This Week’s Product Pick

Adlink Technology (San Jose, CA) has shipped its IMX-2000 mobile computer with integrated NFC capability. Running on Android Version 2.3.3, the IMX-2000 carries one and two-dimensional barcode scanner and five-megapixel camera for data collection and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM, and GPS for communications. It measures 6.3 in. (L) x 3.1 in. (W) x 1.2 in. (D), weighs about 14 oz., and features 3.5-inch QVGA touchscreen display and numeric keypad, with an IP-65 rating for water and dust and 5 ft./1.5 m drop resistance. A Secure Access Module (SAM) slot enhances core system cryptology and NFC encryption. "The IMX-2000 has seen great market success and has broad applications, including logistics and factory automation," remarked Stephen Huang, VP of the Adlink Industrial Mobile Computing Division.

Adlink IMX-2000 With NFC

COMPANY BUSINESS

Loyalty "Perka"-lating at First Data

First Data Corporation (Atlanta) has snapped up Perka (Portland, OR), one of the promising providers of mobile loyalty programs for the SMB. Perka will continue to operate autonomously with its current management and product development teams, according to First Data, which didn't release financial terms of the deal. Addressing both retail and hospitality, this new subsidiary of First Data markets its Perka Punch Card and Perka Flex Points for incentive programs, triggered offers, mobile messaging, and customer relationship management for the merchant. All in the cloud, of course, and keyed around the consumer's smartphone.

"Perka is a strong addition to the offerings we have for our merchants today and we welcome them to the First Data product family," commented Guy Chiarello, President of First Data. "Loyalty is a critical component of the seamless shopping experience that consumers are demanding as they engage with mobile phones more than ever. With Perka's open and scalable platform, merchants of any size now have the capability to customize the mobile loyalty marketing program that works for their business needs."

"The loyalty industry is rapidly moving from being proprietary and closed to open and interconnected," added Alan Chung, CEO at Perka. "This shift opens up tremendous opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses to run virtually the same mobile marketing programs as major brands. We're excited to join forces with First Data to revolutionize the loyalty space and level the playing ground for smaller merchants with the Perka platform."

Perka's Mobile Customer Loyalty Scheme

Shift4: Spirit in the Sky

Shift4 Corporation (Las Vegas) has joined forces with SkyTouch Technology (Phoenix) to streamline payment processing in the lodging industry. Specifically, Shift4's Dollars on the Net, as well as its Universal Transaction Gateway, will be integrated with SkyTouch's Hotel OS, one of the most widely distributed cloud-based property management systems. A pure web product, Hotel OS allows hotel staff to manage key business functions, including setting rates, from any linked PC, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

"We've worked with SkyTouch on proprietary systems for one of our mutual customers and already have thousands of hotels online using our joint solution," recounted Bob Lowe, VP of Business Development at Shift4. "We're very happy to see this proven integration rolled out to new customers." This new offering will be marketed through both companies, according to the official announcement.

"Aligning with Shift4 was a natural progression for SkyTouch, as we continue to offer a wider variety of interfaces and services to our customers," volunteered Charlie Green, Director of Product Management at SkyTouch. "Many hotels are looking for a quick and reliable way to process their transactions, and through our alliance with Shift4 we make it seamless to handle them right through our Hotel OS." To date, SkyTouch Technology serves more than 5,000 hoteliers.

SkyTouch Property Management System

Worth Your While

2013 Barcode Technology Summit
System ID
November 11
Grapevine, TX

IAAPA Expo 2013
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 19-22
Orlando

NRF 103rd Annual Conference & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 12-15, 2014
New York City

INSPIRE 2014
Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA)
February 2-5, 2014
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

ETA Annual Meeting & Expo
Electronic Transactions Association
April 8-10, 2014
Las Vegas

ALL IN THE FAMILY

CipherLab Dials It Up With 9200

CipherLab (Plano, TX) has unveiled its 9200 Series of industrial mobile computers, specifically targeted at transportation, logistics, and warehousing. With IP-65 rating for water and dust, and 5 ft./1.5 m drop resistance, the 9200 delivers flexible wireless communication for both indoor and outdoor usage. This includes 3.5G HSDPA with optional GPS, 802.11a/b/g/n with Cisco CCX Version 4, and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. Measuring 6.9 in. (L) x 2.4 in. (W) x 1.3 in. (D), and weighing about 11 oz., the 9200 runs Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 with Qualcomm CPU at 528 MHz, 512 MB Flash, and 256 MB DDR SDRAM.

Additional benefits from this device include data collection by linear imager, laser, two-dimensional imager, or RFID, as well as three-megapixel camera. A 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen with trans-reflective TFT LCD features LED backlight, as does the 23-key numeric keypad, and the rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery provides 12 working hours. Finally, the 9200 comes backed by the full suite of ancillary software from CipherLab and third-party providers such as Soti, Sysdev, and Wavelink.

New CipherLab 9200 Industrial Mobile Computer

VeriFone Works the Missing Link

Another tablet bundle for POS, this time sporting payment processing from VeriFone Systems (San Jose, CA). In this kiosk, VeriFone has reached out to design firm Lilitab (San Francisco), and the result, the Apple MFi-Certified Lilitab Pro-V, assembles iPad 2 or 3, credit card reader, and locking stand. In order to address PCI, Lilitab Pro-V has VeriFone's end-to-end encryption solution, VeriShield Total Protect, "Secured by RSA."

"The growing market for self-service ordering and payment represents a significant opportunity for merchants to provide great new experiences to their customers," observed Dennis Mos, GM of the OEM Product Group for VeriFone. "Our security technology, combined with Lilitab's beautiful and innovative design, creates a compelling self-service offering for merchants of all sizes." Award-winning kiosk designer Adam Aronson founded Lilitab in 2011 to capitalize on the appeal of tablet computers for use in business case scenarios.

When mounted, Lilitab Pro-V swivels 180 degrees for touchscreen transactions between customers and store staff. Lilitab also offers an "Iris Swipe" iPad app for credit card checkout, available in the Apple App Store, as well as its Software Development Kit (SDK) for POS. Next, the two companies plan to bring iPad 4 to the Lilitab Pro-V, as well as the just announced iPad 5, which employ the Lightning Connector.

Pro-V Self-Service Payment Kiosk

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ALLIANCES

Starring Web-Based Printing

With web-based services moving rapidly to the forefront of POS, Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) has launched its new WebPRNT bridge for accompanying HTTP requests. In this first package, WebPRNT complements Star's TSP650II thermal receipt printer equipped with Ethernet. In addition to web-based applications, it also supports HTTP requests from native applications, according to the vendor.

"It's easy to read, maintain, and modify for developers," explained Christophe Naasz, Business Development Director at Star Micronics America. "Simply use the appropriate XML tags or integrate Star's WebPRNT JavaScript library into your web-based application to begin printing from your application to Star's TSP650II." A need for businesses to streamline operations and create mobile friendly environments for customers were cited as two leading factors driving web-based services.

WebPRNT eliminates the need to install drivers or download related software, according to Star Micronics. Described as competitively priced on its own, it also reduces cost by dispensing with the need for expensive multi-platform development efforts. Finally, WebPRNT, and the TSP650II, work in conjunction with any device (Mac, PC, tablet, smartphone) regardless of the operation system (Windows, iOS, Android).

WebPRNT From Star Micronics America

D-O in Driver's Seat at Loftware

Add those of Datamax-O'Neil (Orlando) to the list of printer drivers supported by Loftware, Inc. (Portsmouth, NH). Now Loftware Print Server Version 10.1 SP1, as well as Loftware Label Manager Version 10.1 SP1, include Datamax-O'Neil's DPL, as well as Intermec's IPL, Zebra's ZPL, and Eltron's EPL. In addition to greater flexibility, customers of D-O have been provided with "forward compatibility" by allowing one template to be used for native printing by both current and next-generation printer models, according to the barcode software developer.

"We're delighted to add Datamax-O'Neil to our catalog of unrivaled printer family drivers," declared Scott Johnson, Director of Product Management for Loftware. "Close collaboration with our partners at Datamax-O'Neil has helped to ensure that Loftware is delivering a solution that can significantly improve our customers' operational efficiency." In her remarks, Cindy Guiles, Senior Product Manager for Datamax-O'Neil, pointed out that D-O and Loftware share "a large base of world-class customers."

An updated release of LPS 10.1 and LLM 10.1 furnishes customers with new levels of control and traceability in label changes, according to Loftware, including the capacity to embed images in templates, expanded SMTP, and ease-of-use enhancements. It also enlarges existing "label versioning" capabilities in conjunction with popular enterprise systems and improves performance across the board for printer vendors. Earlier this month, Loftware also announced its next-generation enterprise labeling solution, dubbed Loftware Spectrum, which is based on an integrated architecture and browser access, resulting in "functionality and technology that is simply unrivaled," in the words of Robert O'Connor Jr., CEO/President of Loftware.

Datamax-O'Neil's I-Class Mark II Industrial Label Printer

Code Corner

New standards encompassing apparel and general merchandise for e-commerce retail environments have been released by GS1 US (Lawrenceville, NJ). Assembled as "Voluntary Guidelines for Exchanging Extended Attributes for eCommerce," such rules and practices were developed in collaboration with retailers, vendors, and solution providers, and may be accessed on the standards association's website. These new guidelines support the exchange of extended product attributes in several categories, including apparel, footwear, jewelry, fashion accessories, beauty products, and home products. Such product data extends beyond the traditional supply chain information already exchanged between retail buyers and sellers to support consumer requirements for rich online product presentations, according to GS1 US. "Implementing these guidelines agreed upon by industry stakeholders will be central to those organizations that are employing a strong omni-channel strategy focused on serving consumers with a consistent selling experience across all retail channels," advised Melanie Nuce, VP for Apparel and General Merchandise at GS1 US. "They serve as the springboard for all trading partners to analyze and improve their current internal capabilities, and will help them place a strong emphasis on the product attributes consumers deem essential in making online buying decisions."

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

A Corner Store for Consumables

OKI Data Americas (Mount Laurel, NJ) has called upon General Data Company (Cincinnati, OH) to extend easy delivery of consumables to its thermal printer partner network. Under this partnership, an e-commerce portal will offer labels, wristbands, and thermal transfer ribbons, in both stock and custom formats. Entitled the OKI Label Solutions Store, and password-protected, it will allow resellers to create specific accounts, and will serve as the single-source provider to customers, according to the two parties.

"OKI is pleased to continue its partnership with General Data, and to leverage their extensive label manufacturing capabilities," relayed Mark Hernandez, Director of Specialty Products for OKI Data Americas. "OKI looks forward to collaborating with General Data on the OKI Label Solutions Store and giving dealers and resellers broader access to label media." General Data's family of consumables includes "Direct Print" thermal labels and "Black Rhino" thermal transfer ribbons.

Just recently, OKI Data Americas elevated Carl Taylor to VP of Marketing for North America. Since joining OKI Data in 1996, Taylor has held progressive positions in the firm's marketing and sales group, including Director of Business Operations and Sales Process, Director of Product and Industry Marketing, and most recently, Director of Marketing for North America. "Carl Taylor has been with OKI Data Americas for 17 years, and we are pleased to see the continuation of his professional development within our organization," shared Mitsuaki Takahara, EVP of OKI Data Americas.

OKI and General Data Debut Consumables Website

An Ethical Epistle by Bob Carr

As you may know, Bob Carr, Chairman and CEO of Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ), recently ruffled feathers with remarks about criminal practices in the electronic payments industry. His address was delivered at the Strategic Leadership Forum of the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) on October 16. Now Carr has penned an open letter to the industry, clarifying and re-emphasizing his concerns. We quote from his letter, which is posted in its entirety on the company's website:

To claims that he called for more regulation of ISOs: "Really? I did not specifically attack ISOs at all. In fact, all non-banks, by definition, are ISOs, including Heartland Payment Systems. I called out criminal and misleading practices in our industry, specifically 1) falsifying interchange, 2) deliberately misrepresenting MCC codes, and 3) using extortion and intimidation tactics to enhance merchant retention, which extend beyond the ISO community, and called on the industry to change these practices."

On the role of the FTC: "If these practices don't change, I believe the government will be forced to step in and take action. An article [in an industry publication] indicates that I called for the Federal Trade Commission to 'police' our industry, leading to the inescapable conclusion that our industry is incapable of telling the truth to merchants, incapable of providing understandable merchant statements and contracts, and incapable of abandoning 'bait and switch' tactics. But I don't think so. I think that government regulation may be unnecessary if we can clean up our industry on our own."

On the path forward: "After my talk, many. many industry leaders expressed their support and acknowledged that 'It is about time someone said this publicly,' urging me not to give up the good fight . . . I call for collaboration with the FTC to stop these criminal practices. In addition, I call for the networks to do a much better job of enforcing all of their rules. If we are going to have rules that are not enforced, let's remove the resulting double standard that is created by allowing the rule breakers to have a competitive advantage over those who follow the rules . . . It is long past time to do this and I call upon an honorable leader in our industry, Jason Oxman, the CEO of the ETA, to lead this mission. He'll need all of our support."

Bob Carr, CEO, Heartland Payment Systems

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Synnex
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
AZT POS
Partner Tech
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POS-X
TEAMSable
Touch Dynamic

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

POS Systems - Apple Based
LightSpeed Retail

POS & Inventory Software
New West Technologies

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Printronix
Sato America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
Bluebird/Pidion
CipherLab
Datalogic ADC

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury

Keyboards
PrehKeyTec USA

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Fujitsu Components
Star Micronics

Scanners
Code Corporation
Ingenico

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

INSTALLATIONS

TCxWave Feels Bossy

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC) will supply its TCxWave POS for high-end apparel retailer, Hugo Boss. Both Europe and the U.S. will be covered by rollout of TCxWave, with the Toshiba SurePOS 785 in the case of the U.S. In all, Hugo Boss expects to install systems in over 500 stores, along with purchase options for its franchisees.

"Our Toshiba team is excited to make this journey with Hugo Boss to provide a high level of service and a seamless customer experience," remarked Steven Ladwig, CEO/President of Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. "As the pace of change in modern retail continues to evolve, we are committed to assisting retailers to redefine 'The Store' and delight their customers." Earlier, Toshiba announced that Calvin Klein also has selected TCxWave for its European locations.

Toshiba has positioned TCxWave as the answer for retailers seeking slick consumer-grade device styling and necessary retail-grade performance and durability. Whether configured in POS, kiosk, or self-service format, TCxWave brings consistent brand image, wide-screen format (18.5 inch), and multi-touch capability (projected capacitive), according to the vendor. As ruggedness, this platform employs industrial glass with antiglare protection, solid-state design, and retail-hardened testing. Human factor features include right/left-hand card swiping and maximum flexibility in possible viewing angles and heights. A new software product, TCxGravity, complements this hardware,

Toshiba's TCxWave Hardware Platform

Better School Safety, Via RFID

Ekahau, Inc. (Reston, VA) will deploy its Wireless Panic Button solution to six more schools for enhanced student safety. Based upon the company's Real Time Location System, known as "RFID-over-Wi-Fi," this school system offers significant advantages over hard-wired warning networks, according to the supplier. Schools involved in this current rollout include: Metropolitan School District of Bluffton-Harrison in Bluffton, IN; Crown Point Community School Corporation in Crown Point, IN; Albany School District in Albany, CA; Skyview High School in Nampa, ID; Grandview Middle School in Grandview, WA; and Patrick Henry High School in Glade Spring, VA.

A teacher wears an Ekahau RFID Safety Badge and in the event of medical, disciplinary, or other emergency, pulling down on the badge instantly makes his or her location known to first responders and other badge holders (e.g., "Room 3, Woodmont PS, Medical Code Red"). Of critical importance, such embedded location-tracking helps police reduce emergency response times by removing the need for map look-ups and phone calls. Also, Ekahau Vision software allows school officials to send mass notifications to teachers' badges, displayed as text messages on the LED. Lastly, Ekahua Vision automatically time-stamps and records all emergency events and resolutions for review by school officials and police departments.

"Educators and law enforcement officials in communities across America are embracing the idea that location visibility matters when it comes to emergency response effectiveness in schools," reported Mark Norris, CEO/President of Ekahau. "We're thrilled at the growth we've experienced with our school safety solution over the last three months, and we're proud to help educators address such challenges." A close partner of Cisco, Aruba, Hewlett-Packard, and Meru Networks, Ekahau solicits resellers on its website.

Ekahau Wireless Panic Button Badge

Pilot Flying J Lands on NCR

Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America, will install the complete POS suite from NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA). In updating from its legacy system, Pilot Flying J seeks to enhance back-office functionality, customer service, and marketing programs, as well as achieve multi-channel capabilities through in-store, Mobile POS, and online shopping. A combined network of more than 650 Pilot Travel Centers and Flying J Travel Plazas in North America serves more than 1.3 million customers daily.

"We are always looking for ways to add speed and simplicity for drivers whether they are fueling, eating at our restaurants, or shopping in our storefronts," contended Ken Parent, EVP for Pilot Flying J. "NCR's complete retail solution allows us to stay ahead of the industry for years to come and remain committed to providing exceptional services for our professional truck drivers and other value customers." Also cited was elimination of disparate "silos," with one platform for centralized management, monitoring, and control.

"Pilot Flying J, with its multiple customer touchpoints in fueling, dining, and general retail, is the perfect environment for a complete NCR software and hardware solution," commented Dale Grant, VP of Global Sales for NCR Retail. "Our focus in working with Pilot Flying J is to make the everyday easier for their employees and valued professional driver customers who are at the heart of their business. This technology allows Pilot Flying J to increase the speed of transactions and evolve how they market and serve customers going forward."

New POS for Travel Centers Across North America

Channel Factoid

New research by the National Restaurant Association reveals 63% of adults have used advanced restaurant technologies in the past month. More than two in five have employed their smartphone to find restaurant locations and directions, for example, or have viewed menus and placed orders on their computer. One in five has ordered takeout/delivery or has looked up nutrition information on their smartphone or tablet. Younger consumers are more likely to have used these technologies, not surprisingly. Seven out of 10 consumers age 18 to 34 have looked up locations and directions on their smartphone or tablet in the past month; likewise, half have used their computer to order food or make reservations. One-third, 35%, have placed takeout/delivery orders and 25% have checked nutrition information by such methods. When asked in which areas they would most like to see restaurants adding technology, loyalty programs and ordering topped the list, followed by reservations, entertainment, and payment. "Consumers crave technology and we are beginning to see the need for technological expansion in our industry now more than ever," observed John Metz, Jr., Chairman of the NRA's Profitability and Entrepreneurship Committee.

HELLO GOODBYE

A Good Read at Ingram Micro

Ingram Micro (Santa Ana, CA) has chosen Paul Read as its President/COO. In his new role, Read will be responsible for the worldwide IT distribution business and associated logistics support organizations, with the IT distribution regional presidents reporting directly to him. Read became involved with Ingram Micro by joining its Board of Directors last September. (He has now resigned from the Board.) Meanwhile, Bill Humes will continue reporting directly to Alain Monie, Ingram Micro's CEO, in the role of CFO, according to the company.

"Paul is an experienced operator and seasoned executive and we are fortunate to have him join the Ingram Micro team," reflected Monie. "His extensive background in the IT supply chain will help us as we strive to drive growth and greater returns across all our business lines.These changes will allow me to devote more time to new and future strategic growth opportunities. Paul, Bill, and I, with the rest of the executive team, are focused on improving profitability and delivering better shareholder returns."

From June 1995 to June 2013, Read worked with Flextronics Inc., worldwide supplier of electronics manufacturing services, leaving as CFO and EVP. Prior to Flextronics, he held various senior financial positions in the U.K. with Allied Steel and Wire, STI Telecommunications, and Associated British Foods. Ingram Micro also announced the election of Wade Oosterman, President, Mobility and Residential Services, and Chief Brand Officer for Bell Canada Enterprises, to its Board of Directors.

Paul Read, President/COO, Ingram Micro

Watching the Brady Bunch

Brady Corporation (Milwaukee, WI) has announced the retirement of CEO/President Frank Jaehnert and the appointment of current SVP and CFO Thomas Felmer as his interim replacement. At the company's request, Jaehnert will consult on business matters until the end of this year. Somewhat quiet of late in our channel, Brady supplies factory signage, barcode labeling printers and consumables, and employee and access control ID systems, among other industrial products.

"We are grateful for the service and leadership Frank has provided over the past decade, and we wish him well in the future," indicated Conrad Goodkind, Lead Independent Director of Brady's Board. "Over the last 10 years, he had led the company through acquisitions and international expansion and Brady has more than doubled its revenues. More recently, he has spearheaded the reorganization that has positioned us for future growth. The Board is committed to this process. On behalf of the entire Board, I express our appreciation to Frank."

"Tom has broad business experience and nearly 25 years with Brady," continued Goodkind. "We're confident that he will do a great job while the search for Brady's next leader is conducted. We have a strong leadership team in place that is committed to growing shareholder value and continuing our goal of exceeding customer expectations." Felmer will retain his responsibilities as SVP and CFO during the search process, according to Brady.

Frank Jaehnert Retires as Brady's CEO