Our Product Pick

Clientron Corp. (Taipei, Taiwan) has rolled out its Bello 650 Series of All-in-One POS Terminals. An aluminum housing with fanless design holds 15" resistive or projected capacitive touchscreen, with bezel-free and IP-64 water-and-dust-proof front panel. It has an Intel Celeron Quad-Core J1900 CPU at 2 GHz, 8-GB RAM, 2.5" HDD, and Windows O/S (POS Ready 7, Embedded 8.1 Industry Pro, 10 IoT Enterprise). A full suite of ports includes USB 2.0 x 5, USB 3.0, Powered COM, RJ-11 Cash Drawer, and RJ-45 LAN (10/100/1000 Base-T). A full range of optional peripherals are offered. As benefits, the vendor cites easy access to key components and support of dual customer displays (VFD/NFC or VFD/8" LCD). It exhibited at this year's National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago in May.

Bello 650 by Clientron Corp.

COMPANY BUSINESS

Vantiv: Taking It to the Streets

At last year's Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show, readers will recall, Vantiv Integrated Payments (with the former Mercury Payment Systems) unwrapped its "Security Pays" program for VARs and ISVs in POS--just in time for EMV. A new phase of this program now hopes "to tell the payments security story simply and more directly for merchants in the SMB," RRN.Com was told by Matt Downs, Head of Business and Channel Development for Vantiv IP (Durango, CO). It extends popular elements of Security Pays, including the $500 subsidy for security-based software or hardware for merchants, but with less emphasis on partner certification as QIR (Qualified Integrators and Resellers). It runs through July.

It comprises three parts. A series of video presentations, called "Jack Vs," and based on the television show "The Office," addresses common issues for merchants (e.g., "Jack Vs Fraud," "Jack Vs Hack," "Jack Vs Bad Behavior," "Jack Vs Store Closure"). A brief, three-question quiz, the "Security Pays Challenge," gauges merchant awareness of practices for safe handling of cardholder data. It includes entry into prize drawing for $2,500 or Apple iPad Air 2. As the final element, supporting collateral, designated as "Security Swatches," are offered. Interestingly, in order to track results, partners of Vantiv IP get unique URLs to these assets.

"We are using humor and straight-forward information to get across the serious message our partners and business owners need to hear, that thousands of small businesses were breached in 2015 and 60% of those who were breached did not survive," remarked Downs. "We are here to educate everyone on the risks, work with our partners on new equipment, and encourage business owners to take the next steps to secure their payments process. A shared responsibility is essential." Areas of focus encompass tokenization, point-to-point encryption, EMV, and, of growing importance, NFC, he noted.

Matt Downs, Head of Business and Channel Development, Vantiv Integrated Payments

NRF Disses PCI-DSS

The National Retail Federation (Washington, DC) has asked the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to examine the legitimacy of the Payment Card Industry's Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). "We urge the FTC not to rely on PCI-DSS for any purpose, particularly not as an example of industry best practices nor as a benchmark in determining what may constitute responsible data security standards in the payment system or any other sector," stated NRF SVP and General Counsel Mallory Duncan in her letter to the FTC. NRF's request comes as the FTC is conducting an inquiry into how third-party companies in networks and related security perform assessments of PCI-DSS.

"A proprietary organization formed and controlled by a single industry sector--the major credit card networks," Duncan labeled the PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), which was formed by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB in 2006, and drives PCI-DSS. In its 19-page white paper submitted to the FTC, the NRF asserted these five dominant credit card companies "unfairly leverage their brands and proprietary technology through webs of closely controlled interdependent bodies and compliance regimes" [such as the PCI SSC]. As a result, the PCI SSC's rules "are forced upon businesses that cannot refuse to accept credit and debit cards." In no way voluntary on the part of merchants, in other words.

Practices of the PCI SSC "raise antitrust concerns," according to the NRF. They include "general antitrust dangers when competitors collaborate on setting market standards" as well as "more targeted concerns insofar as they allow the networks to leverage their proprietary technology." In addition, PCI-DSS serve as "an anticompetitive barrier to innovation" by depleting any funds set aside for data security. As an alternative to PCI-DSS, and the PCI SSC, the NRF recommends the participation of "legitimate standard setting bodies" such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). In response, the PCI SSC cited unfounded assertions by NRF.

National Retail Federation Asks Federal Trade Commission to Investigate Payment Card Industry's Data Security Standard

Worth Your While

CRS Profit Booster Dealer Conference
CRS, Inc.
June 21
Linthicum Heights, MD

RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
July 31-August 3
Grapevine, TX

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 12-14
Paradise Island, Bahamas

Pack Expo
PMMI
November 6-9
Chicago, IL

NRF's Big Show
National Retail Federation
January 15-17, 2017
New York, NY

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Tablets See 3-D

MobileDemand (Cedar Rapids, IA) has debuted its first rugged tablet computer with integrated camera in 3-D. Offered as an option for the xTablet T8650, in rear-facing configuration, this capability allows end-users to create depth-enhanced models of their subjects (e.g., photos, videos, face recognition) well as near-field automatic measurements (e.g., length, volume, dimensional weight). It employs Intel's RealSense R200, which comprises multiple image sensors and maximum read range of 13 ft./4 m. MobileDemand has developed supporting software.

"MobileDemand is expanding beyond the core rugged tablet hardware market and into high-volume systems for enterprise applications," emphasized Matt Miller, President and Founder of MobileDemand. "Ten years ago, in 2006, MobileDemand was the first to market with a barcode scanner integrated into a rugged tablet. Today, we're first to market with a 3-D camera integration into the xTablet T8650. 3-D technologies will offer immense value for the transportation and logistics, package delivery, airline/travel, and construction industries."

Weighing under 2 lbs., the xTablet T8650 carries 8" five-point capacitive touchscreen with Intel Atom X5-Z8550 CPU at 1.5 GHz, 4-GB RAM, 64-GB Storage, and Windows 10 Professional. Additional features include two-dimensional scanner, fingerprint reader, front- and rear-facing traditional cameras (two- and eight-megapixel), and hot swappable batteries (standard or high capacity). As communications, there's Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, GPS, and 4G LTE WAN. It meets standards of MIL-STD-810G for harsh environments, IP-65 for water and dust, and 4 ft./1.2 m for drops to concrete.

MobileDemand Adds 3-D Camera to xTablet T8650 Rugged Computer

ID TECH Hits the Road With Jack

ID TECH (Cypress, CA) has put into production its new mobile payment card reader, the UniPay III. Measuring 2.5 in. (H) x 1.9 in. (L) x 0.6 in. (W), offered in black or white, UniPay III handles MSR, EMV, and NFC. It communicates to the host via audio jack, naturally, and supports iOS and Android, with an accompanying Software Development Kit (SDK). A longtime supplier of card readers and peripherals for the channel, ID TECH leverages VARs, Distributors (BlueStar, Ingram Micro, Metropolitan Sales, M-S Cash Drawer, ScanSource), and OEMs.

UniPay III carries approval for EMV Level 1 and Level 2. It uses DUKPT key management and TDES/AES encryption. A Micro-USB port enables charging or communication with tablet, smartphone, or PC, with good-read LEDs. As reliability, ID TECH cites 300,000 MSR swipes and 80,000 smart card cycles. A one-year warranty is given.

"The UniPay III is the latest and most capable product in ID TECH's comprehensive mobile reader portfolio," indicated Bill Rorick, VP of Business Development at ID TECH. "Increased capabilities of this new small audio jack reader will allow the user the flexibility to accept payments by magnetic stripe, contact smart cards, contactless cards, and mobile phones with NFC. It's perfect for any mobile merchant looking for flexibility, performance, speed, and security."

UniPay III Mobile Card Reader by ID TECH

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ALLIANCES

Postec Butters Toast

A leading VAR, Postec, Inc. (Roswell, GA), specializing in hospitality, retail, and grocery, has adopted the tablet-based Android POS from Toast (Boston, MA). In addition to checkout, it manages online ordering, gift cards, loyalty programs, and inventory, with advanced cloud-based reporting on labor, sales, and menus. An API Partner Program (i.e., Application Programming Interfaces), launched in April by Toast, has enlisted functionality from software companies such as CrunchTime, Paytronix, Compeat, Ctuit, and Peachworks.

"We are very aware of the demand for an advanced, affordable, and reliable point-of-sale architecture," relayed Alan Wright, VP of Sales at Postec. "After a thorough evaluation of affordable tablet-based solutions that leverage cloud technology, I'm very excited that Toast selected us to be their exclusive sales and support partner in the Southeast U.S." Founded in 1987, and headed by David Shaw, Postec also handles Oracle Hospitality (formerly Micros), Toshiba ACE, and HP Retail. It has offices in Greenville, SC, Charlotte, NC, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Knoxville, TN, with 4,000 customer sites.

A warm reception so far for Toast. In January, it received $30 million in Series B funding led by Bessemer Venture Partners, with participation from GV (formerly Google Ventures). As significant customers, it tallies fast-casual chains such as Costa Vida (75 sites), Beach Hut Deli (40 sites), and, most recently, Bareburger (27 sites). "We have the opportunity to dramatically improve the restaurant experience through technology, and our customer traction--four times year-over-year growth-- shows the industry is ready for this new solution," enthused Chris Comparato, CEO. As Director of Reseller Channel: Lynn Harris.

Postec Adopts Tablet-Based Android POS From Toast

At REST on the Equinox

A new partnership has been formed between two payment players, Equinox Payments (Scottsdale, AZ) and PayJunction (Santa Barbara, CA), to further bundled semi-integration for POS. Unostentatiously designated as "Smart Terminal," this solution combines PayJunction's cloud-based REST Application Programming Interface (API) with the Equinox Model L5200 to achieve EMV Level 3 Certification. It will be offered at no cost for "qualified customers," according to the two parties.

"We have made payments simple for developers again. Our Smart Terminal will limit Payment Card Industry (PCI) scope and provide instant EMV certification for developers so they can focus on what they are best at: building amazing software. Let us handle the rest," proposed Randy Modos, President of PayJunction. "Integration specialists at Equinox worked closely with us to develop this unique semi-integrated solution that reduces the complexities associated with PCI and EMV."

"Development of the PayJunction Smart Terminal underscores the ingenuity of our software team," espoused Ron Hayhow, VP for Equinox. "We enjoy working with innovative partners like PayJunction, especially when our solutions help redefine the payment experience and generate significant value for their customers." Its new offering supports MSR, EMV, NFC, as expected, as well as more functionality such as signature capture and digital receipts. According to figures from Equinox, 3,000 Smart Terminals have been deployed so far. It calls them "free."

Equinox L5200 With PayJunction REST API

Code Corner

Infinite Peripherals, Inc. (Elk Grove Village, IL) has released its new PrintKit App in support of its DPP-255 and DPP-450 mobile printers. Available for free on the iTunes App Store, PrintKit produces one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and QR Codes. End-users enter the size of the label and either scan the barcode of an existing label to replicate, or generate new codes within the App. A custom text field houses additional information if necessary. PrintKit is also compatible with the firm's mobile peripheral sleds, such as the Linea Pro and Infinea Tab, which bring barcode scanning to the iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. "As part of our commitment to delivering complete solutions, we've developed PrintKit to give our customers a convenient 'out-of-the-box' tool to print labels quickly and easily," relayed Jeffrey Scott, CEO of Infinite Peripherals. "Now, enterprises in a variety of industries no longer have to dedicate resources to developing their own App."

DPP-255 Printer by Infinite Peripherals

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

A Checkmate on Malware (by Kaspersky)

In the continuous battle against cyber threats, Kaspersky Lab has offered Kaspersky Embedded Systems Security. It protects enterprise payment platforms--namely ATM and POS--from both remote attacks or on-site compromise via USB Sticks, according to Kaspersky. It also moves beyond compliance regulations such as PCI-DSS, "which only requires that antivirus software is installed and regularly updated," and doesn't stop today's malware, in the view of Kaspersky Lab (Woburn, MA).

"Upgrade cycles for ATM and POS fleets are slow, and it is not uncommon today to find a perfectly working machine that was built more than ten years ago, running similarly outdated software," reflected Dmitry Zveginets, Business Lead for Kaspersky Embedded Systems Security. "This is why we've created a product compatible with seven generations of computer hardware that protects the system, even without an internet connection, and is highly flexible, in order to meet the unique demands of retail and financial organizations as well as the industry regulations." Almost 70% of last year's malware targeted ATM and POS, estimates Kaspersky Lab.

Kaspersky Embedded Systems Security addresses minimum system requirements of only 256-MB RAM and 50-MB Disk, which is most common of ATM and POS. This includes Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, Windows Embedded 8.0 Standard, and Windows 10 IoT. It brings centralized reporting and management, as well as "default deny" mode that blocks attempts to run any unauthorized codes or drivers on ATM and POS. It ties to the cloud-based Kaspersky Security Network.

Kaspersky Throws Weight Behind POS

Of iPayment, Samsung, and SMB

A critical issue for our channel is how stakeholders respond to next-generation payment schemes such as expanding Samsung Pay. At the front of the line, of course, are processors and merchant service providers such as iPayment Inc. (New York, NY). As part of its new roadmap, iPayment's customers, which number 150,000 in the SMB, will now have access to on-demand educational sessions and the Samsung Pay Merchant Kit via iPayment's web portal, dubbed "iAccess."

"With iPayment's longevity in payment processing and merchant services, and their broad reach of customers, they are an important company for us as we work to expand acceptance of Samsung Pay in the SMB," commented Will Graylin, Global Co-GM of Samsung Pay. "An initiative with iPayment provides us with the critical 'last mile' in educating the SMB." Added Greg Cohen, Co-President of iPayment Inc., "A key element of our value proposition for our clients, resellers, and referral partners is our ability to ensure that we're continuously ahead of the latest technologies. Samsung Pay is just one example."

In March, iPayment refreshed two of its proprietary technology platforms, iAccess 3.0 (for merchants) and iEntry 2.0 (for resellers, with APIs). Both were redesigned to expand user engagement, simplify visibility and business management, and enhance the overall customer and partner experience, according to iPayment. Relative to iAccess 3.0, and its suite of resources, "since 2010, customer preference for online self-service has more than doubled, and predictions are that, by 2020, customers will manage 85% of the relationship without any human interaction," explained Guy DiMaggio, SVP of Operations for iPayment. In iEntry 2.0, the "Short App" reduces the task of merchant onboarding by iPayment's VARs.

Greg Cohen, Co-President, iPayment Inc.

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
AnywhereCommerce
Bematech
CRS, Inc.
Elo Touch Solutions
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
Poindus America
POSBANK USA
Posiflex

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Citizen
CognitiveTPG
Godex Americas

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Cyber Security for POS
Signature Systems/PDQ

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Moneris
Vantiv IP

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry Americas, LLC
TG3 Electronics

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo Touch Solutions

INSTALLATIONS

Visa: Lord of the Ring?

Visa has previewed an NFC Payment Ring for its "Team Visa" (which consists of 45 athletes) at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Using the patented design by McLear & Co., which includes microchip and embedded antenna (in this case from Gemalto), the NFC Payment Ring offers security via Visa Token Service. It doesn't require battery or recharging. It's also water resistant to depth of 165 ft./50 m. (Think Missy Franklin.)

"[It] puts smart payment technology right in the hands of our athletes for convenient and easy payments," declared Jim McCarthy, EVP of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Visa Inc. (San Francisco, CA). As the exclusive provider of the Olympic Games, Visa is creating and managing the entire payment system infrastructure and network for all venues, including stadiums, press centers, the Olympic Village, and Olympic Superstores. In Rio de Janeiro, Visa will implement approximately 4,000 NFC-enabled POS terminals.

As a sign of the times, the NFC Payment Ring has been funded through Kickstarter since 2013. It was successfully field tested in 2015 with Visa and UK fashion designer, House of Holland. It solicits developers and licensing entities on its website. As cited applications, in addition to payments, McLear & Co. lists web access, control of mobile devices, and physical security (such as door locks). It has offices in Boulder Creek, CA.

Visa Demonstrates NFC Payment Ring for Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Two Scoops at PAR

ParTech, a wholly owned subsidiary of PAR Technology Corporation (New Hartford, NY), has deployed its Brink POS Software and EverServ 500 Terminals for Graeter's Ice Cream. With three dozen company-owned retail locations in the Midwest U.S., shipping over 300,000 pints of ice cream per year, Graeter's identified reliability of hardware, ease of installation--in four weeks, reportedly--and cloud-based centralized operations as its determining factors. At select stores with drive-thru, it also has installed kitchen video systems from PAR.

"Loyalty happens at the point-of-sale, and Graeter's wanted to continue giving our dedicated fan base the best customer experience possible," recounted Richard Graeter, CEO. "We went through extensive demos with multiple POS providers, and the fact that PAR's Brink POS loyalty comes built-in, not just integrated, is another huge benefit. Most importantly, though, is that from day one, PAR has repeatedly demonstrated accountability, responsiveness, and dedication to the success of our business." Graeter's has 500,000 loyalty program members.

Also, ParTech has partnered with inventory management software provider Decision Logic for its Brink POS. Under this integration, end-users will improve sales, supply chain, recipe, and workforce tracking, according to the two parties. Launched in 1998 as the first web-based food-cost product for one of Applebee's biggest franchises, Decision Point now serves over 50 brands. It's based in Lincoln, NE.

ParTech Completes Graeter's Ice Cream Install, Ties to Inventory Software From Decision Point (Above)

Channel Factoid

Spending on Father's Day will reach an all-time high of $14.3 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. Consumers are expected to spend an average of $125.92 for the holiday, up from last year's $115.57. Totals include $3.1 billion on special outings such as dinner, brunch, or other types of activity/experience (given by 47%). Clothing (given by 43%) and gift cards (given by 41%) are tied at slightly less than $2 billion each, while consumer electronics (given by 20%) follows at $1.7 billion. As with Mother's Day, which, for the record, tallied $21.4 billion this year, greeting cards are the most commonly purchased present at 65%, but account for only $833 million of projected spending. As sources of gifts, 38% of consumers will head to department stores and 32% will shop online, while 27% will visit discount stores, 24% specialty stores, and 17% small local businesses. As technology, tablets will be used more frequently than smartphones to both research (32% vs. 30%) and purchase (19% vs. 16%). "A good sign related to consumers' willingness to spend more as we head into the second half of the year," suggested Matthew Shay, President and CEO of NRF.

HELLO GOODBYE

An Iconex Name in Consumables

After its recent purchase by equity group Atlas Holdings LLC, the Interactive Printer Solutions Division of NCR Corporation has been rebranded and relaunched as "Iconex." With over 800 associates, Iconex operates 26 manufacturing facilities and distribution centers from its base in Duluth, GA. It remains one of the world's largest manufacturers of receipt and labeling consumables. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed by the two parties.

"This transaction combines an iconic brand, known for its 'best-in-class' quality, innovation, and customer service, with Atlas' financial and human capital and proven ability to grow manufacturing and distribution businesses," observed Andrew Bursky, Managing Partner at Atlas Holdings. Iconex will be led by Eddie Noel, who has served as VP and GM of NCR Interactive Printer Solutions for the past four years. "Our bold name reflects our heritage as the inventor and combined leader in receipts, our innovative labeling and tracking products, and our unique tradition of always facilitating seamless connections between businesses, people, and goods," proclaimed Noel.

"The decision to sell our IPS Division aligns with our vision to drive growth in software and services," projected Bill Nuti, Chairman and CEO of NCR Corporation. "NCR is more focused than ever on providing omni-channel solutions that power the infrastructure behind today's economy." To that end, in one recent example, NCR has partnered with Dutch ISV Re-Vision to offer NCR FastLane Mobile Shopper, which allows consumers to 'scan-and shop' with their smartphone, either iOS or Android.

A New Identity for NCR's Interactive Printer Solutions Division, Now Part of Atlas Holdings LLC

All "Hale" Mobility

Stratix Corporation (Norcross, GA), one of the premier providers of so-called managed mobile services (MMS), has hired Chris Hale to fill the new position of VP of Marketing. Previously, he served as VP of Technical Marketing at Virtustream (part of EMC). Earlier, he served as Head of Marketing for Agentek, which addresses mobility in field service and direct store delivery (DSD). Additional employers have included Applied Systems, Liaison Technologies, and Geac (now Infor).

"Chris is a customer advocate and marketing evangelist, who understands the pivotal link between technology, sales, and the market to establish business value and demonstrated return on investment," shared Gia Gallo, CEO at Stratix. "Given his industry and enterprise customer knowledge, I anticipate he will contribute immediately toward our strategy and growth objectives." As customers, Stratix has major companies across retail, consumer goods, and transportation and logistics; it partners with both Zebra and Honeywell.

"Stratix has an impressive track record for consistently delivering business critical services in a very dynamic mobile marketplace," volunteered Hale. "I believe the rapidly changing and expanding mobile and IoT areas offer substantial growth opportunities for the company. I'm delighted to be a part of the Stratix team and to lead the continued expansion of its MMS offerings across the global landscape."

Chris Hale, VP of Marketing, Stratix