This Week’s Product Pick

Sharp Electronics (Mahwah, NJ) has premiered its RZ-X650 Open Platform System, which works with any Microsoft Windows POS software. RZ-X650 features Intel Atom N270 processor at 1.6 GHz, 15-inch LVDS LCD touchscreen, and 1 GB memory, expandable to 2 GB. Standard MSR handles payment choices, while integrated cable management and RS-232 Serial, USB, and Parallel ports accommodate peripherals. This new terminal comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows POSReady 2009 (WEPOS) and DriveClone Pro back-up and recovery software. Designed for heavy use in restaurants, convenience-stores, or retail environments, with IP-rated water resistance, the RZ-X650 also offers standard VESA mounting points and external customer display. “We’ve designed this latest POS system to be durable, reliable, and flexible to meet the wide variety of installation requirements for businesses and their evolving needs,” stated Greg Tucker, POS Product Manager at Sharp.

Sharp’s RZ-X650 POS System

COMPANY BUSINESS

VeriFone Sold on Retail

VeriFone Systems (San Jose, CA) has purchased Global Bay Mobile Technologies (South Plainfield, NJ), one of the undisputed leaders in mobile POS for retail. Global Bay has worked with merchants across North America, Europe, and Asia to increase sales and improve customer satisfaction with mobile applications that leverage existing POS, e-commerce, and traditional store systems. Its technology supports the entire range of platforms such as smart-phones, tablets, and ruggedized devices, and when coupled VeriFone’s payment processing muscle, will transform the in-store retail experience, according to the two parties. Terms of the transaction, which closed on November 1, were not disclosed.

“Global Bay’s mobile retail applications complement our vision to deliver rich commerce solutions that open up new opportunities for merchants to engage their customers in deeper, more meaningful ways that will generate increased profitability and shopper loyalty,” relayed Jennifer Miles, EVP, North America, at VeriFone. “Retailers and consumers can continue to look to VeriFone to provide the most sophisticated and secure commerce experiences.” Applications for the integrated platform will span mobile POS, so-called “clienteling,” and store inventory management.

Global Bay was co-founded by Sandeep Bhanote and Nimit Sabharwal in 2002. Bhanote, CEO of Global Bay, has been named GM of VeriFone’s Mobile Retail Systems business, while Sabharwal, VP of Global Bay, will serve as Senior Director of Operations. Reportedly, Global Bay’s entire management, technology, sales, and support staff will continue in their present roles. “VeriFone understands the profound and transformative impact that mobile technology will have on the future of retail,” Bhanote said.

Jennifer Miles, EVP, North America, at VeriFone

Next for GenPOS, Auto ID

GenPOS (Montreal) will expand beyond POS in early Q1 2012 with its new line of Eclipse barcode scanners. These new products will be offered across Canada and the U.S. through GenPOS and its distributors and reseller partners, and will target retail, hospitality, and healthcare. GenPOS has been particularly aggressive in the channel of late, with introduction over the past few months of its Eclipse 315V All-in-One POS, Eclipse 104W POS Wedge, and T-Series 15-inch LCD touch monitor.

Supplementing such terminals, the company's new barcode family will consist of six products in two groups: hand-held and hands-free. The former will include manual line scanner, automatic/manual line scanner, and automatic omnidirectional scanner, while the latter includes automatic omnidirectional and automatic omnidirectional with two-dimensional capacity. This new family of scanners will also feature an automatic wireless scanner. All will be backed by the standard Eclipse three-year warranty.

“Scanning technology has become more mature, open to more manufacturers, not just the few high-tech vendors like in the early days,” RRN.Com was told by Francis Martel, Business Development Manager for GenPOS. “Also, the price point of the technology keeps getting lower, which allows emerging vendors like GenPOS to offer more competitive products of high-end quality at an affordable cost to resellers. Because the Eclipse trade name is becoming more recognized in the POS industry, it was the logical choice for us to offer these products at this time, especially since we’ve had demand from our reseller partners.”

Eclipse Scanners to Supplement POS Terminals

Worth Your While

Customer Engagement
Technology World
JDEvents
November 9-10
New York

2012 Events

NRF 101st Annual Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 15-18
New York

INSPIRE 2012
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
January 29-February 1
Herradura, Costa Rica

MODEX 2012
Material Handling Industry of America
February 6-9
Atlanta

NRA Show 2012
National Restaurant Association
May 5-8
Chicago

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Rugged Rollout at Datalogic Mobile

Datalogic Mobile (Eugene, OR) has unveiled its Rhino 10 Vehicle Mount Computer with 10-inch full-color touchscreen for use in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing shop floors. Boasting maximum ruggedness and reliability, according to its manufacturer, this new device incorporates an aluminum IP-65 sealed case to withstand hostile environments as well as strong vibrations and shocks. A dedicated model meets the demands of freezing conditions, providing one of the widest operating temperature ranges on the market today, -30 to +60 Degrees C.

Rhino 10’s Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 R3 OS and X Scale processor help leverage existing investments in mobile computing applications. Meanwhile, Summit’s IEEE 802.11b/g CCX Version 4 radio provides baseline communications, with optional Ethernet and Bluetooth. Tethered and cordless barcode scanning allow for data capture and location confirmation. Serial and USB ports supply connectivity, with two of each.

“Think of our new Rhino 10 as the ruggedized iPad for forklifts,” volunteered Tom Burke, VP of Product Marketing and Support at Datalogic Mobile. “Its 10-inch full touchscreen display minimizes footprint while allowing gloved hand operation--no physical keyboard required. Moreover, the new Rhino 10 is included in the Datalogic Utilities and Wavelink Powered programs, allowing easy and fast integration with both Wavelink Avalanche and Terminal Emulation pre-installed and pre-licensed at no additional cost.”

Datalogic Mobile’s New Vehicle Mount Computer

MMF Keys on Kiosks

MMF POS (Wheeling, IL) has moved into the self-service arena with the debut of its Rhino Elite Series of lockable tablet enclosures for the iPad. Targeted at the growing use of consumer tablets as customer-facing stations, Rhino Elite will be offered under the “MMF Kiosk” designation, as the longtime cash drawer supplier continues to broaden its POS footprint. Developed in partnership with nClosure, Inc., such MMF Kiosk products will go to market through the MMF POS distribution channel, RRN.Com was told. Earlier this year, in similar vein, MMF Security released its VID-Box for securing DVR equipment.

MMF’s Rhino Elite Series handles iPad 1 or iPad 2, and may be mounted in table stand or VESA formats. Made from aluminum and powder-coated with silver or traditional black texture paint, each enclosure comes with push lock, cut-out for power cord on the back panel, and full radio transparency for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G. MagTek’s iDynamo credit card reader as well as secondary cable lock for increased security may be added.

“The self-service market is exploding thanks to the innovation of the iPad,” observed Greg Carlson, CEO/President of Block and Company, the parent company of MMF POS. “Every vertical, from retail to hospitality to education, has been affected by self-service applications.” Going forward, Carlson promised MMF Kiosk will launch an ongoing stream of products addressing this space.

Lockable Tablet Enclosure Constructed by MMF POS

[Editor’s Note:  These two new products, from Datalogic Mobile and MMF POS, are not related in any way. They simply share the name, “Rhino,” and focus on today’s popular tablet computing format.]

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CHANNEL PROGRAMS

Sea of Green at Epson

Epson America (Long Beach, CA) will arm its authorized channel partners with BPA-free, recycled thermal receipt paper made with 70% Post-Consumer Waste (PCW). This paper, developed by Thermal Solutions International (Jacksonville, FL), and the first of its kind with 70% PCW, has been approved for use in select models of Epson’s Energy Star qualified printers, including the best-selling TM-T88V and TM-H6000IV. With print quality and price comparable to standard thermal, this new consumable meets growing calls for safer, more environmentally friendly receipts, according to the two parties.

Epson has obtained the exclusive rights to make this paper available at special pricing in North America, lower than its generic listing. It comes in standard roll sizes with paper cores and cartons made of recyclable materials. BPA, as RRN.Com readers should know by now, stands for Bisphenol A, which has long been used to coat thermal paper, and now has been categorized as potentially harmful to consumers. Another benefit of the new paper is its ability to accommodate promotions with 70% PCW or BPA-free messages, which may be readily handled.

“Epson has a longstanding commitment to sustainable manufacturing, from product design to built-in features, like industry-leading paper and energy-saving options,” commented Mike Helm, Director of Sales and Marketing, Epson Business Systems Division. “Many retailers have already moved away from receipts containing BPA chemicals, and now all point-of-service businesses have a choice of not only BPA-free paper, but also BPA-free, recycled paper qualified by Epson.” In an interesting promotion, Epson has sent samples of the new product to partners in the U.S.

BPA-Free, Recycled Paper Qualified by Epson

Group Mobile Gets the DT’s

Group Mobile (Chandler, AZ) will distribute rugged handheld computers from DT Research (San Jose, CA), designed to bridge the gap between the consumer and industrial worlds. DT’s tablets offer Intel Atom processors, lightweight form factors, and touch displays ranging from 7 inches (DT372) to 10.4 inches (DT312). For outdoor use, optional sunlight-readable displays are available on all models. Target environments include retail, warehousing/distribution, and field service.

“DT Research’s rugged tablets provide strong and durable mobile computing platforms at very affordable cost,” indicated Richard Lawson, President of Group Mobile. “With prices starting under $1,400 and quick delivery time--often less than five business days--we expect these rugged tablet PCs will be very popular among our customers. Since the tremendous success of the iPad in the consumer marketplace, we are now seeing even more demand for rugged tablet PCs for those who want similar devices that work outdoors in the sun, from their vehicles, or in any non-office settings.”

With DT Research’s rugged tablets, users can choose between Microsoft Windows Embedded, Windows 7 Professional, Windows XP, or Linux OS. Dedicated functionality includes RFID, smart card and magnetic-stripe readers, barcode scanners, and integrated cameras, along with Wi-Fi 802.11 wireless connectivity. “We are pleased to add Group Mobile as our newest partner,” said Jeffrey Johnston, Sales Manager for DT Research, which also distributes through Synnex and Seneca Data, as well as “resellers” such as Insight, CDW, PC Connection, and MicroAge. In making the announcement, Johnston praised Group Mobile’s understanding of the rugged tablet computer market as well as customer service.

Rugged Tablet PC by DT Research

Code Corner

Loftware (Portsmouth, NH) has upgraded its flagship product with the shipping of Loftware Print Server (LPS) 10.0. This new build increases user efficiency and productivity through several new innovations, according to its developer. Printer family drivers provide “forward compatibility” and reduced template requirements by allowing one template to be used for native printing to current and future devices. Detailed printer status and enhanced SMTP notifications allow greater visibility into customer environments, empowering pro-active print management. LPS data reporting offers deeper insight into labels, templates, symbologies, printers, and system configurations for customers with high volumes of label templates. Printer language pass-through extends limitless support for native printer capabilities by allowing printer-specific commands to be directly embedded into label templates. Finally, enhanced support for key symbologies addresses users of GS1 DataMatrix, USPS Intelligent Mail, QR Code, Aztec, Rectangular DataMatrix, and bearer barcodes. “By listening to customers, monitoring the ever-changing needs of the industry, and leveraging our unparalleled domain expertise and exceptional development teams, Loftware is providing the market with the software innovations it demands,” declared Robert O’Conner, Jr., CEO/President. “We are delighted to introduce this release that dramatically increases the power and efficiency of label printing for our customers.” Loftware Print Server 10.0 had been made available to all active Loftware customers at no additional charge.

ALLIANCES

Gate to RMS Swings Open

TGate Payments (Schaumburg, IL) has tied its PayLINK PCI PA-DSS certified payment platform to Microsoft Dynamic’s Retail Management System (RMS) through release of its PayLINK4RMS. This new module integrates instantly, according to the developer, and operates seamlessly in the background with no change to the merchant’s POS experience. Once activated, processing parameters are bridged and users may immediately access PayLINK’s capabilities along with the RMS standard feature set. PayLINK furnishes multiple processor support, point-to-point encryption, and handling of all forms of PIN-based debit, credit, check, signature capture, gift/loyalty, and FSA transactions.

“PayLINK4RMS is a powerful solution focused on improved retail operations and increased customer satisfaction,” stressed Yasser Abou-Nasr, VP of Product at TGate Payments. “It provides the existing user base with a new level of flexibility and functionality without the time or expense of modifying their POS.” In concert with many payment processing software developers, TGate’s go-to-market strategy now includes the POS channel of ISVs, MSPs, and VARs.

Also this week, TGate Payments announced broadened peripheral scope for PayLINK, bringing in payment terminals such as the VeriFone Mx800 Series and Hypercom’s L4150, L4250, L5300, and L5400. This responds to market demand from large customers following the discontinuation of SmartPayments Savannah Server and SmartPayments Savannah Client by Hypercom in July, according to TGate. “By increasing the range of PayLINK’s peripheral support, we have eliminated the financial burden existing SmartPayments users would have endured with migration over to PayLINK,” Abour-Nasr suggested. “This streamlines costs while increasing flexibility, security, and functionality.”

PayLINK4RMS Module Released by TGate Payments

Field Service for the Masses

System ID (Plano, TX) has drawn together hardware, software, and wireless broadband in its new FASTech offering, so named for Field Automated Service Technician. Developed with the small business market in mind, which in general lacks support for its mobile workforces, FASTech embraces service management software from Softechnologies (Spokane, WA). This package delivers necessary capabilities in back-office appointment booking, resource scheduling, dispatch, and data capture.

For hardware, FASTech runs on the Dolphin 6000 Scanphone from Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC), which was specifically engineered with the functionality and durability required for field service applications. Users will have full web access with T-Mobile’s wireless broadband data service and 200 MB of data storage. System ID said it will fulfill technical support and mobile device management.

Three FASTech bundles will be offered, starting at $99 per month. System ID has solicited applications for its early adopters program to test the technology in real-world situations. Full launch of FASTech will begin in January, and all bundles will become available in Q1 2012.

Honeywell’s Scanphone Anchors System ID’s Field Service Bundle

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
Casio America
Logic Controls
Posiflex
POS-X
Touch Dynamic

Barcode & Transaction Printers
CognitiveTPG
Datamax-O'Neil
TSC America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
WorldPay US

Keyboards
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp.

Mobile Marketing & Loyalty
Sundrop Mobile

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

INSTALLATIONS

Prescription Filled by CognitiveTPG

CognitiveTPG (Lincolnshire, IL) has pushed further into pharmacy with certification of its CRx thermal label printers for the QuickSCRIP System from Cost Effective Computers (Dalton, GA). As CEC’s flagship product, QuickSCRIP has become the prescription management platform of choice for almost 400 independent outlets. By converting to thermal printing, usually from laser, pharmacies will recognize significant time and cost savings, according to the two parties. Roman Dziaba, Product Manager for CognitiveTPG, emphasized that “some independent pharmacies producing less than 10,000 labels per month recognize savings in one month’s time.”

CognitiveTPG’s CRx comes in both two-inch and four-inch versions in direct thermal or thermal transfer. Both feature print speed of 6 inch/second at 300 dpi, with no warm-up time required and multiple scripts and fonts. Communication capability spans USB-A/B, Serial, Parallel, and Ethernet, and memory consists of 16-MB RAM and 8-MB Flash, with eight-inch maximum paper roll diameter. Focused on ease of use and speed, CEC's QuickSCRIP System utilizes keyboard-driven data entry for screens and menus.

“In the two years we have been supporting the thermal printers, I think we have seen only one hardware issue, and that was easily diagnosed and fixed,” recounted Shaun Campbell, Office Manager for CEC. “Maintenance issues with laser printers are far more frequent. Pharmacies also like the fact that the printer is the size of an average shoe box, taking up less real estate in an already crowded workspace.”

CognitiveTPG’s CRx Thermal Label Printers

Cash Hangs in the VeriBalance

Balance Innovations (Lenexa, KS) will supply its VeriBalance cash office management system to K-VA-T for its 105 family-owned supermarkets in Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee under the Food City and Super Dollar banners. Integrated with Retalix POS, VeriBalance automates all cash office processes, reduces errors, and eliminates manual tasks, according to the two principals. It will also help K-VA-T’s loss prevention department by monitoring currency and establishing an electronic audit trail by moving all activities to software-driven process.

“The most significant benefit that VeriBalance provides is the overall operational improvement, time savings, and consolidation of all cash office procedures,” recounted Don Mascola, VP of In-Store Services for K-VA-T. “By utilizing an automated system, we’ve been able to standardize our processes to comply with K-VA-T corporate guidelines. VeriBalance also provides many intangible cost benefits to our organization.”

“Our partnership with K-VA-T is important to us,” shared Greg Drees, EVP of Sales at Balance Innovations. “We understand the current challenges that retail stores face and the ever-present need to create operational efficiencies. Our primary goal with K-VA-T is to provide solutions that meet their operational objectives and create sound ROI. We look forward to our lasting partnership with them.”

Automated Cash Office Management for Supermarket Chain Ties to Retalix POS

Channel Factoid

How’s PCI doing? According to “A Perfect Storm of Complacency: The Third Annual Industry Survey of Level 4 Merchant PCI Compliance Trends,” conducted by ControlScan and Merchant Warehouse, store owners with 10 or fewer employees--known as “micro-merchants”--are stubbornly persistent in their belief that PCI compliance will not protect their business from theft of customer data. Even more, this study demonstrates continued lack of knowledge of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). Of those micro-merchants surveyed, 48% reported they were either “unsure” of or “not at all familiar” with PCI-DSS. In contrast, 77% of larger Level 4 merchants, which are defined as those having 51 or more employees, confirmed they are “very” or “somewhat” familiar with PCI-DSS, with 79% considering data security as high priority and 82% deeming it mandatory. Awareness of PCI compliance was also prevalent among e-commerce merchants, tallying 64%. “Merchants’ lack of awareness makes them more vulnerable to hacker attacks on cardholder data and could lead to catastrophic financial losses,” warned Henry Helgeson, Co-CEO of Merchant Warehouse.

HELLO GOODBYE

Vicki’s Vision for NRF

The National Retail Federation (Washington, DC) has named retail veteran Vicki Cantrell as SVP of Communities and Executive Director of Shop.org, its division focused on online and digital activities. In addition to Shop.org, she will supervise all membership communities such as NRF CIO Council, the Association of Retail Technology Standards (ARTS), and Loss Prevention. Cantrell brings major experience in retailing, coming to NRF from luxury brand Tory Burch, where she enjoyed success as COO and CIO. Before that, she served as CIO of Giorgio Armani, with Gucci Group, Park City, and JCPenney as additional former employers. She regularly speaks on cross-channel business issues.

“Finding an executive with the right experience and vision to foster and grow our communities was a tall task--and Vicki fits the bill perfectly,” declared Matthew Shay, NRF's CEO/President. “Her executive-level experience with major retail brands as well as prior experience with many of NRF’s communities makes Vicki an incredible asset to round out the executive team at NRF.” Cantrell replaces Scott Silverman, who left some time ago to work in e-commerce.

“I am thrilled to join NRF in this position during such a critical moment in retail, as consumers expect channels and business units to work together to create a seamless shopping experience,” said Cantrell. “I look forward to bringing my experiences in multiple business areas and channels to Shop.org and the National Retail Federation: the greatest brands representing the entire retail industry.”

Vicki Cantrell, SVP of Communities and Executive Director of Shop.org at NRF

Printronix Stamps New Sales Leader

Printronix (Irvine, CA) has recruited Mark Edwards as its SVP of Global Sales and Marketing. In his new role, Edwards will be responsible for direction, collaboration, and execution of sales and marketing across all geographies and vertical markets, for both the Printronix and TallyGenicom brands of line matrix, thermal, and RFID printers. Printronix, RRN.Com readers may recall, absorbed its closest competitor, TallyGenicom, in 2009.

“Mark is an accomplished sales and marketing leader in the information technology industry,” stated Randy Eisenbach, CEO of Printronix. “His expertise across many facets of our business, including global sales, marketing, customer engagement, and channel management, will be an integral part of Printronix’s strategic growth initiatives. Mark is a tremendous addition to our team and we are extremely fortunate to have someone with his experience and proven track record of success in this critical role.”

Prior to joining Printronix, Edwards served as SVP at SOASTA, the cloud-testing entity, where he led sales and the worldwide network of channel partners. He began his career at Unisys, where his 12-year tenure included sales, product, and channel management posts, culminating in VP of Sales and Marketing for the Storage Solutions Division. His resume also features the title of SVP of QLogic, overseeing sales and marketing, advanced technologies, and mergers and acquisitions, as well as GM of the HBA and Switch business units.