This Week’s Product Pick

Pioneer POS (City of Industry, CA) has presented its Infinity POS, which brings bezel-free design at 15- and 17-inch screen sizes to its StealthTouch family. Protected from spills and dust, Infinity features Intel's Atom Cedarview Dual Core CPU at 2.13 GHz. It can run thin-client utilizing solid-state disk with Windows Embedded. With compact footprint of 14.6 x 13 x 10.4 inches, and weight of 11 lbs. without base, Infinity may be mounted on the wall or VESA pole. Connectivity consists of Intel 10/100/1000 Base T, 6 USB, 4 Serial, and 24-V powered USB. Additional benefits include Wi-Fi, credit card reader, biometric fingerprint reader, integrated customer display and barcode scanner, CD/DVD drive, privacy filter, and webcam.

Infinity From Pioneer POS

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Source of Growth for D-O

Datamax-O'Neil (Orlando) has snapped up the thermal printer business of Source Technologies (Charlotte, NC) for undisclosed terms. All three of Source's thermal product lines--Performance, Workstation, and Mobile--were acquired, although Datamax-O'Neil intends to concentrate on the first two stationary offerings in the near term, RRN.Com was told by Paul Sindoni, D-O's President. Performance ("STp") and Workstation ("STw") will be fully integrated and branded as Datamax-O'Neil products over the next two months, while Source Technologies' Florida-based engineering team will be transferred to D-O's operations in that state.

Source Technologies seemed something of an unusual player in thermal, coming from its background in secure MICR laser printing (which it will continue to pursue under new ownership). Despite similarities in output between the two companies' barcode products--labels and tags--there are very distinct differences in interface capabilities and command/control languages, according to Sindoni. Also, the addition of near-edge printing technology should broaden the range of materials accommodated by D-O.

Most significantly, Source wisely adopted the PCL5e global printer language when designing its ST Performance and ST Workstation models, which address industrial and low-to-medium markets, respectively. With this widely-accepted technology, D-O should see progress in worldwide markets and existing networked environments, according to Sindoni. Further, it should open opportunities in situations where end-users have been reluctant to switch from laser printers due to the integration hurdles associated with proprietary thermal printer languages. Overall, this acquisition "clearly reflects our continued commitment to grow our strength within the industry and our partner community," Sindoni said.

Paul Sindoni, President, Datamax-O'Neil

Agilysys: Bye, Bye Retail

Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) will sell its Retail Solutions Group to Clearlake Capital Group (Los Angeles) and focus its future efforts solely on software-enabled solutions for the hospitality industry. This deal, worth $35 million in cash, will be completed later this summer, subject to customary closing conditions. At that time, Agilysys expects to have approximately $110 million in cash and cash equivalents on hand, representing $4.90 per common share outstanding, and no debt.

"The sale of the RSG business is consistent with our corporate strategy of pursuing the highest return on capital opportunities available to the company for the benefit of our employees, customers, and shareholders," declared James Dennedy, CEO/President of Agilysys. "Looking forward, we expect Agilysys to generate positive adjusted operating income with above market growth from its hospitality focused business." Future plans include investments in new product development as well as potential acquisitions, according to the company's official announcement.

Its Retail Solutions Group Sold to Clearlake Capital

Worth Your While

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

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

VARTECH US/LATAM 2013
BlueStar
September 9-11
San Antonio, TX

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

Customer Engagement Technology World
JD Events
November 6-7
New York City

ALL IN THE FAMILY

CP60 Pushes Ahead

CipherLab (Plano, TX) has enhanced its CP60 industrial mobile computer, unveiled in February, with two new valuable features. With "push-to-talk" functionality, communication between fellow workers has been simplified and improved. Further, the CP60's environmental rating has been boosted from IP-65 to IP-67, eliminating any penetration of dust and protecting the device from liquid immersion up to one meter.

"I'm confident our new push-to-talk function will make users in the warehouse and manufacturing industries more efficient," stated Luis Wu, GM of CipherLab USA. "Similarly, our new IP-67 rating means our device gets more rugged and dependable. With this news, the CP60 becomes an even more resourceful tool for all of our users."

Measuring 7.3 in (L) x 3.3 in. (W) x 1.7 in. (D), and weighing 18.2 oz., the CP60 supports Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, Windows CE 6.0, and Android 2.3, with Texas Instrument's OMAP3 CPU at 1 GHz, 512 MB DDR SDRAM, and 4 GB Flash. Communication schemes include 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and 3.8G Evolved HSPA, with optional 4G LTE. For data collection, the CP60 employs laser reader, long-range laser reader, two-dimensional imager, and five-megapixel autofocus camera. Additional features include GPS, 3.5-inch transflective TFT color display, and numeric or QWERTY keypad with LED backlight.

CipherLab CP60 Handheld Computer

Lightning Strikes Infinite Peripherals

Infinite Peripherals, Inc. (Arlington Heights, IL), which also goes by "IPC," has launched its Linea Pro 5 with Apple Lightning connector. Certified by Apple as "MFi," this device supports iPhone 5 and iPod Touch 5th Generation, including the newest 16 GB iPod Touch shipped last week. Developed with customer feedback and market research, according to IPC, the Linea Pro 5 also carries an improved, sleeker design and faster scanning capabilities.

As in previous versions of IPC's cradles, Linea Pro 5 combines barcode scanner (one or two-dimensional, in this case) with three-track magnetic-stripe reader (MSR). Available with optional Bluetooth and RFID, the Linea Pro 5 is equipped to deliver near-field communication (NFC) in future updates. A variety of accessories such as protective cases, holsters, and stands may be customized with company colors and logos. In addition, IPC offers its mobile printers, designated DPP-250, DPP-350, and DPP-450, for two, three, and four-inch receipts.

"Our business is based on improving the customer experience, and we are looking forward to these new products that deliver enhanced performance," proclaimed Bryan Lively, VP of Retail for Moosejaw, an outdoor recreation retailer with 10 stores and significant online presence. "The Linea Pro has fundamentally changed our store operations, and we embrace the evolving technology that Infinite Peripherals delivers." First out of the gate in this arena, IPC has fielded 250,000 swipe-and-scan cradles for POS with top U.S. retailers.

Linea Pro 5 Swipe-and-Scan Cradle Features Apple Lightning Connector

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Did you miss one of our issues and suddenly realize your competitors know more than you do?

Hurry ! Use the links below to catch up :

Week of May 27

Week of May 20

Week of May 6

Channel Correction

Re: "Dinerware Dishes Mobile CRM" in Last Week's RRN.Com.

Hi Michael,
A clarification on the Dinerware and CaptureCode item. Dinerware supports an open API that any loyalty developer may access for integration with our POS software. We want to give our customers flexibility in choosing the loyalty provider that best meets their needs. CaptureCode is just one of those (many) capable providers.

Regards,
Jeff Riley
CEO
Dinerware
Seattle, WA

PARTNER PROGRAMS

High Scores for Genius

Merchant Warehouse (Boston) has attracted another powerful partner for its Genius Customer Engagement Platform, in this case, Retail Pro International (Folsom, CA). Six months in the making, and described as "huge" in conversation with RRN.Com, this deal takes Genius to the countertops of specialty retail stores throughout the U.S. Unveiled in 2012, the Genius Platform allows merchants to pick and choose between payment methods at the POS, while removing customer information from PA-DSS scope, and advancing customer relationship management (CRM) efforts.

"We've seen greater innovation and change in the payments industry in the last few years than in the previous twenty years combined," suggested Kerry Lemos, CEO of Retail Pro International. "Genius allows retailers to accept any type of payment in a low-risk manner, and turn basic transactions into deeper interactions with their customers. We're looking forward to the opportunities Genius brings to our customers that they may not have previously considered possible."

Retail Pro, LightSpeed Support Genius Customer Engagement Platform by Merchant Warehouse

BlueStar Plays "Defence"

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) will distribute encryption software for mobile devices from Digital Defence (Valley Cottage, NY). Accredited to FIPS-197, Secure Mobile encrypts data at the bit level without interrupting the user or affecting device speeds, according to its developer, even working when the device remains at rest. Performance includes encrypt or decrypt speed of 1 MB of data in less than 1.5 seconds with only 2% CPU usage. In addition, Secure Mobile outfits nearly any ruggedized mobile device, with mass deployment through its dedicated module.

"In today's world of mobile working, there is an ever-increasing amount of sensitive, personal, and corporate data residing on mobile computers and smartphones," observed Larry Klimczyk, CEO of Americas for UK-based Digital Defence. "Organizations are looking more and more to protect their data against loss or theft and meet their corporate security compliance policies. Secure Mobile meets these needs in a low-cost, easy-to-deploy, and easy-to-use solution." RRN.Com readers may remember Klimczyk from his previous time at Intermec and Symbol (now Motorola Solutions).

"Adding mobile data security to your product offering can help resellers increase their revenues and profits," advised Shawn Moll, BlueStar's Business Account Manager. "You can help your customers across any vertical--such as government, healthcare, transportation/logistics, emergency services, police, home deliveries, and manufacturing--avoid penalties, fines, and bad press due to lost or stolen data." A travel note: BlueStar's popular VARTECH U.S./LATAM Show will take place on September 9th through 11th at the Riverwalk in Houston, Texas.

Larry Klimczyk, CEO Americas, Digital Defence

Code Corner

InComm (Atlanta) has offered Cashtie, its API for retail cash payments through existing POS systems. When coupled with InComm's global retail network, Cashtie allows providers to add cash payments for their customers at nearly 400,000 points of retail distribution. Consumers who prefer to pay in cash when purchasing products online, or paying their utility bills or loans, can simply print out the corresponding barcode or use their smartphone display at any retail location serviced by InComm. Providers are notified in real-time once the service or product is paid for at the cash register; they also receive other information, including payment location. "We are opening up InComm's prepaid rails to service providers," said Thomas Cornelius, SVP at InComm, "allowing them to instantly connect any of their applications to the retailer's cash register."

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Beacon for Seagulls

Beacon EDI (San Diego) has certified BarTender from Seagull Scientific (Bellevue, WA) for labeling purposes with its ASN Magic Pack. Just released in beta, and delivered via the cloud onto tablets, ASN Magic Pack wins better vendor scorecards and reduces chargebacks through accurate advanced ship notices (GS1-128), according to the developer. It includes native support for popular commercial ERP systems, including SAP, Navision, Sage 500, and Intuit QuickBooks.

"One of our main reasons for selecting BarTender is the .NET SDK they provide along with the Enterprise Automation edition," reported Sergey Sudakov, Project Manager for Beacon EDI. "Our software engineers program mainly in C# and VB.NET and BarTender came with source code samples and this helped our developers greatly." Other factors cited by Beacon EDI in choosing BarTender included ready deployment, its standards-based nature, and its competitive price point.

GS1-128 Shipping Label From Beacon EDI

Menusoft's 1,000th Anniversary

Menusoft (Springfield, VA)) has celebrated one thousand installations of Digital Dining Version 7.4.2 since the release of the restaurant package earlier this year. Intended for use at server stations, and now with iPad compatibility, Version 7.4.2 carries advanced features such as check preview mode, debit pin entry, improved search methods, and even "beer lover" frequent dining accumulation. Building upon its success, Digital Dining plans to release Version 7.4.3 sometime this summer.

"In the 7.4 generation, we focused on the user interface as the main thrust of everything we did," recounted Andre Nataf, Senior Business Development Manager of Digital Dining. "We felt since our product was so feature rich and far ahead of the competition, that we now needed to focus on minimizing the key strokes and making it the simplest and fastest POS available. As a result, Digital Dining V 7.4.2 recently reached 1,000 installs worldwide, ahead of pace."

Digital Dining's Version 7.4.2

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
Posiflex
POS BANK USA
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Systems - Apple Based
LightSpeed Retail
ShopKeep POS

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Sato America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
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

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Thermal Paper, Boston Strong

POS Supply Solutions (Danvers, MA) has responded to the bombings at the Boston Marathon in April by mounting its "Boston Strong" campaign. "The events of April 15th have affected us personally and we wanted to find a way to support everyone touched by this tragedy," relayed Stephen Enfield, President of POS Supply. "Being a paper company, we thought what better than to have a custom thermal paper roll created."

Its "Boston Strong Thermal Paper Roll" features 3-1/8" x 230' dimensions commonly used by restaurants and retail establishments for their receipt printers. Manufactured with Appvion Alpha 400-2.3 thermal paper, and designated "BPA-Free," it comes packaged 50 rolls per case. Every case sold will have some portion of the proceeds donated to One Fund Boston, and may be ordered directly from the company.

POS Supply Solutions also has debuted its Taxi Meter POS Paper Rolls and Supplies, in response to growing adoption of digital payment schemes in that vertical niche. Supported hardware vendors include Centrodyne, Pulsar, VeriFone, Ingenico, TaxiTronics, and Creative Mobile Technologies, among others. "Taxi meters have many different variables on the paper rolls, including width, diameter, core size, winding, and paper grade to name a few," explained Enfield. "We work with our customer to make sure they get the correct paper roll the first time. Customers that are unsure of what paper roll or ribbon they need can also choose to use our cross reference on our website or call our knowledgeable customer service staff."

POS Supply Solutions Donates Portion of "Boston Strong" Paper Roll Sales

Bojangles' Holds POS Show

Bojangles' Restaurants will test an online POS training program from Tortal, part of Ingage Consulting. Launch of this program, which supports rollout of new POS for both company-owned and franchisees, has been planned for this summer, according to the two parties (which are both based in Charlotte, NC). Bojangles' has more than 540 locations in 10 states, primarily in the Southeastern U.S. and District of Columbia.

"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Bojangles' on their POS training program," remarked Cordell Riley, President of Tortal. "The Bojangles' brand is synonymous not only with wholesome, high-quality food, but with fast, friendly service. Our training program for Bojangles' aims to make that service even stronger."

Tortal Provides E-Learning for POS

Channel Factoid

Rosamaria Sostilio, SVP of Asset Protection at Saks Inc. and Chair of the NRF's Loss Prevention Advisory Council, shares her predictions and suggestions in this area for 2013:

- Increased concern over violence in apprehension of shoplifters. "Evaluate plans and step up training with associates."

-Emphasis on emergencies. "Talk about what could happen during extreme circumstances and what the company's response would be."

-Retailers and law enforcement taking coordinated approach to organized retail crime. "Partner with local law enforcement as well as your fellow retailers and mall management."

-Incorporating emerging technologies. "New tools include video analytics, facial recognition software, mobile hardware, and social media as an investigative tool."

-Developing background screening practices. "Especially in light of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Guidelines from April 2012."

-Greater career growth opportunities in loss prevention. "Understand and promote the value these professionals bring across company operations."

HELLO GOODBYE

At the Head of the Herd

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has added two new team members: Dean Dalesandro as VP and GM of Sales and Marketing for North America and Dean Crutchfield as VP/Chief Information Officer. Prior to joining Zebra, Dalesandro served as VP of North American Sales and Global Accounts at Videojet Technologies, which provides industrial coding for products and packaging. Previous employers in relevant areas have included UFI/Interlake (material handling), Cummins Allison (currency processing), and Domino Amjet (industrial printing equipment).

"We are excited to welcome Dean Dalesandro to the organization and look forward to leveraging his vast experience to take our North American business to the next level," commented Mike Terzich, SVP of Global Sales and Marketing for Zebra Technologies. "Dean will be a great asset to the Zebra team as we continue to build an organization focused on serving the technology needs of businesses and institutions." North America remains the largest and most profitable region for Zebra, noted the company.

Dean Dalesandro, VP and GM, North America Sales and Marketing, Zebra Technologies

New CEO Likes Channel (for RFID!)

Jamison RFID (Hagerstown, MD), suppler of portals and communication enclosures, has appointed Monte Lucas as its President. Familiar to many RRN.Com readers, Lucas brings two dozen years of experience in the automation market, including 15 in RFID. Previously, he held executive positions with Tagsys, Hi-G-Tek, Matrics RFID (acquired by Symbol, now Motorola Solutions), Intermec, Zebra Technologies, and Paxar/Monarch (acquired by Avery).

"Monte is a world-class leader, as well as a builder of team-based sales and marketing organizations," emphasized John Williams, CEO of Jamison Door Company, the parent firm. "Monte also brings a number of key relationships, along with a track record of performance. I am very happy that Jamison got the exact person we need to lead our RFID Division forward." Jamison services over 6,000 warehouse, retail, and supply chain customers from three North American manufacturing plants in Maryland, Montana, and Mexico City.

Monte Lucas, President, Jamison RFID