Point Of Sale, Payment Processing And Data Collection News From February 2015
Each month, Business Solutions reports news on business in the channel. This month in point of sale, payment processing and data collection news, Heartland acquires Dinerware and pcAmerica, BlueStar introduces Hybrid Solutions-as-a-Service, and Datalogic releases a linear imager and signs an agreement with NCR to supply an automated scanner. In addition, Janam introduces a rugged mobile computer with multi-OS support, HP introduces eight commercial mobility solutions that support multiple operating systems, and SpeedLine POS adds support for ConnectSmart Kitchen. Also, AURES Technologies launches a new thermal POS printer, and Retail Realm announces WorldPay certification.
Heartland Acquires Dinerware And pcAmerica, Forms Heartland Commerce
Heartland Payment Systems announced the acquisition of Dinerware and pcAmerica, two POS companies with solutions for hospitality and retail. These two companies, along with Heartland’s POS businesses including Xpient Solutions, Liquor POS, and Leaf, are combining to form Heartland Commerce. This new segment will deliver POS solutions, payments processing capabilities, and other adjacent business service applications, initially serving the hospitality and retail industry. Dinerware and pcAmerica are each in the process of completing development of cloud-based POS systems that complement their on-premises solutions. Because these systems overlap developments by Leaf, Heartland will stop POS development efforts at Leaf, and certain elements of Leaf’s capabilities will become part of Heartland Commerce.
BlueStar’s Hybrid Solutions-As-A-Service Enables VARs To Receive Upfront Payment
BlueStar introduces Hybrid Solutions-as-a-Service (SaaS) for VARs. The model allows resellers to obtain up-front payment instead of traditional SaaS monthly payments. BlueStar offers complete functional solutions through its In-a-Box Series. The hybrid solutions give resellers the opportunity to return to their customers at the end of term for a product refresh, usually after about three years. This increases the refresh timeline for VARs and ensures higher margins on the initial hardware sale. Support for the model includes Quick Quotes online and credit applications with same-day turnaround.
Datalogic Releases Linear Imager, Signs NCR Agreement
Datalogic ADC released the Heron HD3100 linear imager designed for POS checkout applications in the specialty retail market. It offers an in-mold decorated top cover with a choice of carbon-fiber or silver designs, customization options with a company logo, lights, visual or audible feedback, and automatic switching from handheld to hands-free performance.
The company also announced that it has entered into a multiyear agreement with NCR Corporation to supply the Jade X7 Automated Scanner designed for high-volume retail. It allows users to automatically scan products, in any orientation, on a moving conveyor belt at the checkout lane. It can be used as a component of the NCR ScanPortal that enables items to pass through arches containing advanced imaging systems that read bar codes.
Janam Introduces Rugged Mobile Computer With Multi-OS Support
Janam Technologies launched its XM5 family of rugged mobile computers. The computers support Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and Android operating systems on the same hardware, enabling customers to choose the OS. Options include a 1D/2D imager or a 1D laser scanner for instant decoding of bar codes. Embedded RFID and NFC (near-field communication) capabilities support a variety of applications including inventory management, asset tracking, personal identification, and mobile POS. The computer includes either a QWERTY or numeric keypad and a 3.5-inch VGA (video graphics array) display. It also offers 802.11a/b/g/n dual-band WLAN and 3G/4G WWAN technology.
HP Introduces 8 Commercial Mobility Solutions
HP offers eight new commercial mobility solutions and accessories taking a modular approach featuring secure, purpose-built devices that support multiple operating systems.
- HP Pro Slate 8 and HP Pro Slate 12 are high-definition, commercial-grade Android tablets. They are available with 8-inch or 12-inch diagonal displays, use Corning Gorilla Glass 4, and are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series processor.
- The HP Duet Pen, included with Pro Slate 8 and 12, uses Qualcomm Snapdragon digital pen technology. The pen creates shareable content by writing and digitizing input from the device’s screen or via a regular sheet of paper.
- HP Elite x2 1011 G1 is an 11.6-inch diagonal 2-in-1 Windows device running Windows 8 Pro. It transforms from a tablet to a laptop with Ultrabook configurations. Tested to military specs for durability, it includes a WiGig enterprise wireless dock based on a joint collaboration with Intel, a cover, a lightweight travel keyboard, and an optional Wacom pen.
- HP Pro Tablet 408 G1 is a 9-mm thin, 8-inch diagonal Intel Atom-based business tablet running Windows 8 Pro. Features include micro-HDMI, up to 64 GB of storage, and an 8 MP rear camera with flash.
- HP ElitePad 1000 G2 Healthcare Tablet has an antimicrobial treatment, meets IP 54 specifications, and includes a 2D bar code reader.
- HP ElitePad 1000 G2 Rugged Tablet is IP 65-rated for water and dust resistance, offers up to 20 hours of battery life, and includes a 2D bar code reader.
- The Intel Atom-based HP Pro Tablet 10 EE running Windows and the HP Pro Slate 10 EE Android tablet, designed for an educational environment, are rated IP-52 for dust and moisture resistance and include an on-board garage for the optional stylus and a hard-wired keyboard base option.
- The HP Retail Case for ElitePad offers retailers a mobile and fixed POS solution with two built-in cradle areas for mounting payment devices and the ability to dock to existing POS solutions.
SpeedLine POS Adds Support For ConnectSmart Kitchen
Pizza and delivery restaurant POS developer SpeedLine Solutions announced a new integration with ConnectSmart Kitchen automation software from QSR Automations. The integration enables new customization options to control the routing and display of every item and order on each kitchen display, highlighting item and order details with user-defined colors, fonts, and formatting. It also adds support for graphical menu cards and online video training. The software supports widescreen displays and the option of using touch screen displays. In addition, restaurant and corporate management can capture and compare critical production and speed metrics.
AURES Technologies Launches Thermal POS Printer
POS hardware manufacturer AURES Technologies launched the first printer branded by the J2-AURES Group. The ODP 333 thermal POS printer, available in black or white, has a small footprint (165 mm x 135 mm) and features a splash-proof design. In addition, it has triple interface connectivity — RS232C Serial, USB, and Ethernet Dual — and the dual output port will support two cash drawers. Depending on the paper used, it has a print life of between 35 million and 50 million lines. The print head has a life of 160 km, and the paper cutter has a life of approximately 1.5 million cuts.
Retail Realm Announces WorldPay Certification
Retail Realm (RR) has obtained certification for its integration of WorldPay to Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) for the U.S. market. This latest integration is certified for face-to-face (customer present) transactions with debit, credit, and gift cards. RR RMS WorldPay Card Processing provides end-to-end encryption and signature capture.