Our Product Pick

AnywhereCommerce (Montreal, Canada) has presented its Walker C2X card acceptance device for Mobile POS. It outfits merchants for EMV Chip & Signature, Apple Pay, Android Pay, and MSR. With audio-jack connectivity and embedded encryption, the Walker C2X measures approximately 2 in. (H) x 2 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D) and weighs 2.7 oz. Significantly, firmware updates and key injection are supported via remote "Over-the-Air" transmission and Bluetooth interface to the paired smartphone, tablet, or PC. Supporting iOS, Android, and Windows, AnywhereCommerce supplies its Application Programming Interface (API) and Software Development Kit (SDK), as well as its turnkey payment solution, SimplePay. "A solution that easily and affordably addresses the latest payment requirements," William Nichols, CEO/President of AnywhereCommerce, described the Walker C2X.

Walker C2X by AnywhereCommerce

COMPANY BUSINESS

"Waving" Farewell to SurePOS

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC) has unwrapped its TCx700 and TCx300 POS, with more modern design, enhanced performance, and new designation (formerly, lineage of IBM, "SurePOS"). With advanced Intel Core i3 CPU, or Celeron, the new platforms boost performance by 30% to 40% while lowering power consumption (and to come, Core i5). Additional benefits include various "SurePorts," non-volatile RAM or 4690 O/S support, and extra RS-232 ports for both the TCx700 and TCx300.

With new, low profile for under-counter or tight spaces, along with front air vents, TCx700 has mix-and-match color schemes (raven black with iron gray or pearl white). Scalable memory at 16 GB or 32 GB, as well as SSD or HHD, adapts to changing business requirements. Connections for up to three video displays with superior graphics enhance customer engagement. Additional benefits include tool-free service and "deep-sleep."

With footprint of only 10 inches, addressing the SMB, the TCx300 includes the same chip set and many of the same benefits as the flagship TCx700 (including optional SSD). In the case of O/S, both TCx700 and TCx300 support Windows POSReady, Embedded, and Professional, and Linux, in addition to Toshiba 4690. As input, there's USB and PS/2 67-key, 67-key with LCD, ANPOS and Compact ANPOS. "We feel that the redesign of these key systems will deliver on our lasting commitment to help our clients provide an exceptional retail experience," enthused Gregg Margosian, CTO of Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. It follows debut of next-generation TCx Display and TCx Wave in 2013.

Toshiba Redesigns Its Flagship POS, Now Designated the TCx700

Panasonic Sees Clearly

Panasonic (Newark, NJ) has snapped up controlling interest in Quick Service Software (Niagara on the Lake, ON, Canada), maker of the Clearview platform for financial management, food cost management, and labor management. Delivered via the web, Clearview has approximately 6,500 restaurants, including brand names such as McDonald's, Tim Horton's, Wendy's, Burger King, A&W, Church's Chicken, Arby's and Dairy Queen. Demonstrated at the recent Foodservice Technology (FS/TEC) Show in Washington, DC, it will be marketed as "Clearview by Panasonic."

"With the variety of POS solutions used by QSR operators today, they require a comprehensive back-office solution that can easily adapt to meet their individual needs and POS inventories," elaborated Jeff Pinc, Director of Food Services, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. According to the two parties, Clearview integrates seamlessly with multiple POS systems, accounting packages, payroll vendors, and suppliers. It has consolidated dashboard for multi-unit operators and franchisors at both individual store and corporate levels.

Dashboard for Clearview by Panasonic

Worth Your While

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

Money 20/20
i2i Events
October 25-28
Las Vegas

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

NRF's Big Show - Annual Conference
National Retail Federation
January 17-20, 2016
New York City

Transact 16
Electronic Transactions Association
April 19-21, 2016
Las Vegas

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Today's Dolphin Show at Honeywell

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (Fort Mill, SC) has unveiled its newest device for the mobile workforce, the Dolphin CT50. It extends flexibility by offering both Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld and Android 4.4 KitKat, with upgrade path to Windows 10 and Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It also carries the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU at 2.3 GHz (as well as 2-GB RAM, DDR3, 16-GB Flash, and Micro-SD).

In form factor of 6.3 in. (L) x 3.2 in. (W) x 0.8 in. (D), weighing 12 oz., the Dolphin CT50 has connectivity of 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Version 4.0, and 4G LTE. A 4.7" color LCD and multi-touch capacitive touchscreen offers speech, stylus, gloved finger, and keypad gestures for data entry. An eight-megapixel camera, next-generation two-dimensional barcode imager, NFC, VoIP, and Push-to-Talk are standard features in the CT50.

"A truly connected device that promises the highest levels of productivity possible," suggested Taylor Smith, GM of Honeywell Sensing and Productivity Solutions. Aimed at use in transportation and logistics, field service, direct store delivery, and warehouse environments, the Dolphin CT50 has 3950-mAh Li-Ion battery with fuel gauge and 12-hour lifetime. As durability, it meets IP-67 ratings for water and dust with drop standard of 5 ft./1.5 m to concrete. Accessories include scan handle, docking systems, and vehicle cradles. Welcome are ISVs.

Honeywell's New Dolphin CT50 Supports Windows and Android

A Star Classified With mPOP

Over the past several years, Star Micronics (Somerset, NJ) has emerged as one of the fountains of innovation in our channel. As its latest inspiration, Star has shipped its "mPOP" (for Mobile Point-of-Purchase), an integrated subsystem for tablets, which conveniently combines receipt printer and cash drawer. As connectivity for today's devices, it supports iOS, Android, and Windows, with USB and Bluetooth. Available in white or black, it measures approximately 12 in. (W) x 12 in. (D) x 4 in. (H)--without tablet--and weighs 7.8 lbs.

Star has included its two-inch thermal receipt printer with "drop-in and print" paper loading and 4-inch/100-mm per second speed. A compact cash drawer has four-bill and adjustable six or eight-coin slots, as well as hidden space for high-value currency, store checks, and credit card slips. A locking base bracket is included with the mPOP to ensure reliable mounting on countertops. As options, there's barcode scanner and universal device stand.

"With multiple exit options for enhanced cable management, the mPOP complements any countertop area for a visually appealing POS system," declared Star. "The functions and connectivity of the mPOP make processing customer transactions smooth and effective for small shops, cafes, florists, bars, and many more. Aesthetically simple and elegant, the mPOP provides the ultimate point-of-sale solution for the new face of M-POS."

Star Micronics Ships Its mPOP, Combining Receipt Printer and Cash Drawer for Tablets

Join the Party at No Charge

Subscribe Today! Email:

Do you need to reach the POS & Auto ID resellers who really drive business? With the most targeted editorial environment, and on the most cost-effective basis?

E-mail Michael Kachmar for advertising information,
or call 973-270-3284

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

Hurry ! Use the links below to catch up :

Week of September 21

Week of September 14

Week of August 31

ALLIANCES

BlueStar's Next Big Thing: Samsung

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has added enterprise tablets and digital signage from Samsung Electronics America (Ridgefield Park, NJ). Initial products for distribution in the U.S. include the Samsung Galaxy Tab A, business-rugged Tab Active, and commercial Samsung Smart Signage. Models carry Samsung's "KNOX" defense-grade mobile security platform, as well as Samsung's community of partners in Mobile Device Management (MDM).

"Samsung brings years of experience and industry leading products to our channel," noted Rob Dorsey, VP of Sales at BlueStar. "Samsung large format displays and tablets will take our digital signage and mobility practices to the next level. We are excited to add them to our line-up and are looking forward to the growth they will bring for both our long-term and new partners."

"BlueStar is a natural fit as a Samsung distributor given our shared focus on driving new opportunities for businesses to improve how they are transacting and communicating with customers," relayed Greg Taylor, VP of Enterprise Sales for Samsung Business. "We're delighted to leverage BlueStar's expertise, particularly with data capture at point-of-sale in the retail market, as well as its vertical market specialization, to continue giving businesses smarter, more dynamic solutions that increase productivity and grow sales." As "cross-vertical" markets: hospitality, government, retail, and healthcare.

Galaxy Tab A, Now Distributed by BlueStar

The Last Mile for Beep'nGo

A partnership between Mobeam (Palo Alto, CA) and Mobiquity Networks (Garden City, NY) has produced an interesting barcode-beacon shopping engagement app. Via its "Beep'nGo" scheme, Mobeam converts barcodes into beams of light from the consumer's smartphone that can be read by red laser scanners, tens of millions of which remain deployed in retail, of course. As such, it allows loyalty, membership, and gift cards, as well as coupons, vouchers, and tickets, to be readily processed at the checkout line without the need for two-dimensional readers. It currently supports Android.

By integrating Mobiquity's SDK (Software Development Kit), Beep'nGo reaches approximately 250 million monthly shoppers, according to the two parties. It employs geo-beacons fielded by Mobiquity, which are placed in the common areas of malls, such as food courts, corridors, and walkways, and so will deliver highly targeted offers to the consumer's smartphone. This adds to existing in-store capabilities of Beep'nGo.

An Integrated Barcode-Beacon Shopping Engagement App From Mobeam and Mobiquity

Code Corner

BellHawk Systems Corporation (Millbury, MA) has enhanced its entry-level Warehouse Management System (WMS). Based on barcode scanning, BellHawk WMS tracks materials by location, nested container, lot and serial numbers, and expiration date. It tracks the receipt and put-away of materials, their withdrawal and return to inventory, and the picking, packing, and shipping of those materials. A dynamic binning methodology allows materials to be placed in designated locations or multiple locations. In addition, BellHawk WMS can track operations at multiple geographically distributed warehouses. It comes with software tools and interfaces for integration with a wide range of enterprise resource planning and accounting systems as well as e-commerce websites. Advanced Shipment Notices may be sent via EDI. As new verticals, BellHawk WMS now addresses make-to-order, repair, refurbishment, and construction, as well as warehousing/distribution for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and medical products. Also, products may be tracked by length, width, size, weight, color, and user-specified parameters. It may be installed on a Windows Server in the client's own facility or used on a hosted basis via the cloud.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Who's Afraid of EMV?

- Harbortouch (Allentown, PA) will supply a free NFC and EMV-enabled PIN Pad with its "tablet killer" Echo POS for merchants meeting its minimum processing threshold. "In response to the October 1 deadline for EMV acceptance, we have made it our goal to ensure all Echo POS customers are compliant and have the competitive edge in both EMV and NFC," stated Jared Isaacman, Harbortouch CEO. A cost of $149 for the PIN Pad has been set for non-eligible merchants.

- Cayan (Boston, MA) has achieved Level 2 and Level 3 certifications for EMV through First Data Corporation's Rapid Connect Gateway. A kernel for Cayan's Genius Customer Engagement Platform enables remote update in the field as well as embrace of additional processors. Cayan expects to add Vantiv and Elavon within the next several weeks. "While others scramble to prepare businesses for the October 1 EMV liability shift, Cayan's partners and our customers know that we're prepared for them," stated Cayan CEO Henry Helgeson.

- Sterling Payment Technologies (Tampa, FL) has launched its no-cost "EMV Protection Program," which covers up to $2,000 in fraudulent charges for businesses not compliant with EMV. Eligible businesses will automatically receive such protection as they work with Sterling or its Authorized VARs to implement an EMV-ready payments system. "We're hoping this program prevents business owners from hastily adding EMV and ending up with a less than perfect solution for their business," stated Sterling CEO Paul Hunter.

Harbortouch Echo POS With Verifone VX 805 PIN Pad

An Eighth Generation of PAR

ParTech (New Hartford, NY), a subsidiary of PAR Technology Corp., has rolled out its eighth generation of point-of-sale terminals, appropriately entitled PAR EverServ 8000 Series. A trio of versions will be offered: EverServ 8100 for "value conscious customers," EverServ 8300 for "mainstream customers," and EverServ 8500 for "performance-minded customers." EverServ 8100 will ship in October 2015, while EverServ 8300 and 8500 will ship in March 2016.

EverServ 8000 Series emphasizes industrial design, foldable form, and small footprint of 15.2 in. (W) x 11.5 in. (D) x 13.8 in (H). All three versions carry 15" touchscreen--either projected capacitive or five-wire resistive, and WXGA 16:9 ratio or XGA 4:3 ratio--as well as 10/100/1000 LAN and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. A simple to deploy and service system provides clean cabling, tool-less chassis, and plug-and-play capability for peripherals. "Individual components can be updated as needed, with minimal downtime, to accommodate changing business requirements," explained Karen Sammon, President of ParTech.

Utilizing 14-nm processor technology results in 21% faster processing speed and 34% better graphic operations for the EverServ 8000, according to ParTech. Each has different levels: Intel Braswell and 8-GB RAM for EverServ 8100; Intel Celeron Skylake and 32-GB RAM for EverServ 8300; and Intel Core i5 Skylake and 32-GB for EverServ 8500. All support Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Linux O/S. A full suite of ports are provided, included Powered USB 2.0 (24V and 12V), 3 x USB 3.0, 2 x RJ-45 Serial, and 2 x RJ-12 Cash Drawer. As options, there's HDD, VFD or LCD customer display, MSR, and biometrics.

EverServ 8000 Series POS by ParTech

Key Advertiser Links

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

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

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
CognitiveTPG
Honeywell Scanning

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning

Integrated Payment Solutions
Cayan
Datacap Systems
Discover
iPayment Inc.
Mercury/Vantiv
Moneris
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

Cash is Convenience at 7-Eleven

A mobile bill payment center for users of cash, courtesy of PayNearMe and 7-Eleven. White labeled, extremely prosaically, as "7-Eleven Bill Pay Operated by PayNearMe," this app allows consumers to pay bills such as cable services, utilities, insurance premiums, and public transportation via barcode scan at 7-Eleven. About 17,000 national and regional billers may be fulfilled at nearly 8,000 7-Eleven's in the U.S., according to PayNearMe. This eliminates the need to people to miss work for visits to payment offices, standing in long lines, or filling out forms for money orders.

Offered in Google Play, the PayNearMe app, which is bilingual, tracks payment history, sets reminders for consumers, and issues receipts. A barcode is generated on the consumer's smartphone for each biller. A convenience fee applies, depending upon the biller and the size of the payment, but normally set at $1.99, and most payments are posted within four business days. According to some estimates, 28% of U.S. households have limited or no access to bank accounts.

"This PayNearMe Bill Pay app is just the beginning," proclaimed Danny Shader, CEO and Founder of PayNearMe (Sunnyvale, CA). "Cash users are largely neglected in today's bank-based digital economy. By building a suite of easy-to-use financial services that are also easy for retailers to provide to their customers, we will make it possible for everyone to benefit from the convenience of digital transactions." In addition to 7-Eleven, Family Dollars currently participates with PayNearMe.

For Users of Cash: "7-Eleven Bill Pay Operated by PayNearMe"

Getac Scores in Vegas

Getac, Inc. (Irvine, CA) has furnished its rugged mobile tablets for the Las Vegas Metro Police Department. Approximately 800 of the Getac F110 will be installed in cruisers, and another 120 of the Getac T800 will be deployed at the Motor Division for use with e-Citation Software. A subsidiary of MiTAC-Synnex Business Group, Getac focuses on military, police, fire, and, in some sense, field service.

As benefits of the F110, Las Vegas Metro P.D. cited its 11.6" display, Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU, dual hot-swappable batteries, and tri-pass-through antenna ports for simultaneous roof-mounted GPS, WWAN, and WLAN. On its part, the T800 offers 8.1" display, Intel Quad-Core N3530 CPU, and "SnapBack" add-ons for MSR, RFID, and Smart Card. At less than one inch thick, F110 weighs 3 lbs. and T800 weighs 2.1 lbs. Both run Windows 8.1 Pro and feature "LumniBond 2.0" technology for readability.

"We are proud to work with such an innovative and forward-thinking government agency like Las Vegas Metro P.D.," contributed Scott Shainman, Senior Director, North American Sales, Getac. "Our comprehensive rugged mobile computing solutions will enhance agency productivity by providing officers with a critical component in their mission to ensure public safety and security." A select number of resellers handle Getac.

Getac's Rugged Tablets Adopted by Las Vegas Metro Police Department

Channel Factoid

An advocate, the Electronic Payments Coalition, has released research suggesting consumers have not seen savings promised by retailers from the Durbin Amendment. Enacted on October 1, 2011, and since challenged unsuccessfully by merchants and banks, the Durbin Amendment capped the interchange rate paid to card issuers at 0.05% plus 21 cents. For an average credit card transaction of $38, for example, the fee fell from 44 cents to 24 cents, about 45%. Since 2011, this has resulted in estimated overall savings to retailers of $32 billion. According to this new study, conducted by Phoenix Marketing International for the Electronic Payments Coalition, at least 90% of shoppers in each of the 15 categories measured reported that prices have increased or remained the same. Supermarket shoppers were the most likely to report price increases, at 72%. Other categories with more than half of consumers reporting price increases included restaurants and pharmacies. "Four years, $32 billion, and countless studies later, the evidence is overwhelming that consumer savings as a result of the Durbin Amendment were nothing more than false promises," exclaimed Sam Fabens, Spokesperson for the Electronic Payments Coalition.

HELLO GOODBYE

A Bastien of EMV

Worldwide standards setter, EMVCo (Foster City, CA), has named Bastien Latge to the newly created role of Director of Technology. In this capacity, he will concentrate on coordination of EMVCo's working groups and collaboration with other technical bodies. EMVCo, well known to many readers of RRN.Com, is collectively owned by American Express, Discover, JCB International, MasterCard, Union Pay, and Visa.

Latge brings more than 15 years of experience within the payments industry. Prior to joining EMVCo, he served as Mobile Software Products Director for Inside Secure. Additional posts have included Senior Banking Consultant for Smart Consulting, Product and Team Manager for Terminals and Network Certification for MasterCard, and Banking Consultant for Gemplus (now Gemalto).

Bastien Latge, Director of Technology, EMVCo

A Parrott Flies at TouchSuite

With an eye towards diversification, in its words, TouchSuite (Boca Raton, FL) has enlisted Richard Parrott as its EVP. Parrott comes to TouchSuite from Merchant e-Solutions, where he served as SVP of Credit and Risk. He was previously VP of Risk and Underwriting at North American Bancard and Director of Risk at Litle & Co. He also has held management positions at Plant Payment, Pay by Touch, RBS Lynk, and Discover Card.

"Richard's extensive risk-management portfolio experience spanning private and public companies will be invaluable as we diversify and expand our core and non-core business," commented Sam Zeitz, Founder and CEO of TouchSuite. "He has also been involved in three companies that worked through their sales cycle towards acquisition, which is indicative of his ability to navigate in a variety of portfolio management situations. We are fortunate to leverage his experience and expertise."

"Through industry-leading and secure technology, marketing services, and other value-added products in POS, TouchSuite is positioned to empower SMBs to grow their businesses with the efficiencies and scale normally available only to larger companies," reflected Parrott. "I believe in their mission and I'm thrilled to be part of this very talented and motivated team and to assist in this next stage of growth." Recently named as the 160th fastest-growing company in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine, TouchSuite supplies its Firefly POS, Lightning Payments for QuickBooks, and Gift Card Exchange Program.

Richard Parrott, EVP, TouchSuite