POS, Payment Processing, Data Collection, And IP Video News

By The Business Solutions Network

Datacap Addresses U.S. EMV For Mobile POS

Datacap Systems has released TranCloud, a new EMV-enabled payments solution for mobile and browser-based POS providers. Engineered specifically for mobile/browser POS, Datacap’s cloud approach with small footprint hardware allows POS systems to process transactions through a variety of payment processors while simultaneously driving a range of PIN pad hardware from leading OEMs — all via the cloud.

Leveraging Datacap’s EMV-certified NETePay integrated payments software, TranCloud provides mPOS providers with a plug and play, semi-integrated, out-of-scope EMV solution. POS partners communicate to TranCloud via an http post using XML or JSON — an integration that remains consistent regardless of POS operating system, processing host, or PIN Pad. As more hardware options are certified, TranCloud users gain instant access without on-going integration changes, creating an ever-evolving payment solution that’s simple to manage.

Epson Announces New KDS Controllers

Epson America recently announced its direct-connect kitchen display systems (KDS) and multistation KDS controller solutions for quick service restaurants (QSRs). Epson’s KDS solutions come with built-in intelligent printers that can be used within existing kitchen workflows. The KDS controllers parse and drive the order to the kitchen display enabling order bumping.

Epson’s direct-connect KDS controller utilizes the OmniLink TM-U220-i VGA or TM-T88V-i VGA to directly drive a kitchen display. Designed for expansion, Epson’s multistation KDS controller leverages the OmniLink TM-U220-i COM to drive up to nine kitchen displays via networked expansion modules. This solution offers greater efficiency, accuracy, and redundancy for uninterrupted service, automatically rerouting orders if one station goes down and providing a backup printer. Also, because the new controllers are POS-agnostic, they don’t require any software modifications to the POS system.

Datalogic Introduces New PDA

Android-based mobile computers have seen increased adoption in the business world. Furthering that trend is Datalogic, which recently introduced its new DL-Axist PDA. The DL-Axist PDA is an industrial-strength handheld computer with a full-touch 5-inch HD display and 2D imager. It is designed for retail applications such as assisted sales, merchandising, stock management, field force for outside-the-four-walls use, or as a manager’s device. The PDA has a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 touch screen display for longevity in harsh environments. An optional rubber boot is also available for an added layer of protection.

The DL-Axist PDA includes Datalogic SoftSpot proprietary technology, a user-definable “floating soft trigger” that can be located at the most comfortable position anywhere on the large touch display. SoftSpot technology can be used to activate a myriad of user-defined functions. A software development kit is available, giving developers full access to the power, control, and features of SoftSpot technology.

Datalogic believes this new device is the first in the industry to have MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) technology for superior throughput and coverage from its Cisco CCXv4-certified 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi radio. Outside the four walls, a 3G/4G cellular radio delivers voice and data communication. Also included are Bluetooth wireless technology (v4 with BLE for beacons), NFC for quick and easy configuration and pairing, and Datalogic’s patented “Green Spot” technology, for good-read scanning feedback. Finally, the unit is IP67-rated, and its 6-foot-drop-to-concrete rating with the rubber boot delivers investment protection.

Genetec Updates AutoVu Managed Services

Genetec recently announced the latest update of its AutoVu Managed Services (AMS), an automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) solution that allows parking customers to outsource their IT hardware and management requirements to Genetec.  AutoVu Managed Services leverages the cloud to offer end-users independence from on-premises storage, IT management, and depreciation costs, and can now accommodate larger fleets of patrol vehicles with support for fixed LPR cameras, addressing end-user requests. AutoVu is offered as part of Genetec Security Center, the company’s unified IP security platform that combines access control, video surveillance, and ALPR.

AMS is offered on a term basis, removing up-front, capital expenditure costs, available in two options: AutoVu Managed Services Basic and Premium. AutoVu Managed Services Basic includes the Genetec-hosted back-end ALPR system, parking permit management, assisted Security Center configuration, and automated software upgrades. AutoVu Managed Services Premium includes access to a “hotline” contact with Genetec AutoVu experts for “white glove” support and consulting hours to address training, feature updates, or counsel on expanding the client’s current AutoVu parking configuration requirements.

Additionally, Genetec has begun shipping the new version of its network security appliance, the SV-32 v2. Available immediately to certified members of the Genetec channel partner program, SV-32 v2 enables organizations to deploy a unified or stand-alone IP/Analog video surveillance and access control system while maintaining their existing investments in analog infrastructure.

The SV-32 v2 doubles as a client workstation, providing a unified view of video and access control events locally on up to two monitors, allowing operators to respond to incidents. Search and reporting tools help accelerate investigations. Operators can verify cardholder pictures against live or recorded video associated to access control events for doors within the system and automatically trigger alarms based on video and access control events.

Creditcall Adds EMV Certifications With 5 Major U.S. Processors

Creditcall recently added TSYS and Heartland to its existing EMV certifications for Verifone’s VX 820 PIN pad and Miura Systems’ M010 PIN pad with U.S. processors including First Data, Chase Paymentech, and Elavon for ChipDNA, Creditcall’s EMV SDK for Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.

“Implementing EMV is a complex and challenging process, but it doesn’t stop there,” explains Jeremy Gumbley, CTO at Creditcall. “Besides certification, developers need to be aware of additional factors which can stall their integration such as boarding complexities, the management of deployed PIN pads, and Debit PIN complexities.”

“Many developers are happy to see that their existing payment gateway is ‘EMV-certified.’ With the promise of a fast and easy integration, they walk into the project with high hopes,” says Lars Pedersen, CEO of Creditcall. “Unfortunately, much of the information pertaining to EMV certifications is misleading. It is important to note that payment gateways cannot be EMV-certified. What is certified are the terminals/devices tied to a specific processor. When evaluating potential EMV certification solutions, software developers should dig into specifics such as exact device and processor combinations that are certified.”

Zebra Unveils Cloud Networking, Asset Visibility Solutions

Zebra Technologies recently announced its new Azara cloud-managed WLAN solution which takes the functionality of Zebra’s enterprise-grade Wi-Fi and adds the simplicity and flexibility of managing the WLAN infrastructure from the cloud. With Azara, businesses can leverage the same enterprise access points (APs) used for on-premises WLAN and manage them from the cloud, protecting their hardware investment and providing the flexibility to migrate to and from a cloud-managed deployment.

Built from the ground up, Azara provides enterprise-class WLAN with policy enforcement, application visibility and control, site survivability, wireless intrusion prevention services (WIPS), and Smart (adaptive) RF. In addition, the solution empowers partners to provide and manage WLAN services for all of their customers from a unified dashboard with the ability to personalize the service. Businesses can get up and running for a minimal investment in time and cost because Azara supports the WiNG 5 architecture, eliminating the need for hardware controllers while offering optimal Wi-Fi coverage and performance. Also, Zebra NSight network analytics and service assurance platform is fully integrated into Azara and provides network visualization, historical trends, and analytics.

Additionally, Zebra introduced its new Asset Visibility Service (AVS). Designed to increase mobile computer and thermal printer performance, AVS offers insight into device health, utilization, and availability in customer environments resulting in increased productivity and operational efficiency.

AVS utilizes a factory-installed agent available on Zebra devices which, when activated, provides asset visibility for retailers, manufacturers, healthcare organizations, and transportation and logistics companies with no lengthy configuration or commissioning process.

This new, economical service is designed for channel partners who need business-critical data about device health and usage but do not need the more expensive two-way remote management capabilities of a mobile device management (MDM) tool.