This Week’s Product Pick

HID Global (Irvine, CA) released its next generation of Fargo ID badge printer/encoders, with direct-to-card (DTC) technology. This line consists of the cost-effective DTC1000 entry-level printer for small organizations; the professional-level DTC4000 printer for small to medium-sized organizations with greater security and scalability requirements; and the advanced DTC4500 professional printer for large corporations and government organizations with high-volume needs. All three printers were engineered to be extremely reliable and easy to use, according to the vendor, with intuitive GUIs and cartridge ribbon loading, as well as innovative features such as the industry’s first Swift ID embedded badging application and single-port (USB or Ethernet) connection for inline operation. Depending on the printer model, options include technology card encoding (iCLASS, Mifare, DESFire), dual-sided printing, dual-input card hoppers, and lamination capability. Security may be enhanced with printer password protection, fluorescent printing, and multiple custom holographic overlaminates.“We are proud to launch the new Fargo line under the HID Global portfolio," declared Alan Fontanella, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Identity and Access Management, HID Global. "This enables customers to benefit from complete interoperability with other ‘Genuine HID’ secure identity solutions as well as access to HID’s worldwide service and support network.”

Fargo Badge Printer/Encoders

COMPANY BUSINESS

Service Paid at Datamax-O’Neil

Datamax-O’Neil (Orlando) has offered an expanded menu of warranty agreements and value-added service programs for resale by North American and European VARs handling its printer portfolio. Specifically, the company’s one-year warranty can be extended in increments of one, two, and four years, putting the total warranty coverage period at two, three, and five years. Since D-O’s microFlash and PrintPad printers already come with standard two-year warranty, an additional one-year or three-year warranty may be purchased, increasing the coverage period to three or five years, respectively.

In addition, three service levels have been set. The first, “Priority,” features expedited two-day turnaround and return freight on warranty repairs when speed is the top consideration (standard warranty is five-day turnaround via ground freight). The second, “Comprehensive,” provides no-fault coverage on parts and labor, with Datamax-O’Neil handling cost of repair. Lastly, “Printer Express” represents an overnight exchange program through a managed pool of customer-owned inventory that ensures printers are available when needed.

“We are excited and pleased to provide this simple and consistent structure to our expanded service offering that brings our partners and customers the flexibility to select an option that best meets their individual requirements,” remarked Wayne Campbell, Director of Global Technical Support for Datamax-O’Neil, which serves as part of Dover Corporation’s Product Identification Group. “As the printer manufacturer, we are the best source for repairs and service, and we can offer it cost effectively with well-trained technicians using genuine Datamax-O’Neil parts. Customers can have peace of mind knowing they are receiving the very best service at the most competitive price through our partners.”

Datamax-O’Neil Service and Repair Facility

BlueStar: Let’s Take It Outside

BlueStar (Hebron, KY) will distribute ultra-rugged mobile computing solutions from Trimble (Sunnyvale, CA), one of the historic leaders in addressing extreme outdoor and industrial environments. BlueStar will help fulfill business to Trimble’s existing resellers, as well as develop new channels with an initial focus on Trimble’s Yuma tablets and Ranger handhelds, according to the two parties. Perhaps best known for its GPS prowess, Trimble builds its products to meet MIL-STD-810F military specifications for drops, vibration, immersion, and temperature extremes, and with an IP-67 rating for protection against water and dust.

“As BlueStar expands its solutions portfolio, the market for rugged, outdoor computing products offers significant opportunity for our Value-Added Resellers,” commented Mike Byington, BlueStar’s VP of Business Development. “With the addition of Trimble and its brand strength and experience in developing successful technologies for areas such as public safety, utilities, and environmental monitoring, we have greatly enhanced our mobility solutions portfolio at BlueStar.” The new agreement covers North America, Latin America, and Europe, Byington noted.

“Trimble is very excited about the opportunities presented by BlueStar, one of the most innovative distributors in our industry,” added Rob Davis, Director of Sales for Trimble’s Mobile Computing Solutions Division. “Our reseller network will benefit from having ready access to BlueStar’s distribution engine, which includes credit and web service facilities and real-time visibility into inventory stocking levels. These are important elements to help dealers achieve success.” With the new agreement, Trimble hopes to broaden its reach into markets such as field service, inspections, route accounting, direct store delivery, and the supply chain.

Distributor Adds Ultra-Rugged Computers from Trimble, Such as Yuma

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Pole Dancing Digital Signage

An innovative approach to digital signage had been unveiled by pcAmerica (Pearl River, NY) and Logic Controls, A Bematech Company (New Hyde Park, NY). Incorporated into this month’s release of Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express Version 12.5, the new module from pcAmerica displays transactions and content on the Logic Controls LV3000 LCD pole display, as well as on standard LCD monitors. It furnishes several eye-catching color schemes and multiple screen configurations. At the checkout counter, it offers the option to display the last three items rung up, rather than single purchased items in the manner of traditional two-line pole displays.

“Until now, digital signage has been an expensive proposition for business owners looking to enhance their retail and restaurant locations,” explained David Gosman, CEO of pcAmerica. “Typically, a digital signage set-up involves several vendors and requires specialized components, expensive software, and monthly service fees. pcAmerica’s solution is an affordable alternative--it is built into our software, requires only the Logic Controls LCD pole display or second monitor, and can be hosted locally or on the Internet.”

The LV3000 represents the latest in customer display innovation introduced by Logic Controls, the long-time POS hardware supplier. Unlike the traditional 2x20 text-based display, the LV3000 comes equipped with seven-inch LCD monitor and has been expressly configured for delivering multi-media messages. With high 500:1 contrast ratio, WVGA 800x480 optimal resolution, and backlighting, clear visibility is gained by this compact LCD module. In addition to its digital signage capability, Version 12.5 of Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express carries new features such as PA-DSS/PCI compliance, e-mail receipt and purchase orders, online ordering and fuel-pump integration, combo meal capability, and employee labor scheduling, according to pcAmerica.

New Content Delivery Module From pcAmerica

De-Coder Rings 1000

Code Corporation (Salt Lake City, UT) debuted its Code Reader 1000 at last week’s VARTECH 2010, held in Cincinnati by BlueStar. The CR1000 builds upon its patented dual-field optical platform and intuitive LED targeting design to read both wide linear and small two-dimensional barcodes fast and accurately. Physical parameters include compact form factor, manual or automatic triggering for handheld or hands-free operation, and disinfectant-ready housing. Of particular note, the CR1000 carries Code’s glare-reduction technology for scanning barcodes printed on shiny surfaces found in medical products such as bottles, syringes, and IV bags.

Through effective power management, the CR1000 achieves the lowest energy consumption of any product in its class, according to the manufacturer, thus making it well-suited for the full range of self-service configurations. Compatible with Code’s Cortex software configuration utility, the device also employs Code’s new rapid disconnect Affinity cables. Data editing and parsing are accomplished through JavaScript. Finally, the device comes with standard two-year warranty.

“Code’s new Code Reader 1000 has one of the best compact form factors I have seen in years,” shared Mark Fraker, VP of Marketing for BlueStar. “The numerous mounting configurations of this new design, and the fact that the Code Reader 1000 can handle barcodes off cell-phone screens, make it unique. I am sure the ingenuity of our channel will find many solutions which will utilize the Code Reader 1000, especially in the healthcare, mobile ticketing, kiosk, and retail spaces.”

Code Corporation Ships Its Code Reader 1000

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INTEGRATION

Good Hands With Janam

Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY) has extended its licensing agreement with ACCESS Systems Americas, Inc., the company formerly known as PalmSource that owns Garnet OS (first released as Palm OS Version 5). Under terms of the five-year pact, Janam will continue to develop and sell its XP Series of Garnet OS-based rugged mobile computers through 2017. Hewlett-Packard purchased Palm Inc. in May, RRN.Com readers will recall, but that deal only included the webOS mobile operating system, and not Palm OS.

“With the introduction of the XP Series, Janam offered enterprises new and innovative rugged mobile computers on which they could continue to deploy their proven and cost-effective Palm applications,” recounted Harry Lerner, CEO of Janam. “We offered the right features at the right price and enabled businesses to preserve their investment, add functionality to existing solutions, and advance their business. We are pleased to extend our commitment to Garnet OS users and will continue to offer value-driven mobile solutions that result in success for our partners and customers worldwide.”

Janam’s XP20 and XP30 are the only mobile computers that combine Palm OS Garnet with features typically required by enterprise customers, according to Janam, such as rugged construction, barcode scanning, WLAN, numeric keypad option, NAND flash memory back-up, extended-capacity battery option, and full suite of cradles and accessories. Janam’s XP Series has an international customer base with sales continuing to grow year over year, the vendor reports. In addition, Janam supports users of Microsoft Windows Mobile and Windows CE through its XM66, XM60+, and XG100 product lines.

Janam’s XP Series Maintains Support for Palm OS Garnet Through 2017

Intermec Taps ISVs

Intermec (Everett, WA) added more than two dozen new members to its ISV (Independent Software Vendor) PartnerNet effort in Q2, including companies such as DA Systems, Descartes, ESRI, MobileFrame, and Quofore. Andy Stento, formerly in channel sales and marketing management at Hewlett-Packard, now serves as Intermec’s Senior Director of ISVs. He reports to Scott Anderson, VP of Global Channels, who rolled out Intermec’s new PartnerNet program earlier this year.

“Thanks to our ISV PartnerNet members, Intermec’s heritage and future is much more than hardware alone, but about the entire solution that delivers timely measurable results for our customers,” Stento said. “With our continually evolving partner ecosystem, ISVs are providing differentiated solutions and measurably growing their businesses. We welcome companies with innovation in their blood to join the community.”

As one success story, Intermec and MiT Systems, Inc. (Fullerton, CA), another PartnerNet member, point to Loveland Distributing, the large Miller/Coors product distributor in Virginia, which reportedly improved operational efficiency by more than 90% in its warehouse and distribution processes. This installation utilized the Intermec CN3 rugged mobile computer with MiT EzSales Mobile for Pre-Sales, and the hosted, cloud-computing MiT EzWebRouter. “We are confident that our fellow PartnerNet members are experiencing and delivering significant impact due to the new program, and we look forward to driving continued strong results for our customers,” testified Mark Maraj, VP of Sales and Marketing for MiT Systems.

Cloud Computing Solution for Warehouse/Distribution Keeps Beer Flowing

Code Corner

Retail Hero (Vancouver) shipped RMS Lite, its interface for bringing mobility to the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS). RMS Lite features everything one would expect of standard POS software, according to its developer, including visual inventory navigation menu, an inventory look-up screen, and the ability to process transactions in cash, debit, or credit. When used in conjunction with touchscreen tablet PCs, its “catalog view” allows one-touch sales and its “offsite mode” splits inventory between the store and the mobile platform, performs transactions, and then re-synchronizes when returned to base. RMS Lite also fulfills PCI-DSS requirements via secure payment technology delivered by Mercury Payment Systems. Its GUI was designed to resemble both Dynamics RMS and POS in order to minimize the need for cashier retraining. Built upon Microsoft .NET and Windows Presentation Foundation, RMS Lite is fully compatible with both existing and future versions of Windows, including 64-bit. It supports Dynamics RMS Version 2.0, as well as previous Versions 1.2 and 1.3. Finally, RMS Lite, in the manner of all Microsoft Dynamics add-ons from Retail Hero, does not require an active service plan. “On top of functioning in the store for line-busting and relief POS lanes, RMS Lite will supplement Dynamics RMS in so-called ‘pop-up retail’ outside the walls for shopping center kiosks, flea markets, trade shows, or anywhere else mobile sales are possible,” said Darryl Brousseau, Sales Manager for Retail Hero.

RMS Lite Return Transaction

ALLIANCES

Compsee Finds Its Brother

Compsee (Gig Harbor, WA) has lengthened its vendor roster with the addition of mobile printing and industrial labeling products from Brother Mobile Solutions (Broomfield, CO). This includes Brother’s PocketJet full-page mobile printer, MPrint small-format device, and TD-4000/4100 and PT-9700PC/9800PCN desktop barcode assemblies. Compsee, now owned by Control Solutions, Inc., serves segments in automated data collection, supply chain management, and enterprise mobility. Control Solutions, as many RRN.Com readers know, also owns POSDATA, which addresses retail POS and integrated payments.

“Entering this partnership with Brother allows Compsee to offer our customers true on-demand printing solutions from an international leader,” stated Billy Graham, President of Compsee. “Brother is an excellent fit with our go-to-market strategy that allows our sales teams to broaden their offerings and support for their prospects and customers.” Michael Krumm, Marketing Manager at Brother, pointed in particular to Compsee’s end-to-end mobile workforce solutions, along with its ability to deliver to customers across the U.S., as benefits gained from the new relationship.

Compsee also announced that its PowerTrack Construction Solution has been accepted into the development partner program for ViewPoint Construction Software (Portland, OR). PowerTrack allows real-time reporting from field supervisors for labor, equipment, production, and materials in the construction and shipbuilding industries. “Our mutual customers will benefit from the shared technical knowledge resulting from this collaborative environment,” noted Mike Kapp, SVP of Marketing at Compsee. Significantly, ViewPoint Version 6 employs the Microsoft .NET platform for third-party integration and scalability.

Small-Format MPrint by Brother Mobile Solutions

No Hidden Issues at Moneris

Moneris Solutions (Toronto) has selected INETCO Insight as the business transaction management solution for its payment processing network. Described as lightweight and agentless, INETCO Insight will give Moneris on-demand reporting, data correlation, real-time alerting, and historical transaction query capabilities, according to the two parties. Performance metrics, moreover, will make it easy to isolate issues and quickly determine which IT team or third party needs to be summoned. INETCO Insight will be deployed within the production, test, and back-up environments of all Moneris data centers located across Canada.

“Unlike traditional ‘deep dive’ application and networking tools, INETCO Insight provides systems-wide view into the performance of all our business-critical applications and networks,” testified Amer Mater, SVP of Products and Technology for Moneris Solutions. “By deploying this leading-edge business transaction management solution, Moneris has gained the real-time visibility and historical transaction intelligence needed to proactively analyze, diagnose, and report on the performance of every payment transaction and deliver the best customer service possible to over 350,000 merchants.”

“As banks and payment processors continue to focus on expanding market share, new product offerings, and operational efficiencies, they face an escalating risk of performance issues in their payment system environments,” indicated Bijan Sanii, CEO/President of INETCO Systems Limited (Vancouver). “Activities such as new service rollouts, migrations to modular web-based applications, ever-changing compliance regulations, and mergers and acquisitions have resulted in the need for more robust troubleshooting, analysis, and on-demand reporting solutions. INETCO Insight will enable Moneris to remain one of the market leaders and continue to grow their business without escalating risk of revenue or service disruptions.”

Amer Mater, SVP of Products and Technology, Moneris Solutions

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

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

One WAY to Mobility for VeriFone

VeriFone Systems (San Jose, CA) has scooped up the assets of WAY Systems, Inc. (Woburn, MA), one of the pioneers in mobile POS solutions and associated gateway services. Purchase price consisted of an upfront payment of $6 million and an earn-out payable in one year of up to an additional $3 million should certain performance targets be met. VeriFone said it will immediately integrate WAY’s technology and customers within its expanding PAYware Connect Gateway infrastructure, thereby furthering its push into service-based, recurring revenue as opposed to traditional hardware sales.

“We are delighted to add the WAY Systems customers and employees to the VeriFone family,” remarked Jeff Dumbrell, EVP at VeriFone. “The intellectual property we are acquiring will significantly contribute to our vision of empowering wide-scale adoption of mobile payments.” Indeed, WAY has been granted numerous patents in the U.S., Europe, and China for a range of schemes, including the connection of the magnetic-stripe reader (MSR) to mobile devices such as PDAs and smart phones.

WAY Systems was founded in 2002 with initial seed capital from Bill Melton, the founder of VeriFone. From 2004 to 2009, WAY received $50 million in equity investments from Bessemer Venture Partners and Austin Ventures as well as debt financing from Lighthouse Capital Partners. Its current customer base numbers 25,000 merchants who use the company’s compact mobile POS technology and gateway services.

WAY Systems Added for Mobile POS Growth

[Editor’s Note: At press time, VeriFone Systems also announced its purchase of end-to-end encryption leader, Semtek (San Diego). VeriFone previously invested in Semtek’s equity funding. Semtek shareholders received VeriFone common shares that valued the acquired company at $18 million.]

3M Becomes More Cogent of Biometrics

3M (St. Paul, MN) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cogent Systems, Inc. (Pasadena, CA), one of the leading players in biometric security solutions for government, law enforcement, and commercial enterprises. Purchase price was set at $940 million, or $10.50 per share, with the transaction expected to close in Q4. Cogent Systems, founded and led by Ming Hsieh, recorded approximately $130 million in revenue for 2009 and employees 500 people.

Cogent’s biometric capabilities span finger, palm, face, and iris recognition technologies. Its Automated Fingerprint Identification System, dubbed AFIS, enables customers to capture such images electronically, encode prints into searchable files, and accurately compare the files to the database containing potentially millions of prints in seconds. In the area of identification and authentication, 3M now offers border management products; document manufacturing and issuance systems for IDs, passports, and visas; document readers and verification products; and, last but not least, security materials such as laminates to protect against counterfeiting and tampering.

“Cogent Systems has done a tremendous job in establishing a strong presence in the biometric industry,” observed Mike Delkoski, VP and GM, 3M Security Systems Division. “Adding Cogent Systems’ products to our business strengthens our product portfolio and services in high-security credential issuance and authentication systems and better positions 3M’s business in law enforcement applications. It also expands our reach into access control and other commercial ID and authentication applications.”

Cogent Acquisition Brings Strong Portfolio of Biometric Security Solutions

Channel Factoid

Business owners are changing the way they approach retirement in light of economic conditions. The latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index, surveyed in July, shows many business owners are considering later retirement, with 69% not planning to draw back until age 65 or older. This has jumped 17% from 2007 and 28% from 2005. Respondents saying they intend to stop working earlier than full retirement age (between 60 and 64) decreased to 21% from 27% since 2007, and those anticipating retiring before age 60 fell to 11% from 21%. When asked what they would miss most about working, three experiences were cited by owners: seeing their business grow and thrive (78%), interacting with customers (74%), and working in a challenging environment (67%). Interestingly, 47% of respondents reported they never plan to retire unless forced to do so for health reasons, an increase from 40% reported in 2007. With continued pressure from the current economic environment, fully 68% of business owners admit they are worried about not being able to build back their personal savings lost during the recent downturn. Overall, fewer of these people (63% versus 79% in 2007) are confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably when they do retire. “Many owners are reinventing their business approaches to ensure financial stability for the long run,” relayed Doug Case, Wells Fargo Small Business Segment Manager. “This often has a direct impact on personal retirement plans and tests the resilience and entrepreneurial flexibility which characterizes small business ownership.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Alvarez the Logical Choice

Wladimir Alvarez has been appointed to the position of President at Logic Controls, A Bematech Company (New Hyde Park, NY). Alvarez joined Bematech (Sao Paulo, Brazil) as VP of Sales and Marketing, International in 2005 and has been actively involved in management of Logic Controls since its purchase by Bematech in August 2008. In addition to all sales and marketing efforts, he will now have overall responsibility for driving the company’s further growth in its retail and hospitality markets.

“This year, Logic Controls has adopted a new approach to our business ecosystem,” Alvarez told RRN.Com. “This approach will redefine the synergy between Logic Controls and its VAR partners. My vision is to develop services that cover both pre-sale and post-sale support. Logic Controls is intensively working on more innovative and valuable enhancements to our programs, including providing educational sessions and special incentives.”

“We believe it is critical to build a trusting relationship between Logic Controls and each of our VAR partners,” Alvarez continued. “Moreover, we are determined to establish an open communication channel and platform that will help both Logic Controls and our customers and partners to grow strong together.” Over the past six months, Logic Controls has moved aggressively into the POS terminal business with two new products, the Smartbox SB-8200 and the SB-9090, as well as recharging its corporate branding and channel strategies. The company’s founders, Jackson and Muriel Lum, have officially retired and RRN.Com wishes them both well.

Wladimir Alvarez, President of Logic Controls, A Bematech Company

SATO’s Southern Strategy

SATO America (Charlotte, NC) has placed Chris Williams as its new Southern U.S. Regional Sales Manager. Reporting to Robert Linse, President, Williams will be responsible for the continued development and growth of the company’s channel business in data collection, labeling, and thermal printing for his territory. Prior to joining SATO America, Williams specialized in all aspects of Auto ID and RFID for companies such as Intermec and Moore/RR Donnelley. Most recently, he was an independent sales representative within the field.

“With over a decade of experience in the Auto ID and RFID arena, Chris Williams joins SATO America as a seasoned professional,” Linse commented. “He is able to immediately utilize his knowledge and experience in serving our highly valued resellers, as well as our existing and future customers. Based on his customer-centric approach, Chris is already an essential asset for both SATO America and our customers.”

In May, SATO Corporation celebrated its 70th Anniversary, having been founded in Japan in 1940 to manufacture and sell packaging machinery. “Year after year, SATO has remained focused on developing the right solutions for the right applications for customers around the world,” said Gary Krause, Marketing Director of SATO America, Inc., which was formed in 1987. “Our continued dedication as a leader of identification and labeling solutions for 70 years is truly an amazing feat by any standard.”

Chris Williams, Southern U.S. Regional Sales Manager, SATO America