This Week’s Product Pick

Psion Teklogix (Hebron, KY) unveiled its rugged EP10 PDA, rooted in the company’s new Omnii product platform, and commercially available by April 2011. Psion EP10 offers all the performance, features, and functionality of high-end, full-size devices in smaller form factor and at an affordable price, according to the vendor. Product highlights include: the latest Texas Instruments Sitara 3715@800 MHz processor, 3.7-inch full VGA trans-reflective display, and integrated digital compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, and light and proximity sensors. The device also offers the latest in wireless communications, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and 3G cellular in both CDMA EVDO Rev A and GMA HSPA+. Target markets include retail, transportation, professional services, and field service and sales, where the device is intended to replace unreliable consumer-level hardware. “Launching the Omnii platform earlier this year is enabling us to deliver high-quality products across a variety of categories to market faster,” declared John Conoley, CEO of Psion Teklogix.

Psion Teklogix EP10

COMPANY BUSINESS

BlueStar Deals Evolis in U.S.

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) will distribute the product line of Evolis plastic card printers in the U.S. and Latin America. Based in France, Evolis offers the full range of graphic, magnetic-stripe, contact, and contactless card technologies for formats such as employee badges, student IDs, and payment cards. Popular models in its line card include Tattoo, Pebble, and Dualys, which feature colorful equipment design and allow for decentralized delivery of customized cards. BlueStar also handles the Evolis product family overseas through its Impuls ID business unit.

“Evolis high-performance printers provide resellers with versatile, cost-effective solutions that can be implemented in all vertical markets,” noted Rob Dorsey, VP of Sales at BlueStar. “We feel that by adding Evolis to our complete vendor catalogue, we are increasing collaboration possibilities within the BlueStar portfolio to provide innovative opportunities for our Value-Added Resellers.”

“We are very excited about this partnership with BlueStar,” said Gerardo Talavera, Managing Director of Evolis for the Americas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL). “The addition of BlueStar to the Evolis family of direct partners will allow us to offer comprehensive ID solutions to key vertical markets while benefitting from BlueStar’s impeccable commitment to providing value-added support and services to its reseller network.”

Evolis Pebble Card Printer

[Editor’s Note: BlueStar also was honored as the “Distributor of the Year” by TSC Auto ID Technology America. The ceremony took place at TSC’s first “Team TSC Partner Summit” in the U.S., which was held in November in Pomona, CA. “BlueStar has always been our steadfast partner and we felt this conference presented the perfect opportunity to compliment them for a record-breaking year and their spirit of teamwork and constancy,” commented David Lundeen, VP of Sales and Marketing for TSC America.]

TSC Distributor of the Year Award

Retail Anywhere: Happens in Vegas

Retail Anywhere (Atascadero, CA), the prominent provider of POS and retail management systems to midsized retailers, has opened its satellite office in Las Vegas. The new location--730 West Cheyenne, Suite 130, North Las Vegas, NV 89030--will house the company’s customer support and implementation departments, with larger areas for staging and help-desk activities. Retail Anywhere’s corporate headquarters remain in California, and are expected to move into new office space shortly.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new office,” relayed Branden Jenkins, CEO of Retail Anywhere. “We chose the Las Vegas area because of its talented labor pool and for its abundant options of direct flights, easing the commute for our implementation teams as well as for customers coming onsite for training.”

Earlier, in September, Retail Anywhere partnered with Cybera (Nashville, TN) to address PCI compliance for its customers. Cybera’s ClearPCI One bundles security software, hosting, and support for an annual fee. “Combining ClearPCI One and Retail Anywhere’s PA-DSS validated POS provides merchants with the best available data security and sales transaction processing solutions for the most cost-effective price in the market,” said Jenkins. “We’ve also been very pleased with the simplicity of the installation process we’ve experienced.” The two parties have announced an early adoption of their joint platform by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

New Retail Anywhere Facility in Las Vegas

Worth Your While - 2011

NRF 100th Annual
Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 9-12
New York

RSPA Inspire 2011
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 23-26
Maui, Hawaii

Supply Chain Conference
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA)
January 30-February 1
Orlando

ProMat 2011
Material Handling Industry of America
March 21-24
Chicago

NRA Show 2011
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

UConnect 2011
Voluntary Inter-Industry Commerce Solutions (VICS)
May 31-June 3
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Motorola Builds on MC55

Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) has shipped its MC55A0 enterprise mobile computer, designed for use by managers and task workers who perform most of their business activities inside the company walls. Available in two models, the MC55A0 targets customer-facing business applications, while the MC55A0-HC comes in blue and white and disinfectant-ready for healthcare environments. All expected functionality has been incorporated, allowing workers to scan barcodes, capture and view images, access the web and e-mail, and receive push-to-talk voice calls. Significantly, the 802.11a/b/g tri-mode radio connects to both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz WLANs for cost-effective voice and data connectivity--with all the latest authentication and encryption protocols, support for Motorola’s Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and native FIPS 140-2 Level 1 government-grade security.

MC55A0 runs Windows Mobile 6.5, with the Marvell PXA320@806 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM/1 GB Flash, and Micro-SD card slot with support up to 32 GB. The device measures approximately 6 in. x 3 in. x 1 in., weighs 11 oz. with rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and withstands 1,000 consecutive two-foot tumbles in the company’s test drum. Additional features include super-bright 3.5-inch PenTile color VGA display, intelligent motion sensing, multiple scanner and keyboard options, and Motorola Enterprise Mobility Developer Kit APIs for porting applications.

“Motorola’s new MC55A0 series raises the bar for in-building voice and data communications--providing a cost-effective solution that works on virtually any wireless LAN,” indicated Girish Rishi, Corporate VP and GM of Mobile Computing, Motorola Solutions. “Delivering new levels of business efficiency and enhanced customer service, the Wi-Fi-enabled MC55A0 series also eliminates the common challenges associated with in-building cellular coverage for real-time access to business-critical information, while leveraging the field-proven form factor and accessories of the MC55.”

MC55A0 Mobile Computer for In-Premise Applications

A Moveable Hypercom

Hypercom Corporation (Scottsdale, AZ) introduced the portable version of its L5000 multi-lane product family, designated, fittingly enough, the M5000 mobile payment terminal. Like its big brother, the new device marries processing power (266-MHz standard/400-MHz optional, with 500 MB of memory, in this case) with touchscreen capability (full-color, 3.5-inch) to enhance engagement with the customer as well as link with inventory management and menu-ordering systems. It includes state-of-the-art communication and connectivity schemes, integrated contactless reader, and the company’s HyperSafe security architecture and key injection system. Hypercom made the announcement at this week’s Cartes & Identification Show in Paris, perhaps in keeping with its new role as the international vanguard of VeriFone, its recent buyer.

“Merchants demand payment products that not only expedite the secure transmission of vital transaction data, but also serve as platforms to deliver value-added services to customers, independent of location,” remarked William Rossiter, VP of Global Marketing at Hypercom Corporation. “With our M5000 mobile payment system, we introduce the second in the series of products that run on our next-generation platform, carry our industry-leading security, deliver the latest features and technology for the lowest total cost of ownership, and thus will enable merchants to deliver new services to our customers today and well into the future.”

Hypercom also previewed IntelliNAC, its high-density, multi-function POS network access controller for financial institutions, retailers, and service providers. IntelliNAC enables network operators to control end-to-end transaction transport on their own, thus eliminating the need to employ multiple third-party vendors, according to its developer. A standards-based design reportedly provides easy migration from legacy systems to IP and rapid adoption of emerging technologies such as VoIP carrier systems and mobile to cellular gateways. Both the M5000 mobile payment terminal and IntelliNAC network are expected to reach the market in the summer of 2011.

M5000 Portable Payment Terminal by Hypercom

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INTEGRATION

CardDog Barks for Datacap

Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA) has tied its GIFTePay payment processing interface to CardDog, the gift, loyalty, prepaid usage, and discount card scheme from Transaction Resources, Inc. (Woburn, MA). GIFTePay users can now access CardDog’s gift services with fast, 1-to-2 second IP processing, thereby leveraging the sudden popularity of such programs. CardDog’s growing customer base in the retail and hospitality markets makes this an important new addition to GIFTePay, according to Justin Zeigler, Director of Marketing at Datacap. Founded in 1993, Transaction Resources, Inc., or TRI, serves as registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

“We are very pleased to have certified the GIFTePay interface to CardDog for Datacap users that are interested in processing gift, loyalty, prepaid, and discount card transactions directly through their POS system,” stated David Frick, President of TRI. “We already support stand-beside terminals with CardDog, but connecting directly to the POS speeds the checkout process and provides an easier, better experience for both the merchant and their customer.”

Gift and prepaid cards have been proven to increase retailer traffic and average ticket and margin, Zeigler observed, all while providing new revenue and promotional opportunities. Moreover, they reduce typical “gift certificate” expenses, and may even be used to improve the cost and profitability of return transactions. Having gift card transactions integrated into the store’s POS/ECR system provides additional benefit by streamlining operations, enhancing customer service, and establishing cashier accountability, Zeigler added. Dealers benefit from selling the gift card feature, ancillary revenue possibilities, and improved customer retention.

Linking Gift and Prepaid Cards Through the POS

Desktop Document RFID

Thinkify (Morgan Hill, CA) has debuted its TR-200 desktop RFID reader for document and records tracking for small businesses such as medical and legal offices. Notably, the new device utilizes the “CPL” antenna design from Dockon, Inc. (Reno, NV), which combines both magnetic loop radiators and co-located electric field radiators to boost performance and reduce size. Powered by USB, and tuned to the ISO-18000-6-C (Gen 2) standard, the TR-200 is inexpensive and easy to use, according to its manufacturer. A simple communication protocol and software APIs with full source code help integration efforts. CPL, incidentally, stands for Compound PxM Loop.

“We searched for a planar antenna in the 900-MHz band that would let our desktop reader become the small, inexpensive, high-performance device our customers need,” disclosed John Price, Co-Founder of Thinkify. “The CPL compound antenna is the first we have seen to offer such high gain, while still being small enough to support the compact configuration of our reader. We now pass on the low price of this powerful omni-directional antenna to our customers and OEM partners.”

“We are delighted that Thinkify has partnered with Dockon to deliver our CPL technology in their new desktop RFID readers,” stated Patrick Johnston, CEO of Dockon. “These antennas are the culmination of over 20 years of research on compound antennas and represent the first commercially viable compound planar models. After years of development, testing, and refinement of the design process, CPL antennas deliver on the promise of compound antenna technology in an easy-to-manufacture format.”

Thinkify’s TR-200 Reader for Small Business

Code Corner

AMT Datasouth Corporation (Camarillo, CA) issued PalSafe, its network downtime “workaround” software package for use with the company’s Fastmark thermal printers. PalSafe permits the creation and printing of critical admission records during network outages in hospitals, incarceration facilities, public venues, and other environments. With PalSafe installed on any Windows-based PC, the user enters data into the PC screen template that mimics the network screen and then prints the desired wristband, label, tag, or other document as it would print under network control. Such screen templates are prepared by AMT Datasouth as part of PalSafe software and match those residing in the Fastmark printer. In addition, PalSafe allows the administrator to set up passwords to control entry and verify user authorization. Further, the program automatically encrypts and stores the data entries made by the user for later uploading into the system. For users with 10 or more sites, PalSafe costs $725 per site, delivered on customized CD. “PalSafe does away with clumsy and unsecured handwritten forms, backlogs on un-entered data, and with the errors normally associated with such workarounds since it involves the same screen enter format used with the network,” emphasized Joseph Eichberger, CEO/President of AMT Datasouth. “Since most network systems are subject to scheduled downtime and all occasionally experience unscheduled downtime, PalSafe is a reliable, cost-effective solution to network outage.”

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

VeriFone “Evolves” to PCI PTS 3.0

VeriFone Systems (San Jose, CA) announced that its flagship VX Evolution product family has been validated as compliant with the new PCI Payment Transaction Security (PTS) 3.0 requirements. According to its proponents, PCI PTS 3.0 improves testing and implementation of PIN terminals by consolidating existing guidelines into one set of evaluation criteria with three new modules addressing, in order, open protocols, integration, and secure reading and exchange of data (commonly termed SRED). The VX 680 mobile, VX 520 desktop, and VX 820 PIN entry systems have all qualified for the latest version of the PCI PTS directive.

“VeriFone continues to exceed industry requirements with speedy implementation of the latest security standards,” declared Paul Rasori, SVP of Marketing. “PCI PTS 2.0 and 3.0-compliant systems will coexist for several years, but customers who choose to do so can deploy VeriFone’s PCI PTS 3.0 option now in order to remain compliant for longer periods.” The new standard “will ensure that PIN entry devices using open security protocols and open communications protocols are not vulnerable,” and explicitly endorses end-to-end encryption, according to VeriFone.

PCI PTS 3.0 was released in May by the PCI Security Standards Council following three years of review and feedback from payment processing stakeholders. Previously, there were three separate sets of requirements, covering PIN Entry Devices (PED), Encrypting PIN Pads (EPP), and Unattended Payment Terminals (UPT). Version 3.0 simplifies the testing process and eliminates overlap of documentation by providing one modular security evaluation program for all terminals and one reference listing of approved products, maintained by the PCI SSC.

Paul Rasori, SVP of Marketing, VeriFone

IBM’s Cloud Seeded With SAP

IBM has been approved to deliver and manage implementations of SAP applications via its hosted delivery model. IBM Cloud Platforms will now support the entire SAP business portfolio, spanning areas of customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, product lifecycle management, supply chain management, and corporate services. To achieve these certifications, IBM reportedly went through extensive testing by SAP to validate its hosting and cloud computing infrastructures, processes, and technical staff. In addition to its usage-based cost structure, IBM’s cloud will offer SAP clients access to templates for faster application development and secure deployment, according to the two parties.

“Clients looking to deploy SAP applications in the cloud can rely on IBM to help them manage, maintain, and scale their solution requirements in a safe and secure cloud environment that allows for flexible services and lower operating costs,” commented Jim Comfort, VP of Offering Management at IBM (Armonk, NY), who handles business outsourcing. “Running SAP applications on IBM’s Cloud Platforms and services can help clients meet their business goals, explore new markets, and drive growth.”

“The certification of IBM as a global provider of cloud and hosting services confirms its knowledge, experience, capabilities, and breadth of services for delivering SAP applications in a hosted, private cloud,” confirmed Kevin Ichhpurani, SVP, Business Development and Strategic Alliances, Global Ecosystem and Partner Group, SAP AG (Walldorf, Germany). “Customers deploying SAP applications via IBM’s Cloud Platforms can benefit from comprehensive and innovative services that are scalable, provide cost savings, and help them meet their technical and security requirements.”

IBM Cloud Computing Center

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
Posiflex Business Machines
POS-X

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Godex International

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
Datalogic Mobile
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

Retail Systems
Zebra/Motorola

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touch Displays & Monitors
3M Touch Systems

INSTALLATIONS

One Tag, Many Flights, Down Under

Flying Qantas? Look for the nifty-looking RFID tags on luggage. Designed to speed the check-in process as well as allow more accurate baggage sorting and tracking, the new, reusable customer tags can store details of up to four flights and can be reprogrammed for future journeys. Qantas has launched its automated baggage handling system, based on RFID, at its Sydney and Perth domestic terminals, with deployments to follow at Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra in 2011. Once the solution is fully deployed, the airline hopes to eliminate paper baggage tags for all its frequent flyers.

Tagsys (King of Prussia, PA) worked closely with the airline to develop this UHF EPC Gen 2-compliant “Q Bag Tag.” To meet the unique needs of the application, Tagsys designed an innovative medallion-style RFID passive inlay with small footprint and high electronic reading and writing performance for all orientations of the bag tag. Based on the Impinj Monza 4 chip, the tag comes encased in distinctive, custom-built plastic housing produced by creative product agency, Buzz Products. Interestingly, Q Bag Tags are used in conjunction with contactless loyalty cards from ST Microelectronics which serve as permanent customer boarding passes and passenger identification at the self-check-in baggage-drop stations.

“The Qantas Q Bag Tag represents a revolutionary approach to utilizing RFID in airline applications,” suggested Alain Fanet, CEO of Tagsys. “By expanding the value proposition of RFID from the point the customer checks their baggage to throughout the handling and sortation process, Qantas has positioned itself on the leading edge of RFID utilization.”

Reusable RFID Luggage Tag by Tagsys

Visualize and Buy at Ethan Allen

Furniture maker Ethan Allen has selected Intava (Bellevue, WA) to roll out touchscreen technology for its in-house design centers in stores across the U.S. Intava Vector, the visual merchandising and shopper assistance package, will power the interactive customer stations, while the Intava Sphira platform will manage, control, and monitor the network. In addition to providing photos, videos, and details on all furnishings and accessories, the screens allow customers to mix and match products--changing out fabrics and finishes on upholstery at will, for example. They also conduct customer-present marketing research for Ethan Allen.

“Choosing Intava as the technology provider for our new touchscreens was an important decision, as we needed an extremely high quality interactive retail system that could showcase complex product lines,” noted Mike Bacon, Director of Retail Systems for Ethan Allen. “The Intava solution is easy for our clients to use and can scale to support our retail locations across the country.”

With deployment of the touchscreens, Ethan Allen continues to make significant investments in its technology infrastructure, in an effort to raise sales, reduce operating costs, and lower inventory investment. Tested over the last year in retail outlets in Danbury, CT, Raleigh, NC, and Las Vegas, touchscreens were given high marks from both clients and design staff. Good thing, too, as most of Ethan Allen’s furniture is made to order, according to Farooq Kathwari, CEO/President, and its design centers have been deemed key to expansion.

Touchscreen-Based Design Centers Get Powered by Intava

Channel Factoid

With two weeks left in the official holiday shopping season, some conclusions may be drawn about consumer behavior. According to StrategyOne’s Annual Holiday Shopping Index, released this week, 74% of Americans feel that the easiest way to complete their gift purchases is online, while 87% believe that brick-and-mortar stores do a better job of putting them in the holiday spirit. However, when it comes to finding the best deals overall, Americans are divided: 52% said they found the best deals online, while 48% said they spotted the best deals in retail stores. Overall, 59% of consumers prefer to do their holiday shopping at brick-and-mortar locations, but that perspective varies among different income groups. For instance, 51% of consumers who earn $75,000 or more per year prefer to shop in person, compared to 63% of consumers earning between $25,000 and $40,000. The survey also found that American consumers are disappointed this season by the lack of bargains in stores and surprised by higher than expected retail prices. Sixty-eight percent said there were not nearly enough low prices, and 45% experienced sticker shock with prices that were generally higher than they expected. “Online retailing has quickly and increasingly become a crucial segment of the holiday shopping season, which can be seen in the growing popularity of ‘Cyber Monday’ as well as the significant Thanksgiving Day online spending,” said Bradley Honan, SVP of StrategyOne. “But clearly, there are aspects of the retail experience, like the holiday spirit, than can’t be matched online.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Logic Controls Sold on Szczudlik

Logic Controls, A Bematech Company (New Hyde Park, NY) has named Nancy Szczudlik as its new VP of North America Sales. Szczudlik started her career with Logic Controls as Distribution Channel Manager in 2005. She will now be responsible for all channel activities of Logic Controls, A Bematech Company, following the elevation of Wladimir Alvarez to President in August. As RRN.Com readers will recall, Bematech, based in Brazil, purchased Logic Controls in 2008.

Szczudlik has 25 years of experience in the POS industry. Prior to joining Logic Controls, she served as Inside Sales Representative for POS at Great Lakes Electronics Distributing. Before that, she worked as Inside Sales Representative for ScanSource/Positive ID. Her career began with Country Club Systems, which provided software, hardware, and services for private and semi-private country clubs.

“Nancy has been an important asset for Logic Controls,” shared Alvarez. “We believe her wealth of experience in the POS industry and her quality leadership will help the company manage the sales team to actively grow the Logic Controls brand in North America. Her strategic sales approach will benefit both new and existing customer relationships.”

Nancy Szczudlik, VP of North America Sales, Logic Controls, A Bematech Company

CipherLab Taps CTO, Tackles QuickBooks

CipherLab (Taipei, Taiwan and Plano, TX) has enlisted Yung-Fu Chang as its Chief Technology Officer, with oversight for technology direction, roadmap development, and IP strategy. Chang has more than 30 years of experience in Auto ID, smart phone, and embedded systems, and holds nine patents. His previous positions have included CEO of AWID, the RFID developer, as well as CTO and EVP of the former Telxon Corporation. He also founded and served as CEO of Accelent Systems.

Here in the U.S., CipherLab released its QB-Bridge inventory management solution for Intuit QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Premier Editions. QB-Bridge utilizes barcoding and contains several components: QB-Bridge Mobile Inventory Application, QB Import, and CipherXpress. Mobile Inventory resides on CipherLab’s 8001 handheld computer and offers Receive Purchase Order, Cycle Count, and Physical Inventory functionality. CipherXpress is the utility that manages the communication between the mobile computer and the PC. QB-Import reconciles data between the mobile computer and QuickBooks data base and then synchronizes the data.

“QB-Bridge is a turn-key solution consisting of both hardware and software in one bundle,” explained Teri Ellis, Business Development Manager at CipherLab. “The pocket-size mobile computer includes an integrated barcode scanner and the applications needed to manage and receive inventory. This is a simple and cost-effective solution for users of QuickBooks.”

Yung-Fu Chang, Chief Technology Officer at CipherLab