This Week’s Product Pick

TabletKiosk (Torrance, CA) has unboxed its Sahara NetSlate a525 Tablet PC, an upgrade to its previous entry-level device. NetSlate a525 brings greatly improved battery life, integrated front and rear facing cameras, 4 GB RAM standard configuration, and build-to-order RS-232 port. Additional features include an Intel Atom N2800 CPU at 1.8 GHz, Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45), Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Universal 3G WWAN, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, and Windows Pro or Windows Embedded. With 12-inch resistive or capacitive touchscreen, Sahara NetSlate a525 weighs 3.3 lbs. and offers modular expansion port for barcode scanner or magnetic-stripe reader (MSR). "We purposely designed the new a525 with the same body chassis of the previous Sahara NetSlate to ensure that our legacy customers can continue to use their existing accessories and peripherals after transitioning over to this new model," shared Martin Smekal, CEO/President of TabletKiosk.

Sahara NetSlate

COMPANY BUSINESS

Enrollment Like Quicksilver

Mercury (Durango, CO) has debuted MercuryActivate, its mechanism for automated merchant enrollment. This application programming interface (API) enables POS developers to simplify and speed the merchant acquisition process for payment processing through Mercury, including pre-approval, streamlined data collection, instantaneous response, and user customization. "MercuryActivate provides developers with the industry's only solution to embed enrollment capabilities directly within their POS software, portal, or website," declared John Berkley, SVP of Product for Mercury.

"MercuryActivate has enabled Booker to implement real-time merchant provisioning into our platform," reported Daniel Lizio-Katzen, Co-Founder and COO of Booker Software (New York), an ISV for service-based businesses. "When our customers subscribe to Booker, they can apply for credit card processing without ever leaving the application--providing them the ability to accept credit card payments the same day. Implementing MercuryActivate has enabled Booker to improve the overall enrollment experience, which benefits our company and the service-oriented retailers that utilize our product."

Another milestone for Mercury, this time induction of Jeff and Marc Katz, the company's co-founders, to the RSPA Retail Technology Industry Hall of Fame. At the end of its first year, in 2002, Mercury had approximately 700 processing merchants, 40 active resellers, and 25 active developers. Today, Mercury enables payments for nearly 80,000 merchants and partners with 2,500 POS resellers and more than 500 developers. "Many traditional POS resellers may have been out of business or had significant business challenges today had the opportunity to participate in the recurring revenue associated with payment processing not been introduced by Mercury," emphasized RSPA President Joe Finizio during the ceremony at last week's RSPA Show in Las Vegas.

RSPA Inducts Jeff and Marc Katz Into Retail Technology Industry Hall of Fame. From Left to Right: Joe Finizio,
RSPA President; Jeff Katz, Co-Founder, Mercury; and Mark Olson, RSPA Chairman of the Board and President of APG Cash Drawer

Wasp Buzzing With Barcoding

Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX) has moved aggressively forward in barcode labeling with the delivery of three printer models combining wide connectivity and low price points. Wasp's WPL Series now comprises three models: WPL612 for heavy industrial, WPL406 for entry-level industrial, and WLP304 for the desktop. Significantly, each printer features Serial, Parallel, USB 2.0, and Ethernet, allowing one flexible SKU in each case to meet the needs of end-users, RRN.Com was told by Brian Sutter, Marketing Director, and Daniel Dean, Product Marketing Manager.

"Our new line of printers is the direct result of demand of our customers, sales representatives, and partners," recounted Dean. "Ethernet connectivity has become the standard across printers, and we wanted to provide our customers with the best features available." In the case of the WPL612 and WPL406, which represent upgrades to existing products, Wasp also has boosted ruggedness with internal metal mechanisms, noted Dean. Both industrial printers employ metal covers with clear viewing windows for media.

WPL612 Industrial Label Printer From Wasp

Worth Your While

VARTECH US/LATAM 2013
BlueStar
September 9-11
San Antonio, TX

Pack Expo 2013
Packaging Manufacturers Machinery Institute
September 23-25
Las Vegas

NACS Show 2013
Association of Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 12-15
Atlanta

Customer Engagement Technology World
JD Events
November 6-7
New York City

IAAPA Expo 2013
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 19-22
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

An Earful From Epson

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) had plenty of news at last week's RSPA Show in Las Vegas, with advances across the thermal printer arena. First, Epson unwrapped its three-inch mobile receipt printer, the Mobilink P80, which delivers speed of four inch/second (100 mm/second) at 203 dpi and operational battery life of 40 hours with Bluetooth and 20 hours with Wi-Fi. Weighing about 18 oz., with IP-54 rating for water and dust and four-foot drop resistance, Mobilink P80 includes paper-saving options that can reduce usage up to 23%, according to the company. It carries 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.

In Las Vegas, Epson also announced that two of its most popular receipt printers, the TM-T88V and Mobilink P60II (both receipt and label versions), are now specified as Made for iOS (MFi). With MFi, these printers allow retail and hospitality customers to take advantage of wireless printing from iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone, connecting via Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. Along with its software development kit (SDK), Epson has set up an approval process page so applications may be posted on Apple's App Store or B2B App Store.

Early this year, Epson put computing power into its printers through its OmniLink technology, opening the door to delivery of cloud-based services and greater peripheral consolidation at the POS. Now its TM-T70II (an enhanced TM-T70) thermal receipt printer has been outfitted with such network intelligence, in the form of the OmniLink TM-T70II-DT, designating "Device Terminal." This becomes the second model in Epson's "Smart Solutions" Series, joining the OmniLink TM-T88V-DT, and embeds an Intel Atom CPU at 1.8 GHz with Windows POSReady 7, Windows 7 Pro, or Linux. Epson's TM-T70II furnishes all-front access, compact footprint, dual interface connectivity, couponing features, and print speed of 10 inch/second (250 mm/second) at 203 dpi.

Epson Adds Three-Inch Mobilink P80

Partner Tech Displays SP-600, CD-70

Partner Tech USA (Irvine, CA) has presented the SP-600, its powerful new fanless POS terminal. With Intel Atom Dual Core CPU at 1.8 GHz, up to 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, and 2.5-inch SATA HDD, SP-600 has been designed to meet the needs of both retail and hospitality. It features 15-inch five-wire resistive touchscreen, the full suite of ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and secondary customer display. Measuring 15 in. (W) x 9.2 in. (D) x 12.9 in. (H), SP-600 has an IP-66 rating for water and dust, with wide tilt angle and wall-mount capability.

"The SP-600 is an exciting addition to Partner Tech's superior line of POS terminals," commented Keith Schroer, VP of Sales at Partner Tech USA. "Its powerful CPU will improve any POS station, as does its splash and dust resistant display. Those worried about expenses can also see the benefit from the SP-600 as its low power consumption will reduce operating costs."

Simultaneous with the SP-600, Partner Tech has shipped its new CD-70 customer display with bezel-free surface. Carrying 7-inch LCD with LED backlight, CD-70 fits Partner Tech's SP-800 and SP-1000 or stand-alone pole. Features include lightweight design, display rotation for portrait or landscape, IP-54 rating for dust and spills, and power on/off button. "The CD-70 is a unique customer display due to its software," stated Schroer. "Incredibly versatile in all POS environments, its image, video, and text display options will bring major benefits." 

SP-600 POS Terminal by Partner Tech

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PARTNER PROGRAMS

Zebra Drafts "Internet of Retail"

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has set its sights on the retail vertical, as evinced by its participation at last week's RSPA Show in Las Vegas. Also under this effort, its new brand has emerged, designated "Zebra Commerce," which seeks to draw hardware devices, software applications, and professional services into an "unified and coordinated approach to make it easier for retail customers." As target applications, the company has enumerated inventory tracking, pricing accuracy, assisted shopping, customer engagement, mobile payments, and field service. 

"Retailers are taking advantage of emerging technology to implement solutions that improve their customers' shopping experience. With a deep understanding of these trends and an ongoing dialog with our top retail customers, we have created Zebra Commerce," announced Todd Berner, VP of Zebra Retail Solutions. "We are excited to bring the 'Internet of Retail' to organizations of all sizes to improve their operations while helping them deliver a more flexible, convenient, and personal shopping experience to their customers."

"Introduction of Zebra Commerce demonstrates Zebra's commitment and focus on bringing easy-to-implement solutions to the retail industry," volunteered Gina Daniel-Lee, VP of Strategic Alliances at Stratix Corporation (Norcross, GA). "Zebra Commerce complements our mission of helping the world's leading companies deliver mobile solutions to the workforce. As an early adopter of the solution, we're already seeing the benefits to our retail customers." As part of this campaign, Zebra has partnered with Hybrid Paytech (Montreal, QC, Canada) in the realm of mobile payments.

Todd Berner, VP of Retail Solutions, Zebra

Making Nice, Nice With Labels

ISV Niceware International (Brookfield, WI) has been purchased by NiceLabel, the barcode labeling software brand it distributes throughout North America. Niceware will be integrated into its new owner, and will be led by Lee Patty as VP and GM. A twenty-year veteran of the Auto ID industry, Patty co-founded Niceware in 2002. NiceLabel, which is based in Slovenia and owned by Euro Plus, markets its label design software through resellers across six continents and has served as one of the world's leading developers of Windows drivers for thermal printers.

"NiceLabel's corporate mission is to become the leading global provider of professional labeling software," proclaimed Matej Kosmrlj, Managing Director of NiceLabel. "The acquisition of Niceware brings us another step closer to accomplishing this goal. Niceware and its channel partners have done an excellent job of building the NiceLabel brand in North America and we are delighted to have them part of the global NiceLabel team."

"I'm very pleased to be returning to Niceware and to be part of building the global NiceLabel team," remarked Patty, who left the company at the end of 2011. "The combined strength of both companies offers us and our partners significant opportunities for revenue growth. Our channel will also benefit from programs that help them sell more hardware and supplies." Expect new products and services for our channel, according to the two parties, and business as usual for the short term.

NiceLabel Buys Niceware, Its North American Distributor

Code Corner

Groove (Sausalito, CA) has released Wingman 2.0, its digital "sales book" for the wine, spirits, and beverage industries. Used in conjunction with smartphones or tablets, Wingman 2.0 outfits sales representatives with up-to-the-second brand information as well as improved order taking and transmission, according to its developer. Resources include current pricing, tasting notes, winemaker overview, profit calculations, and promotions. Account activity is accurately and instantaneously synchronized with producer CRM/ERP platforms. "The days of walking into an account armed with glossy sell sheets and pencil are winding down," mused Sean Dunn, Managing Director of Groove. "Wingman 2.0 is an intuitive, powerful, and versatile digital tool, for browser or application deployment, which can be customized per account to fit the needs, goals, and realities of every retailer. It's simple to use, cost-effective, and amazingly efficient."

Tri-Technical Systems (Dubuque, IA) has brought AIMsi Lite to the channel for POS. AIMsi Lite includes all of the features found in AIMsi Pro's Basic Package, including complete POS activity, inventory management functionality with barcode printing, and gift and loyalty card tracking. AIMsi Lite is limited to two workstation licenses, and in order to draw upon any of the AIMsi add-on modules an upgrade to AIMsi Pro will be required. AIMsi Lite sells for $495, versus $995 for AIMsi Pro. "We feel that AIMsi Lite is a great package for smaller retail stores, or for those retailers wanting to get started with AIMsi without the larger upfront investment," stated Paul Acton, President of Tri-Technical Systems. "The Lite version gives our resellers a great way to get in the door with smaller businesses and be able to offer them a path for growth with our AIMsi Pro software. Users with Lite can upgrade to the Pro version when they are ready to add modules, additional workstations, or store locations."

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

V12 Aloft at ParTech

ParTech (New Hartford, NY), a division of PAR Technology Corporation, has launched its EverServ PixelPoint Version 12 POS. This software edition delivers more than 40 new features and enhancements, according to the vendor, which should help restaurant owners simplify installation, reduce costs, and improve customer service. So far, ParTech has deployed more than 42,000 PixelPoint licenses at restaurants around the world, in settings from quick service to table service, including Baskin-Robbins, Taco Mayo, and Wild Wings.

"From its inception, PixelPoint was designed for flexibility and ease of use. The focus of the new features in V12 builds upon this vision," remarked Karen Sammon, President of ParTech, Inc. "The latest enhancements to PixelPoint simplify front of house and back of house operations and offer extensive flexibility in terms of deployment, purchase models, security, mobility, global payment support, and reporting. PixelPoint's expanded suite of application programming interfaces (APIs) increases the POS capabilities with extensive options from third-party providers."

With the advent of V12, PixelPoint POS now may be licensed through monthly subscription, with simplified web-based activation. Mobile POS has been addressed for tablets and smartphones, with cloud-based dashboards and reporting via PAR WebView and HeadOffice. PixelPoint V12 also carries the company's new QueryBuilder tool to simplify the creation of custom ad-hoc data queries. In addition, more than 50 standard reports have been added to its report library. PAR EverServ PixelPoint has attained PCI PA-DSS certification, with V12 rolled out to channel partners in North America.

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PAR EverServ PixelPoint Version 12

Intermec Hits High "C"

Intermec (Everett, WA) has released its "C# for Printers," the next generation of its "Smart Printing" methodology. This new language supports label printing with the company's PM43/c industrial printers and PC-Series desktop printers. Intermec C# will be included directly in the printer's firmware, without the need for separate purchase, according to Intermec, which cited improved accuracy, programmability, and lower cost as potential benefits.

Additionally, since the company's printers feature an integrated numeric keypad, Intermec C# for Printers eliminates need of an attached computer, keyboard, or other cabling elements in most settings. "Intermec C# language support for Smart Printing adds yet another way for businesses to simplify their printing operations," relayed Chuck Dourlet, VP of Printers and Media for Intermec. "With the personal computer built directly into the printer, Intermec Smart Printing with C# improves performance and reliability, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction."

"Intermec C# for Printers provides our partners who have Microsoft .NET development skills with an innovative way to deliver high-powered printer-based solutions using tools they are already familiar with," observed Karl Perry, Senior Product Manager for Printer Software at Intermec. "The Fingerprint language that started Smart Printing has served us well and now C# for Printers improves on that legacy by providing another powerful set of tools that virtually all software developers already know how to use." A color, full-touch user interface will result in more sophisticated solutions, confirmed some of the vendor's resellers.

Application With C# on Keyboard of Intermec's PM43 Printer

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
AZT POS
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POS-X
Team Sable
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS & Inventory Software
New West Technologies

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Printronix
Sato America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Honeywell
Motorola Solutions

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INTEGRATION

APG Puts Bite on Bluetooth

APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis) has furthered its push into Mobile POS with the unveiling of BluePRO, an interface between consumer devices and printer-kick cash drawers. As its name suggests, BluePRO employs wireless Bluetooth to open the drawer or report drawer status, with typical range of three feet (for security purposes). It's compatible with all APG Model 320 MultiPRO interfaced cash drawers, and requires cable and power adapter (which are included).

Unlike APG's NetPro, an embedded component for in-store Ethernet, with all the capability such intelligence implies, BluePRO is an external dongle that essentially replaces the typical printer kick with an open drawer command, directly from the mobile device, RRN.Com was told by Robert Daugs, Director of Product Management at APG Cash Drawer. It measures 2.5 in. (W) x 2.75 in. (D) x 1 in. (H) with shipping weight of approximately 1 lb. Suggested price for BluePRO (Interface Model 510) has been set at $119, and, as expected, APG offers software development kits (SDKs) for iOS and Android.

"We sell through distribution, which is where your readers will buy the products, both BluePRO and NetPRO," Daugs told RRN.Com. "That said, we are working directly with VARs and ISVs to help them understand the features of each product and help them integrate the appropriate products into systems. Samples and support run through Paul St. George, Director of Product Management, Mobility and Interface Solutions, here at APG."

APG Debuts BluePRO Modem for Cash Drawers

A Pack of POSLynx at Precidia

Precidia Technologies (Ottawa, ON, Canada) has stocked its POSLynxDUO multi-port hardware platform. Supporting the company's payment middleware, this addition to the POSLynx Series offers automatic wireless back-up and secure VPN tunnel capability for merchants with multiple lanes or POS peripherals. It secures cardholder data with SSL encryption, firewalling, and PCI PA-DSS validation, and routes credit, debit, gift, and loyalty transactions to the appropriate processor for approval.

Automatic wireless back-up at 2G to 4G is accomplished via the device's USB interface, along with modem stick and "low-cost data plan," according to the vendor. If desired, dial back-up can be set up via the USB port with an inexpensive adapter. Suitable for use by convenience/petroleum operators, POSLynxDUO with VPN tunneling facilitates sharing of inventory and transaction data with the head office. It's also EMV-ready.

"We expect this device, with lower price point than existing multi-port POSLynx models, will be the leading choice for multi-lane environments," indicated Deepak Wanner, President of Precidia Technologies. POSLynxDUO is remotely deployed, monitored, and managed on 24/7 basis by Precidia's web-based management suite. Targeted to help-desks and resellers, NetVu delivers device and network data for support of merchants, while MerchantVu provides access to transaction reports and tools for their stores.

POSLynxDUO Multi-Port Payment Appliance by Precidia

Channel Factoid

It's not just hype, as research continues to show that SMBs are flocking to mobile and social platforms. Here's findings from the "Local Commerce Monitor," BIA/Kelsey's ongoing study of this critical segment. Of special interest, this survey finds that mobile payments are gaining significant traction within the SMB, with 40% of respondents stating they now accept payments through smartphone or tablet via PayPal Here, Square, etc. Another 16% plan to add this capability within the next 12 months. SMBs are also turning to mobile to get customers in the door, with 32% stating they are using some form of mobile messaging to promote their business, up from 28% in 2012. Nearly three-quarters of SMBs surveyed (72%) indicated they employ social media to promote their wares. In addition, more than half (52%) have Facebook pages and one-quarter (25%) have Google + Local pages. Many SMBs gave themselves high marks on their level of expertise in this discipline. When asked how "engaged" their businesses are with their customers on social media (e.g., responding to online comments, regular blogging or tweeting, regular updating of their Facebook page, offering loyalty rewards), two-thirds (66%) stated they are "extremely engaged" or "very engaged." Remarked Steve Marshall, Director of Research for BIA/Kelsey: "Mobile continues to make impressive inroads into the SMB arena, as both marketing vehicle and element of the business infrastructure. A closer look at the data shows adoption of mobile and social varies across SMB industry sectors. It reveals professional and home and trade services are embracing mobile in big ways, with service providers essentially becoming walking POS terminals."

HELLO GOODBYE

POS-X's Jersey Boy

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) has named Ron Jackson as its VP of Marketing. Based in New Jersey, Jackson joined POS-X as Director: Business Development in May. Previously, he spent 15 years at Metrologic Instruments, followed by Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (after Honeywell purchased Metrologic). His former titles include Channel Marketing Manager - Latin America for Honeywell and Director of Marketing - The Americas for Metrologic Instruments. He began his career with Franklin Machine Products, distribution company for foodservice and hospitality markets.

"The level of service and support that the POS-X team provides for customers is about the best I have seen in the industry," Jackson told RRN.Com. "Every day, we strive to make the purchasing, installation, and support of point-of-sale hardware as simple and easy as possible. I look forward to the challenges of creating the marketing strategy, bringing on new products, expanding our geographic reach, and building programs and implementing training tools that will truly help our resellers grow their business."

"Since Ron has been with POS-X, he has helped increase the customer base, created several new processes, and provided insights as to the direction of the company," Karl Schoessler, President of POS-X, shared with RRN.Com. "Ron has taken on several key projects and has the initiative, values, integrity, and work ethic that align perfectly with POS-X. Ron's leadership, marketing experience, and business knowledge of POS & Auto ID will be instrumental in creating and guiding our channel marketing initiatives, product management, and corporate communications."

Ron Jackson, VP of Marketing, POS-X

Sterling Perkz Up

With an eye towards greater expansion into loyalty programs, Sterling Payment Technologies (Tampa, FL) has added the direct marketing expertise of Bill Disbrow and Jim Sampey, both former chief executives of Valpak/Cox Target Media. Disbrow first served as President, then CEO, during his 21-year career at Valpak Direct Marketing Services, and its parent company, Cox Target Media. Under his leadership, Valpak became the largest local franchised direct mail company in the U.S. Sampey spent 22 years at Valpak/Cox Target Media in a variety of roles, including President and COO. He led the company's sales and marketing teams as well as the project team which designed and built the $220 million Valpak Manufacturing Center.

"At Sterling, our goal is to bring leading-edge products to market to help businesses become more profitable and efficient," reflected Paul Hunter, Sterling's CEO/President. "Many merchants are seeking innovative programs that combine loyalty with payment solutions to help them compete. Payment and loyalty will continue to become more intertwined in the future. We look forward to working with Bill and Jim, both with impressive track records in sales, marketing, and operations, as Sterling develops new industry innovations."

A new mobility loyalty solution, cleverly dubbed Perkz, has emerged from Sterling. It encompasses web and smartphone customer enrollment pages, custom marketing collateral, professionally designed e-mail templates, easy online management, and comprehensive online reporting of program results, according to its developer. Sterling is also developing application programming interfaces (APIs) to integrate Perkz with POS products and software.

New Executives: Bill Disbrow and Jim Sampey