This Week’s Product Pick

Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ) has presented its new Universal Printer Base for its family of All-in-One POS. An integrated, compact design will save counter space, reduce cable clutter, and facilitate set-up, according to the vendor, and by having the receipt printer recessed in the base, possible damage from spillage will be eliminated. This new base works with the Breeze, Breeze Performance, Pulse, and Saturn All-in-Ones from Touch Dynamic, which also gives customers the choice of two front-feed thermal printers: Epson TM-T70 and Touch Dynamic T25. "We are committed to providing innovative product design based on feedback from our valued partners," commented Craig Paritz, President of Touch Dynamic. "We believe the ergonomic design of our new platform will be a tremendous benefit to our partners and their customers."

Universal Printer Base by Touch Dynamic

COMPANY BUSINESS

ION-ization at POS-X

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) has unleashed its ION family of POS products, designed to bring full functionality at the best possible price through careful selection of features. In an exclusive interview, Dan Moseley, CEO of POS-X, noted that ION has been in the works for the past year. "It's a pretty big deal for us," Moseley shared with RRN.Com. "Over the years, EVO has established itself as our high-quality line. ION brings the same basic functionality, with some slight changes, and won't be much more expensive than direct overseas competition."

Designated ION TP2, the POS workstation delivers Intel Atom Dual Core CPU at 1.86 GHz, 250 GB HDD, and 2 GB DDR3 RAM, with 15-inch active-matrix touch display at the base price of $675, for example. It carries plastic housing and traditional CCFL backlight LCD, versus metal housing and LED backlight LCD for EVO. As peripherals, ION includes thermal receipt printer with six inches/second speed and USB or Serial, roller-based cash drawer, and CCD scanner.

"You can mix-and-match between ION and EVO," Moseley stated. "There's no preset bundle because everyone wants something different." While obviously suitable for the SMB, ION  also holds promise for larger customers, Moseley noted, adding, "We didn't skimp in quality. We're hoping it opens up some of those higher-end markets. They're cost-conscious, too."

"For the channel, this is going to be an affordable product line that has established, demonstrated support behind it," continued Moseley. "It's the most affordable product you're going to get through distribution, for sure. Especially when you combine it with our two-day exchange warranty. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it's definitely what most people need. It's quality at the best pricing people are going to see in the channel." ScanSource (Greenville, SC) serves as exclusive distributor for POS-X.

ION POS Family by POS-X

Janam: Call Me on My Cell

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has unboxed its XT85 3G/4G cellular mobile computer. A full complement of features, ports, and capabilities are offered in this device "at an affordable price point," according to the company. Specifications include Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, Marvell PXA310 CPU at 806 MHz, 512 MB or 1 GB ROM, and 256 MB DDR SDRAM. In addition to cellular, XT85 comes equipped with 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth, IrDA, GPS, and push-to-talk. For data collection, XT85 offers Motorola's SE965HP laser engine or Honeywell's Adaptus Imaging, along with five-megapixel camera and numeric or standard keypad.

As always, Janam has addressed ergonomics in the XT85, which brings compact form factor of 5.8 in. (H) x 3 in. (W) x 1.2 in. (D), weighs 12 oz., and features 3.5-inch color TFT QVGA (240x320) or VGA (480x640) transmissive backlight display and high-speed USB and Serial. Fully rugged, it survives multiple five-foot drops to concrete at temperature extremes and six-foot drops at room temperature. An IP-65 rating protects against water and dust exposure and swappable, rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries cover full working shifts.

"Purpose-built mobile computers must appeal to today's information worker who expects a device that is small, light, fast, and highly capable while also serving the business needs of the enterprise for whom the mobile worker is performing mission-critical tasks," remarked Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam. "Janam's XT85 is optimized to appeal to both constituencies. It's much more than a smart phone; it's a brilliant PDA."

Janam's XT85 Wireless Rugged Mobile Computer With 3G/4G

Worth Your While

Field Service USA 2013
Worldwide Business Research
April 22-25
Indian Wells, CA

ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 30 - May 1
New Orleans

THE Tech EVENT
(Formerly NACStech, National Association of Convenience Stores)
May 6-10
Dallas

NRA Show
National Restaurant Association
May 18-21
Chicago

HITEC 2013
Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals
June 24-27
Minneapolis

RetailNow 2013
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 4-7
Las Vegas

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Zebra Grows iMZ Stripes

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has shipped its iMZ220 and iMZ320 mobile printers, with "Made for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch," or MFi, blessings from Apple, in addition to support for Android, Windows Mobile, and BlackBerry. With clamshell design, low weight at three-quarter-pound, and simple push-button and LED operation, these new devices expedite printing of receipts, tickets, proof of delivery, and invoices at the "critical last point of contact with the customer," in the words of Keith LeFebvre, VP of Product Management for Zebra. With two-inch (iMZ220) and three-inch (iMZ320) print width, speed reaches four inches/second at 203 dpi with direct thermal output of barcodes, text, and graphics.

As technical specifications, iMZ holds 32-bit ARM CPU at 400 MHz, 128 MB RAM, and 128 MB Flash. For communications, it carries 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0, and NFC. An optional 802.11n with dual-band capacity addresses overcrowded wireless networks in retail environments where business operations require the less-crowded band at 5 GHz, versus 2.4 GHz. Rated to IP-42 for water and dust, iMZ offers an optional durability-enhancing case to IP-54 and survives multiple four-foot drops to concrete.

As first reported in RRN.Com, iMZ printers are among the first "Link-OS"-enabled mobile products the vendor plans to introduce in 2013. Link-OS is an advanced operating system that pairs software development kit and software applications with smart devices from the company to make them easier to integrate, manage, and maintain. As preliminary examples of software integration for iMZ, Zebra has identified Foundry Logic Retail Mobile POS, Zerion Software's iForm Builder, Invoice ASAP for PayPal and QuickBooks, and iZatPark for e-Citation, among others.

Zebra Ships Mobile Printers for iOS

A Plethora of Choices From PAR

ParTech, Inc. (New Hartford, NY) has unwrapped its PAR EverServ 7200 POS terminal, incorporating many of the same features as the flagship EverServ 7700, but priced more in line with the SMB. Both models utilize the same rugged construction, with fully centralized I/O port connectivity and easy access to major components. A sleek, modern design supports multiple configurations--pedestal, low-profile, wall, or kiosk mount--with magnetic-stripe reading (MSR) placed on the side of the monitor and the expected portfolio of customer displays, 12-inch, 2-x-20-character VFD, or 5-x-7-inch static.

"The primary difference between the EverServ 7000 models is the options for processors and touchscreens," RRN.Com was told by David Naumann, Director of Marketing Programs for ParTech. "EverServ 7200 comes with second-generation Intel Atom Dual Core CPU at 1.86 GHz (Cedar Trail Architecture), whereas the EverServ 7700 gives the choice of three processors--Intel Pentium Dual Core at 2.3 GHz, Intel i3 Dual Core at 2.6 GHz, or Intel i5 Dual Core at 2.7 GHz (Sandy Bridge Architecture). For touchscreens, the 7200 comes with five-wire resistive and the 7700 offers three choices--true flat projected capacitive (multi-touch), surface capacitive, or true flat five-wire resistive." As further specs, EverServ 7200 carries 4 GB memory and 320 GB hard disk with support for Windows Embedded POS Ready 7, Windows 7 Professional for Embedded Systems, and Windows 7 Professional.

New EverServ 7200 From ParTech

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Week of February 18

Week of February 11

Week of February 4

Channel Correction

Editor's Note: In last week's edition, we assigned an incorrect title to Keith Neerman of InfoTouch. Keith serves as President of InfoTouch, not CEO. Harry Nass serves as CEO of InfoTouch. Based in Atlanta, InfoTouch markets its POS software through our channel.

INTEGRATION

At the High End of Bematech

Bematech (Bethpage, NY) has unveiled its LE2000 multi-touch, projected capacitive monitor with sleek, bezel-free profile and advanced features. Viewing angle of the 15-inch display may be adjusted up to 90 degrees, for example, while an integrated secondary display carries two-hinge tilt adjustment that enhances overall flexibility. A die-cast metal housing and spill-proof and anti-dust capability ensure long life and reliability for demanding restaurant environments, according to the vendor.

LE2000 measures 13.5 in. (H) x 14.3 in. (W) x 8.7 in. (D) and weighs 10.3 lbs. It features sturdy base, integrated magnetic-stripe reading (MSR), smart cable management, and "functions well with complex software applications," according to Bematech. Technical characteristics of the screen include brightness of 250 cd/m2, typical response time of 8 ms, contrast ratio of 600:1, and 1024x768 XGA resolution.

"Bematech is excited to offer a touch monitor for customers seeking a high-end solution," commented Wladimir Alvarez, President of the International Division of Bematech. "With the LE2000, our line of monitors is more complete. Whether a business needs a low-cost, basic solution, or a state-of-the-art, full-featured unit, the LE series accommodates these needs." As previous models, Bematech lists the LE1000 15-inch LCD, LE1017 17-inch LCD, and LE1100 15-inch adjustable height monitor.

Bematech's LE2000 Touch Monitor

Mobile Wallet on the Menu(soft)

Menusoft (Springfield, VA) has integrated m-commerce from Paydiant into its popular Digital Dining POS software for hospitality. Paydiant's platform can now be offered to the 50,000 customers for Digital Dining, which cover independents to large chains and quick-service to table-service settings. "Our customers' businesses are increasingly mobile, so meaningful mobile innovation is one of our most important areas of focus and investment," confirmed Andre Nataf, Senior Business Development Manager for Menusoft.

With Paydiant, restaurants can offer necessary mobile wallet capabilities, according to the two parties, such as payments of any type tender, offer creation and redemption, and digital receipts. Customers download the restaurant's branded mobile app onto their smartphones to utilize QR codes for payment or promotional purposes. As an added benefit, Paydiant's cloud-based system eliminates storage of any personal or account information on the phone itself or passing any of such critical data through the POS.

"Mobile wallet capabilities add tremendous value in speed, convenience, and security for restaurateurs and retailers, as well as for their guests," volunteered Chris Gardner, Co-Founder of Paydiant (Wellesley, MA). "With Paydiant's solution, that value is delivered without creating new complexities in the payment process. Because Paydiant's mobile wallet and offer redemption platform is software-only and cloud-based, restaurateurs and retailers can accept Paydiant mobile payments and offers using their existing POS infrastructure, and consumers can install and use the mobile wallets on their existing iPhone and Android smartphones."

Chris Gardner, Co-Founder, Paydiant

Code Corner

Micros Retail (Westboro, MA) has launched XBR Ingenium, an extension to its loss prevention and store data analysis tool, XBR. Produced in partnership with MicroStrategy, XBR Ingenium represents an enhanced, web-based, mobile business intelligence platform. It brings increased functionality and flexibility with an easy-to-use interface, according to the developer, allowing end-users without special technical expertise to "analyze, investigate, and resolve exceptions." A more dynamic dashboard, along with interactive functionality such as pivoting, drilling, and linking greatly increase analytical and reporting capabilities. "XBR Ingenium is a vital addition to our product suite," proposed Jeremy Grunzweig, COO for Micros Retail. "Micros Retail has its long-standing history of innovation and success in loss prevention technology. The business intelligence and analytics delivered with Micros XBRI will no doubt continue that trend."

Channel Chatter

Cash is king! Just kidding, but Square's sudden desire to sell complete POS indicates there might be life in bills and coins yet. Dubbed "Business in a Box," and sold on the company's website, the Square POS assembles two Square credit card readers, an iPad stand from Heckler Design, Vasario 1616 cash drawer from APG, and TSP143L receipt printer from Star Micronics America. Cost of this total package, which works wirelessly, was set at $599. (Apple's iPad, as always, must be purchased separately.) For processing, Square has extended its normal pricing of 2.75% per swipe or flat monthly fee of $275. Jesse Dorogusker, VP of Square Register, noted that his company previously listed equipment that was compatible with its software for merchants to buy, and now has assembled this bundle to simplify things for merchants whose customers may want to pay with the legal tender, to quote Jackson Browne.

ALLIANCES

Stratix Shifts Sphere of Software

Stratix Corporation, one of the biggest mobility solution providers, has sold its Software Division to ServicePower Technologies, field management platform developer. Included in the deal, terms of which were not disclosed, will be the dedicated Stratix field-service software application team, intellectual property, and existing contracts for this product, which covers functions within work order assignment and execution. Subsequently, Stratix will offer ServicePower to its customers as part of its portfolio of managed services.

"An opportunity to position Stratix Software Division with a global market software player presents a tremendous opportunity for both the employees and customers," declared Gina Gallo, CEO/President at Stratix Corporation (Norcross, GA). "The divesture allows Stratix to dedicate 100% focus, resources, and investments on delivering managed mobile services to the Fortune 1000." A hybrid HTML5 browser-based technology, Stratix field-service software supports familiar enterprise requirements such as disconnected data, signature capture, and barcode scanning, according to its producer.

"Acquisition of Stratix field-service levels the competitive mobile landscape for ServicePower and reinforces our position as the only company who can provide any complete, global, field management software platform," suggested Mark Duffin, CEO of ServicePower (Reston, VA). "Customers may deploy the Stratix field-service application on any web-connected smart device, with any operating system, enabling them to not only communicate with the field in real time via job status updates and GPS location data, but also support the growing trend toward 'bring your own device,' or BYOD. The new flexibility of the platform positions us well for future growth."

Stratix Field-Service Platform Sold to ServicePower Technologies

[Editor's Note: More consolidation in the POS ranks this month, as Business Machines Company, led by Robert Bauer, has finalized its purchase of Superior Scanning Systems, led by Lawrence Wolfe. A combined company will serve the needs of grocers, restaurateurs, and retailers throughout Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, with remote services offered elsewhere. "We look forward to bringing everybody together under BMC," said Bauer.]

A Big Ruckus at Intermec

Intermec has partnered with Ruckus Wireless (Sunnyvale, CA) to improve wireless performance in the warehouse. Under this agreement, Intermec's portfolio of rugged mobile computers will be used in conjunction with the Ruckus "Smart Wi-Fi" technologies, most notably its ZoneFlex Access Points with BeamFlex. Because warehouses, distribution centers, and terminals are challenging RF environments, with sizeable steel racks and changing inventory levels, they often suffer from RF dead spots or poor signal coverage, as RRN.Com readers can substantiate. Ruckus provides the solution to these challenges through optimized performance, according to the two parties.

"The combination of Intermec scanners and Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi has proven to be highly effective in streamlining our customers' warehouse operations," testified David Black, President of Insource Technology Corporation (Houston), which specializes in network infrastructure and ERP systems. "Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi was the perfect match to help provide us with better, more reliable performance in our customers' loading dock areas and have made their overall operations definitely much smoother." Insource has deployed the combination for customers with names such as Starpak, Polytex, Superbag, Exel Logistics, and Tifco Industries.

"As logistics facilities deploy supply chain management technology from Intermec to further streamline and accelerate their operations, there is a growing need for strong wireless connectivity," explained Andy Stento, Senior Director of Channel Sales and Strategic Alliances for Intermec (Everett, WA). "In addition to traditional AIDC terminals and mobile computers, facilities are also deploying new technologies such as voice-prompted data collection and VoIP that require even better wireless performance. Together, Ruckus and Intermec enable high-performance, cost-effective warehouse supply chain management, which means hassle-free operations and low total cost of ownership."

ZoneFlex Access Point From Ruckus Wireless Supports Intermec Hardware

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Metropolitan Sales
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
Posiflex
POS-X

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Systems - Retail
LightSpeed Retail

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC
Janam Technologies
Trimble

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Honeywell

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Vantiv Gains Advantages

Vantiv, Inc. (Cincinnati) has extended its payment processing relationship with H.H. Gregg, the electronics and appliances retailer in the Midwest and Southeastern U.S. Under this new multiyear agreement, Vantiv will provide credit and debit card services for all 228 stores as well as handling the merchant's e-commerce transactions. Vantiv, which claims to be the largest PIN debt acquirer in the U.S. based on number of transactions, rebranded itself from Fifth Third Processing Solutions in June 2011, RRN.Com readers may recall.

"H.H. Gregg focuses on ensuring their customers have a seamless shopping experience from entering the store to the point of sale and beyond," proclaimed Donald Boeding, President of Merchant Services at Vantiv. "Part of that process is making certain that they can execute every payment transaction securely and efficiently. Our robust processing platform and value-added services provide H.H. Gregg with the enhanced functionality with which to meet these expectations and further expand consumer payment options."

Extends Payment Processing for Leading Merchant and Meets EMV Chip-and-PIN Requirements

Asset Tracking Put in Gear

Virginia's Arlington County Fire Department, across the river from Washington, DC, has adopted ASAP Systems' Passport software with Motorola's hardware to track firefighter gear throughout its locations. Under this new scheme, Arlington gauges the needs of each fire station, training center, and employee, thereby streamlining product distribution from its central warehouses for personnel protective equipment, specialty tools, and other required supplies. "By moving away from manual tracking with an Excel spreadsheet and using ASAP Passport, these groups will be more accurate and efficient and better able to analyze and report on expenditures," relayed Elie Jean Touma, CEO/President of ASAP Systems (San Jose, CA).

ASAP Passport propagates custom data fields that allow the department to track thousands of items by serial number, model number, and expiration date. Using this information, the logistics team creates and shares detailed reports, such as what each station spends over specific periods. As another key benefit, ASAP Passport furnishes embedded tutorials, deemed particularly important when end-users with different levels of IT experience employ the system.

"ASAP Passport is an ideal solution for us," testified LaMar Smith, Fire and EMS Warehouse Coordinator for the Arlington County Fire Department. "For example, our firefighters' personal protective equipment expires every 10 years on average. Their personal safety depends on us being on top of that. With ASAP Passport, we can track by expiration date so we know exactly when to re-order." In addition to fire departments, ASAP Systems engages police forces, emergency medical services (EMS), and relief organizations.

ASAP Systems Targets Asset-Tracking Needs of First Responders

Channel Factoid

IHL Group has released the latest results of its "POS Vendor Shipments Database" and "2013 North American Retail POS Terminal Study," both of which are now available for purchase. According to IHL, overall penetration of POS devices continued to expand 3.9% in North America and 4.6% worldwide in 2012, with growth expected to continue at 3.6% worldwide for 2013. The big winner in this POS growth is Microsoft's O/S, which now runs on over 87% of the POS terminals shipped. Similarly, HP has become the second largest supplier of POS systems worldwide, rising from the twentieth spot just 10 years ago. Add to their share standard PCs purchased and repurposed by small businesses for POS and HP would be the market leader. Overall, the value of the North American POS market topped $7.8 billion for the first time in 2012. Regionally, Brazil, Mexico, China, India, and certain Middle Eastern countries are driving POS adoption at the fastest rates. "The market continues to grow as POS technologies rapidly change in individual segments," observed Greg Buzek, President of IHL Group (Franklin, TN). "Despite challenges from mobile devices and e-commerce growth, new store concepts and greater penetration of PC-based POS continue to offset those challenges as the point-of-sale remains the center of the customer interaction." Added Buzek, "We are seeing the greatest changes occur not between the technologies but between the vendor composition and market share positions."

HELLO GOODBYE

Raising the Roof at Merchant Warehouse

Merchant Warehouse (Boston) has enlisted payment industry luminary Greg Cohen as its Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer, with primary focus on the company's Genius Customer Engagement Platform, not surprisingly. Before coming to Merchant Warehouse, Cohen served as SVP and GM for VeriFone Commerce Solutions. Prior to VeriFone, he held titles of President for the U.S. Group and Emerging Solutions at Moneris, SVP at Global Payments, and VP at Vital (now TSYS). A frequent speaker, he sits on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Electronic Transaction Association.

"Merchant Warehouse recognizes that the convergence of payments and marketing services presents exciting new opportunities. Capitalizing on this has been challenging for many organizations, but the Genius vision of a true multi-channel commerce platform for merchants is a reality," Cohen commented. "I'm thrilled to be part of it."

"Despite the consistently changing world of payments, the infrastructure behind acceptance and processing hasn't changed in more than 20 years," suggested Henry Helgeson, CEO of Merchant Warehouse. "Merchant Warehouse is the only company that has taken the idea of a mobile payment acceptance platform from the whiteboard to the merchant countertop. Greg's experience brings firepower to our team as we work to grow and scale Genius."

Greg Cohen, Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer, Merchant Warehouse

A Spanish Armada for Hoteliers

Indra, the third-largest IT company in Europe, based in Spain, has brought its integrated, all-in-one hospitality system to U.S. hotels. Entitled "Travel Management Suite," and built on SAP, this ERP platform fulfills all the business needs of chains or management companies, including POS, PMS, and CRM, according to its developer. In keeping with our times, it may be hosted in the cloud or deployed on-premise, and each module may be ordered individually.

An incursion of the U.S. will be headed by Connie Rheams, SVP of Business Development, who brings more than 20 years of technology management, sales and marketing, and channel/distribution experience for the hotel industry. Previously, Rheams served as SVP of Global Sales for Pegasus Solutions as well as Managing Director, U.S., for AltiusPAR, the Latin American PMS entity. Her earlier posts have included VP of Sales and Business Development for Cendant Travel Distribution Services and President of Trust, International.

"This globally recognized ERP transmits guest history data from a centralized server--all hospitality modules and all business models--to deliver a single view of the guest," indicated Rheams. "By minimizing the number of different systems that hoteliers have to deal with on-site and replacing them with a seamless, uniform tool for all of their needs, better guest service ensues. After all, accessing accurate guest information from all parts of the operation in real time and from a single database is what the lodging industry has been aspiring to for many years."

Connie Rheams, SVP, Business Development, Indra