This Week’s Product Pick

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC) presented its Voyager 1250g single-line laser scanner, designed for exceptional out-of-box experience and aggressive scan performance, according to the vendor. An extended depth of field--up to 23 inches for larger barcodes--helps scan items just out of reach, such as products in shopping carts or on top of overhead storage racks. Measuring 2.3 in. x 6.6 in. x 2.9 in. and weighing 4.7 oz., Voyager 1250g fits comfortably in most hands, reducing user fatigue in scan-intensive settings. Automatic interface detection provides true “plug-and-play” experience, and the hands-free stand can be assembled quickly and easily. The device also brings compatibility with Honeywell’s Remote MasterMind for Scanning software, allowing customers to manage, update, and configure their network from one centralized location. “Building on the success of the 1200g, which shipped more than 10,000 units in its first month of availability, the 1250g further demonstrates our commitment to meeting the unique needs of our customers,” commented Taylor Smith, Director of Product Management, Honeywell Scanning & Mobility.

Honeywell’s Voyager 1250g

COMPANY BUSINESS

NCR Grows Ever More Radiant

A giant step into hospitality and specialty retail for NCR through its sudden acquisition of Radiant Systems, one of the undisputed market leaders for POS in these segments. This transaction is expected to close in Q3, subject to regulatory approval, with NCR paying $28 in cash per Radiant Systems share, or $1.2 billion in total. NCR said it plans to leverage Radiant Systems’ enviable position in quick-service and table-service restaurants, specialty and convenience retailers, and entertainment venues, forming what amounts to the third core industry vertical to accompany its financial and retail lines of business. In addition, Radiant Systems’ software and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) capabilities will significantly enhance NCR’s portfolio, according to the new owner.

“Radiant Systems is a logical and strategic extension for NCR, moving us into attractive fast-growth adjacent markets,” indicated Bill Nuti, Chairman and CEO of NCR (Duluth, GA). “Radiant Systems has delivered 15% compounded annual revenue growth over the last five years, along with impressive margin expansion as a result of the high customer demand for its expansive software offerings. This acquisition will enable our companies to accelerate growth through the powerful combination of each other’s strengths and NCR’s track record of driving transformational change. We will bring together two strong teams with Radiant Systems playing a vital role in enhancing our long-term growth, margin expansion, and earnings appreciation.”

“Radiant Systems’ growth strategy has always focused on taking great care of our customers, delivering leading innovation, and continuing to expand our market presence across our industries and around the globe,” said John Heyman, CEO of Radiant Systems (Alpharetta, GA), who will not be joining NCR as part of the transaction. “This combination dramatically accelerates our capabilities on all of these initiatives.” Andrew Heyman, currently Radiant Systems’ COO, will lead the new vertical segment at NCR.

Radiant has about 770 partners, accounting for approximately 35% of its business, RRN.Com was told by NCR spokespeople, and the strength of this network was significant in shaping NCR’s interest. Since there is minimal overlap in customer and channel coverage, significant marketplace changes are not anticipated. Plans at this time will keep the two channels separate, with the goal of applying best practices across NCR and Radiant. Likewise, there are no thoughts to eliminate the Radiant brand, although the integration process has not begun in earnest. Finally, details on how Radiant’s partners can expand their portfolio with NCR products will be announced following the close of the transaction.

Bill Nuti, Chairman and CEO, NCR

ScanSource Takes Swipe at Processing

ScanSource (Greenville, SC) will distribute payment processing products from international leader Ingenico through its reseller base in the U.S. Under terms of this non-exclusive agreement, the two new partners will co-market Ingenico’s entire line of multi-lane terminals, including Telium POS, iSC250/350 and i6000 signature-capture devices, and iPP320/350 PIN Pads, as well as custom stands and product-related accessories. Moreover, Ingenico will provide comprehensive product and software training for ScanSource’s sales and technical support teams.

“The POS retail channel in the U.S. is unique, complex, and very dynamic. It demands excellence in product quality, customer service, and efficient distribution,” remarked Thierry Denis, President of Ingenico North America (Alpharetta, GA). “Together with ScanSource’s new Payment Solutions Suite, which includes its key injection facility, we will provide an effective solution for resellers. As the value-added distributor with proven high-growth business model, solid market strength, and customer-centric company culture, ScanSource represents the perfect fit for our business. We are excited about the partnership, its potential, and the benefits it will bring to our mutual customers.”

“We look forward to offering Ingenico’s high-quality solutions to our reseller partners,” stated Jeff Yelton, President of ScanSource POS & Barcoding. “This partnership helps us to round out our payment solutions portfolio, enabling resellers to supply more complex POS solutions, while also creating potential new revenue streams for them. With our Payment Solutions Suite services, we are able to streamline processes and manage the configuration and key injection resellers need to meet their end-users’ demands.”

ScanSource launched its Payment Solutions Suite in September of last year at its Partners Conference. It attempts to offer resellers one-stop shopping for their payment processing needs--encompassing hardware purchase, key injection, merchant services, and PCI compliance. Key injection takes place at the distributor’s Custom Configuration Center in Southaven, Mississippi, and VeriFone and First Data also fill out its payment processing line card.

Ingenico’s Telium POS Terminal

Worth Your While

RetailNOW 2011
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 24-27
Orlando

VARTECH 2011
BlueStar
August 15-17
Miami

AIM Expo
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility
September 26-28
Las Vegas

NACS 2011
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 1-4
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Green Skies at Citizen

Citizen Systems America (Torrance, CA) unveiled its CT-S310II thermal receipt printer, which addresses the growing demand for “green” IT products. As the latest member of the company’s CT-S310 family, the CT-S310II furnishes environmental benefits such as Energy Star compliance, “save paper” functionality, and Halogen-free housing, as well as plug-and-play compatibility with current printer models, according to the vendor. Reportedly, it reduces power consumption by as much as 45%, while saving up to 20% of receipt paper.

The CT-S310II carries the same intelligent service features as Citizen’s high-end printers, including paper jam release and removable auto-cutter and print head for tool-free maintenance. It comes standard in black with dual Serial and USB interfaces, with smaller footprint (5.5 in. x 7.7 in. x 5.2 in.) and faster print speed than its predecessor (160 mm/second at 203 dpi), in addition to higher cutter reliability at two million lines and long-life head mode (300 km). It also includes two-dimensional barcode support, built-in power supply and warning buzzer, and ships with Microsoft Windows XP and 7 (32 and 64-bit), Linux, Java POS, OPOS, and CUPS drivers.

“Our commitment to the environment and to our customers and partners is greener and stronger than ever,” declared Oscar Ibarra, EVP at Citizen Systems America. “We will continue to deliver the best value with richer feature sets, cutting-edge functionality, and better pricing as well as the same high quality and reliability that all customers have come to know and expect from the Citizen brand.”

CT-S310II by Citizen Systems America

CipherLab Unholsters 8200

CipherLab (Plano, TX) debuted its 8200 Series of enterprise mobile computers with low power consumption, larger memory capacity, and ergonomic form factor. Targeting retail and healthcare, the 8200 incorporates 32-bit CPU, 8-MB Flash, 4-MB/8-MB SRAM, and Micro-SD slot with SDHC support. It weighs 5.3 oz., measures 5.4 in. x 2.3 in. x 1.0 in., and provides up to 100 operating hours on battery charge depending on the configuration and applications utilized. Features include 2.1-inch, 160x160-pixel LED-backlight display, 24 phone-style keys, and customizable, pre-recorded voice notification.

A variety of data inputs are handled: laser, linear imager, and two-dimensional imager. In particular, the two-dimensional imager addresses the growing use of such symbology in healthcare, according to CipherLab. Real-time wireless has been provided through BT Class 2.1+EDR, IEEE 802.11b/g, or both. Finally, the 8200 Series comes with Application Generator, as well as support for C and Basic Compiler.

“Markets are becoming increasingly competitive and our products need to stand out with a distinct advantage,” observed Sherman Chuang, President of CipherLab. “Our customers are interested in a mobile computer that has long-lasting performance, and lots of room for data storage, allowing them to scan thousands of items at a time. The 8200 Series is the latest answer to increasing your efficiency, delivering quality customer service, and creating immediate profit regardless of the business you are in.”

CipherLab 8200 With Pistol Grip

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ALLIANCES

Janam Enjoys Aruba

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has earned admission into Aruba Networks’ recently announced ArubaEdge Certified Partner Program, which seeks to develop an ecosystem of technology partners involved in mobility. ArubaEdge was launched in May with Auto ID hardware supporters such as Honeywell Scanning & Mobility, Intermec, Motion Computing, and Psion, among many other vendors of networking and security. Janam’s XM Series of rugged handheld devices has been certified, with its XG Series currently under test, and its XP Series scheduled for consideration later this year, RRN.Com was told.

“Today’s world is multi-vendor,” indicated Peter Cellarius, VP of Business Development and Partnerships at Aruba Networks (Sunnyvale, CA). “This means greater customer expectations of interoperability and seamless performance. Aruba Networks has assembled a team of top technology partners under our new ArubaEdge Partner Program to drive this mission. Together we test and confirm that our technologies work well together. We are pleased to announce that Janam has just completed and met our requirements.”

“As the number and functionality of mobile devices in the enterprise has grown, so too have the challenges placed on wireless networks in terms of security, quality of service, and deployment,” stated Harry B. Lerner, CEO of Janam. “With its ArubaEdge Partner Program, Aruba is well-positioned to support end-to-end mobility that is based on open, non-proprietary standards and device interoperability. Aruba’s validation of the XM Series represents a significant growth opportunity for Janam.”

Harry B. Lerner, CEO, Janam Technologies

[Editor’s Note:  Janam also announced that its XM66 has been selected for use by ChemSW, Inc. (Fairfield, CA), which serves the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, petrochemical, and food industries. Janam’s XM66 will support CISPro Mobile, the materials inventory solution from ChemSW designed for hazardous environments.]

Wavelink Delivers the Tablets

Here’s an intriguing partnership. Wavelink (Salt Lake City, UT) has joined forces with iPad Enclosures (Lehi, UT) to address the burgeoning use of commercial computer tablets in business settings. With mounts from iPad Enclosures protecting these devices from theft or tampering and Wavelink providing remote management capabilities, companies now have an affordable means for provisioning, deploying, and maintaining multiple tablet computer kiosks, according to the two parties. Administrators for hotels and hospitals, in particular, may use Wavelink Avalanche to clear any data and history for the next user of the room.

“Our customers love the sleek design and cost-effectiveness of our kiosk enclosures, but as they deploy multiple units they have been asking for a way to remotely manage them,” reported Scott Paul, President of iPad Enclosures. “With Wavelink, we can offer customers a solution that enables them to perform updates, secure the information on the device, track their location, and monitor their performance without requiring someone to physically go to each device.”

Lamar Van Wagenen, CEO/President of Wavelink, added: “Tablets are becoming more popular as business tools over traditional consumer devices. However, businesses need to be more proactive in how they manage these new types of mobile assets so they can efficiently deploy and maintain them. It is also important to ensure that consumer data is secure and that iPads maintain compliance with industry mandates for security and privacy, especially within the healthcare industry with HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] and HITECH [Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health] regulations.”

Partnership With iPad Enclosures Helps Lock and Link Tablet Computers

Code Corner

Several prominent POS ISVs have announced plans to support the FaceCash mobile payment system from Think (Palo Alto, CA), which works on the debit basis and, as its name would suggest, relies on an image of the buyer’s face displayed on the seller’s web-based POS system to verify identity. FaceCash relies on barcode or NFC-based signal to accomplish its secure retail transactions and currently complements iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry. By year-end 2011, POS offerings from Dinerware, POSitouch, Posera/Maitre’D, RPower, POS Lavu, Own Point of Sale, MI9, SalesVu, ShopKeep, and Erply will integrate with the FaceCash API, and thus carry the new tender type button. Some of these software modules are already in testing, according to parties involved. Since FaceCash relies on the ThinkLink payment system instead of traditional card interchange, merchants can save 50% to 80% on per-transaction fees, according to its developer, while providing additional benefits to consumers such as bill splitting and electronic receipts. “Having seen what mobile payments have done for brands such as Starbucks, we’re excited to bring them to Maitre’D with FaceCash,” stated Michel Cote, President of Posera Software (Seattle).

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Trading Places at CognitiveTPG

CognitiveTPG (Lincolnshire, IL) has launched its “Save Green, Go Green” trade-in program for the recycling of legacy label or receipt printers. Now through the end of the year, customers, including resellers, will get $25 back when replacing qualifying competitive models with the company’s A798 and A799 receipt printers or EZ-LP, Advantage LX, and C Series label printers. CognitiveTPG will mail the rebate check directly to the customer within eight to ten weeks of receiving used equipment; in addition, it will recycle or properly dispose of the replaced printers.

“The timing is perfect,” suggested Kyle Turner, GM of the Printer Division for CognitiveTPG. “Our printers are readily available through distribution and offer compatible or better performance than competitive printers. Our trade-in program was designed to give customers the most cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and simple way to try CognitiveTPG’s robust and reliable printing solutions.”

“We want to offer customers the benefit of the latest technology, performance, and features,” added Roman Dziaba, CognitiveTPG’s Product Manager. “CognitiveTPG printers are a great choice to replace older printers close to the end of their useful life. Such older printers can impact productivity due to higher frequency of repairs, slower print speeds, and reduced feature sets. Upgrading to our durable metal-frame printers can have beneficial, long-lasting impact on your business.”

Kyle Turner, GM, Printer Division, CognitiveTPG

Revenue From RFID, Guaranteed

Now here’s an offer. ODIN (Ashburn, VA) has kicked off its Preferred RFID Partner Program, which includes RFID software, lead generation, and money-back guarantee of revenue in the first year. This new effort supplies training, marketing materials, and dedicated contacts at ODIN who will provide each VAR with opportunities based on geography or industry area of expertise, according to the developer. Participants must have strong client relationships, but not necessarily RFID engineering capability.

“We have invested $50 million to create the most accurate, sophisticated, and easy to integrate RFID software. Part of that extensive design and engineering went to making our simple development platform for RFID partners,” relayed Grant Wagner, Head of Worldwide Sales for ODIN. For VARs with minimal RFID software experience, ODIN’s new Workflow Development Kit (WDK) facilitates integration, he continued. To date, ODIN solutions such as EasyTAP and Intelligent Asset Management, or “I AM,” have been deployed globally in thousands of locations--with consistently high accuracy and reliability, he emphasized.

“Partnering with ODIN has broadened our solution set and ability to deliver cost-effective RFID solutions to our customers,” testified Tom O’Boyle, VP at Miles Technologies (Lake Zurich, IL), one of ODIN’s founding partners. “The EasyTAP product controls RFID readers in our system and provides actionable RFID location data and intelligence to our application software. This enables our development team to concentrate on the user interface and business logic needed to meet the customer requirements without developing RFID reader-specific software.”

v

U.S. Military Calls Upon ODIN for RFID Expertise

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
Casio America
Logic Controls
Pioneer POS
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Software - Retail
Tri-Technical Systems

POS Software - Hospitality
Aldelo Systems

Barcode & Transaction Printers
CognitiveTPG
Datamax-O'Neil
TSC America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Mobile Marketing & Loyalty
Sundrop Mobile

Pay at Table
Bellatrix Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

STARTS & STOPS

A New “Source” for Thermal Barcodes

Well-known in the channel for its MICR and kiosk printers, Source Technologies (Charlotte, NC) has jumped into the thermal barcode arena with the introduction of its STp.1120n. Engineered for mid-range applications, and as the first entry in the new ST Performance Series, the STp.1120n represents the next-generation of intelligent barcode printers, according to the company, with state-of-the-art capacity and advanced features. Highlights include an intuitive color touchscreen, 300-dpi resolution for rich graphics, constant ribbon tension to prevent ribbon wrinkle, wide array of connectivity choices, field upgradability, and optional RFID.

“Because we had no pre-conceived mandates as to what the printer line had to be, we were able to produce a product with unique benefits,” explained William Bouverie, CEO/President of Source Technologies. “Before designing the Performance Series, we conducted extensive research. Our team reached out to customers and thermal printer users worldwide about their industrial, mid-range barcode printing requirements. We listened to their input, and incorporated the most important elements into our printer design.”

Significantly, Source Technologies has implemented PCL5e, an industry-standard printer language familiar to RRN.Com readers, which eases integration and allows the device to support 50 resident scalable fonts. Built with die-cast construction with plastic front and rear and clear side window, the STp.1120n measures 10.8 in. x 18.7 in. x 11.9 in. and incorporates standard characteristics such as four-inch print head, double-sided top-of-form sensor, tear bar, media back-feed, and reset button to factory default. A full range of options are presented, such as rewind, peelers, and cutters, along with Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 drivers.

Source Technologies’ New STp.1120n

Mac POS Reaches LightSpeed

Xsilva Systems (Montreal) has made several important moves in the area of Mac OS-driven POS. First, the developer has released LightSpeed Version 3.5, which extends an Application Programming Interface (API) for third-party software and an e-commerce connector in support of the market-leading Magento platform, above and beyond front-counter POS. Additionally, Version 3.5 updates LightSpeed Mobile and will handle the new Mac OS, dubbed Lion X. Further, the company announced it is rebranding itself as LightSpeed to capitalize on that product’s worldwide reseller network, substantial user base, and broad name recognition.

“With our new API and our powerful new eCommerce connector, LightSpeed is now open for business in a whole new way,” reported Dax Dasilva, CEO and Founder of LightSpeed. “This new API means that LightSpeed is now a highly-customizable option for innovative retailers who can truly make the platform their own as they grow their businesses. Meanwhile, our eCommerce connector opens up even more choice for retailers looking to grow online.”

Using LightSpeed API, developers can build custom applications such as external loyalty programs, third-party e-commerce plug-ins, sales dashboards, and integration with back-end Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. To foster such activity, LightSpeed also announced LightSpeed Developer Exchange, its partner community, which costs $499 annually to participate. LightSpeed eCommerce is priced at $899 and upholds LightSpeed Web Store, the platform’s turn-key online shopping cart, as well as the widely-adopted Magento platform, which is scalable for high-volume transactions and boasts more than 3,500 add-ons. Support, hosting, and SSL certificates for both Web Store and Magento are also available from LightSpeed.

Xsilva Systems Now Re-Branded as LightSpeed

Channel Factoid

Warm weather, lower gas costs, and strong Father’s Day promotions put consumers in the mood to spend in June, boosting retail sales for the 12th consecutive month and surpassing many analysts’ expectations, according to the National Retail Federation. For June, retail industry sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) increased 0.3% seasonally adjusted from May and 5.5% unadjusted year-over-year. Onset of summer helped raise sales of apparel and garden equipment and supplies, in particular. Clothing and clothing accessories sales increased 0.7% seasonally adjusted over May and an impressive 7.6% unadjusted year-over-year. Sales at building material and garden equipment stores jumped 1.3% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and fully 8.5% unadjusted over last year. In comparison, checkout at electronic and appliance stores decreased 0.2% seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 2.3% unadjusted from last year. Home furnishing store sales decreased 0.8% seasonally adjusted over May and increased 0.2% unadjusted year-over-year. Lastly, health and personal care store sales decreased 0.2% seasonally adjusted over May but increased 3.9% unadjusted year-over-year. “Retailers are hoping this momentum continues through the back-to-school season,” observed Jack Kleinhenz, Chief Economist for NRF. “Knowing that shoppers remain concerned about the economy, companies have already begun offering aggressive promotions to entice business.”

HELLO GOODBYE

New VP Boosted by Bixolon

Bixolon America (Torrance, CA) has promoted Juan Salinas to VP of Sales, Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Since 2009, Salinas has served that region as its Director of Sales for Bixolon. While continuing to build on his success with key OEM/direct accounts, he will bring increased focus on expanding the company’s presence in target markets such as Mexico and Brazil, according to the printer manufacturer.

“Bixolon America is pleased to appoint Juan Salinas to the position of Vice President of Sales for Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean,” shared Sam Son, President of Bixolon America, Inc. “During his time as Director of Sales, Juan’s vast expertise and experience within the POS industry, specifically in Latin America markets, has been an enormous asset in successfully increasing Bixolon’s regional share of business.”

Salinas has served the Latin American POS industry for more than 18 years. Prior to joining Bixolon, he spent six years as VP of BlueStar Latin America, developing strong reseller relationships and implementing key marketing strategies. He has achieved numerous industry awards and recognition during his career.

Juan Salinas, VP of Sales, Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean for Bixolon America

Succession at SATO

SATO (Charlotte, NC) has named J. Michael Fowler as the new GM of the International Business Division of SATO Corporation, effective July 1. Fowler follows Kaz Matsuyama to become SATO Corporation’s first non-Japanese GM, the manufacturer noted. While remaining President of SATO International America, Inc., he will be based at headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, and will direct SATO’s international business strategies, including sales and product development.

In conjunction with his new responsibilities, Fowler also was named Senior Executive Officer of SATO Corporation. His predecessor, Mr. Matsuyama, to whom Fowler will report, will now provide leadership as SATO Corporation’s EVP and COO. Fowler has 20 years of experience with SATO International America, holding progressively important positions such as Technical Service Manager, VP of OEM Sales, GM, and President. Robert Linse continues in the role of President, SATO America.

“Mike has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, not only in delivering solid business performance, but also in establishing a corporate culture that is firmly grounded in what best defines the SATO business model and values,” Matsuyama remarked. “He clearly represents the drive and commitment required to meet the ever-increasing demands of SATO’s global plans.”

J. Michael Fowler, GM, International Business Division, SATO Corporation