This Week’s Product Pick

Summit Data Communications (Akron, OH) unwrapped industrial-grade 802.11n ExpressCards ideal for so-called computers on wheels, or CoW, configurations in healthcare and POS. The SDC-EC15N and SDC-EC25N cards support up to 26 channels in the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz frequency bands. With two spatial streams and other 802.11n capabilities, these devices offer data rates as high as 300 megabits per second. The EC25N card has an integrated antenna system for coverage in diverse environments, while the EC15N has two MMCX connectors to support high-gain external antennas, such as those that would be mounted on the outside of the CoW. Like other Summit products, the new ExpressCards deliver all required features of Cisco Compatible Extensions (CCX) as well as advanced security schemes. They currently operate on Microsoft Windows XP, with Windows 7 planned for next quarter. Both cards, EC15N and EC25N, carry the list price of $149, which includes hardware and software, software upgrades, and certification and support services. “Hospitals are tough places to establish and maintain secure and reliable Wi-Fi connections,” explained Greg Janke, Summit’s Director of Strategic Accounts. “With Summit ExpressCards, wireless in hospitals and other challenging environments--such as retail stores, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants--can be as secure and reliable as wired connections.”
SDC-EC15N ExpressCard from Summit

Worth Your While

RetailNOW 2010
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 25-28
Las Vegas

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

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

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

ALL IN THE FAMILY

ES400 Clicks for Motorola

Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions (Schaumburg, IL) introduced its ES400 Enterprise Digital Assistant, marrying “the most powerful aspects of mobile computing with push-to-talk capabilities” in its compact, lightweight design, according to the vendor. Built on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 platform, the ES400 achieves worldwide communications with user-selectable 3.5G WAN, GSM HSPA, and CDMA EVDO RevA compatibility. Notably, it also represents the first Motorola mobile computer to be carrier-branded, stocked, and sold to enterprises through the Sprint Direct and Business Solutions Partners sales channels, in addition to Motorola’s established marketing avenues.

Among its many features, the ES400 incorporates Motorola’s Enterprise User Interface, or MEUI. Intended for speed and efficiency, this provides one-touch access to applications, business-focused home screen, push-to-scan for one and two-dimensional barcodes, enterprise-class camera, and device-management tabs to eliminate the need to drill down through multiple menus. Broad WLAN functionality for the ES400 encompasses 802.11a/b/g, enabling data, and in 2011, an application for push-to-talk over VoIP. Security even includes an integrated biometric fingerprint reader.

“Motorola recognizes that mobile teams are the lifeblood of an organization, and empowering these teams with unmatched features and functionality to eliminate road blocks in the field is critical to an organization,” stated Gene Delaney, President, Motorola EMS. “The new ES400 EDA combines the best features of mobility, communications, and task functionality without compromising performance or design--offering mobile workforces the ability to take action and capture information with a single click--in front of the customer where it counts most.”

Motorola’s ES400 Enterprise Digital Assistant

OKI Buffs Up Label Printing

OKI Data Americas (Mount Laurel, NJ) unboxed its LE810 thermal label printer with enhanced functionality and throughput. The new assembly brings user-replaceable interfaces for increased convenience and efficiency as well as internal backing rewinder and multiple dispensing schemes. Built standard with dual data buffering (DDB), the LE810 can process two data streams simultaneously, providing the highest performance in its class, according to the manufacturer. Print speed reaches six inches per second at 203 dpi and print width extends to five inches.

This lightweight, compact design (10.7 in. x 16.9 in. x 12.7 in. and 32.6 lbs.) with steel-frame construction fits seamlessly in any work space and handles high-density barcodes, short runs, or frequent labeling formatting with Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) Command, SATO Barcode Printer Language (SBPL), and Intelligent Command emulations. Four configurations are offered: Ethernet, USB, Serial, or USB/Parallel/Serial. At the starting price of $960, the LE810 is available in the U.S. and Canada, with two-year overnight exchange warranty.

“We had the opportunity to work with one of the leading global parcel companies to develop and deliver this versatile and reliable thermal label printer that meets the specific requirements of mid-range to high-end label printing environments,” reported Nick Ciarlante, Senior Marketing Manager, Mono/SIDM/Specialty Products, OKI Data Americas. “We built the LE810 to eliminate the inconvenience of purchasing additional hardware for new programs in addition to delivering significant benefits such as dual data buffering, user-replaceable interfaces, and enhanced performance.”

LE810 Printer From OKI Data Americas

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MILESTONES

Citizen Becomes Distinguished

Citizen Systems America (Torrance, CA) has received the “Distinguished Service Award,” which is equivalent to the “President’s Award” in other companies. Citizen Systems America earned this recognition from Citizen Systems Japan, its parent company. Following the presentation, employees of the printer company were treated to an evening at the ball park with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“With this award we acknowledge the contribution Citizen System America’s employee efforts have made to the overall company’s success during these difficult times,” said Toshihiko Nakai, President of Citizen Systems Japan.

“Citizen Systems America is deeply honored to receive this award from Citizen Systems Japan,” observed Oscar Ibarra, EVP, Citizen Systems America. “We will continue our commitment to strong teamwork, creativity, and positive attitude as these traits are key success factors that will help Citizen Systems America reach even higher levels of excellence and performance.”

Oscar Ibarra, EVP, and Koji Matsuzaka, CEO/President, Celebrate at Citizen Systems America

Axis Turns to Andersen

Axis Communications (Chelmsford, MA) has added Jackie Andersen to its North American team as Business Development Manager, Retail, where she will work closely with partners and customers to field video-based surveillance systems. Andersen has held senior-level sales and strategic planning positions at ADT SelectVision, 3VR, and Westec Interactive Security. She also plays an active role in major trade groups in our industry such as the National Retail Federation (NRF), Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), and National Food Safety Security Council (NFSSC).

“Retailers have a 25-year history of using analog surveillance--but the market is shifting that mindset by proving all the retail-specific benefits that only network video can deliver,” remarked Fredrik Nilsson, GM at Axis Communications. “Jackie’s experience, track record of success, and retailer relationships will be tremendous resources as we work with our partners to improve the safety, security, and efficiency of retailers worldwide.”

Andersen inherits her new position from Patrik Pettersson, who has been selected as Axis’ first Business Development Manager for the growing North American Technology Partner Program. Pettersson now will help drive the convergence of network-based solutions by working with those key partners in the Axis ecosystem who deliver the infrastructure for an IP surveillance system.

Jackie Andersen, Business Development Manager, Retail, Axis Communications

Code Corner

Accu-Time Systems (Ellington, CT) released its Cesium Middleware for PeopleSoft, which connects its workforce management hardware to the powerful enterprise-level software from Oracle. Cesium enables two-way communication for detailed data collection, analysis, and reporting in support of human resource management. It furnishes simple terminal maintenance, handles multiple time zones, and customizes an interface between the terminals and server, according to ATS. In terms of technology, Cesium employs Java to run on Windows, Linux, and Unix, with XML and secure HTTPS used to link with PeopleSoft (Enterprise 9.1). According to Peter DiMaria, President of ATS, “Cesium was specifically designed to give PeopleSoft users an efficient communication and data exchange bridge so that they can easily integrate ATS time and attendance and workforce management tools. This will help push their human resource management costs down and provide the most accurate workforce data available today.” ATS also has armed its flagship Maximus workforce management terminal with the new multi-spectral fingerprint reader from Lumidigm (Albuquerque, NM), dubbed Mercury. Here, multiple wavelengths of light are used to not only capture surface information, but also to register data from one’s “internal” fingerprint--the pattern of capillaries one-millimeter below the skin.

ALLIANCES

Apple Plucked at Ingram Micro Digital Signage

Ingram Micro’s Digital Signage Division (Santa Ana, CA) will distribute the cross-platform customer experience software from Nanonation (Lincoln, NE) to its network of channel partners throughout the U.S. Significantly, Nanonation’s technology runs on open standards and works within both Windows and Mac environments. With the new agreement, Ingram Micro becomes the first broad-based distributor to stock Nanonation, one of the longstanding players in the self-service arena.

Nanonation’s software addresses two primary areas. Nanopoint kiosk and digital signage client delivers an end-to-end, enterprise-level solution for content and self-service applications. In addition, Commandpoint offers remote monitoring and system management of multiple kiosk and digital signage deployments from any web-enabled PC. As expected, Ingram Micro will extend pre- and post-sales, marketing, and technical support for both packages. 

“It’s great to see Ingram Micro expand its portfolio to include this Mac-friendly digital signage solution,” indicated Mike Ohren, CEO, MacMan (Eu Claire, WI), an Ingram Micro and Apple solution provider. “Nanonation is a recognized brand among Apple specialists interested in digital signage, and this new relationship with Ingram Micro will certainly strengthen its partner enablement capabilities and make it that much easier for us to source complete solutions.”

Nanonation’s Software Spans Windows and Mac

Windstream in Chase Paymentech’s Sales

Chase Paymentech (Dallas) has been chosen as the exclusive payment processing provider by Windstream Communications (Little Rock, AR), the $3.7-billion network operator. Under the banner of Windstream Merchant Services, the new effort will provide credit and debit card acceptance for POS, telephone, or online, according to the two parties. In addition to traditional telecommunications, Windstream also tenders IP-based voice and data services. 

“We are enthusiastic to offer our business customers Windstream credit card acceptance from Chase Paymentech,” commented Don Perkins, Windstream’s VP of Business Marketing. “We understand the needs of small businesses and are pleased to present competitive pricing on this product, one which makes doing business easy. Our goal is to continue to establish Windstream as valued business partner to our customers by providing services that allow them to run their business more efficiently and more profitably.”

“Chase Paymentech is pleased to have been selected as the service provider for Windstream Communications to deliver merchant services to their small and medium-sized business customers,” added Peter Gasparro, Group Executive of Partnership Programs for Chase Paymentech. “Anytime we can add value to a company and enable merchants to benefit from a cost-effective, seamless credit card processing solution, we all win.”

Key Advertiser Links

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

POS & Auto ID Distribution
BlueStar

POS & Peripherals
Logic Controls
Pioneer POS
Posiflex Business Machines
POS-X

Barcode & Mobile Printers
Datamax-O'Neil

Barcode & Transaction Printers CognitiveTPG

Cash Drawers
APG Cash Drawer
MMF Cash Drawer

Data Collection Terminals
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Datalogic Scanning
Janam Technologies

Data Collection Software
Wavelink

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Payment Processing, Inc.

Keyboards
Cherry Electrical Systems

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
Epson America
Star Micronics

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Self-Service Kiosks
Zebra/Motorola

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

INSTALLATIONS

Very Pallet-Able RFID

Intelligent Global Pooling Systems, better known as iGPS, has announced an agreement with Enfora (Richardson, TX) to incorporate that company’s Spider AT asset tag and supporting tracking software into its hot-selling, all-plastic pallets. “We have been using Enfora’s hardware and software for several months and have been extremely pleased with the enhanced visibility it has provided, enabling us to identify the precise location of iGPS pallets,” reported Bob Moore, Chairman/CEO at iGPS (Orlando). “This is a powerful and extendable tool for us, and our customers will appreciate its effectiveness.”

Spider AT comprises an ultra-low-power, battery-powered, wireless tag that will be used to retrieve critical information about iGPS pallets, including location details, specific events, and company-defined alerts. This programmable quad-band integrated component, based on Texas Instruments’ OMAPV1030 single-core processor, provides GSM/GPRS/GPS functionality, simplified over-the-air configuration and provisioning, and three years of operation under normal conditions. Enfora’s asset management software bridges the Spider AT and iGPS’s existing back-end applications.

Launched in 2006 by veterans of the supply chain (in particular, pallet rental), iGPS has quickly captured sizeable market share. All-plastic pallets are lighter than wood, more hygienic, easier to handle, and almost totally recyclable. Further, iGPS has been very effective in promoting their environmental and fire-safety attributes. “We are very excited that iGPS has selected Enfora’s asset management technology to enhance the real-time management of their pallets, and we look forward to supporting the strong growth in their business for many years to come,” said Mark Weinzieri, CEO/President of Enfora.

ConAgra Recently Joined the iGPS Parade

A Case of CAS for Coke

The Coca-Cola Company will drink more deeply of CAS by selecting the customer management software leader to provide direct store delivery (DSD) mobile solutions to its bottler network as part of its Program Scale Mobile Customer Management (MCM) initiative. In August 2009, RRN.Com readers may recall, CAS was awarded the global sales force automation (SFA) portion of this ground-breaking overhaul. This week’s announcement reflects the strong success of the CAS implementation to date and The Coca-Cola Company’s desire to further strengthen CAS’s position as its supplier of strategic “front office” solutions, according to the two parties, both of which reside in Atlanta.

“The new DSD mobile solution will complement our investment in the CAS application suite and further our goal of a single mobility platform which, in turn, will reduce cost and IT complexity and leverage business functionality across different user roles, ” stated Tom Miller, GM of Program Scale and VP of Bottling Investments at The Coca-Cola Company. “This will extend our ongoing investments in SAP ‘back office’ applications and enable our sales, delivery, and demand planning operations to work more efficiently together.”

Program Scale was designed to provide company-owned and franchise bottlers with common business processes and technology platforms based on the SAP framework. It specifies tight integration between bottler’s IT systems and mobile, handheld devices, thereby allowing field service representatives, delivery drivers, and equipment service staff to better respond to the wide range of customer requests, Coca-Cola has decided. Further, price list management, merchandising, and customer-prospecting capabilities will be addressed across the board.

Coca-Cola Delivery Truck, Circa 1934, Long Before Mobile Customer Management

Channel Factoid

Worldwide supply chain management (SCM) software revenue totaled $6.2 billion in 2009, declining 0.7% from 2008, according to Gartner. New license revenue fell 7.4% in 2009, while recurring revenue associated with subscriptions and maintenance were the “life vest” of the market, growing 10.8% and 0.2%, respectively. Conversely, new software sales were difficult to obtain in 2009, and vendors that succeeded have transitioned part or all of their business toward subscription delivery of their solutions. This was evident within the top six vendors, presented here with their 2009 market share, 2008/2009 growth, and 2009 revenue (in millions of dollars): SAP, 19.8%, -8.8%, 1,223.3; Oracle, 16.8%, +0.2%, 1,038.6; JDA, 4.2%, -2.5%, 258.1; Ariba, 3.7%, +8.8%, 228.7; i2 Technologies, 1.8%, -2.0%, 114.0; and Manhattan Associates, 1.8%, -21.4%, 111.8. All remaining vendors held 51.9% of the market, up 3.0%, and worth approximately $3.2 billion. “Given the market’s vendor fragmentation and the continued expansion of suite vendors (with broad product portfolios beyond supply chain), we expect market consolidation and share in the SCM market to eventually mimic that of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) market,” relayed Chad Eschinger, Research Director at Gartner. “However, unlike the ERP market, we expect the process to take longer, with less ‘lock-out’ and more activity with new entrants, given the breadth of needs across supply chains and functional domains.”

PARTNER PROGRAMS

The G2 on GS1’s Certification Program

GS1 US (Lawrenceville, NJ) unveiled its Data Quality Certification Program, which seeks to weigh the accuracy of information submitted to the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) by trading partners such as manufacturers, retailers, service providers, and distributors. Initially, the program will focus on GS1 Package Measurement Standards, with audited data used to support the 1SYNC Data Accuracy Scoreboard, which is currently in implementation stages with major retailers in the U.S. This database compares the retailer’s view of product dimensional data with the same information provided through the GDSN.

Those who achieve certification--and the designation, GS1 US Data Quality Solution Partner--must meet three requirements: knowledge of GS1 GDSN Package Measurement Standards, possession of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sanctioned digital equipment for linear and weight measurement, and periodic reviews/internal audits to ensure adherence. “The GS1 US Data Quality Certification Program is an integral part of our objective to improve product data quality and the effectiveness of the Global Data Synchronization Network,” observed Tim Messter, VP, Product Solutions. As most RRN.Com readers know, GS1 represents the not-for-profit supply chain standards group for barcoding, RFID, data synchronization, and electronic information exchange.

In making the announcement at last week’s 10th Annual U Connect Conference in San Antonio, TX, GS1 US also named its first certified Data Quality Solution Partner, Gladson (Lisle, IL). The company builds databases of product information and package images for a wide range of uses, including planogramming, category management, logistics, advertising, and e-commerce solutions. Customers include Mars, PepsiCo, and Kraft, with the focus on packaging elements such as product cases, inner-packs, and retail units.

Tim Meester, VP, Product Solutions, for GS1 US

[Editor’s Note:  Elsewhere in this area, Menusoft/Digital Dining has been named an RSPA Certified Retail Technology Provider, thereby recognized as “ethical and fair and standing behind the products and services they sell and support.” The Retail Solutions Providers Association launched its program in July 2009.]

Questing for Managed Services

Quest Software (Aliso Viejo, CA) has unveiled its new Service Provider Program targeting MSPs, ISPs, and VARs. The new program, which follows the December 2009 purchase of PacketTrap, the San Francisco-based remote management and monitoring platform developer, spans the company’s full portfolio of Windows, database, network, application, and virtualization management solutions. Pricing and billing are offered on monthly or quarterly basis, depending upon the needs of the service provider, according to Quest.

“Quest brings unprecedented breadth, flexibility, and scalability to the service provider marketplace,” maintained Roy Appelbaum, VP of Channel Sales and Alliances, Quest Software. “Our new program looks at the unique requirements of each service provider, whether it’s improving management of an existing customer base, facilitating faster on-boarding of new customers, or offering services to move into new markets such as the cloud or virtualization.” Some RRN.Com readers, incidentally, may remember Appelbaum from his tenure as VP of Product Marketing for Tech Data.

“Quest is our long-time strategic partner, with industry-leading products that quickly and efficiently migrate customers over to our set of Exchange and SharePoint managed services,” testified Phil Van Etten, CEO of Azaleos (Seattle). “Quest tools help to mitigate risks for new customers, which helps us to achieve faster time to revenue. We’re excited about working with Quest’s new MSP team, leveraging their monthly pricing model and expanded access to the Quest portfolio.”

Foglight Performance Analysis from Quest Software