TrueBeacon are based in Omaha, NE.

"With this deal, customers will have the flexibility to pay with their payment method of choice, including the Scooter's gift card or via the Scooter's mobile app [currently in beta testing]," elaborated Clay Cox, President of Scooter's Coffee. "Clover Mini is durable, sleek, extremely easy to learn, and cost-effective. Using Multi-Location by TrueBeacon on Clover, we now have the ability to make pricing changes, menu updates, and inventory changes at one store, group of stores, or across the entire franchise with just one click."

"Our goal for business owners is to be a 'one-stop-shop' for all of their business needs," asserted Dan Charron, EVP for Global Business Solutions at First Data (Atlanta, GA). A scaled-down counterpart to First Data's tablet-based Clover, Clover Mini carries 7" screen for transactions and signature capture, built-in receipt printer, and front-facing camera for check acceptance and barcode reading. It handles swipe, PIN Debit, EMV, and NFC, and folds in First Data's merchant processing as well as its layer of security, which is called TransArmor.

Clover Mini From First Data

Channel Factoid

After splurging in 2014, it appears families will trim back-to-school spending for 2015. According to the NRF's "Back-to-School" Spending Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average family with children in grades K-12 plans to spend $630.36 on electronics, apparel, and other school needs, down from $669.28 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $24.9 billion. Planning to shop around for their school merchandise, families will head to their local department (56.4%), discount (62.2%), clothing (53.5%), electronics (22.4%), and office supply stores (35.9%). Slightly more than one-third (35.6%) of those looking for school items will shop online, and more families will shop only one to two weeks before school (at 30.3% vs. 25.4% in 2014). As seen in NRF's "Back-to-College" Spending Survey, older students and their families will also spend slightly less this year: $899.18 vs. $916.48. Here, total spending is expected to reach $43.1 billion. According to the survey, half (51.3%) of college shoppers will purchase dorm or apartment furnishings, spending an average of $126.30, up 30% from $96.70 in 2014. Overall, combined spending for school and college will reach $68 billion. "As seen over the last thirteen years, spending on 'back-to-school' has consistently fluctuated based on children's needs each year [particularly in the area of electronics]," noted NRF CEO/President Matthew Shay. "Heading into the second half of the year, we are optimistic that economic growth and consumer spending will improve after the shaky first half [reaching 3.7%]."

HELLO GOODBYE

Atop Toshiba GCS

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC) has named its new CEO/President, Scott Maccabe. Currently CEO/President of Toshiba America Business Solutions, which supplies multi-function printers, document and workflow solutions, and digital signage, Maccabe joined Toshiba in 2002. His experience includes VP Levels at Quantum, ATL Corporation, and Vangard Technology. He also spent ten years as Director of Sales, Southwest Region, for Fujitsu Computer Products of America.

Maccabe replaces former CEO/President Steven Ladwig, who led the transition of the former IBM Retail Store Solutions to Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. "An innovative and accomplished executive, Scott Maccabe has a strong background in the development of technology solutions, worldwide sales, marketing, operations, and technical support," remarked Masato Yamamoto, new Chairman of the Board for Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. In his new role, Maccabe also will serve on the Board of Directors.

"Over the past few years, I've had the opportunity to engage with many employees and the senior management team at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions and am honored to be leading this organization," indicated Maccabe. "Together, we will help our customers deliver an even better retail experience. My priorities are to continue Toshiba's commitment to develop innovative retail store solutions and services, provide the best experience for our customers and business partners, and broaden and expand Toshiba's leading market share position."

Scott Maccabe, CEO/President, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions

Sullivan Show at Elo

Elo Touch Solutions (Milpitas, CA) has engaged Chris Sullivan as its new VP Americas Sales. Prior to Elo, Sullivan served as VP of North American Sales for NEC Display Solutions, capping almost two decades within various divisions of NEC. Earlier employers in technology included Entex Information Systems and Micro Warehouse (which was acquired by CDW).

"Elo's entire product portfolio has been refreshed with a renewed focus on point-of-sale platforms and innovative new ways to make interactive digital signage easy," observed Sullivan. "The opportunity to join the company that invented the touchscreen is amazing. I'm looking forward to expanding our market presence and working closely with our channel partners to ensure our customers' success."

"Chris is a respected sales leader who will drive growth in our retail, banking, healthcare, hospitality, and transportation segments, leveraging his deep industry experience in digital signage systems," commented Craig Witsoe, CEO of Elo Touch Solutions. "His unique sales, marketing, and business development expertise combined with an intimate understanding of go-to-market strategy execution will serve our team well as we double down on growing our customer base." In recent times, Elo Touch Solutions has significantly bolstered its line card, which now includes M-Series touchscreen displays, tablet-based PayPoint, and E-Series, I-Series, and X-Series POS.

Chris Sullivan, VP Americas Sales, Elo Touch Solutions