Our Product Pick

SanDisk (Seoul, Korea) has shipped its Z400s Solid-State Drive (SSD) suitable for POS. According to its spec sheet, the Z400s out performs the typical Hard Disk Drive (HDD) by 20x, while providing 5x the reliability, with 20x lower average power consumption, and at comparable price point. A variety of form factors has been configured, such as mSATA, 2.5" SATA, and M2, in capacities of 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB. In making its announcement, SanDisk emphasized applications in which storage requirements are relatively short-term, meaning data is frequently cleared from the device, so reliability and performance levels, not capacity, become paramount. "Embedded industrial systems rely on storage's ability to execute one task consistently with minimal downtime," related Rizwan Ahmed, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Client Platform Solutions, at SanDisk.

SanDisk Z400s Solid-State Drive

COMPANY BUSINESS

Zebra's Soft Parade

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) has targeted services, and recurring revenue for partners, with the unveiling of the new Zebra OneCare portfolio and the Operational Visibility Service (OVS). Building upon two former programs in support of the company's hardware--ZebraCare and Motorola's Service from the Start--Zebra OneCare has three levels: Essential, Select, and Premier. Typical elements of service have been extended with "exciting enhancements," according to Zebra, such as its troubleshooting device diagnostics tool, online dashboards, and 24/7 help-desk. In addition to such capabilities, OneCare Essential promises three-day turnaround on repairs; OneCare Select features same-day shipment of preconfigured replacement devices; and OneCare Premier takes the channel partner into collaborative customization of the customer's overall plan, with Zebra.

Based on Zebra's Asset Visibility Program, the new Operational Visibility Service includes elements such as dashboard, reports, device deployment, and remote management tools (currently SOTI MobiControl). It provides visibility into device health, location, utilization, and operational trends (across mobile computers, printers, barcode scanners, RFID, and WLAN). "Zebra encourages partners to deliver these services to generate additional revenue and provides free training to enable partners," Zebra told RRN.Com. "Many of our partners can build their managed services offering over the OVS. If the partner is not ready to provide the services, they can resell OVS." As such, OVS is an option for Zebra OneCare.

"Together with our partners, we listened carefully to our customers who have an increasing desire to see, measure, and take actions that drive a higher return on investment (ROI) from their mobility investments and the operations they serve," reads an official statement from Greg Billings, VP of Global Sales and Services at Zebra Technologies. "The launch of Zebra OneCare will help businesses increase the productivity of their mobile technology while Operational Visibility Service will enable Zebra and its partners to not only see asset intelligence while deployed in the field but also provide transparent and high-value digital services seamlessly between customers' operations and Zebra's Service Operations." Very soon, Zebra should share details of its new channel program--replacing the old PartnersFirst for Zebra and PartnerEmpower for Motorola.

New Zebra OneCare Service Portfolio

TLS Forever, SSL Never

The PCI Security Standards Council (Wakefield, MA) has published Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) Version 3.1. Effective on June 1, 2015, and tied to the recent release of PCI Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) 3.1, this new guidance changes encryption protocols in order to protect payment data--replacing Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) with Transport Layer Security (TLS). It builds on server-client research performed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The SSL protocol vulnerability primarily affects web servers and browsers, according to PCI SSC. If exploited, it can jeopardize the security of any payment card data being accepted or processed. Upgrading payment applications and systems to a minimum of TLS 1.1 (the successor protocol to SSL) is the only known way to ward off recent browser attacks such as "Poodle" and "Beast." (Not to mention "Shellshock" and "Heartbleed.")

PCI Security Standards Council Endorses Change of Encryption Protocol, From SSL to TLS

Worth Your While

RetailNOW 2015
Retail Solutions Providers Association
August 2-5
Orlando

VARTECH 2015
BlueStar
September 14-18
Enchantment of the Seas - Departs Orlando

Pack Expo
PMMI
September 28-30
Las Vegas

NACS Show
Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 11-14
Las Vegas

IAAPA Expo 2015
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 16-20
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Seeing Red at Datalogic

Datalogic (Eugene, OR) has unboxed two new general-purpose linear barcode readers--the QuickScan QBT2131 and QuickScan QM2131. Incorporating red LED at 610-650 nm, these new cordless devices have an extra wide field of view (56 degrees +/- 2 degrees), extra long scan line that enables the reading of long barcodes at closer distances (e.g., 0.4 to 17.7 inches/1.0 to 5.0 cm for 13 mils), and very high resolution (0.102 mm/4 mils). As target applications, the company points to utility bills, document processing, and packaging, as well as retail.

"We are happy to offer our customers these ergonomic, stylish, responsive, and affordable general-purpose linear imagers," remarked Giulio Berzuini, GM and VP of the Handheld Business Unit at Datalogic. They weigh 6.7 oz., and furnish cordless range of 82 ft./25 m. QuickScan QBT2131 employs Bluetooth 3.0, while QuickScan QM2131 employs the Datalogic STAR 2.0 Cordless System. This narrowband radio provides secure communication with no risk of interference with Wi-Fi and low sensitivity to obstacles like concrete walls or metal shelves (and operates at 433 MHz).

Additional features common to both include long-lasting 1400-mAh Lithium-Ion battery, batch mode capabilities of +500 linear codes stored in memory, the company's patented "Green Spot" technology for good-read feedback, and beeper with adjustable tone and volume. A Micro USB port allows for alternative battery charging, host download configuration, and use of the product without its cradle. With endurance of repeated drops from 5 ft./1.5 m to concrete, QuickScan carries three-year warranty.

Datalogic Extends QuickScan Linear Barcode Reader Family

On Vue at IEE

IEE, Inc. (Van Nuys, CA) has debuted its newest micro kiosk for retail, the ScanVue 8000, with 8" SVGA LCD. In overall dimensions of 8.2 in. (W) x 9.1 in. (H) x 2.8 in. (D), and weight of 2 lbs., ScanVue 8000 features resistive touchscreen, four programmable buttons, and RS-232 and USB 2.0. Powered-over-Ethernet (PoE) or 802.11b/g Wi-Fi have been offered.

As technical specifications, ScanVue 8000 has ARM9 800-MHz CPU, 512-MB RAM, 512-MB Flash, 32-GB Micro SD, and Embedded Linux. It carries one- and two-dimensional scanner, with optional external serial printer and MSR. A Software Development Kit (SDK) includes text-based initialization and presentation templates, sample graphic images, source code, font files, and Application Programming Interface (API). Installation instructions and user manual are also included.

"Customers want control of their shopping experience," emphasized Steve Motter, VP of Business Development for IEE. "When micro kiosks are placed in convenient locations throughout the retail store, consumers can check prices, scan their loyalty cards, print coupons, and view promotional videos." Interactive features such as touchscreen, speakers, and microphone allow back-end applications for employee paging, inventory checks, and one-to-one loyalty look-up, noted IEE. [Editor's Note: Rather quiet in our channel of late, IEE has long supplied pole displays for POS.]

IEE's ScanVue 8000 Micro Kiosk

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ALLIANCES

A Semi-Solution for EMV

In the face of the looming October 1, 2015 liability shift for EMV, from banks to merchants, players in electronic payments continue their positioning. A recent case in point: the new strategic relationship between TSYS (Columbus, GA) and PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL). Under this "semi-integrated approach," spanning MSR, EMV, and NFC, terminals from PAX will carry both TSYS Guardian Encryption and TSYS Guardian Tokenization. At present, this includes the S300, SP30, MT30, and D210, with the PX7 and PX5 to be added soon, PAX told RRN.Com.

"Our semi-integrated, secure payment technology can be seamlessly integrated into line-of-business applications, providing enormous value to merchants, VARs, and ISVs," declared Andy Chau, CEO and President of PAX Technology. "Merchants, regardless of size, can now process payments securely using TSYS Guardian Encryption, TSYS Guardian Tokenization, and EMV. This will also enable them to support NFC payment methods such as Apple Pay."

Significantly, in this scheme, payments are decoupled from the POS. According to the two parties, an easy, quick-to-market solution results, outside PCI, at lower cost, and with ongoing support from TSYS Developer Services. As expected, it has compatibility with major card brands and POS. Integration took place with the Software Development Kit (SDK) offered by PAX.

A Strategic Alliance Between TSYS and PAX Technology. (Shown Here, the PAX S300)

BrightSign: Magic Wand for Menu Boards?

Wand Corporation (Minneapolis, MN), the leader in display technology for quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, has endorsed digital signage media players from BrightSign (Los Gatos, CA). BrightSign's wide range of features across multiple player models, such as reliable solid-state design, HTML5 support, and interactive communications, should be compelling for restaurant operators, according to Wand. A turnkey solution will be delivered with creative content services, deployment capabilities, and 24x7 operational support, as demonstrated at the recent National Restaurant Association Show.

"Digital menu boards must work all of the time, period," indicated Dave Perrill, President of Wand Corporation. "BrightSign and Wand share a deep understanding of how important uptime is to restaurant operations. This isn't simply an advertising vehicle--the content on the menu board directly impacts revenue."

"BrightSign's commitment to deliver forward-thinking solutions for the restaurant industry is driving this new integration with Wand," added Jeff Hastings, CEO at BrightSign. "Our collaboration puts innovative digital menu boards and other promotional displays within easy reach of restaurants of all sizes--from single locations to expansive chains." At present, BrightSign has shipped more than 500,000 digital signage media players. In addition to digital menu boards, Wand offers POS, Back-Office, and Total Restaurant Management.

BrightSign to Provide Its Digital Media Players for Wand's Digital Menu Boards

Code Corner

Paragon Software Systems (Dallas, TX) has introduced its new mobile proof of delivery and fulfillment system, entitled FleXipod. It furnishes real-time information on the status of deliveries, captures essential recipient information (including signature capture, note field, and photograph of premises), and provides user tracking via GPS. Based in the cloud, and suitable for mobile computer, tablet, and smartphone, FleXipod goes beyond traditional functionality by supplying fully configurable forms for data capture and workflow. Drivers receive up-to-the-minute information on jobs, including any amendments. Via GPS, transportation managers can check on drivers' completion of scheduled routes and delivery times, and customers may be updated, as well. Integrating with invoicing systems, FleXipod supports Paragon's HDX flagship software for home delivery management and route optimization. "By increasing first-time delivery success, maximizing drops per vehicle, reducing time spent on problem solving, and putting the customer in control of their order, HDX can help companies improve service levels and reduce transportation costs," proposed William Salter, CEO and President of Paragon Software Systems. "With the addition of FleXipod, the HDX suite can include comprehensive proof of delivery and driver tracking to reduce paperwork, administer resources, and improve customer services."

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Helpings of Bluefin

Bluefin Payment Systems (Atlanta, GA) has released its Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) Manager 2.0. By logging into P2PE Manager, merchants may track payment device shipments, deploy or terminate devices, follow users and administrators, view payment transactions, and oversee multiple locations. Version 2.0 allows users to download and export the variety of reports necessary for PCI compliance. This data is provided to the merchants for their annual audit.

"The PCI Security Standards Council requires that merchants that adopt and implement PCI-validated P2PE solutions report on device chain of custody," explained Ruston Miles, Chief Innovation Officer for Bluefin. "This means that they must know the shipping details, location of devices, and current state of devices, which can be an onerous process for merchants without formalized tracking systems. That's why we created our proprietary P2PE Manager, which actually provides more for our clients than what the scope requires."

Ruston Miles, Chief Innovation Officer, Bluefin Payment Systems

. . . And Servings of Apple Pay Loyalty

Announced at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Apply Pay will support rewards programs from merchants with the fall availability of iOS 9. Already out of the gate, Verifone (San Jose, CA) will enable six national and global retailers to be the first to accept such loyalty transactions on its MX 915 and MX 925 payment terminals. These were not named officially, but "9 to 5 Mac" identified Dunkin' Donuts, JC Penny, Kohl's, Panera Bread, Wegmans, and Whole Foods. Information for loyalty purposes will be stored in the Wallet App in iOS 9.

VeriFone's MX 915 and MX 925 feature digital color displays (respectively, 4.3" and 7"), high-speed graphic processors (ARM11 32-Bit RISC), and large memory capacities (256-MB RAM/256-MB FLASH) to deliver targeted promotional content at the POS. In addition, Verifone's Secure Commerce Architecture (SCA) protects merchants from security breaches by routing payment data directly from the terminal to the processor and bypassing the POS. As one of its selling points, of course, Apple Pay touts its own security methodology, which employs tokenization in concert with smartphone sensor, dubbed Touch ID.

"Adding loyalty to Apple Pay will open a world of opportunity for a wide range of merchants to engage consumers and grow their businesses," suggested Vin D'Agostino, EVP of Commerce Enablement for Verifone. "We are proud to support Apple Pay by expanding contactless payments to include loyalty. At Verifone, we continue to simplify payments and enhance customer engagement opportunities for our merchants."

Verifone Launches New Store Rewards With Apple Pay

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Bematech
Elo Touch Solutions
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
PowaPOS
TEAMSable

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover
Mercury/Vantiv
Shift4

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp
PrehKeyTec

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

INSTALLATIONS

Infinite Peripherals Stays N Touch

A mobile solution for check-in/check-out and housekeeping has been chosen for eight locations of Great Wolf Lodge. It combines hardware from Infinite Peripherals, Inc. (Elk Grove Village, IL) with the cloud-based property management system (PMS) from StayNTouch (Bethesda, MD). In this instance, Infinite Peripherals has supplied its Infinea Tab M, which adds one- and two-dimensional barcode scanner and MSR to the iPad Mini via sled format.

Great Wolf Lodge has implemented two StayNTouch cloud solutions on one platform. The first, Rover Front Office, includes credit card swiping as well as RFID-based wristband/room key. The second, Rover Housekeeping, gives staff touch-optimized access to rooms-to-clean lists, real-time room status, and further guest information. "Our departments are now able to communicate more effectively and efficiently, allowing us to improve our overall service," reported Rajiv Castellino, CIO of Great Wolf Resorts.

Great Wolf Lodge Adopts Infinea Tab M

Swirling Around Mobivity

Mobivity (Phoenix, AZ) will deploy its mobile marketing technology, based on SmartReceipt, for self-service frozen yogurt purveyor, U-Swirl. With additional names such as Cherry Berry, Yogurtini, Fuzzy Peach, Aspen Leaf Yogurt, Yogli Mogli, Gracie Bleu, and Josie's Frozen Yogurt, U-Swirl has approximately 250 company-owned and franchised locations in 37 states. As many readers of RRN.Com will recall, Mobivity purchased SmartReceipt--which first introduced itself by partnering with Epson America--in 2014.

With this new capacity, U-Swirl may craft highly targeted and relevant loyalty offers, according to the two parties. These are delivered by text messaging/SMS as well as on the physical receipts at the POS. Participation in surveys, bounce back campaigns, and other calls-to-action will be dynamically generated by SmartReceipt. As additional customers, Mobivity has Disney, the NFL, Sony Pictures, AT&T, Chick-fil-A, NBC Universal, Subway, Baskin-Robbins, Jamba Juice, and Sonic. It ensures the compatibility of SmartReceipt with "nearly all POS."

"Our early tests have been extremely well-received by our customers," testified Carell Grass, VP of Operations of U-Swirl. "Response rates to text messaging promotions have been as high as 71%, which is unparalleled. The ability to anchor our digital loyalty program to our point-of-sale systems and receipt content was one key differentiator that attracted us to the Mobivity solutions, and the results speak for themselves."

Examples of Mobivity's SmartReceipt

Channel Factoid

According to the NRF's 2015 Father's Day Spending Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average person will lay out $115.37 on gifts, nearly even with last year's $113.80, making the total $12.7 billion. When it comes to specifics, four in ten (39.7%) will purchase apparel items such as new dress shirts or neckties and will spend $1.7 billion overall. Another four in ten (43.3%) will opt for experience gifts, such as tickets to the ball game or special meals with the family, accounting for $2.6 billion. The survey found that one in five (19.7%) will pick out new gadgets such as tablets or smartphones, totaling $1.6 billion. Additionally, four in ten of family members (39%) will settle for gift cards, spending $1.8 billion. Six in ten of consumers (62.2%) will mark the day with greeting cards, for $777 million. Completing the gift list: home improvement or gardening supplies ($710 million), new tools or appliances ($668 million), personal care items ($684 million), sporting goods or leisure items ($665 million), and books or music ($538 million). As sources, the most visited category of merchant will be department stores (36.4%), followed by discount stores (25.2%), and local businesses (16.9%). Online shopping accounts for 29.2%. NRF CEO and President Matthew Shay mused that the holiday, and warmer weather, "could be the positive stepping stone store retailers need heading into the second half of the year."

HELLO GOODBYE

Golden Days at Posiflex

Posiflex (Hayward, CA) has engaged industry veteran Andrew Golden as its Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast. Golden brings over 25 years of experience to his new role, much of it with Citizen Systems America in capacities such as VP of Sales for North America, Senior Director of Business Development, and Senior Director of Channel Sales. Earlier, he served as Senior Product Marketing Manager for Epson America. He will be based in San Antonio, Texas.

"Andrew's role represents Posiflex's commitment to the channel to assist VARs, dealers, distributors, and ISVs to grow their business," reflected Ron Chan, Director of Marketing at Posiflex. "He brings a multifaceted background with a strong foundation in POS, mobile, and kiosk applications. This is backed with significant strength in vertical selling, including hospitality, healthcare, c-store, specialty retail, and education. For the Southeast, Andrew will be the channel's first point of contact for product, sales, and marketing support, and for discussing future opportunities."

Andrew Golden, Southeast Regional Sales Manager, Posiflex

Making Their Digimarc

Digimarc (Beaverton, OR) has added retail veteran Richard King to its Board of Directors. King is well-known for his contributions to national grocery company Albertson's, where he started his career in 1963 and eventually rose to the position as President, leaving in 1999. Subsequently, he served as VP at Associated Food Stores, an independent supplier of wholesale goods to more than 550 stores.

"Dick King understands our vision for dramatically enhancing the retailer's efficiency in its front of store operations with benefits flowing directly to the bottom line, and appreciates how we can improve the shopper's experience through faster check-out and mobile consumer engagement both in the store and at home," relayed Bruce Davis, Digimarc's CEO. As readers should know, Digimarc Barcode is an imperceptible pattern that is repeatedly encoded into the images and graphics of printed packaged goods. This novel approach makes the entire package scannable--not just the traditional UPC symbol.

Richard King, Former Head of Albertson's, Added to Digimarc Board of Directors