This Week’s Product Pick

Panasonic Solutions Company (Secaucus, NJ) unboxed its Toughbook S9, the world’s lightest 12.1-inch laptop with an integrated DVD drive, according to the company. Powered by the Intel Core i5-520M vPro processor at 2.4 GHz, and delivering up to 11 hours of standard battery life, the new notebook measures 11.1 in. x 8.3 in. x 0.9-1.5 in. and weighs only 3 lbs. Embedded wireless technologies include Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, and optional Gobi 2000 mobile broadband from Qualcomm. For constant connectivity, the Toughbook S9 will be certified on the Sprint and Verizon Wireless networks. In keeping with its name, the notebook has been engineered to survive 30-inch drops to the base of the unit while operating, as well as 12-inch falls from any angle to its widescreen LED display. Its keyboard protects against liquid spills of up to 6 oz. and both the lid and base of the notebook are designed to withstand more than 220 lbs. of pressure. The notebook runs Microsoft Windows 7 (with XP downgrade if desired) and carries an estimated street price of $2,499 from authorized resellers and distributors. “Our Toughbook brand has an average failure rate in the low single digits, while most commercial-grade laptops have double-digit failure rates,” pointed out Kyp Walls, Director of Product Management, Panasonic Solutions Company.

Panasonic Toughbook S9

COMPANY BUSINESS

Hat Trick for ScanSource

Last week’s 2010 Partner Conference in Savannah, GA, saw ScanSource make three important channel announcements. First, the distributor has added Hewlett-Packard’s retail-hardened POS workstations--the HP rp5700, rp3000, and ap5000--to its line card. In the second, ScanSource has charged headlong into payment processing through the creation of its ScanSource Payment Solutions Suite, which will focus on merchant services and key injection, entwined areas of technology that POS distributors have largely avoided in the past. Finally, ScanSource also launched an innovative web store, dubbed AppSource, for mobile data collection.

In addressing payments, ScanSource has partnered with First Data to help resellers capture recurring revenue streams for merchant services, batching, and processing. To handle the knotty problem of key injection, which necessitates confidentiality, ScanSource said it will build an integrated secure facility at its Custom Configuration Center in Southaven, Mississippi, where this service will be fulfilled. In the past, when resellers purchased payment terminals, such hardware needed to be sent to the manufacturer or another third-party for key injection/encryption. By offering this capability, ScanSource intends to take costs and time out of the process. Mustang Microsystems has been brought onboard to assist in this effort with its technical and consulting expertise in POS.

“Our goal as a distributor is to take as much of the back-office load off the reseller as possible, while looking for ways to add incremental opportunity to their current business,” stated Jeff Yelton, President of ScanSource POS & Barcoding (Greenville, SC). “With ScanSource Payment Solutions, we enable our resellers to be better strategic partners for their end-user customers, while bringing convenience and efficiency to the process and continuing to remove costs from the channel."

In the case of AppSource, ScanSource’s resellers will be provided with access to an extensive library of mobile data collection applications for various devices and vendors. Once the proposed solution is ready for implementation, resellers then purchase the appropriate licensing option and activate each data terminal for use. “The web store is especially effective for reaching the SMB segment, where it is often cost-prohibitive to develop custom software applications,” Yelton said. “It will also allow resellers the opportunity to repurpose applications they have already written.”

Jeff Yelton, President of ScanSource POS & Barcoding, Addresses Partner Conference

Epson’s Environmental Exchange

A new rebate/recycling program has been launched by Epson America (Long Beach, CA) in support of sales of its new TM-T88V and ReadyPrint T20 thermal receipt printers. Between September 20 and December 31, Epson will rebate $25 towards the price of each TM-T88V or ReadyPrint T20, both of which boast Energy Star certification. To qualify, participants must send an old single-station thermal printer within 30 days of the Epson printer purchase.

No limit has been set on the number of printers accepted during the duration of the program, and no vendor’s products have been excluded as returns, RRN.Com was told by Jeff Burroughs, National Channel Sales Manager for Epson America. Moreover, Epson will cover all associated shipping costs. Upon receipt, Epson also will dispose of the replaced printers through its licensed recycling partner at no charge, thereby removing that burden and cost from end-users and resellers.

“We hope to provide an opportunity for the promotion and sales of Epson’s new Energy Star-qualified single-station thermal printing solutions, while allowing for the responsible disposal of obsolete equipment,” Burroughs explained. “This program is another illustration of Epson’s long history of environmental stewardship. Through recycling and rebate programs such as this, we hope to extend our environmental reach through the channel by empowering resellers and customers who opt to upgrade.”

Jeff Burroughs, National Channel Sales Manager, Epson America

Worth Your While

NACS Show
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 5-8
Atlanta

CTIA Enterprise & Applications
CTIA-The Wireless Association
October 6-8
San Francisco

Poll-A-Rama
Tri-Technical Systems
October 13-14
Dubuque, IA

Pack Expo International
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI)
October 31-November 3
Chicago

AIM Expo
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility
November 1-3
Chicago

Customer Engagement Technology World
(Formerly KioskCom & The Digital Signage Show)
November 10-11
New York

NRF 100th Annual
Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 9-12, 2011
New York

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

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

34th Annual IBM User Conference
IBM Retail User Group
May 15-18, 2011
Orlando

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Motorola's Rambling PDT

Motorola Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) unveiled its MC959B industrial mobile computer with user-selectable WAN capability. This new device incorporates Qualcomm’s Gobi 3G/4G technology, one of the first embedded mobile wireless solutions designed to put an end to connectivity restrictions. With so-called MAX FlexWAN, enterprises are free to deploy and later re-deploy the devices on virtually any 3.5G network--HSPA and CDMA 2000--thus simplifying purchasing and system management.

“Motorola’s flagship MC9500-K series raises the bar for premier rugged mobile computing with its breakthrough design and unsurpassed feature set that support the most demanding field mobility applications,” declared Girish Rishi, VP and GM of Mobile Computing, Motorola Solutions (the latest designation for the company’s data collection and networking business). “The new and innovative MC959B, with its dual-WAN capacity, demonstrates our continued efforts to provide our customers with the anywhere/anytime access to data applications that enterprise users need.”

In addition to its communications breakthrough, the MC959B offers benefits in processing power, data capture, and form factor, according to the manufacturer. Technical characteristics include Marvell 806-MHz processor, Micro-SD card, 3.7-inch full-color VGA display with digitizer and backlight, and IP-67 environmental rating. Motorola’s MX Keypad acommodates field-swappable configurations such as alpha primary, numeric telephony, numeric calculator, and full alphanumeric, with core keys positioned for comfortable one-handed operation. Additional features include ergonomic styling, dynamic screen orientation and free-fall event logging, and high-capacity battery with advanced status indicators.

MC959B From Motorola Solutions

SurePOS Sees Red

IBM (Armonk, NY) introduced its new line of SurePoint infrared touchscreens for use with the IBM SurePOS 700 and SurePOS 500 (as second screen). Model 4820 comes in 12.1-inch and 15-inch display sizes, in gray or white, with high-contrast ratio, minimal glare, and wide-angle viewing. SurePoint has been engineered with unintentional touch-rejection technology that never needs calibrating, according to IBM, and allows checkout workers to employ fingers, stylus, or edge of credit cards. Its tactile and auditory feedback, along with forward-facing speaker kit, further optimizes speed and efficiency.

“In the current environment, finding new ways to connect, interact, and communicate with customers is no longer just a differentiator, it’s now an imperative, especially for retailers wanting to strengthen customer advocacy, enhance checkout accuracy, and boost speed while providing shoppers the personalized experience they demand,” remarked Leo Suarez, VP of Marketing and Strategy, IBM Retail Store Solutions. “Stores deploying IBM customer-facing displays give shoppers the ability to scroll through receipts, access loyalty information, and respond quickly to new store promotions during checkout. Store operators can also introduce new services at the POS, including valuable third-party offers that help retailers generate incremental revenue.”

Among its highlights, SurePoint lists deep-sleep mode via IBM Remote Management Agent, easily detachable I/Os for peripherals, embedded diagnostic capability, and flashable firmware and security updates. Its retail-hardened design ensures long service life even under the most extreme conditions, according to IBM. Finally, the displays and packaging are constructed from recycled materials.

IBM’s SurePoint Infrared Touchscreen

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Week of September 13

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

BlueStar Delivers the Danish

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) has expanded its European footprint with the purchase of two specialty distributors for the Danish market, Scan-it A/S and Elma POS & Data A/S. At the risk of oversimplification, Scan-it focuses the majority of its efforts on Auto ID, while Elma represents leading peripheral manufacturers in POS. Both distributors include names in their line card familiar to RRN.Com readers, as well as suppliers relatively unknown in North America.

“BlueStar Nordic has a sizeable local warehouse in Malmo, just 45 minutes from our office, and we will now be able to offer a diverse and complete inventory of Auto ID and POS products to our Danish resellers,” commented Finn Rasmussen, CEO of Scan-it. Added Lars Bendixen, CEO of Elma POS & Data, “The partnership with BlueStar will give us the resources we need to focus on local resellers and the in-country POS market in Denmark.” The offices of BlueStar Nordic in Malmo, conveniently, are located directly across the bridge from Copenhagen.

Down in warmer climates, BlueStar Latin America has announced the appointment of Jonathan Abad to the position of Business Development Manager for Motorola. Abad joined BlueStar in 2008 as an Account Representative. He was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Florida International University. His background includes time working in transportation and logistics, according to the distributor.

BlueStar Nordic Warehouse Near Copenhagen

Trading Places at HighJump

HighJump Software (Minneapolis) has reached agreement to buy TrueCommerce (Cranberry Township, PA), provider of EDI for the SMB market. Founded in 1995, TrueCommerce has been endorsed as the exclusive or preferred EDI solution by Sage, Intuit QuickBooks, and Microsoft Dynamics. It furnishes trading partner connectivity for 3,000 customers, integrates with many major ERP systems, and can be deployed in either Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or on-premise models. Nick Manolis serves as CEO.

This new EDI capability will complement HighJump Software’s existing supply chain product suite, which extends from supplier to store shelf with data collection, warehouse and transportation management, route accounting, manufacturing execution, and field force automation. Trading partner collaboration has become increasingly important as organizations strive to reduce costs and improve service levels, according to the two parties. Above and beyond accurate exchange of information, participants enjoy consistency in business processes.

“Combining HighJump and TrueCommerce creates a unique and compelling solution offering within the supply chain software market,” suggested Russell Fleischer, CEO of HighJump Software. “Our view is that supply chain applications must allow users to connect with a broad ecosystem of trading partners to maximize value. The TrueCommerce solution platform, and our previous move to cloud-based delivery, will help translate this vision into reality for our customers.”

Transaction Manager Function of TrueCommerce, Now Owned by HighJump

Code Corner

Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA) announced certification of its NETePay with EMV (Chip-and-PIN) support for Canadian payment processors Global Payments and Mercury Payment Systems, who join Chase Paymentech in supporting EMV transactions via NETePay 5.0 in-store server software. Datacap’s DSI-EMV-ClientX one-to-many client control manages the PIN Pad, completely handles card interaction, and formats the receipt for printing by the POS system. This single, simple interface works for all listed processors, eliminating the need for an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) to perform rigorous and expensive direct EMV integrations. In addition, Datacap's NETePay with EMV product architecture minimizes the scope of PCI compliance, another major benefit for developers and their end-user customers. As part of this program, development specifications, tools, and technical assistance have been offered to ISVs for immediate integration, testing, and end-to-end certification. “The availability of EMV-enabled NETePay allows developers and their merchants to readily upgrade their systems, as the liability for fraudulent transactions shifts to non-EMV-capable merchants beginning on October 1, 2010,” noted Gayle Peters, VP of Sales and Marketing at Datacap Systems. “Looking ahead, magnetic-stripes will no longer be accepted on Interac Association debit cards after 2015.”

INTEGRATION

Wavelink TE for Janam XG

Wavelink Terminal Emulation will be pre-installed as the exclusive host solution for Janam’s XG100 rugged, gun-shaped, mobile computers. This builds on an agreement earlier this year between the two companies in which Wavelink Avalanche became the only device management platform for Janam’s mobile computing products. The expanded partnership gives Janam’s XG100 customers access to Wavelink Industrial Browser, Avalanche enabler, and telnet custom client made specifically for that device.

“We are always looking at ways to add value for our customers,” noted Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY). “Investment protection is a significant benefit, and by preloading Wavelink Terminal Emulation on every XG100, we empower our customers to use the industry-leading solution right out of the box to connect their new mobile computers to legacy systems.”

“We have enjoyed a successful relationship with Janam, and we look forward to expanding the partnership,” shared Steve Bemis, VP of Worldwide Sales for Wavelink Corporation (Midvale, UT). “By working together with Janam, we are able to help mobile professionals increase their productivity and ROI. This also bolsters our position as the industry standard as Wavelink software ships on more mobile devices than all of our competitors combined.”

Janam also announced that ADD Systems (Flanders, NJ) will use XM66 rugged mobile computers in its latest direct store delivery (DSD) solution for the petroleum, propane, gasoline, and convenience store industries. Reportedly, Janam’s XM66 first earned consideration due to its Class I, Division 2, UL certification for hazardous locations. Following evaluation, the XM66 was selected for its advanced barcode scanning, fast processing, full 3.5-inch display, and compact, lightweight body, according to the two parties.

Steve Bemis, VP of Worldwide Sales, Wavelink

Unitech Besotted With SOTI

Elsewhere, Unitech America (Cypress, CA) and SOTI (Mississauga, ON, Canada) have partnered to layer SOTI’s solution for mobile device management, known as MobiControl, onto Unitech’s hardware. Specifically, SOTI has been certified with Unitech’s HT680, PA600, and PA968 rugged mobile computers. These devices deliver multiple data collection and wireless connectivity paths for satisfying field force automation. For its part, SOTI this week released its MobiControl Version 8, which has been enhanced with web console, rapid device provisioning, and stand-alone authentication.

“SOTI is excited to bring Unitech on-board as its partner,” offered Carl Rodrigues, CEO/President of SOTI. “With this new venture, SOTI continues to expand its international reach while highlighting the importance of mobile hardware and software partnerships. With Unitech’s advanced rugged handhelds, armed with SOTI’s MobiControl, we will be able to offer any organization best-in-class mobile device management.”

“Unitech is thrilled to be partnering with SOTI,” indicated Vincent Shu, President of Unitech America. “Their cutting-edge MobiControl software is the natural fit for Unitech’s rugged mobile computers. With SOTI along for the ride, Unitech continues to further improve its quality solutions for international customers.” Earlier, in August, Unitech America approved IntelliTrack’s data collection software for use on its trio of handhelds.

MobiControl Mobile Device Management for Unitech Handhelds

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
Pioneer POS
Posiflex Business Machines
POS-X

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil
Godex International

Barcode & Transaction Printers CognitiveTPG

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF POS

Data Collection Terminals
Datalogic Mobile
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

Keyboards
Cherry Electrical Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

J2 Wave Hits Our Shores

J2 Retail Systems (Irvine, CA and Warrington, U.K.) has shipped its J2 Wave, designed expressly for mobile POS. This new device features Marvel PXA270 416-MHz processor, 128 MB memory, and 1 GB flash storage and runs Microsoft Windows CE. Designed for ease of use, it weighs approximately 12 oz. and measures 3.3 inches wide, with strap for handling and rugged construction for withstanding multiple drops in cases of mishandling. Order entry has been facilitated through its large 4.3-inch resistive touchscreen, which can be rotated or set in landscape or portrait format for maximum flexibility. Accessories include peripherals such as scanner and MSR as well as single-unit or four-unit charging cradle.

“The J2 Wave sets a new standard for mobile solutions in the often harsh environments of hospitality and retail,” declared Moray Boyd, Co-Founder and Managing Director of J2. “This lightweight handheld delivers unmatched price performance for any open architecture POS application and has been very warmly welcomed by our partners and their clients.” Inventory control and healthcare also have been designated as suitable markets, according to Boyd.

“We’ve looked at a number of handhelds in the past and they were never perfect,” cited Malcom White at ICR Systems, one of J2’s partners in the U.K. “With the J2 Wave, however, we’ve got a great blend of all the positive points of this technology. When I gave it to my client to trial, I said ‘Get used to it, as you won’t want to give it back,’ and I was right. That client is now equipping staff with J2 Waves in his busy bar and restaurant business and he’s increasing his turnover.”

Mobile POS from J2 Retail Systems

[Editor’s Note: Speaking of handhelds for hospitality, Menusoft/Digital Dining (Springfield, VA) has defeated Ameranth in the long-running patent infringement dispute between the two companies. “We knew from the beginning that Digital Dining-licensed handhelds had nothing to do with their patent’s technology,” remarked Graham Granger, President of Menusoft Systems. A jury found all seven asserted patent claims not infringed and invalid, Menusoft announced on its website.]

Yr Pills Ready

Sybase 365 (Dublin, CA) has provided SMS text messaging to customers of Rite Aid, the leading drugstore chain. Customers who enroll in “pharmacy alerts” will receive SMS notifications when their prescriptions are ready to be collected, as well as refill and will-call reminders and other status changes. Patients may receive such messages by text, as well as e-mail or automated phone call, whether they ordered their prescriptions in one of Rite Aid’s 5,000 stores or online from the company’s website--and regardless of their mobile network.

“This new service greatly enhances our ability to communicate with our patients while using the protocol they prefer,” testified Robert Thompson, EVP of Pharmacy at Rite Aid. “In addition to convenience, these alerts also help our patients stay current with their prescriptions and improve compliance in taking medications.”

“Rite Aid’s new mobile messaging service is a great example of how innovative enterprises are leveraging the mobile channel to provide customers with a richer experience, thereby increasing their loyalty to the brand,” observed Marty Beard, President of Sybase 365. “SMS alerts are a great entry point for enterprises from which they can evolve into more sophisticated mobile campaigns across the customer life cycle--creating awareness, enabling purchases, supporting the consumer post-purchase, and driving customer retention.” In recent research from Sybase 365, 70% of consumers said they would welcome greater functionality and services from their mobile phones.

Rite Aid Deploys SMS Texting by Sybase 365

Channel Factoid

Say “Boo.” According to the National Retail Federation’s 2010 Halloween Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, Americans will spend an average of $66.28 on costumes, candy, and decorations, up from last year’s $56.31 and comparable to the $66.54 average spend in 2008. Overall indulgence in this holiday is expected to reach $5.8 billion. This year, the highest percentage of people in the survey’s history will dress up with four out of 10 people (40.1%) planning to do so, up from 33.4% in 2009. (An astounding 11.5% will outfit their pets as well.) Additionally, 33.3% of people will throw or attend parties, nearly three-quarters (72.2%) will hand out candy, 46.3% will carve pumpkins, 20.8% will visit haunted houses, and 31.7% will take their children trick-or-treating. Second only to the winter holidays in terms of plans to decorate, half (50.1%) of consumers celebrating will decorate their home or yard. “In recent years, Halloween has provided a welcome break from reality, allowing many Americans a chance to escape from the stress the economy has put on their family and incomes,” related Matthew Shay, CEO/President of NRF. “This year, people are expected to embrace Halloween with even more enthusiasm, and will have an entire weekend to celebrate since the holiday falls on Sunday.”

HELLO GOODBYE

RFID Becomes Visible, “Per” Checkpoint

Checkpoint Systems (Thorofare, NJ) has named Per Levin as President of its new division, Merchandise Visibility Solutions, formed to exploit the ready market for RFID in the retail and apparel supply chain. Previously, Levin served as President, Shrink Management and Merchandise Visibility Solutions. As part of the company’s five-year plan, RFID, called out as Merchandise Visibility Solutions, has now been elevated to equal status with two other business units, Shrink Management Solutions, offering electronic article surveillance (EAS), and Apparel Labeling Solutions, supplying tags and labels from print shops worldwide.

“I’m confident that the talent and technology is now in place to win in this emerging business process,” stated Rob van der Merwe, Chairman, CEO, and President of Checkpoint Systems. “With the purchase of OATSystems in 2008 and Brilliant Label Manufacturing in 2009, Checkpoint acquired two key businesses enabling the company to provide RFID software engineering and expanded global label printing. These capabilities, together with our legacy assets and global footprint, combine to offer Checkpoint’s customers an important end-to-end solution.”

Prasad Putta, Co-Founder of OAT Systems, and an industry-leading RFID expert who was also one of the framers of the MIT Auto-ID Laboratory, will serve in an executive role in the new division. Farrokh Abadi, currently SVP and Chief Innovation Officer, will replace Per Levin as President of Shrink Management Solutions. Checkpoint said it will conduct an internal and external search to fill the Chief Innovation Officer vacancy.

Per Levin, President, Merchandise Visibility Solutions, Checkpoint Systems

China Cabinet Filled by APG

APG Cash Drawer (Minneapolis) has enlisted Jack Zheng as Business Products Manager of China. Zheng will be stationed in the Shenzhen area of China, along the southeastern coastline neighboring Hong Kong. He will support both vendor and customer activities in the country and reports to Jim Yiu, APG’s Director of Asia Pacific.

“Jack will be developing customer relationships and finding opportunities to help them grow their business,” said Dale Dahlberg, VP of Operations at APG. “He will be our feet on the street in China. We aim to assist customers to find the right products for the markets they serve.”

Zheng’s work experience has spanned international efforts in marketing, sales, and manufacturing, according to APG. Past responsibilities include project coordination with customers and suppliers, consisting of tooling, drawing specifications, samples, manufacturing processes, and fulfilling customer requirements. Zheng currently pursues his Master's Degree from the University of HeBei.

Jim Yiu, APG’s Director of Asia Pacific, with Jack Zheng, Business Products Manager of China