This Week’s Product Pick

Elo TouchSystems (Menlo Park, CA) unveiled its B-Series All-in-One touch computer family, expressly designed to deliver tailor-made solutions for the retail market, whether POS, Point of Information (POI), or digital signage. Featuring stylish, compact form factor, the B-Series provides three highly configurable, ruggedized models in two screen sizes--15-inch and 17-inch. Terminals are distinguished by their processor configurations: Cool and Quiet B2, fanless, with Intel Atom Dual-Core 1.66 GHz; Performance B1, fan-cooled, with Intel Celeron Dual-Core 2.2 GHz; and Performance Ultra B3, fan-cooled, with Intel Core 2 Duo 3.0 GHz. All three Elo touch technologies are supported, including IntelliTouch (surface acoustic wave), AccuTouch (resistive, zero-bezel), and APR (acoustic pulse recognition, zero-bezel), as well as multiple customer-installable memory and storage arrangements. The new B-Series comes standard with the full suite of connectivity ports (six USB 2.0, two RS-232 Serial, Gigabit Ethernet, and audio) in addition to PCI Express expansion slots. Elo has constructed the system to provide tool-less access to internal components to minimize service and repair down-time. Finally, B- Series peripherals such as three-track MSR, 2x20 VFD rear-facing customer display, and biometric fingerprint reader may be installed on the top, bottom, left, or right side of the screen.

B-Series from Elo TouchSystems

Worth Your While

VARTECH 2010
BlueStar
August 29-31
Cincinnati, OH

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

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

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

PARTNER PROGRAMS

ParTech Targets VARs, Hits ScanSource

ParTech (New Hartford, NY) has put in place the last building block of its EverServ Ecosystem with the launch of the PAR Channel Partner Program. This announcement follows hard on the heels of the new Global PAR ISV Program, and refocuses the vendor’s previous efforts in the channel as part of its overall Boundless Hospitality endeavor. At the same time, ParTech has named ScanSource (Greenville, SC) as the exclusive distributor for its POS products in the U.S. and Canada.

“We are very committed to investing in the relationships with our channel partners, supporting them throughout every stage of the customer lifecycle and making it easy to work with PAR,” pledged Bill Dueger, Director of Channel Sales at ParTech. In discussions with RRN.Com, ParTech executives have indicated the program contains two levels--Elite Solutions Partner and Standard Partner. With its focus on finding the “value-add” in VAR, the new effort will offer sales, marketing, training, and technical support on top of business development funds and rebates. Elite Solutions Partners will be charged with reselling ParTech’s hardware, software, and services.

The new agreement with ScanSource speaks to ParTech’s commitment to the channel. “Our partnership with ScanSource will enable PAR to efficiently support our channel partners with fulfillment, value-added services, and customer support,” observed Ed Soladay, President of ParTech, Inc. “ScanSource will also be instrumental in helping PAR expand our reach into additional markets.” At the onset, only ParTech’s hardware will be handled by the distributor.

Bill Dueger, Director of Channel Sales, ParTech

Torex Taking POS Local

Torex Retail Holdings Limited (Dunstable, U.K.) has issued the call for U.S. resellers of its Torex Retail POS Business Edition, with the goal of penetrating the SMB marketplace. So far, three firms have answered: DataTech Corporation (Arcadia, CA), Pacific Computer Systems (Honolulu, HI), and Prism Data Systems (San Antonio, TX). In making the move, Torex said it will bring globally proven business solutions, industry best practices, and expert technical support to the table in an attempt to build “local POS technology experts.”

“Our goal is to become a trusted partner in the U.S.,” stated Paul Daly, VP of Sales at Torex U.S. in Chicago. “Market-ready IT solutions, excellent customer service, and deep industry knowledge are critical components for this. While we can provide customers with proven and innovative solutions to retail challenges in today’s markets, we recognize the contextual value that local specialists will bring to our offering--and, most importantly, to our customers.”

“By introducing the Torex Retail POS Business Edition into our portfolio, we’ll be able to grow our business by marketing to new segments that weren’t practical before,” cited Wade Mays, VP of Prism Data Systems. “We see the product as the next-generation system for smaller retailers who are looking for robust POS, but have limited budget and resources.” Torex Retail encompasses POS, customer loyalty, loss prevention, merchandise planning and allocation, workforce optimization, as well as real-time monitoring of trading performance, according to its developer.

Opening Its Arms to Resellers in the U.S.

[Editor’s Note: Elsewhere, Retail Pro (Folsom, CA) has certified Retail Pro Versions 8 and 9 on the HP ap5000 and HP rp5700 POS terminals. “We’re very excited to add these popular HP systems to the Retail Pro arsenal,” said Kerry Lemos, Retail Pro’s CEO.]

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

Premiere of CATS in Las Vegas

Call it “Card At Table Service,” or CATs. At this week’s Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Show in Las Vegas, Bellatrix Systems (Bend, OR) demonstrated its system for handling credit cards in hospitality environments. CATS has several features that go beyond normal pay at the table schemes, RRN.Com was told by Steve Morris, CEO/President, and Bill Raven, SVP of Sales and Marketing, thereby helping to save staff time as well as protect customer credit information. This product will be brought to market through the channel, with commercial introduction planned for the fall.

As part of the bill portfolio, CATS captures and encrypts customer data at the table. Once the credit card has been swiped by the customer, the unit’s light bar illuminates “green” and pulses to alert the server. Significantly, no wireless communications are employed; rather, the server takes the check to the POS terminal where CATS utilizes an infrared link to enter the data for authorization. The process of returning the check to the table for signature and gratuity gets completed in the normal way. And since the customer handles the transaction, any embarrassment of refused cards can be easily avoided.

“Healthy profit margins for resellers and software developers are an integral part of our channel program,” indicated Morris. An introductory package, consisting of ten card readers, two chargers (with five ports each), two POS docks, and free shipping, costs less than $2,000. According to Morris, the system’s scalability will prove particularly important for restaurants and their supporting resellers.

“Card At Table Service” by Bellatrix Systems

NCR Rounds Out RealPOS

NCR Corporation (Duluth, GA) has lengthened its RealPOS product line with two new terminals, RealPOS 40 and RealPOS 60. Targeted at grocery and general merchandise, these two units share the same compact form factor (10 in. x 9 in. x 3 in.), full complement of USB, Serial, and auxiliary ports, support for Microsoft Windows and Novell SUSE Linux for Point of Service, and Energy Star compliance. Either CPU may be configured as stand-alone, modular, or fully featured POS terminals, Mary Lynne Campbell, RealPOS Solutions Marketing for Global Retail at NCR, told RRN.Com, but different segments of the SMB market have been addressed.

NCR RealPOS 40 features Intel’s Atom N270 processor, fanless design, and new thermal cooling system. “Cool design and hot value,” Campbell dubbed the terminal, which is 30% smaller than the former NCR RealPOS 30, and 68% more energy efficient. In comparison, the NCR RealPOS 60 incorporates Intel’s Celeron 900 processor, with fan cooling. “Small size and big performance,” Campbell described the higher-end terminal, with the power to run the latest POS applications.

Also, NCR has extended its channel partnership with Fields Consulting Group (Phoenix) to add the NCR General POS Software Solution (GenPOS) and associated help-desk support for mid-market customers and other NCR resellers. Fields Consulting, which handles NCR RealPOS terminals, and functions as an NCR Elite Partner, will offer several tiers of support packages, as well as monitoring and incident reporting all the way up to 24/7. NCR GenPOS furnishes transaction processing and reporting for general and specialty retail store and restaurant owners.

NCR RealPOS Models 40 and 60 Share Small Form Factor, Below Counter

Code Corner

Zebra Enterprise Solutions (Oakland, CA) will soon launch its Dart Ultra-Wideband (UWB) RealTime Locating Systems (RTLS). The next generation of the Sapphire UWB product line, Dart UWB offers one common RFID/RTLS platform that enables fast, accurate tracking of personnel and equipment for operations in the U.S., Canada, and European Union, according to the company. By reading thousands of small, active RFID tags per second, Dart UWB empowers an array of both indoor and outdoor asset management applications requiring long-range, multi- read, real-time functionality. It includes the full set of products certified for use in hazardous and explosive environments as defined by the ATEX Directive in Europe. These products have been built for use in extreme, regulated industries such as mining, petrochemical, and process manufacturing. Dart UWB demonstrates stable temperature performance over an extremely large range and its durable tags enable more asset management opportunities without the need for customization. Moreover, new planning and tag configuration tools allow for easier system installation, with greater flexibility and scalability. “We’re thrilled about the benefits Dart UWB will bring our partners and customers,” reported Craig Fransen, Product Manager at Zebra Enterprise Solutions, part of Zebra Technologies. “By delivering unmatched UWB performance in terms of location accuracy, throughput, and environmental robustness, we can provide ultimate asset visibility to address their most difficult, costly, asset management issues.”

INTEGRATION

Turn of the Key at TekservePOS

TekservePOS (Hoffman Estates, IL) has promoted its key injection/encryption services for PIN Pad devices from VeriFone, Hypercom, and many smaller players. As Certified ESO (Encryption Service Organization), with state-of-the-art key injection facility, TekservePOS now better helps its customers achieve PCI compliance. This new capability adds to previous payment offerings in hardware procurement, deployment and staging services, custom software loads, warranty/maintenance management, and proper equipment disposal.

“Security is paramount when it comes to managing our clients’ key components and the various life cycles of that key--from transport, to storage, to successful injection of the key into your PIN Entry Device for PCI purposes,” maintained Kurt Allseitz, Operations Manager/Key Administrator at TekservePOS. “With ESO registration, TekservePOS is in compliance with all network operating rules for Star, NYCE, and Pulse. In addition to all certifications, we have formed our Key Injection Services Team to support the growing needs of our customers in key encryption and PCI.”

TekservePOS meets registration with all major processors. To date, the Key Encryption Services Team has injected thousands of units successfully, all traceable by serial number through tekNET, its custom web portal, allowing 24/7 visibility from injection to end-of-life. Moreover, all units are kept in secure equipment storage with limited personnel access, according to the solutions provider.

TekservePOS Adds Key Injection Services for Popular Terminals

Epic Times for Epicor

No grass growing under Epicor Software Corporation (Irvine, CA), provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRP), and supply chain management (SCM) software. First, the company has entered into an expanded strategic alliance with Intermec Technologies (Everett, WA) to jointly deliver mobile computing solutions worldwide. Simultaneously, Intermec named Epicor as one of its Platinum Partners, the highest level of recognition bestowed upon members of the newly launched Intermec PartnerNet Program. “Epicor is an important partner that consistently demonstrates commitment to Intermec and our mobile computing solutions,” related Scott Anderson, VP of Global Channels for Intermec.

Next, Epicor has joined forces with Village Green Global, Inc. (also Irvine, CA) to extend its ERP suite with the capacity to track and manage carbon emissions, environmental impact, and energy consumption. Established in 2002, Village Green Global pioneered automated environmental reporting for business. Its database contains “energy values” for approximately 30,000 devices and its solutions have been used in more than 6,000 environmental audits worldwide.

“We are pleased to partner with Epicor to help bring enterprise carbon accounting solutions to their customers,” affirmed Doug Smith, Founder and CEO of Village Green Global. “Together, our goal is to assist these companies become more energy efficient, reduce costs, and address increasing environmental standards.” As examples, he listed Australia’s National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act; Europe’s Environmental Liability Directive (ELD), Restriction, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, and eco-design directive for Energy-using Products (EuP Directive); and proposed regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit greenhouse gas emissions from industry.

Epicor 9 Wraps Up New Strategic Relationships

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
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
CipherLab
Datalogic Mobile
Datalogic Scanning
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

Screen Protection
3M Optical Filters

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Self-Service Kiosks
Zebra/Motorola

Video Surveillance & Access Control
ScanSource Security

INSTALLATIONS

120 Drinks on the Wall

Dinerware, Inc. (Seattle), the prominent restaurant POS developer, has certified SpeedMenu, the mobile app for hospitality that permits guests to add, close, and pay out their tabs via their smart phones. Availability for Dinerware Version 3.0 runs through the XML-based Application Programming Interface (API) supported in the Dinerware Virtual Client provided for third-party products. SpeedMenu is free for the guest, while the establishment pays the “modest” flat monthly service fee. Above and beyond its core functionality, SpeedMenu also works in concert
with social networking sites.

Lanai Rooftop Lounge, one of Dinerware’s customers located in Austin, TX, home of SpeedMenu, has implemented the joint solution. “SpeedMenu is easy to learn and customers ‘get it,’” remarked Lesliann Nemeth, GM. “I’m seeing sales growth even within the initial activation of the service. I would recommend SpeedMenu to any bar.” Nemeth noted that the first night yielded an additional 120 drink orders placed through the service.

Richard Bagdonas, President of SpeedMenu, testified that “Dinerware has the right approach. By developing its robust platform and straightforward API, it can offer a solid core system plus added capabilities like SpeedMenu which gives their customers the opportunity to choose the best tools in the industry that benefit their businesses.” SpeedMenu’s POSCoupler allows guests to settle their tickets with cash, gift cards, and one or more credit cards.

Lania Rooftop Lounge Adopts Dinerware/SpeedMenu Mobile Offering

Inside Voices, Please

Vocollect, Inc. (Pittsburgh) has brought to market its new light-duty wearable voice solution, which combines the Talkman T1 and SL-4 headset used in conjunction with the Vocollect TaskBuilder software platform. TaskBuilder features integration with many leading WMS (warehouse management systems), meaning customers can benefit from the large installed base of voice application software. Above and beyond, this assembly is ideal for customer- facing employees performing distribution tasks through voice, such as working in stockrooms and performing inventory-checking activities in retail establishments, according to Vocollect.

“We are using the new Talkman T1 mobile voice appliance with Vocollect’s new SL-4 headset for picking and put-away in our facility, and our associates have found it to be a winning combination of quality performance and strong ergonomics,” declared Steve Caruso, Director of Operations with Coastal Pet Products, self-described as the world’s largest pet collar and lead manufacturer. “This device and comfortable headset solution is ideal for our type of business and distribution environment. It’s good to know that Vocollect offers the range of options, from highly rugged to light-duty, so that we can match the solution to the workflow and the workers.”

T1 represents the company’s voice-only, purpose-built answer for less stringent environmental and drop-test specifications (similar to common handheld barcode scanners and terminals, claims the vendor). To illustrate its compact size, the T1 was compared to the BlackBerry, thus proving it easy to wear and use. Ergonomics are further optimized though the lightweight, behind-the-head companion headset, the SL-4. As many RRN.Com readers know, Vocollect also offers more rugged and robust products, Talkman T2x, T5, and T5m, for multifunction workflows and extensive peripheral integration.

Light Duty Product Set from Vocollect

Channel Factoid

Human error, not equipment failure nor computer vandalism, appears to be the leading cause of data loss. In the recent survey of IT users in business, government, and the channel conducted by Kroll Ontrack, 40% of respondents finger human error as the prime factor, up from only 11% in 2005. By contrast, 29% identified hardware/system failure as the cause of their most recent data loss, previously cited by 56% of respondents in 2005. Data loss attributed to computer viruses and natural disasters remained fairly low in the most recent survey. Computer viruses accounted for less than 7% of recent data loss incidents, compared to 4% in 2005. Similarly, natural disasters were deemed responsible for 3% of incidents in 2010, versus 2% in the preceding survey. Surprisingly, while more than 90% of IT users canvassed have lost information, 18% “did not know” how their data loss occurred. “No one factor can ever be truly overcome, making data loss a reality,” advised Todd Johnson, VP of Data Recovery Operations at Kroll Ontrack. “Consequently, it is not a matter of if, but rather when this happens. As a result, businesses and home users alike cannot rely on hope as their strategy. Instead, they must take proactive measures to ensure the individuals operating the storage system have current training, working redundancies, and a continuity plan that is current and accessible in the event of loss.”

HELLO GOODBYE

Things Rosie at Charge Anywhere

Charge Anywhere (South Plainfield, NJ) has added Rosie Machado to its team as Sales Director. In this new role, Machado will lead the company’s distribution efforts for the ISO, Processor, and ISV channels in the Northeast U.S. Charge Anywhere develops proprietary PCI-certified mobile payment software and gateway technology for QuickBooks, smart phones, POS terminals, and e-commerce.

Machado brings over 20 years of industry experience to Charge Anywhere. Prior to joining the company, she served on the Business Development teams for both MBF Leasing and First Funds. She also held the office of VP at Integrated Leasing, as well as CEO during its consolidation with CIT before leaving the company.

“We are excited to have an experienced professional with the dedication and knowledge that Rosie Machado will bring, thereby assisting our distribution partners in their success with Charge Anywhere’s business solutions,” shared Marty McMullian, VP of Sales for Charge Anywhere. Machado will be based out of Charge Anywhere’s New Jersey headquarters.

Rosie Machado, Sales Director, Charge Anywhere

O’Kelley Puts Her Brand on RedPrairie

RedPrairie Corporation (Milwaukee) has appointed Carol O’Kelley to the position of Chief Marketing Officer, where she will steer the company’s brand vision and oversee all aspects of her department. She reports to CEO Mike Mayoras and joins RedPrairie’s executive leadership team. RedPrairie, many RRN.Com readers know, supplies its productivity solutions in three categories--workforce, inventory, and transportation--spanning manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

O’Kelley comes to RedPrairie with nearly 20 years of leadership experience, spending the past four years as VP and Chief of Staff of Oracle’s Retail Global Business Unit. She has also held executive marketing positions at Manhattan Associates and Retek, which was acquired by Oracle in 2005.

“We welcome Carol to RedPrairie’s leadership team,” Mayoras said. “Her unique mix of retail and supply chain expertise, combined with her talent for marketing strategy and execution at the global level, will make her an undeniable asset to our organization as we carry out our growth plans.”

Carol O’Kelley, Chief Marketing Officer, RedPrairie