This Week’s Product Pick

American Industrial Systems, Inc. (Irvine, CA) offered its low-cost, 10.4-inch, Rugged Tablet PC featuring the Intel Atom N270 Processor for long battery life and high industrial reliability. The device utilizes aluminum-magnesium alloy construction and meets requirements such as IP54 for waterproof and dust, UL60601-1 Medical Equipment Certifications, and Military 810F shock, vibration, and drop standards. With starting MSRP of $1,499, the Rugged Tablet PC features sunlight-readable touchscreen technology, programmable buttons, and six-cell 4800-mAh lithium-ion battery pack. Additional accessories are available such as charging bases, barcode scanners, carrying straps, and GPS receivers to tailor the Rugged Tablet PC to individual requirements. In the area of communications, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have been integrated, along with the PCMCIA slot to allow the addition of wireless modems and third-party devices. Finally, Microsoft Windows XP, Embedded, and CE are available. “Through the combination of MIL-810F ruggedness and reliability, IP54 element protection, and the Intel Atom Processor, AIS has created this cost-effective, all-in-one Rugged Tablet PC solution designed for oil and gas industries, heavy equipment, automation, machine control, warehousing, and new opportunities where cost would have been prohibitive,” said Alan Wong, spokesperson for AIS.

Rugged Tablet PC from AIS

Worth Your While

Poll-A-Rama IV
Tri-Technical Systems
September 15-16
Dubuque, IA

2009 APICS International Conference & Expo
Association for Operations Management
October 4-6
Toronto

2009 IFDA Distribution Solutions Conference
International Foodservice Distributors Association
October 19-21
Baltimore

NACS Show 2009
National Association of Convenience Stores
October 20-23
Las Vegas

BAI Retail Delivery Conference & Expo
Bank Administration Institute
November 3-5
Boston

IH/M&RS
International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show
November 7-10
New York

Synergy 2009 Customer Conference
Retalix
November 8-11
Dallas

Fall 2009 Self-Service Expo
KioskCom
November 10-11
New York

NRF 99th Annual Convention & Expo
National Retail Federation
January 10-13, 2010
New York

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Motorola Broadens Scanning Portfolio

Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions (Holtsville, NY) unveiled its MT2000 Series Mobile Terminals, which represent “the marriage of the simplicity of a scanner with the brainpower of a mobile computer and an ultra-ergonomic gun-style form factor.” Measuring 7.8 in. H x 3.1 in. W x 5 in. D, and weighing 13.5 ounces, the MT2000 features 312-MHz Intel XScale PXA270 processing, Microsoft Windows CE 5.0, and 64-MB memory. Two models are offered, the MT2070 and the MT2090, with choice of laser or imager scan engine. Both support integrated Bluetooth and can be operated in batch mode or connected via USB to the host. The MT2090 also supports integrated 802.11a/b/g wireless. Since MCL Technologies’ MCL-Client software comes preloaded on the devices, an optional MCL Designer permits applications developed for other Motorola mobile computers to be ported to the MT2000 Series “with point-and-click simplicity.”

Motorola also introduced its MK4000 Micro Kiosk for service-driven industries such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare. The MK4000 incorporates the company’s patented scanning technology (again, laser or imaging), 12.1-inch touchscreen, and high-performance architecture, as well as stereo speakers, microphone, and headset jack. At just under 2.5 inches (6.25 cm) deep, the MK4000 offers one of the thinnest profiles in its product category, enabling easy mounting on shelves, walls, tables, and end-caps. Wireless 802.11a/b/g connectivity eliminates the need to run network cabling to each kiosk and by running Microsoft Windows CE, the MK4000 easily integrates into existing technology environments, Motorola said.

“Motorola’s advanced data capture solutions go beyond scanning--offering versatile tools that help change the way enterprise organizations do business,” stated Al Quinn, VP and GM of Advanced Data Capture, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions. “The new MK4000 and MT2000 are testaments to Motorola’s rich history of innovation and our commitment to providing customers with breakthrough products to gain competitive advantage.”

MT2000 Series Mobile Terminal from Motorola

Tharo Displays Its Wares

Tharo Systems, Inc. (Brunswick, OH) has provided an easy software solution for printing barcode and RFID labels using XML enterprise systems. It leverages Tharo Easylabel V.5’s XML Generator and XML Monitor and does not require special XML-enabled printers, according to the vendor. Users produce label formats via Easylabel’s design tools and then populate and print by sending XML files to monitored folders or TCP/IP ports.

XML Generator prompts for the format, the number of labels to print, which printer to employ, and the variable data needed to populate the fields on the format. The resulting XML file serves as the template that can be uploaded to and populated from within an XML-enabled application. SAP and Oracle XML files intended for label printing are directly supported, without need of the Easylabel XML Generator. (Microsoft’s .NET framework and Windows 2000 or Windows XP are required to use the XML Generator.) XML Monitor allows users to automatically print Easylabel formats to their current label and RFID printers upon receiving compatible XML files.

In the hardware arena, Tharo debuted its new UHF Gen2 RFID reader, the PR100, which carries an MSRP under $1,000. The PR100 features read range of up to five feet, displays scanned RFID data on its graphical LCD screen for instant visual verification, and stores up to 4,000 RFID scans, which can then be uploaded via USB connection. The PR100 comes with the necessary software to save data in Microsoft Access-compatible (MDB) databases, create custom reports, and export CSV files for easy system integration.

Tharo’s PR100 Handheld RFID Reader

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COMPANY BUSINESS

BAP Goes the Printer

Datamax-O’Neil (Orlando) has seen its H-Class RFID-enabled barcode and label printers qualified for use with BAP (Battery-Assisted, Passive) technology from Israel-based PowerID Ltd. Specifically, Datamax-O’Neil’s H-4212 and H-6210 printers were tested and approved for use with PowerID’s PowerG and PowerT--EPCglobal Class 1, Gen2 labels designed for general purpose logistics and race timing, respectively. The Datamax-O’Neil H-Class printers represent the first UHF printers and encoders to support PowerID’s BAP labels, according to the two parties.

“We are very pleased with this qualification, which adds another credential to our leadership position in the RFID industry,” remarked Cindy Guiles, RFID Product Manager for Datamax-O'Neil. “We have been working closely with PowerID for some time and believe in the value of its BAP labels. We view this as another step in strengthening our partnership.”

The key to BAP’s performance lies with PowerID’s flexible battery technology, which enables readability in difficult environments while boosting the read range of the labels, according to PowerID, which has U.S. offices in Houston. Due to the thin, flexible form factor of the battery, the label can be used with standard, unmodified RFID printers. Released in 2008, PowerID’s Gen2 labels are now being deployed in roll outs globally. “This is a significant announcement for our partners and customers who are now able to use off-the-shelf RFID printers/encoders with our BAP labels in a roll-to-roll process,” pointed out Erez Kahani, PowerID’s CEO.

BAP Labels Put the Battery in the RFID Tag

Restructuring for Cynergy Data

Cynergy Data (Long Island City, LI) announced that it entered into an asset purchase agreement with The ComVest Group, the private investment firm focused on providing debt and equity solutions to middle market companies, to buy substantially all of the company’s assets. Cynergy also voluntarily initiated proceedings under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware in order to facilitate the sale on an expedited basis. Cynergy Data expected to complete the sales process, which is subject to an auction and Bankruptcy Court approval, within 90 days from the filing on September 1.

According to Marcelo Paladini, CEO of Cynergy Data, the Chapter 11 process will allow the company to continue to provide its merchant credit card processing services while it completes its structured sale of the company’s assets. “We are grateful for the continuing support of our employees, vendors, merchants, and Independent Sales Organizations as we undertake our restructuring process. We expect to emerge from this process as a new company with a much stronger financial position focused on continuing to provide excellent, cost-effective solutions to our merchants and ISO partners,” he continued.

Founded in 1995, Cynergy Data now employs 130 people and manages a portfolio of nearly 80,000 merchants processing in excess of $10 billion annually. Since 1988, The ComVest Group has invested more than $2 billion of capital in over 200 public and private companies worldwide. ComVest owns controlling interest in numerous electronic payment processing companies, including Pipeline Data, CardAccept, AirCharge, SecurePay, and Northern Merchant Services.

Marcelo Paladini, CEO of Cynergy Data

Code Corner

Cougar Mountain Software (Boise, ID) released CMS Professional 2010 for their business accounting, POS, and non-profit/government products. This latest release includes “Cougar Dtails, A Financial Dashboard,” which connects the business owner, CPA, or CFO to critical general ledger data and provides three different views to help them make better business decisions: Profit & Loss, Cash Flow, and Financial Indicators. CMS Professional 2010 also brings enhanced filtering and external reporting capabilities, according to the developer. Users may now export reports to any CSV file and view it in Microsoft Excel, or any spreadsheet that can open CSV files. Users can then arrange this data into different formats, such as graphs, for further analysis. Further, users now may filter look-up information using the “contains” option. This can be quite helpful to those who have forgotten how to spell the customer’s name or how an item was originally entered. “We’re especially excited about Cougar Dtails, A Financial Dashboard,” shared Brian Jennings, Director of Product Management. “This at-a-glance financial dashboard will enable business owners, CFOs, or CPAs to keep on top of their cash, know where their business stands in this unstable economy, and help them track down problems or questionable transactions.”

Citizen Systems America (Torrance, CA) announced its new Windows 2.0 printer driver for adding watermarks, logos, and couponing to receipts. Available from Citizen’s Website at no charge, the Windows 2.0 driver supports printer models CT-S310, CT-S2000, and CT-S801. After downloading the driver, customers may activate the features they need, for “no hassle installation,” and with all drivers provided in one installer. Also available are driver files for manual installation. Windows driver 2.0 provides its watermarking capability for added security and prevention of unauthorized returns and theft. Electronic Journal (Journal Viewer) allows storing of transaction history data. In addition, keyword recognition may be used to activate the inclusion of coupons on the receipt for promoting customer loyalty. Additional features include upside-down printing, raw file sender, reprinting capabilities, and launching POS printer utility. “Now we can offer Citizen’s customers this fully featured driver that can leverage the advanced performance of our POS printers,” noted Herb Netal, Director of Engineering, Citizen Systems America. “The customer-facing watermark and coupon tools now featured in our 2.0 driver were designed to be very intuitive and easy to use.”

For more information on Windows 2.0 driver, click here.

INTEGRATION

Engines Tuned Up at SATO

SATO (Charlotte, NC) has added support for GS1 DataBar and the Intelligent Mail Barcode to its printer product portfolio. Specifically, all SATO printers and OEM print engines (excluding CX Series printers) now support GS1 DataBar, which RRN.Com readers should know, facilitates barcode labeling on produce and small items. In addition, the SATO M84Se Series, S84 Series, and Lt408 print engines now carry the resident capability to print the Intelligent Mail Barcode, which will be required for use by the U.S. Postal Service by May 11, 2011.

“Once again, SATO has stayed abreast of new compliance regulations and updated our print engines far in advance of the mandated date to better serve our customers and valued partners,” Bob Lanzendorf, SATO America’s OEM Sales & Marketing Manager, said of the Intelligent Mail Barcode. Gary Krause, SATO America’s Director of Marketing, added that “SATO, our partners, and our customers all believe that GS1 DataBar will be a globally significant barcode symbology moving forward.”

Earlier, SATO announced the promotion of Mike Fowler, President of SATO International America, Inc., to Executive Officer of SATO Corporation. As part of its worldwide reorganization, SATO has established four business units as regional headquarters:  Japan, Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. In line with this new direction, three regional heads for the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific were appointed as Executive Officers of SATO Corporation. In addition to Fowler, Brian Lang was named Managing Director of SATO International Europe, while Lim Yee serves as Managing Director, SATO International Asia Pacific.

M84Se Series Print Engine from SATO

USB 3.0 on Fast Track, Finally

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has released its USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB) Peripheral Development Kit. This PDK will help promote interoperability and allow SuperSpeed USB developers to benchmark and test against host solutions in the emerging SuperSpeed USB ecosystem, according to the non-profit group, which is based in Beaverton, OR. First proposed in 2008, USB 3.0 seeks to boost data rates to about 5 GB/s from USB 2.0’s current specification of 480 MB/s.

Significantly, the PDK contains reference hosts, which enable the testing of myriad peripherals. These reference hosts represent devices that have been utilized in extensive evaluation of the USB 3.0 Specification. The USB-IF recommends that all systems developed in conjunction with the PDK engage in compliance testing, when available, to ensure compliance to the USB 3.0 Specification.

In total, the PDK includes two PCIe host add-in cards, one-meter SuperSpeed USB cable, PDK documentation, and the USB 3.0 Command Verifier, which is the official tool for USB 3.0 Hub and Device Framework testing. The PDK also supplies the required prototype driver and compliance driver that have been tested on the Microsoft Windows 7 platform. Kits are available to USB-IF members for immediate purchase.

New Logo Signifies Compliance and Certification

Farley Rides Again with StoreTender POS

Aloha Data Systems (Las Vegas) has unveiled StoreTender POS, its new software package designed to satisfy the needs of grocery retailers at reasonable cost, particularly those with one to eight checkout lanes. The package includes individual modules for functions such as ordering, receiving, pricing, shelf labels, loyalty programs, inventory control, cashier management, and of course, POS. It employs the familiar “cash register” interface to reduce employee training time and incorporates features such as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture), FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts), and EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer).

Most notable, Aloha Data Systems is led by Ken Farley, who created QuickSell Retail POS. QuickSell was ultimately sold to Microsoft, RRN.Com readers will remember, where it has evolved into Microsoft Dynamics RMS. Farley has long been considered one of the leading lights in the POS software industry.

Aloha Data Systems now seeks new dealers in the U.S. and world marketplace. StoreTender POS satisfies the need for multi-language capabilities. Also, an enterprise-level system will be announced later this month.

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
FEC USA
Logic Controls
Pioneer POS
POS-X

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil

Cash Drawers
MMF Cash Drawer

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Honeywell Scanning & Mobility
Janam Technologies
Motorola

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems

MICR Check Printers/Self-Service Kiosks
Source Technologies

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Star Micronics

Retail Software
InfoTouch
Logivision

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

STOPS & STARTS

$9 Ticket to the Cloud

Salesforce.com (San Francisco), the enterprise cloud computing company, has released its Contact Manager Edition, priced at $9 per user per month, and targeted at the market for very small businesses and individuals. Built on Force.com, Contact Manager Edition provides all the essential tools needed to manage business contacts and customers in the cloud, according to its developer. The flexible, pay-as-you-go model requires no hardware or software to install or maintain and also promises automatic, seamless upgrades of new features and functionality.

With Contact Manager Edition, users can store and manage all vital information through their Internet connection. E-mail communications can be tracked from Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, or any e-mail system, allowing complete recording of customer interactions for better sales execution and improved customer satisfaction. Users can customize Contact Manager Edition to track data most important to them, and run pre-configured reports on contacts, accounts, and associated activities. Finally, companies utilizing the solution enjoy out-of-the-box integration with Google Apps, thereby combining essential tools for productivity (e-mail, calendaring, documents, spreadsheets, presentations, instant messaging, and video) and CRM.

“Salesforce.com has always been committed to democratizing software and making cloud computing accessible to businesses of all sizes,” observed Marc Benioff, Chairman/CEO. “Contact Manager Edition opens up a whole new world for very small businesses and individuals, empowering them to experience success with cloud computing.”

[Editor’s Note:  Salesforce.com also reported that The Sant Corporation, supplier of proposal and sales document automation software, now runs its entire business in the cloud with Salesforce CRM. The company deployed the “Sales Cloud” and the “Service Cloud” and achieved 83% revenue growth and now resolves customer support issues 60% faster, according to the two parties.]

Mark Benioff, Chairman/CEO, Salesforce.com

RFID and IP Video Patrol the Perimeter

Active RFID has been tied to IP Video for enhanced security solutions in environments such as hospitals through an arrangement between GuardRFID Solutions, Inc. (Delta, British Columbia, Canada) and Milestone Systems (Beaverton, OR). Recently, GuardRFID integrated its TotGuard Infant Security solution with the Milestone XProtect video management software platform, so that the alert generated by the RFID tag now gets supported with real-time verification and recording. Alerts can also be sent to remote devices such as laptops, handhelds, and smartphones, where the video can be viewed to identify the situation. Even better, the GuardRFID system can automatically control door or elevator access.

“Instantaneous visibility of such activity allows staff to immediately respond to the event, saving precious time,” explained Beth Bandi, VP of Sales for GuardRFID. “All such video streams are captured and archived for subsequent review, if ever required. Beyond patient and resident safety using our fast perimeter control system, the addition of video also greatly enhances our asset tracking offering. Parts and equipment can now be locked down to an area and the image of their path creates visual confirmation of movement and of persons associated with that movement.”

Added Reinier Tuinzing, Distribution Manager at Milestone Systems, “We are very excited that GuardRFID has chosen to link to Milestone XProtect, which also allows them to leverage the existing 100 Milestone Solution Partner integrations for offering even greater value with their GuardRFID solutions.” With headquarters in Denmark and ten international offices, Milestone Systems goes to market through authorized partners in 90 countries.

Beth Bandi, VP of Sales, GuardRFID Solutions

Channel Factoid

The number of mobile cloud computing subscribers will grow rapidly over the next five years, rising from 42.8 million subscribers in 2008 (1.1% of all mobile subscribers) to just over 998 million in 2014 (nearly 19%). Business productivity applications will soon dominate the mix of mobile cloud applications, particularly collaborative document sharing, scheduling, and sales force management applications. “From 2008 through 2010, subscriber numbers will be driven by location-enabled services, particularly navigation and map applications,” predicted Mark Beccue, Senior Analyst at ABI Research. “A total of 60% of the mobile cloud application subscribers worldwide will use an application enabled by location during these years.” ABI Research expects some or all of the major Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) providers--Google, Amazon AWS, and Salesforce.com--to market their mobile capabilities aggressively starting in 2010.

HELLO GOODBYE

New President/CEO for Seiko Instruments USA

Seiko Instruments USA (Torrance, CA) has named Satoshi Kanesaka as President/CEO. Kanesaka brings over 25 years of management, technology, and international business experience to SIU. Most recently, he served as Executive Manager, Corporate Planning Group, for Seiko Instruments Inc., SIU’s parent company, based in Chiba, Japan.

“Seiko Instruments is a globally recognized brand, with a well-earned reputation for design and manufacturing excellence,” Kanesaka noted. “It is clear the company has made smart decisions about where to invest resources during this recession, and we are now well-positioned to succeed as the global economy begins to recover. I am very pleased to join the team of committed professionals at Seiko Instruments USA.”

Kanesaka replaces Akira Yamamoto, who has retired after leading Seiko Instruments USA for eight years. “It has been a pleasure and an honor to lead the talented group of professionals at Seiko Instruments,” Yamamoto reminisced. “I have every confidence that Mr. Kanesaka will guide the company to continued growth, as it looks to expand our footprint in the Americas.”

Satoshi Kanesaka, President/CEO, Seiko Instruments USA

Votaw Joins ParTech

ParTech, Inc. (New Hartford, NY) has recruited Tim Votaw as SVP of Sales and Marketing. Vortaw has more than 25 years of sales, marketing, and business development experience. Prior to joining ParTech, Votaw was SVP of Sales for the Americas at Honeywell Scanning & Mobility (previously Hand Held Products). ParTech is the wholly owned subsidiary of PAR Technology Corporation that focuses on hospitality technology.

“Tim brings a broad range of experience to this key position at PAR,” stated A. Edwin Soladay, ParTech’s President. “He will be leading our global sales and marketing organization, including direct and indirect sales with an emphasis on providing industry-leading products, services, and support to our major account customers, including McDonalds, Yum! Brands, Burger King, Subway, and CKE. He will also be executing a variety of new global business initiatives in the rapidly growing retail, restaurant, and hospitality industries.”

“I’m pleased to be joining PAR during such an exciting and important time for the company,” Votaw said. “My team and I will be focused on further increasing PAR’s growing market share while driving key sales and business development efforts. During this period of increasing technology investment in our targeted segments, we will continue to provide the right products, services, and customer support infrastructure to meet the demands of our growing roster of global corporate and franchise customers.”

Tim Votaw, SVP of Sales and Marketing, ParTech