This Week’s Product Pick

Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA) has armed its Stealth S-Line Series All-in-One Touchscreen with an Epson America thermal receipt printer. Its integrated Epson printer supports 80-mm wide paper at speeds of 250 mm/second. Printer drivers include ESC Codes, Windows, and OPOS. Design of the S-Line allows the printer to be replaced easily, without impact on the main system, and without the need for tools. The S-Line comes in three display sizes: 12, 15, and 17 inch. The touchscreen system is powered by Intel’s Atom processor, upgradeable to Core 2 Duo, and runs Windows XP Professional, Windows POSReady 2009, Windows 7 Professional, plus Linux. Connectivity includes Intel Gigabit network and the full complement of ports (four Serial, six USB, and two powered USB). A wide range of integrated peripherals are offered by the company, such as magnetic-stripe reader, biometric reader, barcode scanner, and secondary display. Pioneer POS will be demonstrating its Stealth S-Line Series at next week’s National Retail Federation Show in New York.

Stealth S-Line by Pioneer POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

BlueStar Bullish on Digital Signage

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has continued its push into digital signage with an agreement to distribute the products of Philips Multimedia Displays in the U.S. and Canada, with other global regions to follow in 2011. BlueStar will begin by stocking the Philips MMD 32-inch to 65-inch commercial panels and accessories, and intends to add value through customized software, integrated PCs and media players, extended warranties, installation services, marketing and business development, and vertical-specific product bundles. “The brand and manufacturing strength of Philips makes their product line attractive to resellers across point of sale, government, and commercial retail,” stated Gary Childress, Director of Digital Signage for BlueStar.

“Our focus at Philips is to constantly incorporate sense and simplicity into our products and we feel that this partnership with BlueStar exemplifies that mission,” commented Bill Kiley, National Sales Manager of the MMD Digital Signage Group. “Our goal is to deliver the best-quality digital signage displays in the industry and with BlueStar positioned as a leading distributor of digital signage in retail and hospitality markets, this partnership seemed like a natural progression for us to continue to offer the most comprehensive solutions.” MMD functions as the wholly owned company of TPV established in 2009 through brand license agreement with Philips and with the charter to exclusively market and sell its LCD products worldwide. The company’s design and development centers are located in Taiwan.

Recently, RRN.Com spoke with Steve Cuntz, BlueStar’s CEO, about opportunities for resellers, and the subject of digital signage arose. “It helps to have someone who knows what they’re doing, first, and then finances the deal, second,” Cuntz shared. “That’s always an issue. Buying products for less is not really what’s being sold here. We’re not trying to sell televisions to consumers, we’re trying to sell long-term business relationships. Installing digital signage in retail involves complicated network engineering, which is where the value comes in.” As evidence, Cuntz pointed to the digital signage network deployed in BlueStar’s new corporate headquarters, opened in 2009, which has the capacity to show one common message on every screen in the building, simultaneous banners in the lobby and other areas, and timely promotions for sales staff.

Products of Philips MMD Added to Distributor’s Line Card

Climbing the TransactionTree

POSitive Technology (Germantown, MD) has hooked up with TransactionTree, Inc. (Atlanta) and will now resell that company’s proprietary digital receipt and marketing delivery system to retailers who are using Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System. Founded in 1999, POSitive Technology has emerged as one of the prominent providers of Microsoft Dynamics RMS, as well as its own OpSuite Retail Operations Software, an online, real-time management system for Microsoft Dynamics POS products. It now becomes the first reseller to offer the TransactionTree solution, dubbed “eReceipt,” to users of Microsoft RMS, according to the parties involved.

“We believe that the partnership forged between TransactionTree and POSitive Technology will give retailers the opportunity to become wiser in the ways of their customers, become environmentally conscious corporate citizens, and at the same time reduce their cost of doing business,” offered Jason Shapiro, CEO of TransactionTree. Above and beyond saving paper, electronic receipts hold the potential for customers to view, file, and track their purchases online, while at the same time helping retailers improve pricing strategies, promotional campaigns, and even inventory management.

“We are excited to be able to increase our customer offerings to include TransactionTree’s solutions,” related Brett Bennett, CEO of POSitive Technology. “We think our customers will not only see an environmental benefit, but also the advantages of tailoring outreach to their individual customers through the innovative marketing features TransactionTree offers through their services.”

TransactionTree’s solution contains functionality to integrate with the information that is contained in the Microsoft Dynamics RMS built-in CRM module. Integration of these two data streams reportedly will enable enrichment of the CRM data, delivering much stronger, more actionable, customer profiles. Last, year, TransactionTree announced its strategic relationship with JDA Software Group (Scottsdale, AZ).

OpSuite Retail Operations Software by POSitive Technology, for Microsoft RMS

Worth Your While

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

More EVO Displayed by POS-X

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) unveiled the newest members of its EVO product family, the TP4 All-in-One TouchPC and the TM4 Touch Monitor. These new products maintain the company’s professed core values for EVO--“sleek, modern design, ultra-compact footprint, and an extremely attractive price point”--while also incorporating new technologies. “The new EVO TouchPC and Touch Monitor aren’t just about pricing,” declared Dan Moseley, CEO/President of POS-X. “Our latest offerings feature smarter design, faster performance, and better build quality.”

Boasting an Atom D525 1.8-GHz Dual Core chipset in an IP-54 rated fanless design, the TP4 TouchPC more than doubles the processing power of the commonly used N270 Atom chipset by adding another on-die CPU, boosting core speed, and utilizing faster DDR3 RAM. Significantly, both the TP4 and TM4 feature “Tru-Flat” five-wire resistive technology and zero-bezel design, making the 15-inch screens easy to clean and more resistant to water, dust, and grease. An aluminum-alloy, die-cut frame extends from the body through the stand, providing smooth, bump-free touch operation, with cable management built directly into the base.

TP4 and TM4 come ready for gesture-optimized software as well as Windows 7. Peripherals include VESA wall-mount bracket and integrated three-track magnetic-stripe reader. Additional models and peripherals such as biometric reader and rear-facing LCD panel are scheduled for future release. All products carry POS-X’s Two-Day Advanced Replacement Protection free of charge for the life of their warranty.

EVO TP4 TouchPC From POS-X

Two Zebras Loose at NRF

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) will showcase two new products at next week’s National Retail Federation Show in New York: the KR203 kiosk receipt printer and an expansion of its RW 420 Route Palette. With three-inch paper width, the KR203 utilizes the company’s host-based printing technology to leverage PC-based memory and processing power. “Addition of the new KR203 to the Zebra three-inch product line-up means customers will have more choices to meet their specific printer requirements and budget, and more options for Zebra’s Kiosk Print Station--an All-in-One kiosk solution,” RRN.Com was told by Tim Dreyer, Manager of Public Relations and Social Media for Zebra.

The KR203 delivers many features available only on more expensive high-end printers, according to Zebra. The company’s patented looping presenter and integrated cutter and pull detector help prevent paper jams. In addition, status monitoring capability ensures the kiosk is operational and serving customers. Finally, the compact design of the device facilitates integration into space-restricted self-service environments while its large 10-inch media roll capacity reduces the need for frequent paper changes.

Zebra has also released the next version of its rugged RW 420 Route Palette, configured to carry the new MC9500 handheld computer from Motorola Solutions. As its name implies, the Route Palette consolidates mobile computer, printer, and power management into one handy cradle for direct store delivery and field-service applications. “In addition to being the most rugged terminal/printer palette on the market, the new model of the RW 420 Route Palette is the only product compatible with the new MC9500 series of handheld terminals,” indicated Marty Johnson, Product Marketing Manager for Zebra. Previous versions of the Route Palette support Motorola’s MC909X-S, MC75, and MC70 terminals.

Zebra’s KR203 Kiosk Receipt Printer

[Editor’s Note:  Zebra has implemented the Contract Lifecycle Management system from Selectica (San Jose, CA) to ride herd on its reseller, independent contractor, and NDA agreements. “With the sheer volume of complex contracts being initiated in multiple locations, we needed an advanced contract management solution to manage our processes and gain greater productivity out of our existing resources,” explained Michelle Hartmann, Senior Corporate Paralegal and Contract Administrator for Zebra. Deployment will take place in the cloud.]

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Week of December 13

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Week of November 29

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

TSYS Gets Even Bigger

TSYS (Columbia, GA) has taken the remaining 49% interest in First National Merchant Solutions, LLC (FNMS) from First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) for an estimated cost of $170 million. The company will be rebranded as TSYS Merchant Solutions. TSYS formed its joint venture with FNBO in April 2010, when it purchased 51% controlling interest in the direct merchant acquirer and transaction processor.

“We have been very pleased with the performance of the joint venture, and have determined that total ownership is important to our diversification strategy,” stated Philip W. Tomlinson, Chair of the Board and CEO of TSYS, one of the world’s largest companies for outsourced payment services. “TSYS Merchant Solutions positions TSYS for further growth in the acquiring industry.”

“We knew from the start of this relationship that TSYS was the right partner to take First National Merchant Solutions to the next level,” relayed Daniel O’Neill, President of FNBO. “At the same time, First National recognizes the strategic and capital benefits of completing the next phase of this venture. The timing is right for all parties involved.”

FNMS offers transaction processing, merchant support, credit underwriting, risk management, and value-added services, as well as Visa and MasterCard-branded prepaid cards. Ranked as the 10th-largest merchant acquirer in the U.S. by dollar volume in 2009 by The Nilson Report, FNMS has more than 300,000 active merchant outlets. In September, TSYS closed the sale of TSYS POS Systems and Services, LLC (TPOS), the third-party POS terminal deployment business well-known to many RRN.Com readers.

Philip W. Tomlinson, CEO of TSYS

Stanley’s New Tool: InfoLogix

Perhaps RRN.Com readers found new power tools under the Christmas tree this year. In turn, Stanley Black & Decker gifted itself with InfoLogix, Inc., one of the major providers of enterprise mobility solutions. Total transaction value was put at $61.2 million, including the assumption of $22.1 million in debt, with finalization of the deal expected early in Q1. Interestingly, InfoLogix will become part of Stanley Healthcare Solutions, which provides a broad range of products for patient care, staff notification, and hospital maintenance.

“The acquisition of InfoLogix is consistent with Stanley Black & Decker’s portfolio diversification strategy and continues the expansion of one of our growth platforms, Stanley Healthcare,” observed Brian Kaner, CFO and COO, Stanley Convergent Security/Healthcare Solutions (New Britain, CT). “Offering strategic technology consulting services will enable us to assist clients in improving workflow, productivity, and profitability through complete enterprise mobility solutions. With a strong leadership team and talented employee base, we plan to leverage InfoLogix’s expertise in mobility solutions, clinical integration, and mobile managed services and thus expand our growing security and healthcare businesses.”

“By combining InfoLogix’s technologies, solutions, and customer relationships together with Stanley’s suite of healthcare products and services, intellectual property, and global presence, we will be uniquely positioned in the healthcare and mobility marketplaces,” added Dave Gulian, CEO/President of InfoLogix (Hatboro, PA). “InfoLogix has enabled 2,200 healthcare and commercial organizations to make better decisions, mobilize their data investments, and manage their systems and supply chain. We look forward to joining with Stanley and driving accelerated growth while extending our services globally.”

SpaceTRAX Inventory Control System by Stanley Healthcare

[Editor’s Note:  Elsewhere in M&A, Teklynx (Auch, France and Milwaukee, WI), one of the primary suppliers of barcode labeling software, has been purchased by its management team from parent company, Brady Corporation. Teklynx markets products such as Codesoft, Sentinel, Labelview, and Labelmatrix, with annual revenues in the $10 million range. It plans to launch new enterprise products in the coming year.]

Code Corner

NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) launched the NCR SelfServ Checkout Enterprise Suite, its software platform that enables chain store operators to centrally manage self-checkout terminals across their entire network of stores. The first available module will be Item Security, followed by Personalization, Configuration Management, and Distribution in 2011. Each one features an executive dashboard which tracks key performance indicators from individual stores. Item Security monitors security events in real-time, using proactive learning technology to automatically correct product weight databases or adjust other parameters based on data gathered from the field. The software also immediately identifies new product items as they are scanned and collects information to populate all stores with an accurate weight profile, which is used by the security scale in the NCR SelfServ Checkout to ensure that each product the customer puts in their bag has been scanned correctly. These capabilities reduce the frequency of staff interventions, improving the customer experience while maintaining effective security, according to the vendor. Many configuration options are available, enabling the retailer to define the level of oversight they require. “The release of our Enterprise Suite software management platform and its innovative modules will create exceptional value for customers, making it simpler and easier to manage networks of self-checkout lanes from a central office,” said Mark Wallace, Solution Management Director, NCR Corporation.

ALLIANCES

Skype Put in Motion

Motion Computing (Austin, TX) will pre-load Skype on its F5v and C5v rugged Tablet PCs, allowing users of the network to make video and voice calls, collaborate with colleagues, and use instant messaging and SMS/texting directly from their devices. Engineered for field-service, Motion F5v and C5v Tablet PCs include lightweight design of 3.3 lbs., Intel Core vPro processing, highly break-resistant display, built-in handle, and mobile broadband with GPS. Additional features include front-facing web camera and rear-facing documentation camera, barcode scanner and RFID reader, and accessories such as mobile docks and tailored cases. C5v addresses healthcare with antimicrobial sealing and biometric fingerprint identification.

“Pre-loading Skype on the C5v and F5v Tablet PCs will enable users to take advantage of the integrated web camera, documentation camera, and robust connectivity options to collaborate, regardless of location,” noted Mike Stinson, VP of Marketing at Motion Computing. “Including Skype on our tablets enables seamless unified communications in business and healthcare environments for maximized collaboration and productivity.”

Skype, of course, provides free video and voice calls through VoIP, with landline and mobile phones linked under user fees. In contrast to mainstream VoIP, Skype does not run servers, but makes use of background processing on computers running its software, as befitting its original name, “Sky Peer-to-Peer.” Barry Collins serves as Director of Partnerships for Skype, which is based in Luxembourg and boasts of 23 million users online during peak times.

Motion Computing’s F5v Rugged Tablet PC

CSC Feasts on SAP

CSC (Falls Church, VA), the fast-charging IT services provider, has received SAP Business All-in-One partner certification for its SmartStart Wholesale Distribution package, allowing the delivery of an integrated platform that targets the needs of the wholesale food distribution industry. With experience servicing mid-market food companies worldwide, CSC seeks to address key elements of warehouse management, full-lot traceability, multi-tiered pricing agreements, and commissions and rebates. As benefits for end-users, the two parties--which have worked closely together for three decades--cite more rapid implementation, lower cost, and improved time to ROI.

“CSC has more than 6,000 consultants in 50 countries, a deep knowledge of industry practices within top wholesale food distribution companies, and a long track record of providing clients with innovation using SAP solutions to solve business issues,” commented Jeff Sagraves, VP of Global SAP Operations for CSC. “Our SmartStart package is just one of many industry-specific offerings that CSC has developed to enable rapid, high-quality implementations of SAP.”

Qualified SAP Business All-in-One partner solutions are preconfigured, industry-specific versions of the SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application combined with SAP Best Practices. Previously, in December, CSC announced that it was one of the first global providers of cloud services to be approved for delivering SAP solutions to clients, in this case through CSC’s Trusted Cloud Services portfolio. “SAP customers can benefit from comprehensive and innovative service offerings from CSC, which are scalable and will help them meet their technical and security requirements via the cloud,” suggested Michael Ressemann, Global Head of Outsourcing Services and Solution Delivery, SAP AG (Walldorf, Germany and Newton Square, PA).

CSC Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia

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
Pioneer POS
POS-X
Touch Dynamics

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Zebra Technologies

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.

Pay at Table
Bellatrix Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Retail Systems
Zebra/Motorola

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touch Displays & Monitors
3M Touch Systems

INSTALLATIONS

Global Bay Hits the Links

Global Bay Mobile Technologies (South Plainfield, NJ) has deployed its mobile inventory management solution for Golfsmith, the largest specialty retailer in its segment in the U.S. GB Mobile has been rolled out across 76 Golfsmith locations in conjunction with handheld terminals from Motorola Solutions. “The GB Mobile software’s flexibility to support our business processes and integrate to our back-end enterprise systems made it the right solution for Golfsmith,” testified Andy Spratt, VP of Information Services. “In addition, the Global Bay software gives us the opportunity to leverage our investment and deploy additional Global Bay modules beyond inventory control.”

Global Bay, which has quickly moved to the forefront among mobile retail providers, also has joined Demandware LINK, the technology partner community run by Demandware (Burlington, MA) to promote adoption of e-commerce among retailers. As part of the new relationship, Global Bay integrated its Apple iPod/iPhone-based mobile retail suite with Demandware’s platform. Retailers using Demandware Commerce as the infrastructure behind their e-commerce sites will now be able to implement Global Bay’s mobile POS, inventory management, or enterprise software solutions.

“Retailers have seen the phenomenal success of the mobile POS deployment in the Apple stores and want to figure out how to replicate that experience in their stores,” observed Sandeep Bhanote, CEO of Global Bay. “In the past, retailers deploying mobile POS have been constrained because they had to integrate with their in-store POS technology, which is costly and technically challenging. As part of the Demandware community, we are now providing retailers the opportunity to deploy mobile POS in a simple and cost-effective way.”

Golfsmith Tees Up Mobility for Store Operations

[Editor’s Note:  Apple stores are running iPod Touch with Linea-Pro from Infinite Peripherals (Arlington Heights, IL). Meanwhile, there appears to be no truth to recent rumors that Apple itself will enter the POS market. Instead, hardware sets have emerged from third-party suppliers, such as Revel Systems (Sausalito, CA), which demonstrated its Apple POS terminals at this week’s International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.]

InfoGenesis Cruises Along

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Miami) has again selected the InfoGenesis POS system from Agilysys (Cleveland) for use on its ships. The solution will be deployed on seven additional vessels, bringing the overall total to 30. Designed for multi-unit operations common in hospitality environments, the touchscreen-based solution can manage any combination of dining, bar, cabin service, and gift shop operations. Features include real-time reporting capabilities, packages and prix fixe menus, signature capture, multi-language functionality, and advanced sorting, filtering, and grouping options.

“We looked at several point of sale solutions, and the InfoGenesis POS system continues to be ideally suited to our needs,” reported Bill Martin, VP and CIO for Royal Caribbean Cruises. “It is among the most versatile point of sale solutions on the market, combining an accessible user interface with a variety of reporting tools. With this technology in place, we are well-positioned for the future in terms of efficiency, guest service, and competitive edge.”

Two Royal Caribbean ships--“Allure of the Seas” and “Oasis of the Seas,” billed as the largest afloat--also employ the DataMagine document management system from Agilysys. Nicely named, DataMagine allows crew members to electronically capture guest signatures on tablet devices so that activity waivers may be consolidated for easy archiving and retrieval. An export module enables documents, such as waivers and POS receipts, to be sent to shore for permanent storage. In addition to streamlining operations, this decreases the ships’ dependence on paper, according to Royal Caribbean.

Looking Better and Better, Given the Recent Weather

Channel Factoid

PayPal, once seen as a niche product primarily for eBay transactions, has apparently achieved mainstream status for American consumers. According to the new survey conducted by Auriemma Consulting Group, more than three-quarters (76%) of American consumers have an active PayPal account, up sharply from 55% in their 2008 survey. Perhaps most surprisingly, 69% of respondents 45 and older said they have an active PayPal account. The survey also found significant gains in frequency of PayPal usage, rising from an average of 10.8 purchases per year in 2008 to 14.0 annual purchases in the most recent sampling. Although PayPal still accounts for less than 10% of total online sales volume, early results indicate an increase of 27% in Black Friday online payments over 2009. And those millions of PayPal accounts are increasingly bypassing the credit card networks altogether, according to Patricia Sahm, Managing Director at ACG. “We’re seeing substantial gains in consumer willingness to provide their bank account information to PayPal,” she confirmed. In 2008, 45% of survey respondents said that they were “uncomfortable” with the idea of providing bank account information to an Internet-based payment company such as PayPal. In the most recent 2010 study that percentage had fallen to 31%.

HELLO GOODBYE

New Co-Pilot for Autotask

Autotask Corporation (East Greenbush, NY) has recruited Mark Cattini as its CEO to help lead its growth and expansion in hosted IT business management. Simultaneously, Bob Godgart, company founder, has been elevated to Chairman and Chief Visionary Officer. In his new role, Godgart will work more closely with other industry leaders, strategic partners, and with Autotask customers to help shape the future of the company; in addition, he will continue as Vice Chairman of CompTIA, the worldwide IT industry association. Autotask, RRN.Com readers may know, markets to VARs, MSPs, and other technology solution providers.

“Mark brings to our executive team a powerful mix of leadership, channel experience, technical breadth, and a true passion for people,” Godgart stated. “He has a proven track record of taking fast-growing, high-potential companies like Autotask to the next level. This move will allow me to do what I do best, and focus on what’s next for Autotask.”

Cattini comes to Autotask from Awareness, Inc., a social media software development company, where he served as CEO/President. Before joining Awareness, Cattini held the office of CEO/President at MapInfo, one of the top providers of location-based intelligence services. MapInfo was sold to Pitney Bowes in 2007, upon which Cattini became President of Pitney Bowes Marketing Services. He began his career in his native U.K. with Lotus Development Corp.

“Autotask is extremely well-positioned for rapid growth,” offered Cattini. “In our industry, there’s nothing faster moving and more dynamic than cloud computing and on-demand software services. Autotask is uniquely positioned with its native cloud-based technology to be an industry standard for the IT channel to administer service delivery and workflow.”

Mark Cattini, CEO of Autotask

Ascension at Accenture

Pierre Nanterme has assumed the role of CEO of Accenture (New York), succeeding William Green. Accenture announced in October that Nanterme would become CEO on January 1. Green, who had been CEO since September 2004 and added the title of Chairman in September 2006, will continue in the later capacity with the consulting, technology services, and outsourcing behemoth. As Chairman, he will represent Accenture with business and government leaders and champion Accenture’s “Skills to Succeed” corporate citizen efforts.

Nanterme served most recently as Group Chief Executive of the company’s Financial Services operating group, the title he had held since 2007. His career at Accenture spans 28 years. In 2006, he joined the global leadership team where he directly contributed to the planning and execution of Accenture’s successful long-term business strategy. He also has functioned as Chief Leadership Officer, with responsibility for the firm’s human capital strategy and for the design and implementation of its global operating model.

“I am extremely pleased to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer,” said Nanterme. “We have great momentum in our business and our focus is on accelerating the execution of our growth agenda to make sure we are capturing the opportunities we see in the marketplace.”

Pierre Nanterme, CEO of Accenture