This Week’s Product Pick

Two Technologies, Inc. (Horsham, PA) debuted its HANDGEAR line of handheld computers for markets such as public safety, field service, parking, and the military. Ideal for use in demanding outdoor environments, the new terminal features an ultra-rugged GE Xenoy case, and meets IP-67 ratings for dust and water and MIL-STD-810G for drop and shock protection. It runs Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 Release 3 with Silverlight and furnishes WAN, WLAN, Bluetooth, and GPS communications. Input mechanisms span linear and two-dimensional barcodes, 13.56-MHz RFID interrogator, five-megapixel camera system, biometric FIPS 201-compatible fingerprint scanner, and three-track MSR card reader. Additional benefits include 40+ hour battery life, integrated three-inch printer, accelerometer for detection of movement, and safety system with breakaway neck/shoulder strap and distress key for automatic signaling. An HG Expansion Pack allows for the addition of hardware such as temperature probes, meters, and proprietary radios.

HANDGEAR From Two Technologies

COMPANY BUSINESS

Isis, Mother of All Mobile Commerce

Apparently tired of waiting for mobile commerce to develop, the three biggest wireless carriers in the U.S.--AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless--have taken matters into their own hands and formed a new joint venture to push things along, dubbing the project, Isis. Focusing first on smart phone and near-field communication (NFC) technology to modernize the POS-based payment process, Isis expects to introduce its service in key geographic markets during the next 18 months. Michael Abbott, former Chief Marketing Officer at GE Capital’s Retail Consumer Finance Group, has been named as CEO, with offices in New York City.

Isis has brought onboard Discover Financial Services, with its seven million merchant locations (almost as many as Visa or MasterCard), to function as its payment infrastructure. Barclaycard US, part of Barclays PLC, is expected to be the first issuer on the network, offering multiple payment products to satisfy the needs of customers. Over time, the Isis mobile commerce network will become available to all merchants, banks, and mobile carriers, according to its participants. Not that it’s starting small: founding members, AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA, and Verizon Wireless, collectively provide wireless service to more than 200 million consumers who, presumably, will enjoy access to the Isis portfolio.

“Our mobile commerce network, through relationships with merchants, will provide an enhanced, more convenient, more personalized shopping experience for consumers,” Abbott declared. “While mobile payments will be at the core of our offering, it is only the start. We plan to create a mobile wallet that ultimately eliminates the need for consumers to carry cash, credit, and debit cards, as well as reward cards, coupons, tickets, and transit passes.” In making its announcement, Isis did not identify specific merchants ready to participate in its plans, or details of the technical roll out. Another issue to watch will be its fee structure, with merchants now looking to pay less, not more, for processing payments.

Michael Abbott, CEO of Isis

VeriFone Takes Hypercom, Finally

Dancing has ended with VeriFone’s definitive agreement to buy Hypercom in an all-stock transaction worth approximately $485 million, including net debt assumed by VeriFone. Under terms of the deal, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Hypercom shareholders will receive the fixed ratio of 0.23 shares of VeriFone common stock for each Hypercom share they own, valued at $7.32 per share based on the closing price on November 16. The transaction is subject to approval by Hypercom shareholders and customary regulatory approvals, and is anticipated to close in the second half of 2011.

“Consistent with our vision as a global leader in secure electronic payment solutions, we have placed strategic focus on replicating our North American success in key markets in continental Europe,” stated Douglas Bergeron, CEO of VeriFone (San Jose, CA), which earlier bought Way Systems and Semtek. “Hypercom has established itself in a number of important European markets, and this acquisition is an excellent and complementary way for us to accelerate our overseas growth, increase innovation, and build value for our shareholders.”

“Over the last three years, Hypercom has strengthened customer relationships and increased revenue from almost $290 million to approximately $450 million,” pointed out Philippe Tartavull, CEO/President of Hypercom (Phoenix). “Combined, Hypercom and VeriFone will create new growth opportunities and further drive penetration in the market. This transaction delivers a significant premium to our shareholders who should also benefit from the upside of being owners of an even stronger global company in the fast-growing electronic payment solutions space.”

Douglas Bergeron, CEO of VeriFone

Worth Your While - 2011

NRF 100th Annual
Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 9-12
New York

RSPA Inspire 2011
Retail Solutions Providers Association
January 23-26
Maui, Hawaii

Supply Chain Conference
Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA)
January 30-February 1
Orlando

ProMat 2011
Material Handling Industry of America
March 21-24
Chicago

NRA Show 2011
National Restaurant Association
May 21-24
Chicago

UConnect 2011
Voluntary Inter-Industry Commerce Solutions (VICS)
May 31-June 3
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Fuzion Evolves From POS-X

POS-X, Inc. (Bellingham, WA) has introduced its new family of mobile hardware, named Fuzion. First to be released is the Fuzion Mobile Computer, intended specifically for POS and targeting dependability, simplicity, and affordability, according to the vendor. This new device incorporates Marvell PXA270 416-MHz CPU, 4.3-inch resistive touch panel with 480x272 resolution, three-track MSR reader, and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi lockable to one SSID. Additional features include Micro SD Socket, 128-MB SDRAM, and built-in Class 2 Bluetooth. A true flat touchscreen facilitates easy cleaning, and the device carries one-year advanced replacement warranty protection. It runs Microsoft Windows CE Version 5.

“The purpose-built Fuzion Mobile Computer employs Intel XScale technology, which is designed to optimize low-power consumption and high-performance processing for a wide range of wireless and networking applications,” relayed Dan Moseley, CEO/President of POS-X, Inc. “The Li-ion battery life of the Fuzion device can last upwards of eight hours with the Wi-Fi always on. With its high battery life, IP-54 rating, and high shock resistance, the Fuzion Mobile Computer is a dependable addition to any restaurant environment.”

Notably, the Fuzion POS handheld can be purchased preloaded with WaveSoft’s WavePOS 2.0 and Aldelo for Restaurants. WavePOS 2.0 seamlessly integrates with the Aldelo POS platform, empowering wireless order taking and pay-at-the-table, and this bundled solution will be handled by ScanSource (Greenville, SC), which distributes POS-X. Earlier this year, as RRN.Com readers will remember, POS-X purchased the former hardware division of WaveSoft, allowing that company to focus on software development, while jump-starting its own efforts in mobility. For more information on the Fuzion Mobile Computer, click here.

Fuzion POS Handheld With 4.3”Touchscreen and MSR

LEDs for LCDs at AIS

American Industrial Systems, Inc. (Irvine, CA), which goes by AIS, has issued its new line of industrial-grade open-frame monitors featuring LED backlight technology. Touchscreen-ready HMI LCD displays come in diagonal sizes ranging from 5.7 inches to 21.5 inches to fulfill requirements of operator terminals used in assembly, packaging, material handling, and manufacturing. All touch technologies have been supported--resistive, capacitive, surface acoustic wave (SAW), and Infrared (IR).

HMI LCD displays have been engineered as energy efficient right out of the box, with low power consumption, long-life LED backlights, and mercury-free construction. They deliver high brightness, wide viewing angles, and high contrast, according to the manufacturer. This includes 30% to 50% LED backlight CCFL energy savings and LED light source luminance uniformity. Sunlight readable transflective and ultra-bright LCD monitors may be ordered. 

AIS touchscreen displays are encased in rugged steel housings with high-shock and vibration resistance, and operating temperature range of 0 to +50 C. So-called wide temperature HMI displays (-20 to +60 C) are also available for extreme applications. Optional bezels seal the touchscreen against dirt, dust, and liquids, further guaranteeing product longevity and reliability. Finally, AIS offers its customizable solutions program for OEM/ODM buyers, under which the company’s dedicated project development team participates in the selection process “from concept to production.”

Industrial Open-Frame Monitors With Backlight

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ALLIANCES

Trustwave MAPPs Out Plans

Trustwave (Chicago), the ever-aggressive provider of information security and compliance solutions, has joined the Microsoft Active Protections Program. MAPP functions under the Microsoft Security Response Center, and provides partners with vulnerability information in advance of the software giant’s monthly security update release. SpiderLabs, the advanced security team at Trustwave, will utilize this information to anticipate emerging threats and provide mutual customers with more timely protections.

“Security is an industry challenge that requires collaboration,” suggested Robert J. McCullen, Chairman and CEO of Trustwave. “With Microsoft Active Protections Program, Trustwave and Microsoft continue to show each company’s commitment to industry partnership to protect customers.” Vulnerability information received earlier will yield benefits in areas such as intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, and vulnerability scanning, according to McCullen. Notably, it enhances protection at both the application and network layers as customers have more in-depth capabilities while testing and deploying Microsoft security updates.

“Our partners share our passion for industry collaboration to protect a world full of Internet users,” recounted Dave Forstrom, Director of Trustworthy Computing at Microsoft. “No one company can accomplish this by itself. That is why we are partnering with Trustwave to advance and improve security.” At present, 70 companies have embraced the Microsoft Active Protections Program, spanning most major names in IT security.

Dave Forstrom, Director of Trustworthy Computing (Right), Addresses Users of the Microsoft Security Response Center

Energy Efficiency “Aced” by 3M

A notebook computer with an eight-hour battery life has finally manifested itself with the introduction of the Aspire TimelineX series from Acer (San Jose, CA). According to the world’s second largest notebook company, 3M Optical Systems Division (St. Paul, MN) was one of the innovation partners that helped achieve this milestone. Specifically, 3M’s multi-layer optical film boosted display brightness, thereby allowing Acer to extend battery life. Even further, 3M’s film supports wider viewing angles while helping efforts to reduce the number of internal components, contributing to an ultra-thin, sleek form factor.

“The Acer Aspire TimelineX notebooks have truly set a new standard for the industry,” indicated Jim Bauman, VP and GM of the 3M Optical Systems Division. “To deliver a powerful, energy-efficient notebook with high picture quality in an ultra-slim design provides users with an unparalleled mobile computing experience. I’m pleased 3M and Acer can deliver this product to the market.”

Simultaneously, 3M reported results of surveys conducted at recent electronics trade shows that demonstrated 85% of the audience favored performance of the display with its multi-layer optical film solution. Perhaps more importantly, 89% of those surveyed indicated they were willing to pay more for displays outfitted with such film. 3M’s Optical Systems Division offers multiple Vikuiti display enhancement products, including reflective and absorbing polarizers for LCDs and kiosks, high-contrast projection screens, privacy filters, and anti-reflective solutions.

Multi-Layer Optical Film Extends Battery Life

Code Corner

Zebra Technologies Corporation (Lincolnshire, IL) published its ZebraLink Utilities app for Apple mobile digital devices as well as its Multiplatform Software Development Kit. This new SDK allows developers to easily create iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch apps that print labels, receipts, or encoded RFID tags directly to Zebra’s mobile, desktop, tabletop, or kiosk printers. It includes source code, samples, documentation, and on-device demonstration modules. Multiple barcode formats are supported--UPC, EAN-13, Code 128, SSCC-18, Code 39, PDF-417, DataMatrix, and MaxiCode; in addition, users may generate variable data entry forms on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch using templates created in the free ZebraDesigner label design software. ZebraLink Utilities from the Apple AppStore offers several advanced features, including the ability to: print PDF or label template directly to the Zebra printer via WLAN; retrieve and print files from the web; take and print photos via WLAN; and check printer status and directly connect to the Zebra printer via Wi-Fi. "Mobility in the workforce is a top priority as we move into 2011, and the ZebraLink Utilities App and SDK will greatly help companies reduce cost and improve efficiency and worker productivity," said Leo Lowy, Product Manager at Zebra Technologies. Zebra’s Multiplatform SDK may be downloaded from the company’s website.

INTEGRATION

Two Quick Steps for Mercury

Tri-Technical Systems (Dubuque, IA) has implemented MToken payment security technology from Mercury Payment Systems (Durango, CO) into its AIMsi retail management software. The announcement was made at last month’s Poll-A-Rama, Tri-Tech’s dealer training and vendor show. With MToken, only the token--not the credit card data--gets stored in the POS system long-term. Moreover, the token can be used in subsequent functions associated with stored card data, such as recurring billing, card-not-present voids and returns, incidental expenses, delayed shipping, and layaway purchases. “In addition to simplifying PCI compliance for our merchants, integrating MToken lessened the PA-DSS requirements Tri-Tech had to meet,” said Pat Murphy, Tri-Tech’s EVP of Technology.

Mercury Payment Systems also has released its Mercury VirtualTerminal Version 1.3, which outfits merchants with secure payment processing via web browser and without need for any POS terminal. Mercury VirtualTerminal represents an improved version of Mercury’s Back Office Program, according to the developer. This newest build includes mobile transaction processing and access from the MercuryView portal home page. Users pay no charge for the service.

“There is high market demand for safe payment processing from anywhere in the world, which VirtualTerminal provides,” observed Michelle Plomske, Mercury’s VP of Technical Services. “Our merchants have been quick to adopt VirtualTerminal because it allows them to process transactions from any location, including on smart phones.” Mercury noted that use of VirtualTerminal does not remove the user from the scope of PCI security standards or the requirement and responsibility to comply with PCI DSS.

Michelle Plomske, VP of Technical Services, Mercury Payment Systems

Celerant Has Gun, Will Travel

Celerant Technology (Staten Island, NY) has tied its Command Retail POS software to GunBroker.com, the world’s largest online auction of firearms and accessories, allowing dealers to submit their offerings directly from their inventory function. Further, through their Command Retail E-Commerce site, dealers may manage all auctions from one central location, directly on their own website. All manner of auctions may be viewed--open, closed, recently created, recently closed, and soon to close. Auctions can be easily added, removed, or relisted, and bids may be changed, without ever leaving the E-Commerce site.

“In addition to the many functions we have incorporated into our system for the firearm industry, including electronic A&D books and serialized reporting within the guidelines of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, this new integration is one that will further enable our clients to expand their sales on web, translating into increased revenue,” shared Ian Goldman, CEO/President of Celerant Technology. Added Murtaza Hamdani, Director of E-Commerce, “This functionality works similarly to our eBay integration. Additionally, mass imports can be completed, rather than individually, and templates can be created and copied for faster future submissions, with set restrictions and shipping methods, minimizing work on the retailer’s end.”

Last month, Celerant launched its M-Commerce module, providing all Celerant E-Commerce sites with the capacity to be reformatted for smaller screens, such as consumer smart phones, and hopefully extending the reach of such web activities. M-Commerce improves the viewing experience, updates overall site navigation, and removes functionality deemed unnecessary for mobile environments. “Celerant M-Commerce is an expansion of our multichannel offering, demonstrating our drive to stay ahead of retail technology trends,” Goldman maintained.

Command Retail Adds Vertical Market Ties, M-Commerce Offering

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar
ScanSource

POS & Peripherals
Logic Controls
Posiflex Business Machines
POS-X

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Godex International

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touch Displays & Monitors
3M Touch Systems

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

INSTALLATIONS

Voyage of Popeye, Sailormen, and Posera

Posera-HDX (Toronto) announced that Sailormen, Inc., the largest franchisee of Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits in the U.S., has chosen the Maitre’D Software Suite to streamline operations in its 141 locations. The rollout is scheduled to take place over the next 24 months. In addition to POS, Sailormen will employ Maitre’D Inventory to manage food costs and Time & Attendance for employee scheduling. Moreover, the Maitre’D e-Global corporate solution will be installed at the corporate head office, providing centralized reporting and business intelligence on system-wide operations.

‘We searched long and hard for an efficient and high-performing POS system,” reported J.D. Zweydoff, Director & POS Specialist for Sailormen, Inc. (Miami). “After evaluating multiple systems, we chose to go with Maitre’D for its ease of use, its positive reputation, and the quality of customer service and support. The scalability and capability of the Maitre’D system fits great with Sailormen as it will assist us in managing all aspects of our business, and thus, sustaining our long-term growth.”

Earlier, in May, Hosted Data Transaction Solutions, or HDX, completed its acquisition of Posera, Inc., thereby merging two hospitality IT channel players. Total purchase price was $10.6 million, which included assumption of outstanding Posera debt. The new company was renamed as Posera-HDX, with approximately 135 team members based in Toronto, Montreal, Seattle, Glasgow, Paris, and three offices in Ontario, Canada. Michel Cote, former COO of Posera, was tapped as President of Posera-HDX, while Jim Gillis, former President of Posera, assumed the role of Director of the Reseller Channel for the Americas.

Maitre’D Software Suite Serves Up Chicken and Biscuits

Motorola Whips Up Maalt

Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) and ExtenData (Englewood, CO) have joined forces to implement their Proof of Delivery (PoD) solution for Maalt Transport’s distribution network of industrial sand products for the oil and gas industry. Maalt operates rail spur facilities in Texas and Oklahoma where 15 rail cars of such materials are unloaded and processed every four hours. Upon arrival, the sand gets divided and delivered by pneumatic transport trucks to remote drilling locations--requiring extremely reliable connectivity to voice and data applications, according to Maalt.

The new PoD solution implements Motorola’s MC75A Enterprise Digital Assistants running ExtenData’s MobileConductor software, and replaces an outdated paper-based system. “Motorola’s MC75A provides mobile workforces with superior performance in a compact form factor to increase productivity and streamline operations across the enterprise,” stated Ralph Lieberthal, Principal, Transportation & Logistics at Motorola Solutions. “Maalt Transport can quickly deliver goods, track wait time, dispatch, re-route loads, and dynamically manage the fleet.” The new technology also provides future-proofing for potential advanced delivery operations, according to the hardware manufacturer.

“Downtime is not an option for our customers who run high-tempo operations 365 days per year,” related Gary Humphrey, Owner of Maalt Transport. “Whether we are delivering fracturing sand to an oil well or participating in clean-up operations, we need operational clarity in order to deliver the level of service our customers require. The Motorola MC75A mobile computer, combined with ExtenData’s MobileConductor Suite, provides us with the tools needed to supercharge our business operations. This visibility allows us to plan and adjust on the fly and gives us clear advantage in the field.”

Mobile Computing Streamlines Trans-Loading Facilities

Channel Factoid

Although state and local governments across the U.S. have been squeezed financially in the aftermath of the recession, the outlook for IT investment in the public sector seems to be improving. The CDW IT Monitor, which has been tracking IT sentiment since 2007, reveals government organizations anticipate greater IT investment in both hardware and software heading into 2011. Specifically, IT Monitor found 86% of government IT decision makers plan to replace or install software in the next six months--an increase of 9% since August 2010 and the record high since the launch of the bimonthly tracking service. Confidence appears strongest in the local government sector, with 84% of decision makers planning to replace or install hardware in the next six months, an increase of 14% since August 2010. In addition, 85% of respondents in local government plan to upgrade software over that period, up 10%. Overall, the IT Growth Monitor, which measures IT investment expectations, jumped six points in the government sector to 69, the highest level since August 2008. “Many state and local government IT decision makers appear to be prepared to spend money in order to save money in the long run,” acknowledged Thomas E. Richards, President/COO of CDW. “Newer technologies can help government agencies accomplish more even with reduced staff and cut costs in key areas such as energy consumption.”

HELLO GOODBYE

PDC Pays Kost of Healthcare

Precision Dynamics Corporation (San Fernando, CA) has appointed Cecil Kost as its CEO/President, thereby furthering its push into the healthcare market for identification wristbands. Most recently, Kost served as CEO/President of MedManage Systems, which he built into one of the leading providers of online drug sampling. Previous senior management experience includes SciQuest, the solutions provider for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and Curtin Matheson Scientific, maker of clinical instruments. Kost replaces Gary Hutchinson, who will continue as board member and executive advisor to PDC.

“Under Gary’s leadership, PDC has achieved substantial growth to become a significant presence in the fast-growing sector of patient safety,” remarked Curt Selquist, Chairman of PDC’s board of directors and an operating partner with Water Street (Chicago), the strategic private equity firm focused exclusively on healthcare. “Moving forward, the company is well-positioned to expand its capabilities to have a greater impact in improving patient outcomes. Cecil’s management expertise, combined with his innovative thinking and creativity, make him the ideal executive to lead PDC through its next phase of strategic growth.”

Founded in 1956, PDC provides identification wristbands and labeling systems for healthcare, leisure and entertainment, and law enforcement markets. It has been credited with introducing the first barcode and RFID manifestations of such technology. Water Street invested in the company in 2007, and later facilitated PDC’s purchase of TimeMed Labeling Systems, which produced specialty healthcare labels. This addition broadened PDC’s portfolio of products to reach every major touch point in the delivery of care.

Cecil Kost, CEO/President of Precision Dynamics Corporation

RPE Staffs Up, Courtesy of JDA

RPE (Tampa, FL), which stands for Retail Process Engineering, has named Gary Lowen as its VP of Business Development. Lowen spent 16 years on the independent software side, including tenures as SVP of Intactix International, VP of U.S. Sales at JDA Software, and VP of Retail at Manhattan Associates. He joins RPE from Retail Optimization, a start-up focused on assortment and macro space optimization, where he pursued growth as SVP of Sales and Marketing.

“Gary’s history with leading software providers and extensive industry experience will be instrumental in meeting the growing demand from the CPG and retail industries to optimize systems,” noted Cliff Epstein, President of RPE. “He will work closely with clients, new prospects, and software vendors to share RPE’s value proposition to secure additional opportunities across major retail sectors.”

Earlier this fall, RPE added Joe Dockery as its VP of Consulting Services. Dockery served as Practice Director for JDA Software, overseeing revenue and administration responsibilities for more than 40 consultants and contractors. He began his 14-year career with JDA Software in education and training.

“Joe will be the key liaison during implementations, responsible for overall client satisfaction to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget to deliver positive ROI and improve operational efficiencies,” Epstein said. “He will be instrumental in all phases of client outreach, including sales, education, implementation, and support.”

Gary Lowen, VP of Business Development, RPE