Our Product Pick

A certification for Apple MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) has been granted for the VP3350 Payment Device from ID TECH (Cypress, CA). It follows earlier certification for Apple's Lightning Connector. In compact dimensions of 2.6"/67 mm (H) x 2.8"/71 mm (W) x 0.5"/14 mm (D), VP3350 supports all contactless payment methods (Apple, Google, and Samsung Pay). A heavy charging base provides insert, swipe, or tap. A trio of connectors includes Lightning, USB-C, and Bluetooth/BLE. It meets PCI PTS 6.X SRED. "The VP3350 not only offers top-tier payment processing capabilities but also enhances customer experience with its mobility and versatility," expounded Angie Chi, Product Manager at ID TECH.

ID TECH's VP3350

COMPANY BUSINESS

A Feeling of Dejavoo

A new semi-integrated solution for payments has been fashioned between Dejavoo (Mineola, NY) and Sound POS (Jacksonville, FL). As terminals from Dejavoo, supporting the full-featured platform of Sound POS, it features the Android QD Series (QD1, QD2, QD3, QD4, QD5). An iPOS Systems Company, Dejavoo calls its semi-integration tool, "SPIn."

"As we celebrate Sound Payment's Eighth Anniversary and continuous growth, we welcome Dejavoo to our Sound family and are excited to expand the hardware line for Sound POS resellers and merchants," shared Andrew Russell, CEO of Sound Payments. "This is an important accomplishment in our company's history as we grow Sound POS in the market." (In the channel of VARs, ISVs, and ISOs, Sound has also partnered with vendors PAX Technology and Equinox Payments.)

"Our partnership with Sound POS will help merchants best position themselves for today's competitive environment, boosting productivity, reducing operating costs, and increasing sales," relayed Mony Zenou, Founder and CEO of Dejavoo. In the coming weeks, Sound POS will add Dejavoo's Android P Series. With the P Series, Dejavoo offers its "POPUP" Program to convert merchants using non-gateway terminals.

Integrated Payments by Dejavoo and Sound POS

Garrett in Touch

A return to our channel for Garrett Russell, named as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Touch Dynamic (South Plainfield, NJ). A familiar figure, he served as VP of Sales and Marketing for 11 years at Code (now part of Brady). Earlier, he served as GM of the Omniplanar Division at Metrologic (now part of Honeywell). Most recently, he spent four years as SVP of Partnerships at human resource software firm, Energage.

"We are thrilled to welcome Garrett to the Touch Dynamic team," expressed Craig Paritz, CEO of Touch Dynamic. "His extensive experience and visionary approach to sales and revenue growth align perfectly with our goals. We are confident that Garrett's leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand our market presence. We look forward to seeing the remarkable impact he will have on our company."

"I am excited to join Touch Dynamic at such a pivotal time in the company's growth," reflected Russell. "I look forward to working with the talented team here to further enhance our product offerings and drive significant revenue growth. Together, we will build on the strong foundation already in place and achieve new heights of success."

Garrett Russell, Chief Revenue Officer, Touch Dynamic

Worth Your While

VARTECH
BlueStar
September 16-17
Orlando, FL

FSTEC
Foodservice Tech/Winsight
September 16-18
Grapevine, TX

Money 20/20
Ascential PLC
October 27-30
Las Vegas, NV

Pack Expo
PMMI-Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies
November 3-6
Chicago, IL

MJBizCon
MJBizDaily
December 3-6
Las Vegas, NV

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Elo Equips M51

A latest edition to its product line at Elo (Knoxville, TN) unveils the M51 Rugged Mobile Computer. With scratch-resistant 6" projected-capacitive touchscreen, the M51 has Android 14 O/S with GMS and Qualcomm Octa-Core CPU at 2.7 GHz. In data collection, it comes with integrated payment capacity, via contactless NFC, and an optional 2D barcode scanner. It also includes front 8 MP and rear 13 MP cameras.

As wireless, the M51 supports Bluetooth 5/BLE, Wi-Fi 6E, and LTE 5G. Weighing 10.5 oz./298 g, it meets sealability standards of IP-68, with 4 ft./1.2 m drops (and 6 ft./1.8 m drops with rubber boot) per MIL-STD-810G. A 4520 mAh, warm-swappable, battery delivers 12 hours of life.

"The M51 Mobile Computer is built to thrive in challenging environments, whether managing inventory in a warehouse or scanning ticketing at a bustling event," espoused Craig Witsoe, CEO at Elo. "With its durable design, powerful performance, and seamless integration with EloView (device management), the M51 empowers businesses to operate more efficiently." Also, Elo has added built-in contactless payments, or "Tap to Pay," via NFC, to its 22" Touchscreen Kiosk.

Elo M51 Mobile Computer

Accelerating Mach at MicroTouch

A pair of new products from MicroTouch (Holland, MI) extend its Mach Series: the 27" All-in-One Touch Computer (M1-270IC-AA2) and Android Media Player (M1-MP-AA2). With projected-capacitive screen, the new Mach AiO features MediaTek Genio 700 CPU, 8 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, and Android 13 GMS O/S. With certification to Google EDLA (Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement), the Mach AiO offers the range of connectivity, including Bluetooth 5/BLE and Wi-Fi 6E, and peripheral I/O Ports.

An accompanying Android Media Player transforms touchscreen monitors and static signage displays into "high-performance, commercial-grade interactive systems," according to MicroTouch. In compact dimensions of 5.7"/146 mm (W) x 1.3"/33 mm (H) x 6.3"/160 mm (D), it carries full suite of I/O Ports. As powered by MediaTek, it allows businesses to run Video, Audio, HTML, Web Pages, and Android Apps. MicroTouch backs the Media Player with three-year warranty.

"We see exceptional opportunities to implement the 27" Mach All-in-One, particularly in self-service applications," contributed Frank Olea, CEO of Olea Kiosks. "The screen size is ideal, and its power and flexibility allow us to design complete solutions that precisely meet our customers' needs." In July, MicroTouch debuted its 15.6" (M1-156IC-A2) and 21.5" (M1-215IC-A2) Mach All-in-Ones with Intel Celeron CPU/Windows 11 O/S and 10" Touch Customer Facing Display (CFD).

MicroTouch 27" Mach All-in-One Touch Computer

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 August 26

Week of July 29

Week of July 5

A Message From the Editor

As we complete another year--approaching 20!--our mission remains constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID (and now Mobility). If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of new technologies, go-to-market strategies, business models, and consumer expectations. We look forward to continuing our mission, and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

ALLIANCES

Shift4 Taketh Givex

Another acquisition for payment processor Shift4 (Center Valley, PA), in this case, gift and loyalty stalwart, Givex (Toronto, ON, Canada). Expected to close in Q4, under an all-cash deal, Shift4 will pay $148M for Givex. In June, readers will recall, Shift4 announced it will purchase another provider of POS, Revel Systems (Atlanta, GA) for $250M.

"Givex has a considerable footprint around the world which will dramatically increase Shift4's overall customer base," projected Taylor Lauber, President at Shift4. "At the same time, their gift and loyalty solutions are second to none and will add significant value for our current customers, creating stickier relationships and enhancing our overall value proposition. Similar to other deals we have recently completed, this acquisition aligns perfectly with how we like to deploy capital--adding blue chip merchants at a low customer acquisition cost while delivering additional benefits to our customer base."

With 350 employees, Givex, founded in 1999 by CEO Don Gray, has annual revenue of approximately $60M. Acquisition will add more than 130,000 merchant locations across more than 100 countries to Shift4. As prominent brand names, Givex serves Nike, Marriott, 7/11, Wendy's, Best Western, and Texas Roadhouse. It includes POS.

Another Acquisition for Payment Processor Shift4

Jack Henry on the Moov

A strategic partnership between Jack Henry (Monett, MO) and Moov (Cedar Falls, IA) seeks to simplify digital payments for small-to-midsized business (SMB). A cloud-native service, offered through financial institutions, will allow SMBs to accept payments via tap on smartphone, receive same-day funds for payments accepted, and automate reconciliations to accounting software packages. A multi-phased introduction, with beta testing, is scheduled to begin by mid-2025.

Jack Henry CTO Ben Metz noted small businesses typically have multiple relationships with banks and fintechs to serve their specialized needs, resulting in inefficiencies, increased costs, and integration issues. "This service will reduce fragmentation and place community banks and credit unions at the center of the relationship," stated Metz. "It also will help financial institutions capture SMB deposits, which tend to be significantly higher than retail deposits."

In Jack Henry's 2024 Strategy Benchmark Survey, 78% of the company's clients in banking reported they planned to expand their small business capabilities over the next two years. Of those clients, nearly seven out of 10 cited payments as the SMB service they planned to add. An early player in fintech, Jack Henry serves 7,500 banks and credit unions.

Simplifying Digital Payments for the SMB

Code Corner

A Potful of Code

A new solution for the supply chain in cannabis has been released by Metrc (Lakeland, FL). As benefits, Metrc Retail ID may help to enhance transparency, bolster confidence, simplify brand processes, and reduce labor and cost for suppliers and retailers, according to the ISV. It eliminates both relabeling and secondary labeling--via serialized QR Code--while also completing checkout. Allowing real-time access to item-level product data--such as origin, potency, test results, and Certificate of Analysis (COA)--it meets growing regulatory requirements by state governments in the U.S. As of now, it integrates with dispensary software by Dutchie, Treez, Blaze, and FlowHub. "Consumers are demanding more insight into their purchases, driving a heightened focus on transparency and traceability," reported Michael Johnson, Metrc's CEO. "Metrc Retail ID provides the necessary visibility for all industry stakeholders, improving market confidence and consumer safety, while also reducing the associated burdens of product labeling and protecting the reputation and bottom line of cannabis businesses."

Metrc Retail ID for Cannabis

A ClearLine to Marketing

A digital service marketing platform, touchscreen-based, has been rolled out by ClearLine, the subsidiary of SurgePays (Bartlett, TN). A turnkey solution, delivered via Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), it seeks to boost customer engagement for merchants. Additional information will enhance target campaigns, increase customer spending, capture feedback and reviews, and digitize loyalty program enrollment. It has been integrated with payment terminals from Clover and PAX Technology, with Dejavoo, Ingenico, and Verifone to follow. "Our new ClearLine digital marketing platform and touchscreen display will help our VARs and ISOs to increase client retention rates and establish them as long-term indispensable partners to their retail customer base," proposed Nate Moshkovich, VP of Product at SurgePays.

ClearLine Customer Engagement Platform

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Newland: Android Boots Up

As Android Enterprise Silver Partner, Newland AIDC (Fremont, CA) now offers Google Zero-Touch for its family of mobile computers. A solution for pre-configuration of enterprise device management--"from the first boot"--Google Zero-Touch ensures consistent and correct deployment of devices from Newland AIDC. It supports both apps and policies for IT.

A major international hardware manufacturer, headquartered in Fuzhou, China, Newland AIDC recently set its sights on the reseller channel in North America. It markets barcode scanners, rugged tablets, and self-service kiosks, in addition to mobile computers. At Newland, Google Zero-Touch accompanies Android Models NLS-MT95, NLS-MT93, NLS-MT90, NLS-NFT10, NLS-N7, NLS-MT67, and NLS-MT65.

"Introduction of Zero-Touch support signifies our commitment to enhancing enterprise efficiency and security," declared Rain Wu, Director of Product and Technology at Newland AIDC. "By simplifying the deployment and management of our devices, we empower organizations to adopt more agile and responsive mobile strategies." As Head of Channel Partnerships for North America: Hernan Campero, Jr.

Newland AIDC Offers Google Zero-Touch for Its Android Mobile Computers (Such as Model NLS-MT95)

Adyen: Life in the Fastlane

An ongoing relationship has Adyen (San Francisco, CA) now adding online checkout for customers via Fastlane from PayPal (San Jose, CA). Available to the financial ecosystem in August, PayPal's Fastlane gathers, stores, and pre-fills the customer's payment card and shipping information for merchants (following customer enrollment). With encryption, and passcode, it eliminates the need for passwords.

"Adyen's customer base and relationships with enterprises makes them an ideal Fastlane payment processing partner. This strategic partnership aligns with our goal to make PayPal available everywhere customers shop globally," testified Alex Chriss, PayPal's President and CEO. "PayPal has evolved into a platform of choice for the world's largest commerce brands, technology companies, and payment processors, offering seamless and connected commerce experiences to hundreds of millions of consumers and businesses."

"Expanded partnership with PayPal further strengthens Adyen's ability to provide global enterprises with seamless payment flows and top-quality guest shopping experiences," emphasized Pieter van der Does, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Adyen. "PayPal is a payment brand name that shoppers trust, and we're delighted to take our collaboration another step further in the U.S., utilizing our combined expertise to raise the bar for our customers." In earlier partnership, Adyen offers PayPal, Venmo, and PayPal's Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL).

Adyen Offers Fastlane Checkout by PayPal

[Editor's Note: Also for checkout via its Fastlane, PayPal has recruited another payment processor, Fiserv (Milwaukee, WI).]

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Peripherals
Bixolon America
Electronic Payments
Epson America
FEC POS
HiStone
HP
Ingenico
Optima Systems
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Star Micronics
Toshiba
Washburn Computer Group

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
GoDEX Americas
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers/Cash Handling
apg/APG Cash Drawer

Data Collection
MobileDemand
Star Micronics
Unitech America

Integrated Payment Solutions
Charge Anywhere
Datacap Systems
Electronic Payments
Ingenico
Miura Systems
North American Bancard

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
Star Micronics
Woosim Systems

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
apg/APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

INSTALLATIONS

Toshiba Enters the Gift Shop

A deployment of electronic shelf labels has been undertaken by Partron ESL (Gyeonggi, South Korea) and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (Research Triangle Park, NC). It equips four of 100 sites of retail merchandiser, Event Network (based in San Diego, CA), which has gift shops in museums, aquariums/zoos, gardens, historic sites, etc. Over the next six months, more sites will be added in the U.S.

"We're proud that by working with our system of partners we're always able to deliver meaningful value to our customers," remarked Ted Clark, Director of Global Alliances at Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. "In this case, by working with Partron ESL, we consulted on the best solution to meet Event Network's needs and implemented the solution in the four stores within a 30-day turnaround. Along with our hardware and innovative service, Event Network is now uniquely equipped with modular end-to-end solutions to ensure that their shoppers have excellent in-store experiences."

Its partnership with Event Network started with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions becoming the sole provider of POS. During this earlier roll-out, Toshiba called upon additional partners for essential staging and installation. It also provided complementary hardware such as payment terminals. In addition, Event Network draws upon Proactive Service Availability (PAS) by Toshiba. "At the forefront of retail technology," in the words of Ryan Close, CTO of Event Network.

Toshiba and Partron ESL Furnish Electronic Shelf Labels for Retail Merchandiser, Event Network

A Podium for Abbott Jewelry

An integration of specialty retail and AI has been fielded by Podium (Lehi, UT) and ISV Abbott Jewelry Systems (Shelton, CT). It furnishes two-way sync between customer contacts and inventory items, in support of The Edge POS by Abbott. As functions, Podium has AI Salesperson, Schedular, Marketer, Concierge, and Reputation Specialist. As technology, The Edge runs Microsoft SQL 2019 and Windows 10/11 O/S.

"By merging The Edge's powerful inventory and POS data with Podium's communication and conversion tools, we are equipping jewelry retailers with unprecedented capabilities to deepen client relationships and streamline operations," suggested John Foreman, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Podium. In retail, in addition to jewelry, Podium addresses appliance, furniture, and mattress markets. (Also automotive, health and wellness, and home services. A customer base of 100,000.)

"With bidirectional synchronization, this new solution will allow merchants to text their customers links to products, descriptions, images, and prices--making it an even more valuable tool," observed Mike Abbott, Director of Sales for The Edge at Abbott Jewelry. "We are always pleased to bring our clients a better product through our efforts and those of our valued partners." Launched in 2004, The Edge by Abbott Jewelry Systems has 4,000 locations now deployed.

Podium's AI Syncs Customers and Inventory for The Edge Software by Abbott Jewelry Systems

Channel Factoid

Watching the Warehouse

Impact of Top Trends
& Innovations in 2025

#1: Warehouse Automation - 32%

#2: Warehouse Mgmt. Systems - 15%

#3: Inventory Tracking - 12%

#4: Wearables - 10%

#5: Internet of Things - 9%

#6: Immersive Reality - 8%

#7: Warehouse Security - 7%

#8: Sustainable Warehousing - 6%

#9: Fleet Mgmt. - 1%

Source: Startus Insights

One-Third of Respondents
Plan Warehouse Automation

Short Takes

-A new distribution agreement for the U.S. and Canada for the mobile computers and contactless access solutions by Janam Technologies (Bethpage, NY) draws upon TD Synnex (Fremont, CA).

-A secured funding of $50M, led by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital and Bridge Bank, for maker of Cake POS, Mad Mobile (Tampa, FL).

-A plan to supply its point-to-point encryption (P2PE) for payments on the part of Bluefin (Atlanta, GA) serves Moneris (Toronto, ON, Canada).

Cake POS by Mad Mobile

HELLO GOODBYE

In the Black at StayLinked

A promotion at StayLinked (Irvine, CA) has Brandon Black elevated to CEO. Also, an expanded role for Justin Griffith adds the title of Chairman of the Board to his existing position of CTO. An experienced executive in mobile device management, Black served as SVP and GM at Ivanti, and before that, longtime Director of Sales at Wavelink (now part of Ivanti).

"Brandon's appointment as CEO is a game-changer," indicated Griffith. "His deep expertise and forward-thinking approach perfectly align with StayLinked's mission to drive innovation and efficiency. Brandon's leadership will enhance our product offerings and strengthen our commitment to providing unparalleled solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our customers."

"I'm here because of the exciting opportunities I can see for StayLinked now and in the future," put forth Black. "StayLinked is dedicated to supporting the exciting terminal emulation user community and developing new and innovative solutions to future-proof their investment. Our mission now is to accelerate our expansion while ensuring the same culture and values that have seen the company achieve its current success stay in place."

s

Brandon Black, CEO, StayLinked

Agilysys: Hey Joe

A changing of the guard at Agilysys (Alpharetta, GA) sees Joe Youssef joining as SVP of Sales and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). He replaces Don DeMarinis, who has retired. As credentials, Youssef held executive positions, including EVP of Sales, at provider of software for travel and tourism, Amadeus. He also led Amadeus Business Intelligence (BI).

Agilysys President and CEO Ramesh Srinivasan commented, "For six-plus years, Don DeMarinis has served an instrumental role as part of the management team that has taken Agilysys annual revenue from $127.4M in FY2018 to $237.5M during FY2024 (ending March 2024). Under Don's leadership, Agilysys has delivered record revenue growth for the past 10 consecutive quarters." Prior to Agilysys, DeMarinis worked at VAR Brolin Retail Systems and Oracle/Micros.

"Being instrumental in helping a technology innovator such as Agilysys reach its next level of performance is highly appealing," enthused Youssef. "Throughout my career I have been most proud of the teams I have built and coached, the solution innovations I have helped established as market leaders in hospitality, and the supportive cultures I have helped to shape. This role at Agilysys presents each of these development opportunities and more."

Joe Youssef, SVP of Sales and Chief Commercial Officer, Agilysys

[Editor's Note: Also, Agilysys has snapped up spa management ISV, Book4Time (Toronto, ON, Canada)].