Our Product Pick

Xplore Technologies Corp. (Austin, TX) has unleashed its thinner, lighter, fully rugged tablet, dubbed Bobcat. Weighing 2.4 lbs., with ratings of IP-65 and MIL-STD-810G, Bobcat runs Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 Pro on Intel Quad Core CPU at 1.9 GHz. It comes standard with two full-sized USB 3.0, Micro SDXC, Micro SIM, Micro HDMI-Out, RJ-45, Ethernet, Serial, and GPS. A proprietary Xpansion Port offers one and two-dimensional barcode scanner, common access card (CAC) reader, and NFC. Additional features include 10-inch multi-touch screen (1366x768, 500-nits, 800-to-1 contrast ratio), 802.11a/c, Bluetooth 4.0, and optional 4G LTE. "At less than half the weight and half the cost, we believe the Bobcat has the potential to create a demand in the market that is ten times that of our historically successful iX104 line," commented Philip Sassower, CEO of Xplore. It starts at $2,199.

Bobcat by Xplore

COMPANY BUSINESS

Dascom's Dash to Mobile Printing

An aggressive move in the printer world, as Dascom Americas (Verona, VA) takes controlling interest in Printek, Inc. (Benton Harbor, MI). Under terms of this acquisition, Printek will continue to supply its mobile thermal printers under the legal entity, Printek, LLC. Dascom Americas, established in 2010 as part of Dascom Holdings in Hong Kong, focuses on business transaction printing--serial matrix, specialty, and thermal--with Tally and Tally Dascom product lines. Terms were not disclosed.

"Printek's brand recognition and quality products, most especially in the mobile market, will help us strengthen our presence in this market segment, particularly in geographies outside of North America," proclaimed Ron Acorn, President of Dascom Americas. "It has talented senior executives with many years of experience in research, development, engineering, and marketing. We expect that by operating the company independently, current customers will see the same level of quality and service they have come to expect from Printek."

"We plan to grow our operations base in Benton Harbor and will continue to operate from there," reported Julie Payovich, President of Printek, LLC. "We have three new products that will launch soon. This accelerated schedule is a direct result of the investment on the part of Dascom Americas, and the great relationship between our respective teams." Payovich, along with Russ Corace, EVP of Engineering, and Chris Yeager, Director of Marketing, will form the core management team for Printek, LLC and will be minority stakeholders in the company. Tom Yeager, Founder and CEO of Printek, Inc., will no longer be involved with the firm.

Ron Acorn, President, Dascom Americas

With Eye on News, Rebranding for ISIS

In the four years since its inception, ISIS, the mobile commerce joint venture from AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless, has generated visibility, rolled out its NFC-based mobile wallet in the U.S., and launched its Alliance Program. Once evocative of the Egyptian goddess of health and hearth, the term ISIS has now become identified with Mid-East terrorism, however. In response, Michael Abbott, CEO of ISIS, has announced the company will rebrand itself. Some of his remarks appear below:

"Recently, we have observed with growing concern a militant group whose name, when translated into English, is Islamic State of Iraq and Syria--often referenced by the acronym ISIS. The ISIS militant group has been linked to sectarian violence against civilians and government forces in Iraq and Syria. However coincidental, we have no interest in sharing a name with a group whose name has become synonymous with violence and our hearts go out to those who are suffering. As a company, we have made the decision to rebrand."

"Changing a brand is never easy, but we know this is the right decision--for our company, our partners, and our customers. We are actively working on a new brand, and I'll share more with you as our journey progresses in the coming months. In the meantime, we remain committed to growing the mobile payments ecosystem, and advancing our mobile wallet. Our focus on delivering a great product and platform to our customers hasn't changed."

Current Events Propel Name Change for Mobile Wallet Provider

Worth Your While

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
August 3-6
Orlando

VARTECH 2014
BlueStar
September 17-20
New Orleans

NACS Show
Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 7-10
Las Vegas

Pack Expo
PMMI
November 2-5
Chicago

Customer Engagement Technology World
JD Events
November 5-6
New York

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Doctor Elf Will See You Now

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has unwrapped its Elf Healthcare PDA. Along with the standard features of Elf, including two-dimensional scanning, it carries an anti-microbial enclosure capable of withstanding daily cleaning with harsh disinfectants. In making its announcement, Datalogic also emphasized its patented "Green Spot" aiming technology and noiseless, vibrating good read feedback, both advantageous for bedside applications. An IP-64 sealing protection rating has been cited for Elf Healthcare PDA.

"In healthcare the prevention of infection is a serious concern and we took that into consideration with the new Elf Healthcare PDA," declared Francesco Montanari, VP and GM of the Mobile Computer Business Unit. "Keeping in mind the growing use of 2D codes throughout various healthcare settings, we have designed the Elf Healthcare PDA with a fast and reliable 2D imager encased in specialized chemical resistant plastics to meet the needs of our healthcare customers."

Measuring 6.2 in. (L) x 3.2 in. (W) x 1.7 in. (D), and weighing approximately 15 oz., the Elf PDA runs Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, with XScale PXA 310 CPU at 624 MHz, 256-MB RAM, 256-MB Flash, and Micro-SD Slot. It offers 3.5-inch color touchscreen, 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi with CCX V4 Certification, Bluetooth Version 2.0 + EDR, and three-megapixel camera. Its rugged design withstands 1.2 m/4 ft. drops to concrete, and the single slot charging dock also comes in chemical resistant plastic.

Datalogic's Elf PDA for Healthcare

Metal Shop at Fametech

Fametech (Taipei, Taiwan) has debuted three new cash drawers: Compact PCD-358P-B (four bill, eight coin), Standard PCD-428P-B (four or five bill, eight coin), and Flip-Top Cash Box PCD-438P-B-LID (six bill, eight coin). In order, they measure: 13.8 in. (W) x 16 in. (D) x 3.5 in. (H); 16 in. (W) x 16.5 in. (D) x 4 in. (H); and 18 in. (W) x 6.7 in. (D) x 4 in. (H). In terms of color, the PCD Series comes in beige, black, or customized.

"The new PCD Series cash drawers are durable, cost-effective currency storage devices," Richard Lin, U.S. Sales Representative for Fametech, told RRN.Com. "Industrial steel construction is sturdy and can support the under-counter mounting for limited counter-space applications. Adjustable coin/bill compartments and slip slots for checks or large bills allow more flexible applications."

Additional features include RJ-11 and RJ-12 with optional RS-232 and USB. A three-position key lock ensures maximum security for PCD-358 and PCD-428. As options, the company lists micro-switches, lockable lids, and stainless steel front plates or top covers. Under the brand name Tysso, Fametech distributes through several sources in North America, including AZT POS Corporation (Tustin, CA), led by Keddy Chen, GM.

Fametech's Compact Cash Drawer, the Tysso PCD-358P-B

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ALLIANCES

A Swirl of In-Store Beacons

A beacon now shines for mobile marketing, in the form of the new strategic relationship between Swirl Networks, Inc. (Boston) and Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL). These two companies will work together in the areas of products, sales, and services to support iBeacon roll-outs in large-scale retail environments, This follows the recent unveiling of Motorola's MPact Platform for Mobile Marketing, an indoor customer location system which leverages Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Smart (and utilizes Swirl).

"We're delighted to work with Swirl to bring enterprise-class beacon marketing capabilities," commented Imran Akbar, VP and GM of Enterprise Networks and Communications for Motorola Solutions. "As Motorola Solutions continues to enhance the in-store experience for shoppers, Swirl's robust software for creating, managing, and optimizing in-store mobile marketing campaigns makes for an ideal relationship." As expected, Swirl gives retailers the capacity to engage shoppers with personalized digital content and offers, as deployed by Alex and Ani, Kenneth Cole, and Timberland.

"This collaboration with Motorola Solutions reinforces our commitment to bring the most scalable and comprehensive beacon marketing solution to leading retailers and brands," relayed Hilmi Ozguc, Swirl's CEO. "Through this relationship, Swirl customers now have access to beacons and support services from one of the most respected names in the retail industry. Together with Motorola Solutions, we can help retailers effectively roll out beacon marketing capabilities at even the largest scale."

Swirl Networks Partners With Motorola Solutions to Power Beacon Marketing for Retailers

MW Drives Their Car

Another ISV has embraced the Genius Customer Engagement Platform from Merchant Warehouse--Blue Sage Software, one of the premier packages for automotive parts distributors. Formerly known as ICAS Computer Systems, with three decades of success, Blue Sage Software supplies its flagship program, Pacesetter. Offered as server-based or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), it includes modules for inventory management, invoicing, accounts receivable, and delivery tracking, as well as POS.

"At Blue Sage Software, we pride ourselves on being a one-stop solution for automotive and truck parts distributors. We provide solutions to meet the needs of our customers today and in the future," expounded Roger Moyers, CEO of Blue Sage (San Diego). "Partnering with a forward-thinking company like Merchant Warehouse prepares our customers for any new payment innovation, from EMV to mobile and more. Customers can rest assured their POS will evolve with the changing payments landscape."

"The automotive industry drives technological innovation, and with the Genius integration, Blue Sage Software customers can stay ahead of their competition," indicated Henry Helgeson, CEO of Merchant Warehouse (Boston). "With Blue Sage Software as a certified Genius partner, we're looking forward to enabling a whole new sector of businesses to take advantage of recent payment industry advancements with a secure and cost-effective solution." As first reported in RRN.Com, the Genius Customer Engagement Platform allows users to accept any kind of payment, discount, or loyalty program through one payment terminal--including EMV Chip-and-PIN, required in the U.S. by 2015.

Genius Customer Engagement Platform by Merchant Warehouse Adds ISV for Automotive Parts Distributors

Code Corner

CipherLab (Plano, TX) has added its CipherLab Operating System (COS) for the CipherLab 8600 Mobile Computer. A Forge Application Generator helps non-programmers to create applications without writing any codes, and it bundles with Remote Console for device management. There's Text Browser and Mirror Terminal Emulator for running web-based apps via Internet and complex mainframe apps, respectively. Finally, it includes C Compiler and BASIC Compiler.

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Yelp Pops Up on POS

Given its lineage, it should come as no surprise that iPad-based POS has moved quickly to forge ties with social media. As an example, Revel Systems (San Francisco) has just launched its Yelp Dashboard. When the consumer "checks in" with Foursquare or Facebook, or leaves reviews on Yelp, an icon immediately pops up on the merchant's screen on the Revel iPad POS. All ready to go.

Such real-time linking allows merchants to market much more effectively, according to Revel Systems. For example, if consumers are raving about a restaurant's fries or a retailer's shirts, a business can use those reviews to highlight that dish or product. It also ensures business owners are better in tune with how consumers view their establishment, leading to better business decisions. On to Yelp Elite becomes the battle cry!

"Yelp is a powerful tool for consumers and businesses alike," observed Lisa Falzone, CEO and Co-Founder of Revel Systems. "It's about awareness. We wanted to give restaurants and retail businesses, from small to enterprise, the opportunity to react to real-time feedback, and use this information to improve the overall customer experience for all guests. Bad reviews can be crippling for anyone in the hospitality business, so this tool gives owners transparency into the feedback process in which they can meet their customers and be part of the conversation--both online and in-person."

Integration to Social Media for Revel Systems

Digital Persona and the 3% Log-In

Another application to consider, as Digital Persona Pro Software and U.are.U 4500 fingerprint readers prove their worth at Workers' Credit Union. With 15 branches in Central Massachusetts, and 240 employees, WCU will provide biometric identification for access to online forms, websites, and financial information. Advantages include increased security, elimination of misplaced or forgotten passwords, and overall improved employee workflow, according to the two parties.

Specifically, WCU employees have recovered time lost in remembering and keying in passwords, estimated at 3%. Similarly, the credit union's IT help-desk has gained another 3% of its time back for executing more critical activities, rather than reissuing passwords. "An audit trail tells us who accesses what information," elaborated Dave Thibodeau, VP of Information Technology at Workers' Credit Union. "And members no longer have to wait for the help-desk."

WCU now plans to deploy biometrics-based technology for physical access to its buildings and networks. Another potential use for credit unions and community banks will be confirming the identities of the "unbanked"--those who currently lack the proper identification credentials required to secure an account. "With our latest solution, Altus, we have taken steps to help this segment," relayed Richard Agostinelli, CEO/President of Digital Persona (Redwood, CA), which was recently purchased by Cross Match Holdings.

Digital Persona's Fingerprint Biometrics for Workers' Credit Union

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POStablets
POS-X
TEAMSable
Toshiba GCS

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Intermec by Honeywell
SATO America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning
Intermec by Honeywell
Trimble MCS

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Discover
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury Payment Systems

Inventory Systems
New West Technologies

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

Calling Plays for Mobile POS

Bluefin Payment Systems (Atlanta) will supply its QuickSwipe Mobile POS via GoSmallBiz.com, the business tools website founded by NFL Hall of Famer, Fran Tarkenton. Encrypted and tokenized, and based in the cloud, QuickSwipe allows end-users to process credit/debit/ACH and recurring transactions, build catalogs to populate customer tickets, and issue refunds if necessary, according to Bluefin. It falls under the company's PayConex Payment Platform, and accesses the Web or iOS.

"Our members want flexible, valuable business tools to not only maintain their business but to grow it," remarked Tarkenton, who serves as CEO of GoSmallBiz.com. "Offering mobile payments is a great way entrepreneurs can use technology to deliver a better experience to their customers. Small businesses are more mobile today than ever, and using their iPhone or iPad to never miss a sale is a serious game changer."

"QuickSwipe is not your cookie-cutter mobile solution," suggested John Perry, CEO of Bluefin. "It's an efficient, secure mobile point-of-sale system with the highest level of security, one-on-one support, and one-to-two-day funding. We feel this is a perfect solution for GoSmallBiz.com clients and are very excited about this partnership."

Bluefin's QuickSwipe Offered By Popular SMB Website

Goodwill Hunting by RCS

Retail Control Systems (Enfield, NH) has carried NCR CounterPoint and P1530 POS Terminals to Goodwill Industries of Chattanooga, Tennessee. In all, 14 stores will deploy, with an average of three terminals each, RRN.Com was told. Prior to implementing the NCR CounterPoint from RCS, Goodwill used electronic cash registers and credit card terminals, managed cash drawer counting and deposits on Excel spreadsheets, and manually entered data into its accounting software. Custom enhancements by RCS for Goodwill include donation kiosk, donation round-up, color rotation, KPI tracking, and specialized reporting. Additionally, RCS will host for Goodwill.

"The category management has been exceptional for managing inventory based on sales," testified Tim Ward, Director of Information Technology for Goodwill Industries of Chattanooga. "We believe we have increased productivity and saved time by at least 50%. RCS has been there for us every step of the way, providing an exceptional level of service. They are great leaders in their field, serving as the guides that got us up and running, and giving us the support to get the job done."

"We work with several Goodwill organizations with locations all over the country," related Darlene McQueen, Sales and Marketing Manager for Retail Control Systems. "It has been a creative challenge to integrate a retail management solution that would flawlessly support the point-of-sale needs for Goodwill's unique retail landscape. We look forward to our continued partnership and the integration of NCR CounterPoint into other Goodwill locations."

Deployment of NCR's CounterPoint and P1530 by VAR Retail Control Systems

Channel Factoid

Only 34% of retailers plan to run loyalty programs for back-to-school shopping this year, according to new research on this $72.5 billion market conducted by Merchant Warehouse. While 85% of shoppers noted that they tend to patronize the same retailers year after year, fully 91% stated they are "somewhat likely" (65%) or "very likely" (26%) to switch their choice in exchange for attractive promotions or rewards. Apparently technology is not holding retailers back, with only 18% unable to run loyalty campaigns during this back-to-school season due to insufficient resources. In terms of methodology, the majority of retailers executing campaigns will employ e-mail (56%). Another 24% will implement loyalty campaigns for back-to-school via mobile app. Somewhat traditionally, consumers ranked plastic loyalty/rewards cards as the most preferred method of redemption. And 97% of retailers that ran back-to-school loyalty campaigns last year had positive experiences and plan to repeat the effort this year. "It's alarming that so many small business retailers are missing out on valuable loyalty programs that can help them keep existing customers coming back throughout the year and even year after year," mused Jenn Reichenbacher, Senior Director of Corporate Marketing at Merchant Warehouse.

In Memoriam

One of the major figures in Auto ID, Craig Harmon, passed away on Thursday, July 3. CEO of Q.E.D. Systems in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for more than three decades, Harmon was instrumental in many barcode and RFID industry standards. He was the author of one of the definitive works on barcodes, "Reading Between The Lines." He also was recognized for his work in the industry as the recipient of the Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM) Richard R. Dilling Award and Member of the AIDC 100. A sudden heart attack caused his death.

Craig Harmon Passes Away

HELLO GOODBYE

A New Building Block

Block and Company, Inc. (Wheeling, IL) has enlisted Scott O'Shea as its VP of Sales for MMF Industries and MMF POS. With years of consumer products sales experience, O'Shea previously held senior management positions with World Kitchen, Inc., Blyth HomeScents, H20 Plus, and Hosley International. In this new role, he will continue to grow the MMF Industries and MMF POS Divisions by expanding into new markets and new channels, according to the vendor.

"We are glad to have Scott in this leadership role," commented John Lanman, CEO of Block and Company. "His knowledge of the consumer products business and his breadth of experience selling to a variety of distribution channels make him ideally suited for this position. Scott is a welcome addition to the Block and Company management team."

Established in 1934, Block and Company is a privately held manufacturer and distributor of office products. MMF Industries supplies the full line of cash handing devices, key cabinets, and desk accessories. Long prominent in our channel, MMF POS supplies cash drawers, mounting systems, and other accessories for POS.

Scott O'Shea, VP of Sales, MMF POS

VARs Above PAR

ParTech, Inc. (New Hartford, NY) recently named its 2013 Partner Award winners for North America and Latin America at the PAR Partner Conference in Las Vegas. Five categories were designated, including the 2013 Partner Excellence Award for Triphen Technologies, Inc. (Burbank, CA) and Imesa Sistemas (San Jose, Costa Rica). As the 2013 New Partners Award, PAR chose Chanj POS (Las Vegas) and Asesores Centroamerica (Panama City, Panama).

Three VARs were honored with the 2013 Product Innovation Award: 24x7 Hospitality Technology (Geneva, IL), Better My POS, Inc. (Las Vegas), and Grupo Asesores (Mexico City, Mexico). Similarly, four VARs achieved the 2013 Partner Growth Award: Brink Software, Inc. (San Diego), Celerity POS, Inc. (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), Chili System (Medellin, Colombia), and Technic POS (Toronto, Canada). Finally, Agilysys, Inc. (Alpharetta, GA) and Essential Systems Solutions (Frederick, MD) were named in the 2013 New Customer Win Awards.

"Our partners did an outstanding job with growing their business and winning new customers in 2013," reported Mark Bunney, Senior Director of Product Marketing at ParTech. "We want to celebrate their success and recognize their efforts in providing the highest level of customer satisfaction and going above and beyond in meeting the customers' needs. We're proud to honor this year's winners and we look forward to their continued success."

Triphen Technologies Takes 2013 Partner Excellence Award From ParTech. From Left to Right: Anthony Moussouri, VP of Sales for North America-Restaurants, ParTech; Tim Votaw, SVP of Sales & Marketing, ParTech; Zohrab Gyunashyn, President/CEO, Triphen; Alex Hovespian, IT Director, Triphen; Mark Bunney, Senior Director of Product Marketing, ParTech; and Abelardo Garza, Director of Latin America & Caribbean, ParTech

Munz the Word

Mocapay (Denver), mobile marketing and payments player, has named Chris Munz as its Director of Business Development, which includes responsibility for reseller and partner relationships. Earlier, Munz served as Sales Engineer/Director of Sales Communications for Fishbowl, Inc. (not to be confused with Fishbowl Inventory), with customers for the firm's marketing services such as Applebee's, Hard Rock Cafe, IHOP, Cold Stone Creamery, and Red Robin. He started as Sales and Marketing Manager for Quotient Marketing, which was bought by Fishbowl in 2007.

"Chris is a welcome and strategic addition to the Mocapay team," enthused Doug Dwyre, CEO of Mocapay. "As Mocapay continues to grow, we welcome Chris' expertise and proven track record of successful marketing strategy and implementation as well as an extensive technical understanding of needs of clients." As partners, Mocapay lists Digital Dining, Micros, NCR's Aloha and Radiant, Positouch, and VeriFone.

"I'm thrilled to team up with Mocapay and be part of a quickly growing and evolving company," shared Munz. "The mobile marketing and payments industry is on a precipice for tremendous shift, change, and growth. I know Mocapay will be a key player in leading this change."

Chris Munz, Director of Business Development, Mocapay