This Week’s Product Pick

Wasp Barcode Technologies (Plano, TX) showcased its WWS100i cordless pocket barcode scanner, which transmits data to smart-phones or tablets with line of sight of 33 feet. This new device employs CCD scan engine to read all popular one-dimensional barcodes while quickly capturing 240 scans/second from near contact up to five-and-a-half feet away. It detects poorly printed or damaged labels with print contrast ratio as low as 30%. With an integrated, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, the WWS100i captures up to 5,000 scans within its eight-hour working period. Built for busy, high-use environments, the WWS100i’s ABS plastic housing withstands five-foot drops to concrete. “The pocket-sized form factor makes the WWS100i an ideal barcode scanner for environments where mobility is vital, including retail, office, healthcare, and library use,” remarked Brian Sutter, Director of Marketing at Wasp Barcode Technologies.

WWS100i Scanner by Wasp

COMPANY BUSINESS

ViVOtech’s Excellent Adventure

ViVOtech’s fast start in NFC for payments has ended with sale of its ViVOpay reader product line, technologies, and trademark to ID Tech (Cypress, CA). Late in July, ViVOtech revealed it was restructuring, focusing on software for m-commerce, and somewhat desperately looking for someone to buy its hardware portfolio. A suitor was found in ID Tech, somewhat surprisingly, one of the long-standing channel suppliers of card readers, barcode scanners, and keyboards. Under the new agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, ID Tech now takes control of ViVOtech’s existing customer base and supplier relationships.

“Over the last six months the company has been executing a strategy to divest its ViVOpay reader business to a qualified buyer and focus on its ViVOnfc software business,” reads the latest web posting by ViVOtech, which is based in Silicon Valley. “With today’s announcement of the sale of its reader business to ID Tech, the first step in this strategy has been completed. Now that the sale of the reader business is complete, we are focusing 100% of our energy on the continued support of our customers, contracts, and partners, and on growth of this business.”

ViVOtech’s sudden turn throws more doubt on the viability of NFC payments in the U.S., at least in the short term. ViVOtech has shipped over one million NFC terminals worldwide, according to industry sources, and enjoys 80% U.S. market share with much publicized customers such as Home Depot, Whole Foods, and McDonald’s. As collateral damage, it should be noted that ViVOtech also was “tapped” for NFC payment schemes such as Google Wallet, Isis (by AT&T Mobile, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless), and PayPal’s plans to get physical in retail.

ViVOtech’s Hardware Business Purchased by ID Tech

VX-100 Aloft at Casio

Casio America (Dover, NJ) has launched its newest POS terminal, the VX-100, based upon Android OS and targeted specifically at the reseller channel. VX-100 carries fanless design, an adjustable 10.4-inch full-color touchscreen, an attached high-speed thermal receipt printer, and built-in 2x20 customer-facing display. With external dimensions of 9 in. (H) x 15.5 in. (W) x 9.3 in. (D) and weight of 11 lbs., this new system carries ARM Cortex Dual Core CPU at 533 MHz, 512 MB RAM, and 2 GB Flash ROM. A full complement of ports are provided, including Ethernet, Serial, and USB, with peripherals such as cash drawer, magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), and PIN Pad from PAX.

It was the Android OS, naturally, which drew attention to Casio at the recent Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in Las Vegas. With the VX-100, the vendor has attempted to offer the “best of both worlds,” in its words, through both an embedded application and an open platform. Its proprietary software for hospitality and retail includes extended features such as customer loyalty database, reservation capability, and e-mail reporting to mobile devices. An open platform, of course, allows Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to develop and run their own Android software on the VX-100, with Casio supplying its software development kit (SDK).

One such partner has already been announced, MoleQ (New York), with its MG-POS Version 2.0 for grocery and convenience stores. “Casio’s VX-100 really impressed us--we have been trying to find an ideal POS system for small retailers for a number of years,” reported Andy Lau, CEO of MoleQ. “Our software was designed solely for the VX-100 and provides the graphical user interface in which all buttons support Casio’s highly sensitive touch panel to deliver quick response time during checkout.” Included in this application for the VX-100 are scanning and scale interfaces, item discounting, price change, age verification, item picture flip charts, and tare tables with descriptions.

Casio’s VX-100 Android POS Terminal

Worth Your While

VARTECH US/LATAM
BlueStar
October 5-8
Bahamas Cruise

NACS 2012
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 7-9
Las Vegas

Pack Expo 2012
Packaging Manufacturers Machinery Institute
October 28-31
Chicago

Customer Engagement Technology World
JDEvents
November 7-8
New York

IAAPA Expo 2012
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 12-16
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Sled Ride at Cherry

Cherry (Pleasant Prairie, WI) has debuted its “iTransigo” mobile POS sled for use with Apple’s iPhone or iPod Touch. Named for “Transact and Go,” this subsystem features an encrypted three-track magnetic-stripe reader (MSR), built-in receipt printer, and optional two-dimensional barcode scanner and smart card capability. It measures 8.1 in. (H) x 5.2 in. (W) x 3.7 in. (D) with RS-232 communication port, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, and buttons and indicator lights for power, scanning, and paper feed.

“Whether your business is retail, hospitality, field service, transportation, stadium concessions, or just weekly farmer’s market, the Cherry iTransigo provides quick and secure transactions wherever they are needed,” relayed John Enderlin, Sales Manager for Point of Sale Technology at Cherry. “This PCI-compliant solution delivers all of the capabilities of traditional stationary POS terminals and can be integrated into existing legacy systems. In addition to wireless sales transactions, it assists with comparison pricing, checking inventory, or providing additional details on products or services.”

iTransigo furnishes direct thermal printing of text and graphics at 80 mm/3.15 inches per second at 203 dpi and two-inch paper width. Clamshell design facilitates paper loading for the printer, and the overall package has been ergonomically constructed for ease of handling. Cherry ships its sled with paper roll, battery and charger, iPod Touch 4th generation adapter, and user guide, and provides one-year warranty. It outsources sled, printer, and scanner.

Cherry iTransigo for Apple iPhone

Dolphin Swims with Android

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Ft. Mill, SC) has shipped its first enterprise digital assistant (EDA) with an Android OS, dubbed Dolphin 7800 Android, and covered under new patent agreement with Microsoft Corporation. Although specific terms remain confidential, the two parties confirmed that Microsoft will receive royalties from Honeywell. “Our core business strategy is to offer solutions to meet the needs of the software development community,” stated John Waldron, President of Honeywell Scanning & Mobility. “To provide our customers with the best range of tools for success, we signed this license agreement with Microsoft that will allow Honeywell to offer the Android-based Dolphin 7800 to our network of partners around the world.” This new agreement covers Android or Chrome OS.

“Many of our customers want to enjoy using their work devices as much as their personal mobile phones and tablets,” observed Taylor Smith, Director of Product Management for Honeywell Scanning & Mobility. “With the Android-based Dolphin 7800, we are able to offer the same user experience with the enterprise security that our customers expect from Honeywell.” Via Remote MasterMind 3.0 device management software, businesses may enroll and configure devices, track company assets, and enforce stronger password protection, Honeywell pointed out.

Honeywell introduced its Dolphin 7800 EDA in November 2011 with the Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 OS, which it will continue to ship and support, obviously. Features include 3.5-inch outdoor viewable VGA touchscreen display, multiple keyboards, and software-definable radio capability that allows on-the-fly switching between GSM and CDMA networks (as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS). Adaptus Imaging Technology enables fast scanning of linear and two-dimensional barcodes, augmented by an integrated three-megapixel color camera. Leading to launch of the Dolphin 7800 Android, Honeywell reportedly consulted with members of its Developer Program for Android OS. Participants benefit from early product previews, dedicated technical support, and joint marketing and public relations activities, according to the vendor.

Dolphin 7800 Gets Android OS Courtesy of Microsoft

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ALLIANCES

A Value Meal by Aldelo and Sterling

Aldelo (Modesto, CA) and Sterling Payment Technologies (Tampa, FL) have joined forces to offer Sterling Bundled Services, or SBS, for their restaurant customers and prospects. With SBS, merchants will gain access to an integrated POS solution that is affordable and full-featured, according to the two parties. “SBS combines Aldelo’s industry-leading restaurant POS software, hardware choices from best-in-class manufacturers, and Sterling’s competitive processing services to bring a truly unique approach to the restaurant market,” declared Paul Hunter, CEO/President at Sterling Payment Technologies.

The SBS subscription package includes: choice of hardware from leading POS manufacturers (POS-X, Touch Dynamic, or Partner Tech), Aldelo XERA POS or Aldelo For Restaurants software, and card processing services from Sterling Payment Technologies. Also included are 24/7 technical support, free software upgrades, and next-day hardware replacement. With SBS, payments are deducted from credit card sales on a daily basis and, thus, spread out over time to lower upfront expenses, Hunter indicated.

“We are delighted to partner with Sterling to offer this bundled service package,” shared Harry Tu, President of Aldelo. “SBS will allow our dealers to close more sales while making hardware and software acquisition easier for the hospitality industry. The free 24/7 software technical support and free software upgrades are unprecedented enhancements not included in ‘free’ POS offerings.”

Aldelo Restaurant POS Running on Touch Dynamic’s Breeze

AIMsi on Consignment

Tri-Technical Systems (Dubuque, IA), supplier of AIMsi, PC/Poll, and Active-e software products, has purchased fellow developer, Computer Consultants Exchange (Boulder, CO) for undisclosed terms. CCE is well-known in the consignment and recycled store world for its two products, Consignment Ease and Consignment Success Software. CCE has over 1,700 installed users that will be added to Tri-Tech’s customer base.

“Our core software package, AIMsi, will give the current users of CCE more sophisticated accounting and inventory management, and will enable us to compete with other software companies in the consignment industry as we go forward in this market,” commented Paul Acton, President of Tri-Tech. “We are pleased to welcome CCE and its valued customers to Tri-Tech.” Without CCE, Tri-Tech currently serves 4,000 retailers in the U.S. and Canada.

Earlier, in May, Tri-Tech premiered its AIMsi Version 10, with improved interface to its web commerce engine, Active-e, as well as deeper reporting capabilities. AIMsi V10 has been PA-DSS certified and offers add-on modules such as repair and service, lesson scheduling, rentals, contact management, e-mail, and time scheduler. In keeping with Tri-Tech’s roots, the software has been designed with industry-specific features for many popular vertical niches, including music, sewing, vacuum, bicycle, liquor, hobby, and golf. PC/POLL, as its name suggests, pulls information from electronic cash registers (ECRs).

Leadership Team at Tri-Technical Systems (L-R): President Paul Acton, with EVP’s Greg Cox and Pat Murphy

Code Corner

Payroll processing has been integrated into Cash Register Express, Restaurant Pro Express, and Cash Register Express - Fuel Edition from pcAmerica (Pearl River, NY). This new functionality runs through Payroll City, one of the leading providers of such services in the U.S. It allows business managers to track employees’ hours, view and modify their time punches, and calculate tips or commissions--all through the POS terminal. At the end of the pay period, owners submit their payroll electronically to Payroll City to register overtime wages, deduct tax withholdings and any garnishments, and automatically issue checks or direct deposit. Job titles, wage rates, and W-4 information are stored in the system and time-off, vacation and sick days, and 401K matching are tracked. Business owners and managers can access their payroll information online at any time, during which they can review data or download reports, reducing the need to save “hundreds of pages of information.” A low monthly rate includes all payroll calculations, direct deposit, and state and federal quarterly tax filings, according to the two parties. “Payroll is one of the most important and time-consuming responsibilities for a business owner,” explained David Gosman, CEO of pcAmerica. “More time spent doing payroll means less time serving customers, so businesses should consider taking advantage of pcAmerica’s new payroll solution, which reduces the amount of paperwork by gathering information directly from the point-of-sale database.”

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Upstream at nChannel

Upstart nChannel (Columbus, OH), which markets its cloud-based multi-channel management platform through resellers, has taken another step forward with the hiring of Mike Miller as its VP of Retail Industry Development. In this newly created role, Miller will be responsible for recruiting and training new resellers and managing the developer’s overall strategy in retail and distribution. Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) has been the primary focus of nChannel, and not coincidentally, Miller served for seven years as Regional Sales Manager of Dynamics Retail for Microsoft. He comes to nChannel from NitroSell, an e-commerce entity, where he spent three years as VP of Sales. He also worked for Casio, Kyrus, and Malloy’s Cash Register.

“Bringing Mike to nChannel represents another significant milestone for us,” indicated Steve Weber, CEO/President. “It means that our first entrance into the market, recruiting Microsoft Dynamics RMS partners, has been highly successful. We are exceeding our projections and our sales and marketing strategies are working. In order to be able to bring an exceptional individual like Mike to nChannel, we have to consistently achieve momentum and growth. We’ve done that, and we’re looking forward to bringing on other equally talented channel-proven personnel in the coming months.”

Mike Miller, VP, Retail Industry Development, nChannel

RSPA: We Won in Vegas

Several stories over the past few weeks have referenced the Retail Solutions Providers Association Show, RetailNOW, held in Las Vegas at the beginning of August. “A record number of attendees and exhibitors reflect fast-moving changes and new opportunities in the retail technology industry,” proposed Joe Finizio, CEO/President of RSPA (Charlotte, NC), in describing his event. For this year, those numbers were 1,800 and 155, respectively. In talking with RRN.Com in Las Vegas, Finizio stressed RSPA’s willingness to help VARs, ISVs, and OEMs adapt to the changing nature of retail IT, with particular emphasis on issues such as PCI compliance, business certification, and the emergence of new technologies.

Simultaneous with Las Vegas, for instance, RSPA announced that the National Grocers Association has endorsed its Certification Program, following the lead of the National Restaurant Association less than one year ago. “The RSPA and NGA will work together on education, best practices, and industry affairs,” Finizio said. “We look forward to the positive benefits this alliance will bring to our respective memberships.” In the case of PCI, he urged stakeholders to take advantage of RSPA’s resources in this area, which he passionately promoted as more comprehensive and less expensive than similar efforts by other industry trade groups. Information on both campaigns may be found on the RSPA website.

Here are the some winners of the 2012 RSPA Awards of Excellence, presented in Las Vegas, and chosen by members. Companies are given in order of Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Hardware Provider: Epson America, APG Cash Drawer, Touch Dynamic. Applications Software Provider: Future POS, pcAmerica, National Computer Corporation. Hardware/Software Provider: Cash Register Sales, Micros Systems, NCR Corporation. Distributors: ScanSource, BlueStar, Metropolitan Sales. Electronic Payment: Mercury, Datacap Systems, VeriFone. In addition, Mercury won the Gold Medallion. Finally, two well-known figures were inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame: Louis Brown Jr., Founder of Micros Systems, and Lefty Monson, Founder of ECR Sales Management and POS Sales Management.

Mercury Receives Gold Medallion (L-R): Joe Finizio, CEO/President of RSPA, with Matt Taylor, CEO of Mercury, and Team

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
Synnex Corporation
Wasp Barcode Technologies
Yellowfin Distribution

POS & Peripherals
J2 Retail Systems
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Repair & Refurbishment
AMCOR Tech Solutions

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Layer of Agilysys, SAP, and M-POS

Agilysys (Atlanta) has announced the formal launch of NextPosition 3S, its advanced mobile POS software system specifically configured to work with SAP Point-of-Sale Version 2.3 for the retail sector. As an SAP partner, Agilysys reportedly worked closely with SAP to develop this extension for Apple iOS and Android, which requires no middleware. It leverages the SAP Afaria enterprise management platform to deliver the full functionality of the retailer’s POS to mobile devices, according to the two parties.

“Putting mobile technology into the hands of sales associates is radically changing the shopping dynamic and guest experience,” remarked Aaron Hagler, VP of Solutions Delivery for the Retail Group at Agilysys. “For shoppers, the benefits of store associates armed with mobile devices include an on-demand service and faster checkout process, which in turn improves store efficiency and sales per associate. For specialty retailers, harnessing chic technology has proven to not only support their brand images, but to enhance sales, store profitability, and customer service as well.”

“SAP POS 2.3 provides retailers with state-of-the-art, configurable, and easy-to-use POS that is functional and eliminates the need for customary middleware interface, therefore reducing cost of implementation,” added Michael Schulze, SVP and GM, U.S. Retail at SAP. For store associates, NextPosition 3S includes the ability to trigger remote cash drawers and wireless receipt printers. In addition, retailers may take advantage of the mobile hardware with additional applications from Agilysys and SAP.

Agilysys NextPosition 3S Takes POS to Store Floor

GoPago, Go Figure

A new scheme, GoPago Live, seeks to combine two pulsing trends in the POS industry--free hardware and the tablet format--and thereby dominate the neighborhood merchant segment. Backed by JPMorgan Chase, GoPago, developer of one of the popular cloud-based mobile payment applications, will now provide an extensive bundle of hardware, software, and tech support for no monthly charge. Merchants simply pay its fixed 2.85% credit card transaction fee, whether MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover, with cash payments handled for nothing. This differs from previous “free” POS offers, which require service contracts in addition to payment processing commitment, suggesting leasing.

Categorizing itself as PaaS, for “Payment-as-a-Service,” GoPago readily admits it is taking aim at competitors such as Square Register and NCR Silver, as well as the larger world of POS. GoPago Live is delivered to merchants as “your business in a box,” with Android-based tablet, business software, and single interface for both mobile and in-store purchases. Another partner, Verizon, supplies wireless 4G connectivity and the package includes free tablet stand, cash drawer, receipt printer, and credit card reader, according to GoPago.

“We think GoPago Live will turn the payment industry on its head,” declared Leo Rocco, CEO and Founder of GoPago, which is based in San Francisco. “This is so much more than POS. It’s a total solution for brick-and-mortar business owners. We’re redefining and resetting the bar for modernizing business payments and loyalty programs.”

A Bundle of Tablet POS Offered for Free

Channel Factoid

Summer’s almost over, and according to the National Retail Federation’s 2012 Back-to-School Spending Survey, the average person with children in grades K-12 will lay out $688.62 getting ready for the fall, up from $603.63 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $30.3 billion. Not surprisingly, in K-12, parents will focus closely on clothing ($246.10) and electronics ($217.88). Nearly six in 10 (59.6%) will invest in some sort of electronic device, up significantly from the slight majority last year (51.9%). Additionally, the average person sending their children to K-12 will spend $129.20 on shoes and $95.44 on school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, and backpacks. When it comes to college, students and their families will spend an average of $907.22 on everything from dorm furniture to personal care items, up from $808.71 last year. According to the survey, nearly three-quarters (74.2%) of shoppers in this category will buy apparel and accessories, accounting for $132.97. Electronics will also be popular, with 54% planning to purchase computers, MP3 players, or smart-phones, jumping from 45.8% last year. Total spending for back-to-college is expected to reach $53.5 billion. Interestingly, preparations for K-12 and college, when combined, serve as the second biggest consumer spending event for retailers behind the winter holidays. “As they begin tackling their shopping lists, parents will make sure to spend smarter than they ever have before,” observed Matthew Shay, NRF CEO/President. “We fully expect retailers to be aggressive with their promotions both in-store and online, keeping an eye on inventory level as families look to spread out their shopping throughout the entire summer.”

HELLO GOODBYE

An Extension of Xpient

Xpient Solutions (Charlotte, NC) has enlisted Matt Steiger as its VP of Regional Sales. Based in Los Angeles, Steiger brings extensive experience in providing IT to the hospitality market, including 11 years as Senior Account Executive for Custom Business Solutions, the large IBM POS VAR. Also, his previous background in sales of back-office systems for computer software vendors such as Talisma and Tibersoft was deemed important for launch of Xpient’s new platform, dubbed Xenon.

“Xpient has built an effective and strong national brand presence in the quick service and fast casual segments,” stated Christopher Sebes, CEO/President of Xpient. “We are excited about the addition of Matt to our sales team. His track record demonstrates outstanding success in similar customer arenas. We are confident he will be instrumental in further expanding the penetration of our brand into our targeted space.”

Xpient also announced payment processing support by Mercury (Durango, CO) for its Xpress POS solution, which went into general release at the recent Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in Las Vegas. Xpress has been designed for the independent market and for chain operations “where extensive POS customization is not required,” according to Xpient, while "scalable for an unlimited for an unlimited number of stores.” Mercury also has been integrated into Xpient’s cornerstone IRIS POS, deployed by well-known brands such as Jack in the Box, Panera Bread, Panda Express, and Taco Bell.

Matt Steiger, VP, Regional Sales, Xpient Solutions

Merchant Fills Its Missing Link

Merchant Link (Silver Spring, MD), provider of payment gateway and data security services, has commissioned Patricia Sappington as its Director of Channel Development. Sappington joins Merchant Link from Elavon (the former NOVA), where she served for 10 years as Market Development Manager. At Merchant Link, she will be charged with development of channel programs for the company’s growing base of resellers, with focus on the lodging, restaurant, and retail verticals.

“The Director of Channel Development position is significant to Merchant Link’s overall strategy and direction,” noted Laura Kirby-Meck, EVP of Sales and Marketing for Merchant Link. “Patricia brings the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience necessary to grow the VAR program. She has a passion for service that will continue to expand the number of payment devices and systems we connect to.”

“Merchant Link is well-known in the payments industry for its service and support, and is leading the way in its development of payment data security solutions such as tokenization and point-to-point encryption,” Sappington said, adding she’s “thrilled to join the team.” Founded in 1993, Merchant Link currently handles three billion transactions annually for 150,000 customers. Products include TransactionVault for tokenization and TransactionShield for point-to-point encryption.

Patricia Sappington, Director of Channel Development, Merchant Link

Larger Staff “FiTS” Tagsys

Tagsys RFID (King of Prussia, PA) has added two executives in response to accelerating demand for smart inventory and loss management systems within the retail and luxury sectors. Tony Dublino has been named Director of U.S. Sales for Retail and Apparel, with Chad Tripp the new Director of Field Applications Engineering. Both employees bring decades of experience in the area of inventory management, according to Tagsys, which calls its RFID system “FiTS.”

Dublino previously managed U.S. marketing and sales for RFID sensor manufacturer Hi-G-Tek, including enterprise sales and business development, made-to-order manufacturing, product planning, and channel operations. Dublino has handled national accounts such as Ryder and Bell South. As part of his background, Tripp managed software engineering efforts for Lending Processing Services, Bank of America, and Convergys, with customers in the Fortune 500 and Global 500. Tripp also founded his own company, Avantecdat, which installed inventory and asset management solutions in Ecuador.

“The U.S. retail and apparel market is an important focus for Tagsys since major retailers are rapidly moving to full RFID compliance by all of their vendors. Tony and Chad bring deep experience in developing and supporting solutions in this space,” commented Monte Lucas, VP of Sales, Americas, for Tagsys. “They are valuable resources for companies looking to understand and leverage the business intelligence benefits of RFID, initiate deployments that cut cost, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.”

Chad Tripp, Director of Field Applications Engineering, Tagsys RFID