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Tuesday, 31 January 2006
SAN DIEGO, Calif., -- ShoptoCook, Inc. has announced that its unique Recipe-for-Sales Platformsm can now be enhanced with an interface to adjacent digital signage that can show video clips corresponding to products featured on the kiosk's touch-screen.
"We offer branded manufacturers a media channel that places their message where most meal planning takes place — in the perishable aisle," said Frank Beurskens, CEO of ShoptoCook, Inc., Buffalo, N.Y. "We use kiosk as a vehicle to promote branded ingredients in the context of a meal solution for a shopper."
Beurskens spoke here today at the Food Marketing Institute's annual MARKETECHNICS convention and trade show. The digital signage interface will be displayed at Booth 852 where he invited retailers and press to stop by for a demonstration.
ShoptoCook's GoCook Centersm uses a touch-screen kiosk located along the perishable perimeter in the supermarket's meat, seafood, produce, wine and cheese departments where meal planning takes place. The kiosk provides printed recipes and accompaniment ideas.
Linking the GoCook Centersm to a digital screen is designed to enhance the information provided on the kiosk about branded products featured in a recipe, or about a certain wine and cheese. Of example, after the shopper has either scanned a specific bottle of wine or inquires about wine by variety, a static image or video clip can be triggered on the plasma screen located near by.
"ShoptoCook continues to develop new media-based applications for the perishable perimeter, with the goal of engaging the consumer in the shopping experience," said Beurskens. "We understand the world of the shopper and we understand the world of technology."
ShoptoCook is installed in more than 200 AholdUSA divisions of Tops, Giant and Martin stores located throughout New York and Pennsylvania. The company also provides the in-store interactive solutions technology in all Bloom stores operated by Food Lion/Delhaize Group.
About ShoptoCook
ShoptoCook, Inc. offers digital solutions to reduce the daily stress of meal planning by providing an unlimited variety of fast, fun and fulfilling meal ideas while the shopper is in the store. ShoptoCook's GoCook Centersm touch-screen kiosks are located along the perishable perimeter where meal planning takes place. With a simple touch of the screen or item scan, shoppers can view and print recipes for a specific product or need on the spot. For more information, contact Frank Beurskens at (716) 362-3168 and or Dick Engl at (716) 362-3168 and . Also visit www.shoptocook.com.
Monday, 30 January 2006
Shredding kiosk helps consumers fight identity theft safely, conveniently, inexpensively
Jan. 30, 2006 — Individuals and small businesses looking to guard against identity theft now can do so easily, conveniently, and inexpe nsively with the first self-service shredding kiosk designed specifically for consumers and small businesses.
With the latest installation at Foothills Mall in Fort Collins, Colo., RealTime Shredding has six kiosks in operation. Users can bring in any material they would like to shred and do so at a cost of $1 per two-minute session. With RealTime Shredding's industrial-quality shredder, that equates to up to four pounds, or about 400 sheets of paper, says Amanda Verrie, the company's president.
The RealTime Shredding system cross-cut shreds more than just paper, according to Verrie. It will shred cardboard, credit cards, paper clips, staples, and even CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Security Level 3 cross-cut shredding provides the highest level of security available outside of classified/government use. To assure safety, material enters the system several inches above the cutting blades, and then passes through two control points.
Identity theft is now the fastest-growing crime in Colorado and in the United States, according to the National Crime Prevention Council. More than 9.3 million Americans were the victims of identity theft in 2005, resulting in an annual cost to the individuals, businesses, and government of $52.6 billion. A study by the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Research indicates that nearly 88 percent of known-cause identity theft incidents occur "offline" — not via the Internet.
RealTime Shredding provides a simple, effective tool to provide consumers with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that documents they no longer need are being completely destroyed, says Verrie. Ability to see the material shredded in real time eliminates worries about personal information being lost or stolen.
Previously, explains Verrie, this type of powerful shredding was available only to large corporate users. With the critical need for tools to combat identity theft, RealTime Shredding offers an answer. Now, "for less than the price of a cup of coffee, a true identity theft tool is available."
RealTime Shredding kiosks are in operation in Colorado Springs (Chapel Hills Mall), Monument (The UPS Store), and Littleton (Southwest Plaza Mall), as well as at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch in Amarillo, Tex. RealTime Shredding plans future expansion throughout the state and nation over the next year. The company has received inquiries and interest from businesses in nearly a dozen states, says Verrie.
RealTime Shredding, Inc., develops, manufactures, and markets systems to help prevent identity theft. The RealTime Shredding self-service kiosk provides a fast, convenient, inexpensive way for consumers and small businesses to shred documents and other materials that must be destroyed. The woman-owned and operated company is based in Colorado Springs.
Contacts: Amanda Verrie
RealTime Shredding, Inc.
720-530-3444
Aimee Bennett, APR
Fagan Business Communications
303-843-9840/cell: 303-638-0233
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Wednesday, 25 January 2006
A tradeshow floor filled with nothing but kiosks? Please. That is so 20th century.
Self-service means much more than kiosks today, and attendees at the upcoming Self-Service & Kiosk Show in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 13-14 will see that first-hand. Dozens of companies will showcase their latest self-service devices, aimed at generating revenue and improving the bottom line for a number of industries, from retail to financial services to travel and hospitality. Traditional kiosks, themselves constantly evolving and improving, will share the spotlight with portable units, wireless technology, digital signage and service providers.
According to director of show operations, Terry Thompson, industries that have traditionally embraced self-service, such as retail and financial services, are well represented at the show, but so are some new faces and names. (NetWorld Alliance, which owns and operates The Self-Service & Kiosk Show, also owns and operates this Web site.)
"We're seeing a lot of companies that serve multiple industries, not just retail or banking or restaurants," she said. "We've got a number of new exhibitors that represent aspects of self-service that perhaps people haven't thought about before."
Thompson said the quality of exhibitors signed up for the show is higher than ever, and the breadth of industries served and needs met is wider than ever.
"This show has grown so much; it now encompasses both traditional kiosk providers and those companies that are looking at self-service from a different angle," she said. "It's about all the different ways companies can improve their processes by letting customers take control of some or all of the transaction process. There's a lot of visionary thinking going on here."
On the floor
Apunix Computer Services will demonstrate a number of its established applications, all built on the Java platform. Apunix has long been an advocate for open software applications, stressing the need for extensibility. The company focuses on kiosk applications addressing retail, food and beverage self-ordering, hospitality, travel and tourism.
CeroView, a turnkey kiosk solutions company, offers high-quality integration and an award-winning internal cabling management system. The company will display four kiosk models: the ergonomic Aport; the Crystal, which lends itself to use as a digital media unit; the 2800S Digital Photo Kiosk; and the Sales Pro II, designed to fit on an endcap in most any retail environment.
Corporate Safe Specialists will demonstrate two dynamic self-payment devices. The Self Out System (SOS) allows the storeowner to use the kiosk like an electronic chalkboard; whatever his food specials are, he can post minutes before his lunch rush. Inventory items can be marked out of stock to keep customers from the disappointment of ordering only to find out it is not available. CSS's Cash Courier is a POS device that can accept and return paper and coin currency. The Cash Courier can be installed inside an existing kiosk structure to make a turnkey payment solution for self-checkout.
D2 Sales will introduce its new semi-custom stock kiosk design. The kiosk features PlascoID's patented bio-scan identification technology. The unit has been customized with an extended outer shell to accommodate an oversized custom wristband printer and features a branded, 4-color process, custom graphic wrapper. D2 will also bring along an old favorite, the "Tree of Knowledge" design. This kiosk features a CPU, LCD touchscreen and speakers, all nested in the branches of a sculptural tree-shaped enclosure.
Diebold Premier Services offers installation and maintenance services to kiosk manufacturers and their partners. In addition to giving information regarding its installation and maintenance services, the company will also provide attendees with copies of its recently published mini-guide, "The Importance of Uptime." Diebold also will sponsor a drawing at their booth for a must-have collection of books for the self-service executive.
Electronic Systems Protection will showcase its products, which protect sensitive kiosk equipment from surges, ground noise, dirty power disruptions, lightning and other harmful voltage transients that are usually beyond the operator's control. The company also offers network protection and a fax/modem DSL filter that electronically isolates the DSL signal from the normal phone (voice) signal, preventing unwanted cross talk and ensuring trouble-free connections.
Elo TouchSystems will exhibit its complete line of entry-level LCD touchmonitors; multifunction LCD desktop touchmonitors with magnetic stripe reader, rear-facing display and biometric fingerprint recognition; and its new 1529L 15-inch LCD touchcomputer. Elo's products are available with industry-leading touch technologies including surface wave (IntelliTouch, iTouch, SecureTouch), resistive (AccuTouch, AT4), infrared (CarrollTouch) and capacitive (projected and surface).
EuroTouch Kiosks will bring a number of their innovative designs, including outdoor and adjustable models. They also will be on hand to explain their installation and maintenance service programs, which are available throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Ewait will bring several of its stylish kiosks and integrated table systems for restaurant ordering and entertainment products. Ewait's Electronic Waiter and Ewait Digital allow patrons to order food from their tables, and then browse the Internet and purchase media products while waiting to be served.
In partnership with KioWare, Fivepoint will show a human resources application running on an industry kiosk platform, highlighting both security and privacy. Fivepoint also will show a couple of applications running on its latest platform, the Silhouette series.
Flytech Technology Co. Ltd. is principally engaged in the design, production and sales of kiosk and POS systems. As a leading kiosk and POS systems OEM/ODM-maker, Flytech offers reliable, quality products to all of its customers at competitive cost.
Hand Held Products will bring a number of its leading "portable kiosk" models, ideal for use in "smart shopping" applications, price lookup, loyalty and any other retail use where portability is a must. Hand Held Products also holds the distinction of being the world's leading provider of image-based data collection products, led by its exclusive Adaptus Imaging Technology.
HECON's primary focus will be the C-56 family of thermal receipt printers, specifically designed for thermal receipt printing applications in harsh environments. A unique, patented presentation assembly prevents vandals from pulling the paper out of the printer. The C-56 prints at 220 mm/second (8.6 inches/second). A temperature range of -30 degrees C to +70 degrees C, along with a commensurate humidity spec, make the C-56 perfect for outdoor applications.
Immersion Corp. will demonstrate its tactile feedback systems that turn traditional passive kiosk touchscreens into active displays that deliver the sensation of pressing physical buttons. Immersion's technology allows tactile cues to be worked into the touchscreen experience, creating enormous differentiation from other touchscreen interfaces.
Instruments & Equipment Company is a full-service, integrated systems provider, and is the only authorized dealer for NCR's EasyPoint kiosk line.
KING Products & Solutions will showcase its Plynth G5 dual-screen kiosk with digital advertising on the 19-inch top screen in addition to a consumer credit card program, developed for IKEA, running on the main screen. The company also will exhibit its LINK wall-mount kiosk that was customized for the newly launched GE Monogram Walk-in Wine Vault that incorporates a scanner and printer. KING's newly launched Content Server application also will be on display; it provides clients with the ability to change kiosk content remotely from any PC equipped with a browser.
KIOSK Information Systems will bring a number of its leading technologies to the show, including a never-before-seen Photo Pod, a multistation unit built for the armed services. The Digital Media standalone photo/digital media machine will be on hand, as will the Digital Ordering Station, aimed at mini-lab and digital sampling.
Kiosk Logix will demonstrate its secure browser software, NetStop Pro, which powers public Internet kiosks and enterprise information solutions. Clients benefit from remote monitoring and real-time management of kiosks. Other technologies on hand will include the PDA-based ReachPOC for restaurants, Site-Logix workflow application and audio/video communication and data collaboration software.
For 30 years, La Gard has provided the financial industry with secure options for its ATM safe-locking needs. La Gard will display its latest innovation, the Navigator, which combines cell and Web technologies to ensure cash security.
Software developer Nanonation will display a number of innovative retail solutions built upon its Nanopoint E3 software suite. The company also will have digital signage applications that take advantage of the high-definition power of the Apple operating system.
Netkey will demonstrate Netkey 6.5, the company's enterprise-level software platform used for the development, deployment and operation of self-service kiosk networks. In use at leading retailers, banks and other organizations, Netkey 6.5 simplifies the creation and management of complex kiosk applications and helps businesses generate a sustainable and measurable return on investment from their kiosk projects.
PDNB will highlight Electronic Banking Solutions, TIO, VERO and Bantek/EFMARK. PDNB Electronic Banking Solutions (EBS), a division of Palm Desert National Bank, develops customized solutions for vault cash, terminal and cash management, POS/ATM network sponsorship and stored-value debit card programs for the financial services industry. Info Touch Technologies, a strategic investment of Hewlett Packard, is building the TIO Network, the largest and most convenient national multiretailer network of financial services kiosks for the non-banked consumer marketplace in North America.
Planar Systems will show its DS15, a highly optimized solution that allows a compelling interactive experience to be delivered anywhere there is an electrical outlet. The included software suite enables a wide variety of rich-media content to be scheduled easily and deployed directly at the point of purchase. Also on display will be the PT1701MU, a 17-inch capacitive touchmonitor for retail, POS, POP or kiosk applications. The PT1701MU features 3M ClearTek Capacitive touchscreen and USB touchscreen driver for use in harsh environments that require a more rugged interface.
RealTime Shredding will introduce the first and only self-service shredding kiosk. This kiosk was designed to help consumers and small businesses fight identity theft quickly, conveniently and inexpensively. Its ATM-type design allows for easy public access to a high-volume, high-quality, pay-per-use intelligent shredding system.
Solvport is a national ATM and kiosk service provider with 12 years of experience servicing ATM and kiosk networks. They will be on hand to explain their services, including back-office 24x7x365 phone technical support, monitoring, field technical service, installation and project management.
Source Technologies will feature its concourse family of kiosks, including the 3-series, a modular kiosk platform. In addition, the company will offer demonstrations of its award-winning concourse BillPay solution, its teller-assisted self-service banking solution and more.
St. Clair Interactive Communications will show its complete suite of "Store Wide Strategies for Customer Facing Devices," with special emphasis on its recent implementation for the GIANT chain of supermarkets. The company also will show loyalty and gift card kiosks, its SMART ORDER application for QSRs and catering, as well as applications in guided selling, customer service, remote operations and digital displays.
Star Micronics America offers a wide range of kiosk printers with a variety of features and accessories to fit the requirements of nearly any kiosk application. From adjustable width printers to 2-, 3- and 4-inch width kiosk printers, Star has kiosk printing solutions for everything from airline boarding passes to ATMs to lottery and gaming machine applications.
The Rhombus Group specializes in kiosk installations, service and preventative maintenance. Company representatives will be on hand to discuss their subcontractor network, which covers all markets throughout North America. Services offered include kiosk installation and set-up, computer repair, data cabling, wireless integration, electrical, telecommunications, general labor and transportation and warehousing logistics.
Touchmate Touchscreen Solutions has more than 12 years experience in the design, manufacture and implementation of interactive technology. Company executives will be on hand to showcase their established touchscreen projects, which act as sophisticated public information delivery and retrieval systems.
This article originally appeared on KioskMarketplace.com. Read the expanded version.
Wednesday, 25 January 2006
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD) has successfully completed testing for the new $10 bill and its Opteva family of ATMs and legacy equipment are capable of accepting and dispensing the new notes.
Diebold proactively initiated testing and reliability procedures to allow for a smooth transition of the new notes into the market.
"We are committed to making this transition transparent to our customers," said Chuck Ducey, vice president, global development and service. "We are actively educating our customers regarding the new note introduction. Diebold ATMs successfully integrated the new $20 and $50 bills introduced last year, and we are confident about the upcoming launch of the new $10 bill."
The new bill will be issued on March 2, 2006, and includes subtle background colors to stay ahead of advanced computer technologies used for counterfeiting. Traditional security features, such as watermarks, enhanced security threads and color-shifting ink are also incorporated into the new design.
"Diebold is not only coordinating the testing needs of Diebold-engineered modules, but communicating those needs to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) suppliers as well," Ducey said. "The in-house testing was flawless. We had no problems picking or running the notes in the Opteva advanced-function dispensers and did not have to change any of the settings or calibrations to dispense the notes. No changes to Diebold currency dispensers or cassettes are required. A simple update of algorithms will enable all Diebold Bulk Note Acceptors to accept deposits of the new notes at the ATM."
About Diebold
Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery systems, security and services. Diebold employs more than 14,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold reported revenue of $2.4 billion in 2004 and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.diebold.com.
Media Contact:
Kimberly Slater
+1 330-490-5513
Investor Contact:
John Kristoff
+1 330 490 5900
Wednesday, 25 January 2006
Describe your company's primary product or service.
TECHnical TRANSportation Inc (TECH TRANS) is a nationwide white glove inside delivery carrier with expertise in delivery, set up & installation of self service kiosks, self service drop boxes, self service ATMs, diagnostic medical instruments (ie: ultrasounds, blood analyzers, anesthesia units, lasers, etc), telecom instruments, high end computers, and other sensitive large electronic instruments. TECH TRANS also provides relocation services, warranty swap out services, and removal-field returns services of this type electronic equipment.
What makes your company unique?
TECH TRANS' only business is the transport and inside delivery of high tech heavyweight electronics. We have more high tech delivery agents in the 48 states than the two largest van lines combined. We provide complete nationwide coverage, speed and flexibility. Our transit times are whatever transit days that are required by our customer (next day air, 2nd day air, 3-5 day air ride road service) with white glove inside delivery, vs. the traditional 2-3 week time transits provided by the majority of the household goods carriers. We can track orders and provide reports 24/7 on our secured access web site at www.techtrans.com
What is your marketing philosophy for the kiosk industry?
We see an exact parallel between the kiosk industry and the medical industry.
For the kiosk manufacturer, we can provide transportation and white glove multiple man liftgate inside delivery direct to the end user site eliminating warehousing, handling, and secondary transportation and other added costs. TECH TRANS also provides warranty replacement swap out service, relocation service and removal-return service.
For the kiosk distributor, we see them experiencing the same challenges as the medical distributor. Many distributors have the burden of, after making the sale, having to then be responsible for receiving the units, finding available warehouse space, arranging a delivery vehicle as well as delivery and install personnel and scheduling. We have seen many distributors that top out their sales effectiveness. I.e. The more they sell the more administrative work they perform. Having TECH TRANS pick up their units, transport them,
warehouse them, and deliver & install them means they get to spend 100% of their time selling placements without ever having to see or touch the actual units.
The other challenge that we have seen with distributors is that they may have a
geographic sales territory, (say for example, the State of Florida), however, their real effective sales area is a 30 minute radius of their base city. They have not really been effectively selling in any other cities in their geographic territory. Using TECH TRANS allows the distributor to freely and effectively sell in their entire sales geographic territory (state wide for example) without the burden of warehouse receiving, delivery, set up and installation.
What other business sectors do you operate in?
We provide services to those industries that ship sensitive expensive electronic
instruments requiring fast air ride transit, multiple man liftgate white glove
inside delivery to the end user site, warranty replacements, relocations, and field returns. This includes ATMs, drop boxes (ie: TECH TRANS performs all the nationwide placements, removals, swap outs, and removal/returns of all the self service drop box shipping kiosks for Federal Express), diagnostic medical instruments, mainframe computers, servers, storage instrument towers, telecom instruments, and large electronic consumer electronics.
Give a brief history of the company.
TECH TRANS was founded in 1990 to provide an alternative service for shippers of high tech electronic instruments whose only high tech carrier source was the traditional furniture household transportation carriers. Today, TECH TRANS provides a full menu of logistics and specialized services for high tech instrument shipping with fast, flexible time definite transit times and full web page visibility 24/7
Why did you join the Self Service Kiosk Association?
We joined the Self Service Kiosk Association because we see the exact same parallels, needs, and logistical challenges faced by the mfgs and distributors of kiosk instruments as the mfgs and distributors of medical, telecom, ATM, drop box, and consumer electronic instruments face each day. Industries have needs and challenges that TECH TRANS has successfully serviced day to day since 1990.
Tuesday, 24 January 2006
The Largest and Longest Running Conference and Tradeshow of Its Kind Announces Speaker Roster and Session Topics
TRUMBULL, CT (January 24, 2006) — The KioskCom Conference & Tradeshow (KioskCom), the defining global event for interactive self-service business solutions, announces its 2006 conference and tradeshow will be held April 10-12 at The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV.
Building off of a highly successful 2005 event, KioskCom 2006 expects that over 2,000 participants will register, continuing as the most critical, strategic, largest and longest running conference and tradeshow for kiosks and self-service, worldwide.
Named twice as one of the Fastest 50 growing events in North America, KioskCom delivers critical content and strategies to ensure kiosk success — directly from end-user companies that utilize kiosks within their organizations. This year's sessions and workshops are designed to deliver the strategic insight and first-hand lessons necessary to address and solve an organization's business challenges.
"Companies need to find ways to improve their margins — and kiosks provide that avenue" said Lawrence Dvorchik, KioskCom's General Manager. "Generating additional revenues, improving the customer experience and solving the critical operational and labor issues are all at the forefront of organization strategies. KioskCom is the only place that delivers the strategic insight required from the people that have faced these dilemmas in their organizations. Attendees will hear from other people that are — or were — in their same situation, who used kiosks to successfully provide the solutions to improve their margins."
Representatives from some of the world's most recognizable brands will be on hand to discuss critical issues involved in attracting and retaining customers through self-service programs. Speakers and topics currently confirmed for this years keynote presentations include:
- Opening Keynote Panel: "Increasing Revenues, Usage and the Customer Experience Enterprise-Wide through Integrated Multi-Channel Self-Service", presented by experts from the United States Postal Service (USPS) Retail Services
- Day Two Keynote Presentation: "How Self-Service Kiosks Increase Average Price per Order, Upsell and Speed of Service", presented by a top Subway store franchisee.
Additional session speakers include influential executives from Campbell Soup Company, Subway, Duane Reade, Levin Furniture, Redbox Automated Retail, Swift Transportation, Sports-O-Zone and Independence Visitor Center Corporation, among others.
Speakers will center their thought-provoking presentations on timely issues, including:
- Boosting In-Store Sales: Increasing the Customer Experience and Spend
- Using Kiosks to Create an Interactive Branded Merchandising Solution
- Creating Loyal Customers to Increase Revenue
- Achieving your Business Objectives through Self-Service Technology
- Improving Speed of Service
- Increasing Revenues, Usage and the Customer Experience through Integrated Multi-Channel Self-Service
"Now in our tenth year, KioskCom stands out as the self-service industry's most distinguished event for executives and decision makers to network with other end-users, educating each other on the industry's most pressing challenges," said Dvorchik. "This conference provides a one-of-a-kind educational experience in this industry that truly benefits all those that attend."
KioskCom 2006 also features KioskCom's 5th Annual Excellence Awards, presented at a Dinner and Reception - hosted by KioskCom and the KioskCom Professional Society - on April 10 at 7:00 pm. This esteemed competition is recognized as the most prestigious award a kiosk project can win and has honored more than 150 companies across multiple industries for their leadership, innovations, and success with self-service kiosk business solutions. Past winners include BMW, SONY, AAA, Avis, Hilton Hotels, Daimler Chrysler and ExxonMobil. Deadline for submission is February 16, 2006.
For additional information about the 10th Annual KioskCom Conference and Tradeshow and / or the KioskCom Excellence Awards, please visit http://www.kioskcom.com.
About JD Events
JD Events is dedicated to the creation of targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education-rich content and high-level networking opportunities -- all geared toward increasing business transactions in the markets it serves. For more information on JD Events, visit http://www.jdevents.com or contact Joel Davis at
Chree Carr
Vollmer Public Relations
1505 LBJ Freeway, Ste. 340
Dallas, Texas 75234
Ph. - 972.488.4790
Fax - 972.488.4791
Monday, 23 January 2006
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2006--Arrow OEM Computing Solutions, the division of the North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) that provides design engineering, manufacturing, system integration, supply chain management and post-manufacturing services to industrial OEMs and intellectual property-based companies, today announced it has partnered with Dot21, Intel, LynuxWorks, Motorola and RTI to deliver a new open architecture solution to the U.S. Armed Services.
The bundled hardware and software solution, called "OA Out of the Box," will offer the military and other government agencies a standard platform for developing open architecture-based solutions. This platform can serve as the foundation for any type of OA application and will enable designers to speed time to market and prevent them from having to conduct a complete re-design each time they begin a new development.
To create the solution, Intel and Motorola are contributing COTS-based (commercial off the shelf) open hardware components, such as computer blades, in a multitude of physical and mechanical configurations; RTI is providing the readily accepted middleware that enables different technologies to communicate; LynuxWorks is providing a POSIX-based open operating system; and Dot 21 is conducting performance testing.
By relying on open architecture in systems such as the Navy's Ship Self Defense System and the Army's Future Combat Systems, the military is able to reduce costs, quickly deploy new solutions and facilitate the rapid exchange of information between soldiers, weapons, sensors and command platforms.
"As a distributor and integration partner, Arrow is in a unique position to bring together the offerings of its top suppliers to create comprehensive solutions such as 'OA Out of the Box,'" said Steve Ramsland, vice president and general manager, Arrow OEM Computing Solutions. "What's more, Arrow is bringing its logistics and integration expertise to the 'OA Out of the Box' solution, inventorying and ensuring the quality of each component and protecting against obsolescence by managing the supply chain."
About Arrow North American Components
Based in Melville, New York, the North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc., is a leading provider of semiconductors and passive, electro mechanical, and connector products, services, and supply chain solutions tailored to serve distinct customer segments with dedicated sales teams. Three primary, customer-focused NAC groups serve these market segments: The Arrow/Zeus Electronics Group targets the aerospace and military markets; the Arrow Electronics Components Group serves local OEM and contract manufacturing customers; and the Arrow Alliance Group focuses on large customers with complex needs.
Arrow Electronics is a major global provider of products, services, and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and computer products.
CONTACT: Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Ann Shiveley, 303-824-3762
Monday, 23 January 2006
Please describe your company's primary product or service.
Hand Held Products offers highly-functional, low cost customer interaction devices. These kiosks are designed to read 1D and 2D bar codes, accept payments via MSR or RF Tags, display information and enable real-time customer interaction — all in a form that takes up minimal floor space.
What makes your company unique?
Our perspective is that the attributes people want from a kiosk are commonly found at the point-of-sale. We chose to take those attributes and design our kiosk around them, thereby increasing functional familiarity and making the device more welcoming to the user.
In addition, incorporation of the Adaptus Imaging Technology platform into our kiosks makes them more versatile and easier to use than those featuring other technologies for bar code reading.
Finally, many features found in our kiosks as standard, including protective overlays and card readers, are typically offered as priced options from other manufacturers.
What is your marketing philosophy for the kiosk industry?
Our segment of the kiosk industry is in its early stages of growth and continuously developing. We believe our company is positioned well and will focus on educating the end users on the how the mini-kiosk class devices will help them reach their goals.
What other business sectors do you operate in?
Hand Held Products designs and manufactures handheld imagers, mobile computers, transaction terminals, verification products and image engines for key vertical markets including Retail, Transportation, and Healthcare.
Give a brief history of the company.
Established in 1972, Hand Held Products is a leading manufacturer of data collection and communication solutions designed specifically for mobile, in-premise, and transaction processing applications. With operations throughout the world, Hand Held Products is dedicated to solving business challenges based on a thorough understanding of each customer's unique requirements and goals.
Why did you join Selfservice.org?
We joined Kiosks.org because we feel it is a key organization that understands and has a pulse on the kiosk industry.
What do you like about our industry? What are some of the challenges?
What I like about the kiosk industry is that it is challenging and ever changing. We are positioned well to become a leader for many years to come. Some of the most intriguing technological advances are and will continue to come from the vendors in the kiosk industry.
What does the future hold for your company's success in the kiosk industry?
Hand Held Products future in the kiosk industry will be dependent on the growth and adoption of the mini-kiosk class of devices. They will drive the growth of the market and push the technological envelope for the next few years.
Monday, 23 January 2006
 Friday, January 20, 2006 - NEXTEP SYSTEMS of Troy, Michigan announced a new Online Ordering solution for restaurants, tightly integrated with its popular Self Order Kiosk solution. Online Ordering allows customers to pre-order meals for pick up at the restaurant of their choice. Instead of providing a web form interface, NEXTEP offers the same rich, graphical user interface that it provides on its self order kiosks.
Additional benefits of the NEXTEP approach include centralized administration, centralized reporting, a consistent customer experience, and lower total cost of ownership.
NEXTEP SYSTEMS is a leading provider of Automated Ordering and Digital Signage solutions, most notably to SUBWAY® restaurants. More on NEXTEP SYSTEMS at www.nextepsystems.com or contact Rick Wibel at 866-654-8730 x112.
NEXTEP SYSTEMS - ONLINE ORDERING USER INTERFACE
Sunday, 22 January 2006
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 2006--3M Digital Signage and LSI Graphic Solutions Plus, a division of LSI Industries, today announced a 2006 business development initiative to provide customers with distinctive digital signage solutions fully optimized to deliver measurable business results.
"3M and LSI are well-positioned to plan, deploy and manage digital sign networks that deliver strong business results for our customers," said David Reynolds-Gooch, business unit manager, 3M Digital Signage.
3M Digital Signage addresses the foremost issues of companies considering digital signage: network and provider accountability. Together, 3M and LSI bring established track records of adapting new technologies for increasingly complex brand-building and communication challenges.
A menu of capabilities includes:
- Pilot planning, research design and execution to validate and optimize network return-on-investment;
- Network design and project management, including hardware procurement, installation and systems integration, and hardware management programs;
- Command and control services including content hosting, scheduling and playback with proof-of-run reporting, network monitoring, diagnostic reporting, and maintenance and support programs;
- Content consulting led by Human Factors Ph.D.s, original content creation and re-purposing of existing digital assets, and easy-to-use content management software.
"We're confident that our customers will recognize the benefits of 3M and LSI as trusted, results-oriented solution providers," said Dave McCauley, president, LSI Graphic Solutions Plus.
For more information, contact Kelly Canavan, marketing manager, 3M Graphics Market Center, (651) 736-4501.
About 3M Digital Signage
3M Digital Signage is a worldwide provider of dynamic digital signage and interactive kiosk network solutions for retail, financial services, entertainment, education and other industries. 3M Digital Signage is an evolution of Mercury Online Solutions Inc., acquired in August 2005, an industry pioneer with more than a decade of experience designing, deploying and maintaining digital signage solutions. The company's products and services have powered thousands of digital sign locations globally. Applications range from single-screen installations to over 4,200 interactive kiosks and large-screen displays, controlled and monitored through a single network. The company is headquartered on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Wa. (www.3Mdigitalsignage.com)
About LSI Graphic Solutions Plus
LSI Graphic Solutions Plus, a division of LSI Industries, a publicly held company, is an integrated design, engineering and manufacturing company providing custom graphic solutions and high-quality lighting systems for interior and exterior retail environments. The company is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio. (www.lsi-industries.com)
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
Thursday, 19 January 2006
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January 2006 |
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Elo TouchSystems
301 Constitution Dr.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
800-ELO-TOUCH
(800-356-8682)
Tel: 650-361-4700
Fax: 650-361-4747
www.elotouch.com
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Elo Receives Control Engineering Editor's Choice Award
Elo has received the 2005 Control Engineering Editor's Choice Award for its 32" IntelliTouch surface-wave touchscreen. The editors selected the 45 winners from among all of the new products featured in the 2005 issues of Control Engineering, Control Engineering Online, and Control Engineering's topical e-mail newsletters. Winners were based on service to the industry, technological advancement, and market impact.
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See Elo at the ICE/ATEI Trade Show, London, United Kingdom
Visit Elo at ICE/ATEI January 24—26, 2006, stand 1830, London, United Kingdom to see the new family of gaming LCDs, tabletop LCDs for management systems, the recently launched 1529L touchcomputer, and other innovative new products. The new LCDs feature an even more compact footprint, unique watertight minibezel, and superior Elo surface-wave or capacitive touch technology. The silent, fanless all-in-one touchcomputer combines a touchscreen with a computer in the footprint of a standard 15" tabletop LCD. Applications include casino management and bingo.
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Visit Elo at the Self-Service & Kiosk Show, Orlando, Florida
See Elo at the Self-Service & Kiosk Show, February 13 and 14, 2006, Orlando, Florida. Visit Elo at booth 303 to see how Elo's products provide the optimum touch solution for your point-of-information and point-of-sale application needs, including desktop and panel- and rear-mount LCD touchmonitors. Elo will exhibit its complete line of entry-level LCD touchmonitors; multifunction LCD desktop touchmonitors with magnetic stripe reader, rear-facing display, and biometric fingerprint recognition; and its new 1529L 15" LCD touchcomputer. Elo's products are available with industry-leading technologies including surface wave (IntelliTouch, iTouch, SecureTouch), resistive (AccuTouch, AT4), infrared (CarrollTouch), and capacitive (projected and surface).
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Previous Issues
AccuTouch, CarrollTouch, Entuitive, IntelliTouch, iTouch, SecureTouch, TouchTools, and TouchReady are trademarks of Tyco Electronics Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Elo TouchSystems is a division of Tyco Electronics Corporation.
Copyright © 2006 Tyco Electronics Corporation, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy
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Tuesday, 17 January 2006
Las Vegas, Nevada — Tuesday, January 17, 2006 — When Super Bowl XL kicks off February 5 in Detroit, a new sports wagering system being tested at the Palms sports book would allow gamblers to bet in real time throughout game. Las Vegas-based casino equipment provider Progressive Gaming International Corp. will field test Rapid Bet Liveâ„¢ during the game using touch screen terminals designed and manufactured by Redondo Beach, California based SeePoint Technology.
Rapid Bet Live gives a casino another way to offer bettors action on a game. Once a game starts, Nevada sports books cease taking wagers. Rapid Bet Live opens the door for players to wager during the game, for example by betting on whether a particular offensive drive will result in a score, punt or turnover. Rapid Bet Live allows a sports book to offer from 30 to 50 different real time wagers on an individual sport event and can be easily configured to allow intra-game wagering on other sporting events.
Rapid Bet Live requires a bettor to deposit money into any account and choose a user name and password. Winnings are accrued to a player's total account with payouts posted automatically. Wagers are accepted in the sports book on SeePoint's CounterPoint touch screen terminal. The CounterPoint's contemporary design, small footprint and slim profile as well as the absence of exposed wires, cables or ports make this touch screen kiosk an ideal solution for installation in the Palms sports book. The CounterPoint kiosks also feature a 17 inch touch LCD. The large clear and responsive touch display provides the real estate necessary to display the various wagering options and maximizes ease of use and customer satisfaction.
"Internet gaming has made people comfortable with wagering on a computer terminal," said Jeff Harms, Rapid Bet Live product manager for Progressive Gaming. Sports handicapper Jimmy Vaccaro agrees. "Do I think the time is right for something like this? Absolutely," said Vaccaro. "The technology has advanced so that a system like this is feasible and the players are much more in tune to technology. I think the betting public is ready for it and I think the industry is ready for it. I think there are a lot of ways to use this system."
About SeePoint
SeePoint Technology is a leading provider of interactive, Internet-ready, fully integrated kiosk systems. SeePoint designs and manufactures interactive information systems that are ideal for government applications, retail services, ticketing systems, public information terminals and customer service applications.
SeePoint offers a full line of standard products with a variety of mounting options, all of which may be customized to maximize branding opportunities and integrated with a full range of peripheral devices. SeePoint also offers full service engineering, design and manufacturing services to create custom developed solutions for customers with unique project specifications.
All of SeePoint's kiosks unite design, durability, reliability, flexibility, customizability and modularity to bring Internet based information, commerce and communication to the public.
SeePoint has provided interactive display solutions to Billabong, CBS, Consolidated Edison, Deloitte Consulting, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Fuji, Johns Hopkins Medical Center, the National Constitution Center, Neutrogena, Pfizer, Polaris ATV, the San Francisco International Airport, the States of New Mexico and Wisconsin and the United States Air Force and Army. Contact SeePoint Technology at (310) 725-9660 or visit www.seepoint.com for more information.
SeePoint is a trademark of SeePoint LLC. Other company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
For more information contact:
SeePoint Technology LLC
Sydney Arfin
888-587-1777 x103
Tuesday, 17 January 2006
Armonk, N.Y. - 17 Jan 2006: IBM today announced that Gap Inc., the world's largest specialty apparel retailer, selected IBM as its provider for IT infrastructure services. The 10-year, approximately $1.1 billion contract will provide Gap Inc. with mainframe, server, network, helpdesk and deskside support services across its North American stores and corporate locations.
IBM has worked closely with Gap Inc. to develop a virtualized server and storage platform strategy that will scale to meet peaks and valleys in demand.
"IBM is a global leader in infrastructure services and a long-standing partner of Gap Inc.," said Gap Inc. chief information officer and executive vice president, Michael Tasooji. "Delivering capabilities that drive our retail business, provide competitive advantages and serve our customers are our highest priorities. Transferring our technology infrastructure operations to IBM enables us to deliver and implement these solutions faster."
To enhance in-store customer support, IBM will extend its networking capabilities to the company's more than 2,850 North American retail locations. IBM will provide the technology and integration expertise to migrate the stores to a leading-edge wireless network.
IBM will also consolidate Gap Inc.'s IT systems and leverage its resources to provide global operations and support.
As part of the relationship, Gap Inc. will have access to an IBM Innovation Center, which brings together IBM subject matter expertise from various areas within IBM and IBM knowledge of the retail and other industries.
"IBM understands the business and technology imperatives that drive the retail industry," said Bob Zapfel, IBM's general manager of information technology services, Americas. "We look forward to extending our relationship with Gap Inc., one of the world's largest and well-known apparel retailers."
About IBM services
IBM is the world's largest information technology services and consulting provider. Some 190,000 professionals in more than 160 countries help clients integrate information technology with business value -- from the business transformation and industry expertise of IBM Business Consulting Services to hosting, infrastructure, technology design and training services. IBM services business delivers integrated, flexible and resilient processes across companies and through business partners, enabling clients to save money and transform their businesses to be more competitive. For more information, visit www.ibm.com/services.
Contact Information:
John Buscemi
IBM Media Relations
(914) 766-4495
Tuesday, 17 January 2006
PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 17, 2006 - HP has appointed Bruce Dahlgren, formerly vice president and general manager of North America Printing Solutions and Services Division at Lexmark, to serve as the head of enterprise sales for the Imaging and Printing Group (IPG).
Effective today, Dahlgren will serve as senior vice president of IPG worldwide enterprise sales, a new role created to bring greater focus to the printing and imaging opportunities in large enterprises. He reports to Vyomesh Joshi, executive vice president of IPG.
In this position, Dahlgren will drive IPG's enterprise go-to-market approach globally, delivering complete printing solutions to the company's top 1,500 accounts. Additionally, he will work with Technology Solutions Group sales, service and support to aggressively grow HP's enterprise business.
Dahlgren joins HP after six years at Lexmark, where he was responsible for leading the company's most profitable business unit, the North America Printing Solutions and Services Division. Prior to Lexmark, Dahlgren spent 15 years with NCR, AT&T and Teradata.
"Bruce has a deep understanding of vertical industries and a wealth of experience delivering printing solutions specifically tailored to meet the needs of enterprise customers," said Joshi. "His expertise driving solution-oriented sales combined with the world's most extensive portfolio of printing solutions will help IPG achieve its goals moving forward."
About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home computing, and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended Oct. 31, 2005, HP revenue totaled $86.7 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they ever materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including the expected development, performance or rankings of products or services; statements of expectation or belief; and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the development, performance and market acceptance of products and services and other risks that are described from time to time in HP's Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to HP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2005, and other reports filed after HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 2004. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements
Tuesday, 17 January 2006
NASHUA, NH -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 01/17/2006 -- Nashua Corporation (NASDAQ: NSHA), a manufacturer and marketer of labels, thermal and specialty papers and imaging products, today announced that it had executed an Asset Purchase Agreement with Katun Corporation of Minneapolis, Minnesota relative to the sale of certain portions of Nashua's toner and developer business. The assets to be sold include certain of Nashua's toner and developer formulations and related equipment. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. Under the terms of the Agreement, the transaction, subject to certain conditions, is expected to close on March 31, 2006.
Andrew Albert, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nashua Corporation, stated, "We are pleased to enter into the Asset Purchase Agreement with Katun Corporation. The sale of these assets is part of our strategy to focus on higher-margin growth opportunities within our core business where we can better leverage Nashua's scale and infrastructure. As we announced in April of 2005, we expect our exit of the toner and developer business to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2006."
About Nashua
Nashua Corporation manufactures and markets a wide variety of specialty imaging products and services to industrial and commercial customers to meet various print application needs. The Company's products include thermal coated papers, pressure-sensitive labels, bond, point of sale, ATM and wide format papers, entertainment tickets, and ribbons for use in imaging devices. Additional information about Nashua Corporation can be found at www.nashua.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's future capital needs and resources, fluctuations in customer demand, intensity of competition from other vendors, timing and acceptance of new product introductions, delays or difficulties in programs designed to increase sales and profitability, general economic and industry conditions, the resolution of certain litigation matters, and other risks set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent the Company's estimates only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates as of any subsequent date. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if its estimates change.
Contact
Andy Albert/John Patenaude
Nashua Corporation
847-318-1710/603-880-2145
Rich Coyle
Citigate Sard Verbinnen
212-687-8080
Tuesday, 17 January 2006
PALO ALTO, Calif., and TOKYO, Japan, Jan. 17, 2006 - HP and Hitachi, Ltd. today announced that researchers from HP Labs Bristol, UK., and Princeton, N.J., and the Hitachi Systems Development Laboratory will conduct joint work on key security and privacy issues.
The HP and Hitachi research collaboration will focus on two primary themes: authenticating users and devices to improve security inside networks and the use of digital signatures to guarantee the authenticity of document content.
The first theme, network security and authentication, has been stimulated by the constant threat to IT infrastructures from, among many others, impersonation, computer viruses and worms. To combat these threats, HP and Hitachi researchers are investigating how to ensure that computers used to access corporate networks remotely - from home or from a hotel room, for instance - are appropriately authorized. The researchers are interested in developing technologies for a secure infrastructure that manages communications based on the authentication of the integrity of both the PC and the user.
This approach will take advantage of authentication technologies such as Hitachi's Certificate Validation Server (CVS) and the HP ProtectTools Embedded Security PC solution. The researchers will investigate innovative yet highly practical ways to deploy "trusted computing" technology in corporate settings. The goal of this project is to significantly improve important aspects of IT infrastructure security by providing a high-grade, lower-cost technology foundation for enforceable security policy and strengthened identity across a range of devices.
The focus of the second theme, content security research, is to address the problem of how to guarantee the integrity of documents and data by using digital signatures while allowing changes to be made to them.
For example, it may be necessary to delete sensitive data such as names and company secrets from a document for reasons of privacy or confidentiality, yet show that the visible portion of the document is authentic. This process is regularly applied to documents affected by the U.S. Freedom of Information Act and similar laws in other countries. This type of technology also would help ensure the authenticity and integrity of audit trails, an important issue for companies complying with legislation such as Sarbanes-Oxley.
Content security also could be used to demonstrate the integrity of audit trails, for example to third-party auditors, while still retaining confidentiality and privacy of the data contained within.
"This collaboration highlights HP Labs and Hitachi Labs' common interest in security research and our aim to bring about secure systems and infrastructure technologies for modern enterprise needs," said Dick Lampman, senior vice president of research, HP, and director, HP Labs. "HP and Hitachi have had technology alliances that have spanned 16 years, and this is an extension of our partnership to further leverage our research and development."
Dr. Akira Maeda, general manager of Systems Development Laboratory, Hitachi, added: "Hitachi and HP both recognize the increasing importance of security. This collaboration is expected to contribute to a dramatic increase in customer satisfaction by delivering entirely new security backbones."
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT/ TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 347,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2004 (ended March 31, 2005) consolidated sales totaled 9,027.0 billion yen ($84.4 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.
About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home computing, and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended Oct. 31, 2005, HP revenue totaled $86.7 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.
Certain statements found in this document may constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such "forward-looking statements" reflect management's current views with respect to certain future events and financial performance and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "forecast," "intend," "plan," "project" and similar expressions which indicate future events and trends may identify "forward-looking statements." Such statements are based on currently available information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in the "forward-looking statements" and from historical trends. Certain "forward-looking statements" are based upon current assumptions of future events which may not prove to be accurate. Undue reliance should not be placed on "forward-looking statements," as such statements speak only as of the date of this document.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they ever materialize or prove incorrect, could cause the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including the expected development, performance or rankings of products or services; statements of expectation or belief; and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the development, performance and market acceptance of products and services and other risks that are described from time to time in HP's Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including but not limited to HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Oct. 31, 2005 and other reports filed after such report. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
Monday, 16 January 2006
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2006--Two new SelfCheck Systems from 3M make their first appearance in booth 1256 at the 2006 American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Conference on Jan. 20-23 in San Antonio, Texas.
Debuting are the SelfCheck System C-Series for material check-in and the SelfCheck System R-Series for material checkout and check-in. Both systems use the power of radio frequency identification (RFID) to help improve materials management, further simplify library self-service transactions, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.
Features of SelfCheck System C-Series for material check-in include:
- Realtime check-in enabled by accurate read of RFID tags that instantly records returned items and lets customers immediately checkout new items.
- Simple-to-use 3M Digital Library Assistant connection to help speed sorting and return of in-demand items to the shelves.
- UL-listed equipment that complies with state and local regulations.
- Web-based monitoring and diagnostic capabilities that let administrators remotely troubleshoot systems to quickly resolve situations such as a printer out of paper or an offline circulation system.
Features of the SelfCheck System R-Series for checkout and check-in include:
- Accurate read of RFID tags placed on items to provide fast and efficient self-checkout of all library materials.
- Simple instructions and an easy-use touch screen that delivers a high success rate to first-time self-checkout users.
- UL-listed equipment that complies with state and local regulations.
- Web-based monitoring and diagnostic capabilities that allow administrators to troubleshoot systems from any location.
- Selectable check-in method that empowers the customer to process materials for check-in.
"In addition, all SelfCheck Systems now notify library staff by e-mail when printer paper is low, and offer customers the choice of either a paper or e-mail receipt at checkout," said Rory Yanchek, business manager, 3M Library Systems. "We're proud to add to our already robust line of customizable library solutions. Our new systems and features make it easier for libraries to choose systems to meet their distinctive needs and easily migrate from one system to another as their needs change."
A global leader in library innovation for more than 30 years, 3M provides security, productivity and information management solutions that harness technology to free librarians to spend more time doing what they love - helping people. 3M also partners with libraries to support their technological advancement and ensure their success through numerous industry sponsorships and programs. For more information about the 3M Library Systems solutions, visit http://www.3M.com/us/library or call 1-800-253-6845.
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
3M, SelfCheck, Tattle-Tape, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
Sunday, 15 January 2006
FutureLogic receives prize for Best Start-up at EELEX 2005
GLENDALE, Calif. · FutureLogic Inc., manufacturer of thermal ticket printers for cashless gaming, announced in a news release that it received the prestigious Golden Dasha award for "Best Start-up" at the December 2005 EELEX international gaming exhibition in Moscow.
Management of the EELEX trade show, which attracted more than 200 exhibitors and nearly 12,000 attendees from 53 countries, presented FutureLogic with the Golden Dasha award in recognition of "the best and most mature first year of operation within the Russian market."
John Edmunds, general manager for FutureLogic Europe, received the award on behalf of the FutureLogic team. He said, "This award validates the effort we have made over the last 18 months to develop outstanding personal, commercial and technical relationships within the Russian market. We are truly pleased and honored."
Self-service figures prominently at NRF 'Big Show'
Self-service technology pervaded The National Retail Federation's 95th Annual Convention and Expo when its exhibition hall sprang to life Monday. From massive high-tech installations by established industry megaliths, to the tiny booths of cutting edge start-ups, self-service innovators at New York City's Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center plied their wares to throngs of retailers seeking better ROI.
Among the flashier cost-saving gadgets at this year's show were biometric input devices. Control Module, a 30-year-old company originally in the barcode business, demonstrated its line of fingerprint recognition devices.
Fingers were the new way to pay, even while wrapped around cell phones or PDAs. MobileLime, a young company proffering cell phone-based alternatives to loyalty and debit cards, demonstrated a system that, among other things, allowed customers to bypass pharmacy counter lines by paying through their cell phones. Unix owner SCO, meanwhile, showed its off portable supplier-ordering software for the TREO (a PDA/cell phone combo similar to a Blackberry) called Me Inc. Me Inc allows suppliers to order and pay for wholesale goods directly through their employees' TREOs.
Self-service systems integrator Agilysys Inc. demonstrated a wide array of recently deployed grocery and retail solutions, developed with Symbol Interactive and Frank Mayer and Associates.
Visitors crowd the mammoth Symbol pavilion at the annual National Retail Federation exposition, in New York City.
"Our approach to the self-service space is to be the innovator," he said.
Symbol hosted a two-story booth replete with self-service solutions and crowds of end-users fixated upon them. They, in conjunction with Vue Technology, showcased a semi-real-time, RFID-enabled, inventory control network in its "Store of the Future." The system tracked individual products, tagged with RFID, from warehouse to POS. Used in full, the system could track items loaded onto RFID scanning fork lifts, into store back rooms equipped with their DC 600 RFID portal system, across RFID "smart shelves" and into customers' hands. The system relayed scanned data back to its Intelimanager tracking software which, Vue spokesman David Nesbitt said, could literally update inventory minute-by-minute · rather than the infrequent, inaccurate manual processes commonly in use. The system was test-marketed by major retailers, including Best Buy. Symbol and Vue plan to see commercial deployments in 2006.
"We're convinced they are real retail applications that can provide real ROI today," said Verlin Youd, Symbol vice president of retail industry solutions.
California hospital adds Galvanon medical kiosk
MAITLAND, Fla. · Galvanon (owned by NCR Corp.) announced in a news release that Newport Beach, Calif.-based Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has implemented Galvanon's MediKiosk at its new Sue and Bill Gross Women's Pavilion. The kiosk will be used to automate patient registration and create a paperless workflow for breast-care and imaging-center appointments. By using MediKiosk, Hoag Hospital has been able to speed the check-in process for 350 patients daily through a 75 percent reduction in paper forms.
Staff greeters are available to assist patients with check-in on an as-needed basis. Patients also can use MediKiosk to complete medical history forms. When used this way, Galvanon's technology enables the use of adaptive screening, where users are asked to answer additional questions based on previous responses.
Since the initial implementation in October 2005, MediKiosk has dramatically improved the quality of data collected at patient check-in.
Info Touch announces bill-payment agreement with MetroPCS
BURNABY, B.C. · Info Touch Technologies Corp., owners of the TIO Network, announced in a news release an agreement with MetroPCS Wireless Inc. to enable MetroPCS customers to pay their wireless bills in cash, through self-service automated bill-payment and financial services kiosks powered by Info Touch's TIO network.
MetroPCS customers do not need to know their account number to pay their bills with TIO. All they need to know is their phone number and zip code and they can conveniently and securely view their account balance and/or make a payment on their MetroPCS account. Payments are made by feeding the cash directly into the TIO kiosk's note acceptor. Once the cash is accepted, the TIO kiosk then uses an Internet link to ensure timely posting of the payment.
Users can go through the step-by-step software guided screens in either English or Spanish and can either print or email their receipt to the email address of their choice.
Janelle Barlow, chief executive of Branded Customer Service, to speak at Self-Service & Kiosk Show
LOUISVILLE, Ky. · In her keynote presentation at the upcoming Self-Service & Kiosk Show, Janelle Barlow, one of today's foremost brand experts, will explore why it is time for self-service kiosks to get on the "brand wagon" immediately. She will also share three "push-button" ideas for integrating brands into the self-service experience.
The Self-Service & Kiosk Show is a bi-annual production of NetWorld Alliance, owner and operator of KioskMarketplace.com, SelfServiceWorld.com and Self-Service World magazine. The show will take place Feb. 13-14 at the Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando in Orlando, Fla.
Janelle Barlow is chief executive of Branded Customer Service · The Americas. She is author or co-author of a number of books including Branded Customer Service: The New Competitive Edge, the best-selling business books A Complaint Is a Gift: Using Customer Feedback as a Strategic Tool and Emotional Value: Creating Strong Bonds with Your Customers.
To learn more about the Show and to register, visit www.selfservicekiosk.com.
Friday, 13 January 2006
To Libraries in Communities Stricken by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
ST. PAUL, Minn. — January 13, 2006 — The 3M Foundation today announced it will donate 25
e-Branch Library Workstations to state-selected libraries in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
"3M and its employees are committed to helping those affected by Katrina and Rita,"
said David Pointon, government and industry relations manager, 3M Security Systems Division. "Our longstanding involvement with the library community makes this donation, which is intended to assist libraries in rebuilding their communities, especially important. We're pleased to add to the already more than $5 million in-kind contributions and $1.5 million from 3M employees and matching contributions."
The workstations will be placed in communities most affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to provide people with another means to access information needed to help rebuild their lives.
The free-standing workstations will have direct links to FEMA, Red Cross, Hurricane Recovery Job Connection and the Hurricane Insurance Information Center. Each workstation will also have a phone with direct connections to federal, state and local agencies.
"Rebuilding the 11 Mississippi public libraries badly damaged or destroyed by Katrina will take many months, if not years," said Sharman Smith, executive director, Mississippi Library Commission. "In the meantime, librarians are struggling to provide some level of library service in order to restore a sense of normalcy for the people in their communities. These information workstations will provide a valuable tool in ensuring that our residents have access to the information they need to rebuild their lives."
A global leader in library innovation for more than 30 years, 3M provides security, productivity and information management solutions that harness technology to enable a more human library, freeing librarians to spend more time doing what they love — helping people. 3M also partners with libraries to support their technological advancement and ensure their success through numerous industry sponsorships and programs.
For more information about the 3M Library Systems solutions, visit http://www.3M.com/us/library or call 1-800-253-6845
.
About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete,
Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.
3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
From:
3M Library Systems
3M Center, Building 0225-04-N-14
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
www.3m.com/us/library
1-800-253-6845
Friday, 13 January 2006
"Best Start-up" at EELEX 2005 "Academy Awards"
Glendale, CA·January 13, 2006·FutureLogic, Inc., the leading manufacturer of thermal ticket printers for cashless gaming, announced today that it received the prestigious Golden Dasha award for "Best Start-up" at the December 2005 EELEX international gaming exhibition in Moscow.
Management of the EELEX trade show, which attracted more than 200 exhibitors and nearly 12,000 attendees from 53 countries, presented FutureLogic with the Golden Dasha award in recognition of "the best and most mature first year of operation within the Russian market."
John Edmunds, General Manager for FutureLogic Europe received the award on behalf of the FutureLogic team and said, "This award validates the effort we have made over the last 18 months to develop outstanding personal, commercial and technical relationships within the Russian market. We are truly pleased and honoured."
Over the past year, FutureLogic has developed a wide range of collaborative business agreements in Russia, to provide comprehensive sales and service support for its GEN2 thermal ticket printers and ProMatrix promotional couponing system. This has resulted in preferred or approved vendor status with the country's major game manufacturers and a growing installed base in casinos throughout Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe.
"This award reflects the respect and credibility that FutureLogic has earned with customers, partners and peers in the Russian gaming industry," said Sergey Kazakov, EELEX's General Manager. "The company's commitment to innovative gaming technology, advancing TITO operations throughout the world and the professionalism of the European team is clearly the key to their successful business start in Russia."
About FutureLogic
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Glendale, Calif., FutureLogic designs and builds high-reliability electromechanical assembly solutions for nearly every printing need. As the undisputed leader in super-robust thermal printer technology, FutureLogic is the industry's premier supplier of thermal printers for casino gaming, promotional equipment, kiosk, industrial, parking, gas pumps and medical applications. In July 2004 the company founded FutureLogic Europe Ltd to provide direct sales and engineering support for the growing OEM thermal printer markets in Europe. More information on the company can be found at http://www.futurelogicinc.com
About EELEX
EELEX is the largest gaming and entertainment industry trade show in Russia, CIS and Baltic countries and the third largest casino business event in the world. The annual exhibition attracts participants from over 200 manufacturing, distributing and operating companies in Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Germany, Austria, USA, Belgium, Australia, Japan, France, Great Britain, Panama, Netherlands, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Ireland, Canada, Italy, Taiwan, Croatia and Spain. More information on the event can be found at http://www.eelex.net
John Edmunds, General Manager, FutureLogic Europe, Ltd
Email:
Phone: +44.1628.760.080
Friday, 13 January 2006
in Orange County Tech Services Firm
Irvine, Ca./National Release on January 13th/ -- Today it was announced that a group headed by James A. Unruh, CEO of Unisys from 1990-1997, has made a significant capital investment in Irvine, CA based Worldlink Integration Group, Inc. Mr. Unruh founded Phoenix based Alerion Capital in 1999 as a merchant banking organization focused on investing in and advising fast growing mid-market companies such as Worldlink.
"Worldlink has consistently grown in all facets of the business since our inception in 2001," states David Clarke, Worldlink President and Co-Founder. "Demand for our services has never been higher and Worldlink's rapid growth in performing nationwide technical deployment services looks to continue. This investment allows us to further build out our nationwide network of technicians, highly-trained project management staff and documented processes with a commitment to six sigma type quality."
James A. Unruh, Founding Principal of Alerion Capital Group, is looking forward to the new partnership. "We typically review over 100 opportunities in a year and pursue 1 or 2. Worldlink's business model and management team clearly met our investment criteria and is a natural fit with our group's industry experience and management expertise."
Worldlink finished 2005 with revenues approaching $7,000,000 that are 100% derived from nationwide technology deployment services. This represents a growth rate from 2004 in excess of 300%.
About Worldlink Integration Group, Inc.
Worldlink Integration Group, Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California and is an organization focused on providing local, regional and national service offerings in technology deployments, rollouts, upgrades, project management, product integration, staging, logistics management, field maintenance and equipment installation services. Worldlink performs said services nationally for such clients as Big 5 Sporting Goods, Kmart, Petco, New Edge Technologies, CSK Auto, Gateway, Sears, Aramark, Jack in the Box, Bartell Drugs and many, many others.
With blanket national technician coverage, local staging and depot facilities and a leading program management practice, Worldlink performs thousands of deployments each year across the country. Worldlink works with network infrastructure as well as LAN/WAN, POS, client/server, wireless and kiosk equipment. Service offerings include new technology deployments, remodels/upgrades, tech refreshes and general service work for locations across the United States. Worldlink executes these services with the utmost attention to quality, detail and customer satisfaction and has a long and growing list of satisfied clients.
About Alerion Capital Group
Alerion Capital Group, LLC is a merchant banking organization with a private equity focus. Alerion's strategic business consulting provides value far beyond investment capital to its business partners, with insight gained through the group's extensive management experience at leading firms, including Unisys, Oracle, Hewlett-Packard, Memorex, and Bank One Capital. James A. Unruh, Founding Principal of Alerion, recently joined the boards of Qwest and Tenant Healthcare, serves on the boards of Prudential and CSG Systems, and was Unisys CEO over a seven year span where he is credited for reshaping the company into a profitable and respected software and professional service provider.
Source:
Worldlink Integration Group, Inc.
David R. Clarke
President/CFO
(949)212-5322
More Information:
www.worldlinkintegration.com
www.alerion.com
Thursday, 12 January 2006
Burnaby, BC, January 12, 2006 - Info Touch Technologies Corp. (www.infotouch.net) (IFT: TSX Venture Exchange) owners of the TIO Network today announced an agreement with MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. (www.metropcs.com) to enable MetroPCS customers to pay their wireless bills in cash, through self-serve automated bill payment and financial services kiosks powered by Info Touch's TIO network.
MetroPCS customers do not need to know their account number to pay their bills with TIO. All they need to know is their phone number and zip code and they can conveniently and securely view their account balance and/or make a payment on their MetroPCS account. Payments are made by feeding the cash directly into the TIO kiosk's note acceptor. Once the cash is accepted, the TIO kiosk then uses an Internet link to ensure timely posting of the payment.
Users can go through the step-by-step software guided screens in either English or Spanish and can either print or email their receipt to the email address of their choice.
About Info Touch
Info Touch Technologies, a strategic investment of Hewlett Packard, is building the "TIO Network" the largest and most convenient national multi-retailer network of financial services kiosks for the non-banked consumer marketplace in North America. The company leverages its core competencies in self-service bill payment processing, financial services aggregation and automation to create financial viability for its network and its location partners. Info Touch's Premiere (powered by Surfnet) is the preferred software platform for the delivery of automated services such as bill payment, money transfer, digital merchandising, PIN dispensing for pre-paid products and services, maps and directions, check cashing and electronic coupons. Info Touch clients include: Circle K, ExxonMobil, Alimentation Couche-Tard, Speedway SuperAmerica, Cricket Communications, COX Communications, Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) and Qwest Communications. www.infotouch.net.
About the TIO Network
With more than 700 locations and 6 top tier corporate owned convenience store chains participating, the "TIO Network" is the largest national multi-retailer network of self-service financial service kiosks in North America. Services offered under the TIO brand umbrella are tailored specifically for the cash preferred consumer marketplace. The TIO brand symbolizes safe, private, cost effective access to quality financial services for the cash preferred consumer. More than 250,000 people a month pay their bills in cash with TIO.
For further information, please contact:
Behshad Hastibakhsh, Media Relations - Info Touch Technologies
Tel: 604.298.4636, Ext. 250
Toll Free: 888.679.3322
Email:
John Lewis, Business Development - Info Touch Technologies
Tel: 416-364-2266
Toll Free: 1-877-600-6001
Email:
Thursday, 12 January 2006
Entrepreneurial spirit and a vision of the future lead KING's Robert Giblett, vice president, North America sales and marketing, from his own VOIP software development firm into the self service and kiosk industry. When he's not busy predicting the changing tide of the self-service industry, he's riding waves in his 35' power boat at Georgian Bay.
Describe your first kiosk project.
My first project was with the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. They wanted to set-up an interactive digital classroom for kids. Ancient artifacts were displayed on desktop kiosks in high-res 3D imaging that enabled the kids to interact with the image by rotating it, flipping it end-over-end etc. It was so successful that the Discovery Channel did a spotlight on it.
Describe the most significant recent changes in the industry.
I think one of the most significant changes has been the enabling of technology that provided us with the ability to develop in-demand consumer centric applications incorporated with a very high user experience.
Where will the industry be in five years?
I believe we will see more complex applications being deployed. No longer will kiosks simply be informational or used to access a company LAN but they will be fully integrated to back-end legacy systems with leading edge technologies like contactless RFID to automate the payment process, provide sophisticated user profiling etc.
What has been the biggest "missed opportunity" in the industry recently?
I really don't think there has been a missed opportunity as the industry is still developing and finding its way. I think opportunities that were passed over several years ago were due to a lack of supporting technology that will no doubt end up being addressed again soon.
If you could grant any wish for the kiosk industry, what would it be, and why?
I would wish for more success stories of kiosk deployments because as the word gets out that kiosks are been used successfully to increase sales, reduce overhead and provide a great user experience then the industry as a whole will grow stronger.
Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Burnaby, BC, January 11, 2006 - Info Touch Technologies Corp. (TSX-V: IFT) today announced an agreement that enables Cingular Wireless LLC customers to make real-time bill payments with cash at Info Touch's TIO branded self-service automated terminals in the United States. Cingular Wireless LLC, a joint venture between AT&T Inc (NYSE: T) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE: BLS), is the largest wireless carrier in the United States.
This agreement enables Cingular customers to check their balance due and make real time cash payments on their accounts at hundreds of automated cash accepting kiosk terminals located in convenient retail locations across the United States.
The bill payment application developed by Info Touch and Cingular will be able to support most of Cingular's subscribers at any participating TIO location by June 2006, with the remaining subscribers to be enabled by mid-2007.
About Info Touch Technologies
Info Touch Technologies, a strategic investment of Hewlett Packard, is building the "TIO Network" the largest and most convenient national multi-retailer network of financial services kiosks for the cash preferred consumer marketplace in North America. Info Touch's "Premiere" software is the industry leading software platform for the delivery of automated financial services such as bill payment, money transfer, digital merchandising, PIN dispensing for pre-paid products and services, maps and directions, check cashing and electronic coupons. Info Touch clients include: Circle K/Alimentation Couche-Tard, ExxonMobil, Speedway SuperAmerica, Cricket Communications, COX Communications, Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) and Qwest Communications. Details of the company are available at http://www.infotouch.net/.
About the TIO Network
With more than 700 locations and 6 top tier corporate owned convenience store chains participating, the "TIO Network" is the largest national multi-retailer network of self-service financial service kiosks in North America. Services offered under the TIO brand umbrella are tailored specifically for the cash preferred consumer marketplace. The TIO brand symbolizes safe, private, cost effective access to quality financial services for the cash preferred consumer. More than 250,000 people a month pay their bills in cash with TIO.
For further information, please contact:
Chris Ericksen SVP - Info Touch Technologies Corp.
Tel: 604.298.4636 extension 266
Toll Free: 1.888.679.3322
Email:
John Lewis - Linear Capital Corp - Info Touch Investor Relations
Tel: 416.364.2266
Toll Free: 1.877.600.6001
Email:
Wednesday, 11 January 2006
The kiosk buzz will build in The Big Apple.
The National Retail Federation's blowout bash, The 95th Annual Convention and Expo, or "Retail's Big Show" as the NRF calls it, kicks off Sunday, Jan. 14 at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The event promises 400 suppliers showing off the latest retail tech, much of it for the self-service industry.
X06, a prototype gourmet market meshing minimalist style and maximum technology, promises to "empower" customers with technology. The 8,400 sq.-foot installation will include a next-generation customer service center, party planning station, employee/management workplace and a look at the store's electronic brain. Restaurant owner and star of Food Network's "Iron Chef America" Mario Batali will work the X06 gourmet chef demo center at noon Monday, then sign copies of his book "Molto Italiano · 327 Simple Classic Italian Recipes to Cook at Home."
At NCR Corp.'s booth, conventioneers will peruse several models of the NCR FastLane self-checkout, including a full-function version of the FastLane Mini. NCR will also showcase its Xpress Payment solution, deployed by cellular service providers to collect on-site bill payment without staff assistance. An NCR EasyPoint kiosk will host Baer Media's "Ask Max" shopping information system, allowing customers to scan barcodes of items they're considering in order to receive short informational videos, or see a price and typed product information.
Symbol Technologies' "Sneak Peek '06" lineup will feature a variety of retail hardware, including a prototype RFID-enabled forklift. According to Symbol, the lift's on-board computer will recognize packages more easily, and reduce the chances of human error in the supply chain.
Nanonation will demonstrate an RFID-enabled smart shelf built with their integrated software platforms, Nanopoint and CommandPoint, which automate management of multiple technologies including kiosks and digital signage. Their presentations will include an all-in-one digital signage solution, a multi-screen digital signage deployment, kiosk technology and recent software upgrades.
"Retailers are looking for ways to create powerful and profitable customer experiences in their stores," Nanonation vice president of business development Brian Ardinger said.
MobileLime, a small start-up from New England, will tout its tech. The company will demonstrate POS cell phone technology designed to provide real-time marketing, cardless loyalty and mobile payment solutions. MobileLime links cellular phones to prepaid accounts and allows customers to pay by phone instead of cash or card. MobileLime uses discounts and special deals to lure consumers to businesses in their program, and is used by several companies in Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Hand Held Products, which is keeping its exhibit under wraps until the convention, looks for the expo to kickoff a banner year in the self-service industry. Senior product manager of transaction terminals/kiosks Nick Dabbabbo said the self-service industry will "break out" in 2006.
"The growth of digital signage and mini-kiosks will open venues for retailers to generate new channels of income," he said.
Contact:
700 Visions Drive
PO Box 208
Skaneateles Falls, NY 13153
United States
800-582-4263
http://www.handheld.com
Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Appointment brings product development closer to customer service processes
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD) today named Charles E. Ducey, 50, as vice president, global development and service. Ducey will lead Diebold's financial self-service engineering, product management and marketing, and software product management functions globally. He will report to Thomas W. Swidarski, Diebold president and chief executive officer. Daniel J. O'Brien, 56, vice president of global product marketing, product management and engineering for Diebold, is retiring. O'Brien will continue working with the company on a consultant basis.
In his previous position, Ducey served as vice president of Diebold Global Customer Service Solutions. He will continue to be responsible for Diebold's global service operations in his new position. This move, in addition to the recently announced changes to improve the company's supply-chain processes, will allow for closer alignment of Diebold's global product development and service operations to help rebuild profitability and achieve more value from the products and services the company provides.
"Chuck has worked with Diebold's customers around the world for many years, learning what is expected of Diebold and seeing first hand how customers use our products and services to serve their customers," said Swidarski. "His unique background with Diebold's service and finance organizations will strengthen our product development practice, ensuring it is efficient and responsive to customers. I wish to thank Danny O'Brien for all he has contributed to Diebold since joining the company in 2001, particularly the leading-edge technological advancements introduced in our Opteva generation of automated teller machines (ATMs). We will leverage his expertise as a consultant moving forward."
Ducey joined the company in 1978 and has held various field and home office positions, including the position of vice president, service operations and finance for the North American Sales and Service division. Ducey also previously served as Diebold's vice president and corporate controller. He received a bachelor's degree in accounting from The University of Akron in Ohio and a master's degree in business administration from Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio.
"Product engineering and software capabilities directly impact the effectiveness and cost of our services, which impacts our customers. My goal is to strengthen the view of Diebold from the customer's perspective and create an integrated, seamless solution in product development," Ducey said. "By fully leveraging our ATM software, product, service and monitoring organizations in our development processes, we will build greater value for our customers."
Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services. Diebold employs more than 14,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold reported revenue of $2.4 billion in 2004 and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.diebold.com/.
Media Contact:
Mike Jacobsen
330-490-3796
Investor Contact:
John Kristoff
+1 330 490 5900
Wednesday, 11 January 2006
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2006--The new Dynatel advanced modular system 965AMS from 3M provides full-featured testing for the triple play - voice, video and data. In addition, it has a bigger, brighter display that features 3M Vikuiti display enhancement technology; a user-friendly, icon-based, graphical user interface; and rugged, field-swappable modules. This next-generation technology platform from 3M is available with an optional ADSL2+ service interface modem module and, in the future, will feature additional hardware and software options to support testing of VDSL2, FTTx fiber test, VoIP and other triple play technologies yet to come.
"Worldwide, our customers are concerned about losing their knowledge base because of rapidly changing workforce demographics and are looking to 3M Dynatel products to provide them a knowledge-based expert pair test," says Dave Senum, market development manager, 3M diagnostics test business. "This rules-based software inference engine includes expert system analysis of test results with advice on how to repair or locate faults, making it easy to use and requiring minimal training for testing professionals. It also allows automatic test of active and inactive lines with pass/fail limits." Adds Senum, "Our customers really want a modular system with modules that are field swappable from unit to unit. The 3M modules are not keyed to individual units but can be shared from base unit to base unit. This gives them the flexibility they demand to allow one truck roll to get the job done."
The hand-held 965AMS is housed in a lightweight, ergonomically designed case for portability and ease of handling. It weighs only five pounds and has a large display that is highly visible, even in bright sunlight. The unit's rugged, waterproof design meets or exceeds the stringent IEC IP67 immersion test and five-foot drop test for reliable outdoor use in all weather conditions.
3M Telecommunications
3M telecommunications products, technologies and services allow the world's service providers to offer high bandwidth connectivity from the central office into the customer premises with complete network solutions. The company's focus consists of technologies and services in telecom access and enterprise networks.
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
3M, Dynatel, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
Tuesday, 10 January 2006
Introducing VantagePoint Sterling--- SeePoint's all new completely integrated stainless steel touch screen kiosk system for self service applications
- Sleek and contemporary design with a small footprint combines computer, LCD and touch screen
- All stainless steel construction
- Available with 15" 17" or 19" display
- Integrate with select Dell, HP and IBM computers
- Seamless integration of more than 25 peripheral options including printers, scanners, keyboards and card readers
- Reliable, cost effective solution for wide spread installation
- Fully integrated, vandal resistant design for hassle free uninterrupted use
Tuesday, 10 January 2006
Motorola, Kodak announce global mobile-imaging partnership
LAS VEGAS · Motorola Inc. and Eastman Kodak Co. signed a 10-year global product, cross-licensing and marketing alliance.
By incorporating Kodak's image science and system integration expertise with Motorola's iconic mobile device design, the two companies hope to ease camera phone use. The collaboration included cooperative development. For example, Kodak expects to supply its CMOS sensors to Motorola for use in its camera phones. Additionally, the cooperation to seamlessly integrate millions of Motorola mobile devices with Kodak home printers, retail kiosks and the KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery will finally provide an answer to those consumers who desire an efficient way to download photos from their phones.
"It's a natural partnership," said Ed Zander, chairman and chief executive officer of Motorola. "With Kodak, the global leader in imaging innovation, and Motorola, the global leader in mobile design and innovation, we'll forever change the way the world captures and shares mobile images. And by cooperating to simplify and enhance the quality of virtually every aspect of the development and delivery of the mobile imaging experience, we'll be able to bring new value and revenue opportunities to our operator customers while helping consumers by seamlessly liberating billions of photos stuck inside camera phones."
Ritz rolling out next-gen Kodak kiosks
TWICE: Ritz Camera Centers, the country's largest specialty retail camera and photo chain, has begun installing Kodak's new G4 digital photo kiosks in all of its approximately 1,100 stores.
Ritz will be the first retailer to roll out the next-generation kiosks, which produce digital prints in eight seconds, or 35 percent faster than previous models, to reduce transaction times and increase retailer productivity.
Read more
U.S. Army deploys NCR kiosks for military personnel
ATLANTA · Self-service kiosks from NCR Corp. are helping provide U.S. Army soldiers with a less stressful way to manage their finances while stationed at selected overseas locations.
The NCR EasyPoint kiosks are part of the Treasury Department's "EagleCash" Stored Value Card Program. EagleCash is designed to reduce the amount of U.S. currency required to support the personal financial needs of U.S. soldiers deployed in contingency areas overseas.
Military and support personnel are issued EagleCash cards to use in lieu of cash for purchases at exchange stores, post offices, dining facilities and other military-operated concessions in contingency areas. The kiosks · which are being deployed at U.S. military facilities in the Middle East, Asia, Central America and Europe · are equipped with smart card readers that allow users to transfer personal funds between their designated U.S. financial institution and their EagleCash card, or make transfers from one smart card to another at their convenience.
"Previously, soldiers waited in long lines at the post finance office to cash checks or load funds to their EagleCash cards," said Graham Mackenzie, program manager for Stored Value Solutions at the Treasury Department's Financial Management Service. "The kiosks provide soldiers with an easily accessible way to recharge their cards. They can make balance inquiries and transfer funds to and from their accounts · all with the convenience of self-service."
JCM signs sales agreement with TransAct
LAS VEGAS · JCM American Corp. and TransAct Technologies Inc. announced they have signed a final agreement, bringing together the sales efforts of their bill acceptor and printer brands. Under the agreement, JCM's sales force will offer TransAct's gaming thermal printers in North and South America and Macau in combination with JCM's many bill acceptor and currency handling products.
JCM president Aki Isoi said, "We are very pleased to have finalized this agreement with TransAct, a company that we see as being as innovative and dedicated to the industry as we are. This agreement creates an environment that is above all, convenient for our customers. By combining our sales team efforts, we have created the most convenient, customer-focused team imaginable · a value-driven, one-stop shop for the best currency handling, printing and monitor products anywhere."
TransAct Technologies chairman, president and chief executive officer Bart C. Shuldman said, "This is an exciting time for TransAct and for our customers. The agreement allows us to utilize JCM's extensive sales organization, leveraging established relationships on each side of the deal. We can now move forward with our goal of accelerating market penetration and increasing our potential opportunities, and doing so in an extremely cost effective manner."
Kiosk magazine changes name to Self-Service World
Kiosk magazine, published by Louisville, Ky.-based NetWorld Alliance (which also publishes this Web site), is undergoing a change, and with the New Year comes a new name: Self-Service World magazine.
"The more we examined the needs of our readers, the more we understood they weren't looking for kiosks and kiosks only," writes editor Joseph Grove in an introductory letter to the first issue bearing the new name. Grove is also vice-president and associate publisher of NetWorld Alliance. "They were looking for total self-service solutions. Certainly, kiosks have always been a huge part of self-service, and they will continue to be. But there is more to helping customers help themselves than just those kiosks."
Grove points to a number of emerging self-service technologies that simply don't fit under the umbrella implied by the term "kiosk" · RFID, digital signage and smart carts, to name a few. The new name not only expands the scope of the magazine's coverage, it also creates a synergy with the Web portal www.SelfServiceWorld.com. While the Web site will continue to focus on breaking news and weekly features, the print counterpart will take bigger, more in-depth views of issues of interest to the community.
"We're not eschewing the concept of Kiosk magazine so much as we are adding rooms to a very comfortable house, making space for even more readers to learn how they can benefit from the biggest evolution in retail, financial, restaurant and other verticals since the advent of the cash register," Grove writes.
Monday, 09 January 2006
State-of-the-Art Disaster Management System Rolled out at 20 Washington Hospitals, Fire and Police Stations
SKANEATELES FALLS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2006--Hand Held Products, Inc., a leader in image-based mobile data collection systems, announced a partnership with the Iomedex Corporation to enable first responders to provide faster care in disaster zones through a state-of-the-art patient tracking and responder credentialing system.
The solution, called Mobile Incident Response Information System (MobileIRIS(TM)), was recently rolled out to twenty Eastside agencies in the state of Washington, including hospitals, fire, and police departments. IRIS was developed by Iomedex and runs on Hand Held Products' Dolphin(TM) 9500 series mobile computers, powered by Adaptus(TM) Imaging Technology.
As a first responder, Eastside Fire & Rescue is using MobileIRIS(TM) with 31 Dolphin 9500s to quickly initiate new patient records at the scene of the injury, enabling cooperating agencies to share information and ultimately improve patient care. The Dolphin 9500 units are used by paramedics and first responders to record patient information, incident location, treatment, and capture photos of the individual and their injuries.
"Incident scenes always possess the potential for confusion and chaos. Being first on the scene we require easy-to-use solutions such as IRIS and the Dolphin 9500 to not only help us act quickly and efficiently, but to bring control to the environment as well," said Alex Tierra of Redmond Fire. "It takes longer for patients to answer our questions than it does to input their information into the system. The convenience of the one-touch barcode scanning and imaging process is the difference that makes it possible for us to integrate the IRIS solution into our everyday response activities."
After being entered into the Dolphin 9500, the encrypted information is wirelessly transmitted to participating hospitals and emergency operation centers (EOCs) through the IRIS network. Hospital staff are granted access to a scoreboard of injuries, which ranks patients in order of priority using an internationally recognized color-code system.
"Transmitting detailed patient information ahead of time speeds up the flow of information and arms hospitals with the necessary information to treat patients as soon as they arrive at the facility," said Del Wilson, CEO of Iomedex. Prior to using MobileIRIS(TM), hospital staff did not have a platform to review patient information in the field during a mass casualty incident. Gaps in the information exchange result in patients being misrouted to overloaded facilities or locations not capable of treating certain traumas.
"IRIS prevents injured people from getting lost in the chaos; the information is shared with all agencies and every patient is tracked from the point of origin until their final destination point at a treatment center or hospital," said Valeria Novotny-Dinsdale, Emergence Department Clinical Nurse Specialist for Overlake Hospital Medical Center. "The IRIS system has the added benefit of being able to help reunite family members and loved ones after a disaster."
"In teaming up with Iomedex, we are hoping to make a real difference by enabling first responders and hospitals to be more organized when responding to the aftermath of catastrophic events caused by natural disasters or terrorism," said Kevin Ahearn, VP/GM of Mobile & Wireless, Hand Held Products.
About Hand Held Products
With headquarters in Central New York, Hand Held Products is a worldwide leading manufacturer of image based data collection systems for mobile, wireless, and transaction processing solutions. Through its proprietary Adaptus(TM) Imaging Technology platform, Hand Held Products is dedicated to delivering innovative imaging solutions, reliability and durability to its customers and partners through more than 30 sales offices and hundreds of resellers. Hand Held Products is a privately held company and is represented in every major market and geographic region of the world. To find out how Hand Held Products can help you at the point-of-sale, on the sales floor, in the warehouse or on the delivery truck, call us at 1-800-582-4263. Or visit us at www.handheld.com.
This material contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in this publication. While Hand Held Products believes its statements to be reliable, all information/projections/statements/opinions expressed herein are based on information available as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice.
Friday, 06 January 2006
Handheld devices to provide uncompromising durability and reading performance for DPM applications
Skaneateles Falls, NY, January 6, 2006·Hand Held Products, a leader in image-based data collection systems, announces the launch of the 6308 DPM Reader and 6328 Cordless DPM Reader for the emerging direct part mark (DPM) identification market. Both devices are powered by Adaptus Imaging Technology 5.0 and provide high performance DPM reading for customers in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, healthcare, and defense industries who require uncompromising data accuracy in their part traceability, authenticity and supply chain management processes.
"We developed the 6308 and 6328 specifically to meet the DPM reading requirements that exist in today's industrial marketplace. The specialized illumination, optics and decoding software work together to provide consistent, world-class performance on all Direct Part Marks — regardless of the marking method or mark contrast." stated Larry Ramsey-Macomber, DPM product manager for Hand Held Products. "In addition, its ruggedized housing and IP52 sealed construction will withstand the harshest working conditions."
For the development of the new devices, Hand Held Products teamed with Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ — CGNX), the global leader in machine vision technology. "This collaboration between Cognex and Hand Held Products has set the standard for what the market is referring to as a "Class A" DPM handheld reading product" said Don Flynn, VP of Business Development for Hand Held Products. "In leveraging each company's unique expertise, we've delivered a product that provides true "no excuses" DPM reading performance and device durability."
The 6308 supports USB, keyboard wedge and RS232 communications, while the 6328 features Bluetooth v1.2 wireless connectivity. Both have an impact resistant housing designed to withstand up to 50 drops to concrete from 2 meters. More information is available by calling Hand Held Products at 1-800-582-4263.
About Hand Held Products
With headquarters in Central New York, Hand Held Products is a worldwide leading manufacturer of image based data collection systems for mobile, wireless, and transaction processing solutions. Through its proprietary Adaptusâ„¢ Imaging Technology platform, Hand Held Products is dedicated to delivering innovative imaging solutions, reliability and durability to its customers and partners through more than 30 sales offices and hundreds of resellers. Hand Held Products is a privately held company and is represented in every major market and geographic region of the world. To find out how Hand Held Products can help you at the point-of-sale, on the sales floor, in the warehouse or on the delivery truck, call us at 1-800-582-4263. http://www.handheld.com/
About Cognex
Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets machine vision systems, or computers that can "see." Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry. Visit Cognex on-line at www.cognex.com.
Friday, 06 January 2006
Delivers Speech at International Consumer Electronics Show
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 -- Just as consumer desires drove the evolution of photography during the past 125 years, today's consumers are defining the rules that will drive the future of digital imaging, said Antonio M. Perez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK). It's a future where all digital content is automatically identified, organized and instantly accessible anytime, anywhere.
In a keynote address today to attendees of the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Perez reflected on the current state of the digital imaging industry and asserted that consumers want full ownership of and instant access to all their images and information in order to creatively tell their life stories. Yet, Perez noted, the imaging industry continues to make this a difficult proposition by adding complexity through the proliferation of stand-alone devices and rapidly changing, proprietary technology standards that confuse consumers.
"Digital products and services should not require our customers to be engineers or professional photographers, but rather, should inspire them to be artists and publishers as they capture the moments of their lives, as they see them, with intuitive ease," said Perez.
Perez stated that, since the days of company founder George Eastman, Kodak has focused on unleashing the power of images through innovation and by making complex technology simple to use. Yet, today's digital capture devices don't enable consumers to take full advantage of the powerful capabilities offered by digital technology.
"Today's digital cameras are dinosaurs, with the same basic architecture and functionality as the box Brownie camera that Kodak introduced more than one hundred years ago," said Perez. "It's a lens, shutter and something to capture the focused light. All the imaging industry has done is to replace silver with silicon. In the next era, we will design digital cameras from the ground up to take full advantage of the creative power that digital technology provides."
"Consumers want the power to use their images to connect, create, preserve, entertain and inform," said Perez. "To that end, Kodak is committed to reinventing the digital imaging experience by pretty much changing everything that defines photography today and bringing ease-of-use to the next level."
Perez cited the following three Kodak technology platforms that are driving the company's innovation efforts:
Kodak Perfect Touch Technology, that will automatically detect and fix, before the user knows it, common photographic flaws such as under-lit pictures, high contrast scenes, back-lit shadows and red-eye in both still and motion images.
Kodak's e-finder technology, where all digital content is automatically given a unique identity, enabling users to instantly access any image or information they wish anytime, anywhere. This intelligent content technology would take metadata tagging to the next level by enabling organization of pictures based on GPS location, automatic scene classification (beach, birthday party, etc.), decade mapping, face recognition technology and more.
Kodak's e-moment technology, an intelligent system where pictures have the ability to automatically recognize each other. So, without human instruction, a picture will use its metadata to find another picture with related data, and assemble into new groups based on how they relate to one another. For example, imagine being able to access every picture ever taken of your son or daughter at Christmas, whether it's part of your collection or those of relatives and friends.
"Consumers own the future of digital imaging -- their pictures, their memories, their life's data, the stories they can tell about their life," said Perez. "But it's no longer about just pictures or voice, data or text. It's the future where information and imaging become one, and consumers can access the important images of their life anytime, anywhere."
Achieving this vision, said Perez, will take intellectual property and brand strength, delivered through innovation, partnerships and consumer insights.
"Images are an integral part of our lives. We must enable people to share faster, seamlessly and much simpler than is possible today," said Perez. "Without true partnerships across our industry this will not happen. We will disappoint consumers and will miss one of the greatest business opportunities of our time. One of our top priorities at Kodak is to build strong partnerships with other industry leaders to make this happen."
Motorola Partnership
Ed Zander, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Motorola joined Perez during his speech to discuss the signing of a 10-year global product, cross-licensing and marketing alliance between Kodak and Motorola. The agreement brings together the world's most recognized brand in digital imaging with the global leader in wireless communications in a partnership intended to fulfill the promise of mobile imaging for the benefit of consumers worldwide. (See related news release at: www.kodak.com)
Updated Kodak Brand Mark
Perez also unveiled the latest evolution of Kodak's brand logo. This new look moves the Kodak name out of the traditional yellow box; giving it a more contemporary design, a streamlined rounded look and distinctive letters. This introduction is the latest step in the company's broad brand transformation effort, which reflects the multi-industry, digital imaging leader Kodak has become.
About Eastman Kodak Company
Kodak is the world's leading imaging innovator. With sales of $13.5 billion in 2004, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak's system of digital and traditional image capture products and services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; Businesses effectively communicate with customers worldwide using Kodak solutions for prepress, traditional and digital printing, and document scanning; Creative Professionals rely on Kodak technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or still images; and leading Healthcare organizations rely on Kodak's innovative products, services and customized workflow solutions to help improve patient care and maximize efficiency and information sharing within and across their enterprise.
More information about Kodak (NYSE: EK) is available at www.kodak.com.
Friday, 06 January 2006
We regret to announce the sudden and unexpected death on December 22 of
Philip Mantle
Member of the Board of Directors of Wincor Nixdorf AG
at the age of 55.
Philip Mantle joined Wincor Nixdorf in 2002 as General Manager of our British subsidiary. With his finely-tuned instincts for future business developments, he played a key role in leading the UK Company to its current success among Wincor Nixdorf's legal entities. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of Wincor Nixdorf AG on October 1, 2005, with responsibility for the company's global banking business.
In Philip Mantle, we have lost an extraordinary colleague of great integrity and vision. His outstanding professional expertise, his experience, and his even-handed management style won him the respect and esteem of all who knew him.
Philip Mantle will not be forgotten.
Wincor Nixdorf Ltd
Board of Directors, Supervisory Board and Employees
Wokingham/UK, December 28, 2005
Thursday, 05 January 2006
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) has announced that Chase will deploy more than 1,300 of its Opteva automated teller machines (ATMs) in its network. The ATMs will be used in new branch and off-premises locations, as well as for the replacement of existing ATMs. An associated service agreement is also included in the deal.
"Diebold is proud to play such a big part in Chase's self-service delivery network," said David Bucci, senior vice president of Diebold Customer Solutions. "We are committed to helping Chase deliver the best ATM experience to its customers."
The agreement includes Diebold's Opteva cash dispensers and advanced-function terminals.
"A fast, standardized and reliable customer experience is critical to the success of our ATM channel, and Diebold's product line helps us effectively deliver service to our customers," said Patrick Wright, senior vice president of Chase's Retail Operations.
Chase recently launched a pilot of Diebold's deposit automation technology — including Diebold's Intelligent Depository Module (IDM) and Bulk Note Acceptor (BNA) — at its operations center in Columbus, Ohio.
Chase has a network of more than 7,100 ATMs in 19 states.
Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery systems, security and services. Diebold employs more than 14,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold reported revenue of $2.4 billion in 2004 and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DBD." For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.diebold.com.
Media Contact:
Carrie Kandes, APR
330-490-6319
Investor Contact:
John Kristoff
+1 330 490 5900
Wednesday, 04 January 2006
Recent research from Venture Development Corporation (VDC) reveals a regional pattern in the uptake of imaging-based bar code scanning technology. In 2004 (the base year of our research), imaging technology in North America grew at more than double the rate of traditional laser-based scanning technology. In contrast, the Asia-Pacific region experienced strong growth in laser scanners in 2004. The growth of imagers in the North American market is a trend that appears to have continued in 2005 and is likely to spread across the regional and vertical markets in the coming years.
Although laser-based technology still comprises the majority of scanner revenues across all regions, the 2003-2004 growth rate for imagers in North America provides evidence that the gap between laser- and imaging-based scanner shipments may be closing. As with previous AIDC trends that originated in the US
In the North American market, imaging technology has been growing at a faster rate than laser technology for several years. However, the demand for imaging scanners may currently be competing more directly with laser scanners in both the handheld and stationary segments of that market (see Exhibits I and II). In the stationary scanning market, excluding POS scanners, laser scanners realized negative growth as imagers grew at record levels.
There appears to be a growing acceptance of imaging-based technology for multiple applications due the improved capability of the technology and competitive price points. Specifically, imaging technology is growing at a faster rate than laser-based technology due to the following factors:
- decreasing unit prices of imaging scanners due to broader acceptance of the technology and increased adoption of 2D and PDF417 bar coding solutions, primarily within the transportation/logistics vertical market;
- improved performance of imaging-based scanners as research & development efforts progress imaging technology, and more importantly the algorithm decoding software;
- increased durability enabled by imaging-based solutions, as they do not contain the moving parts associated with laser-based technology;
- heightened end-user familiarity with imaging-based technology outside of the AIDC context, such as digital cameras; and
- growing supplier push for alternatives to laser-based technology due to prohibitive intellectual property rights surrounding that technology and the increased desire to capture market share in the growing imaging segment of the industry.
Although imaging-based scanners are beginning to capture incremental market share from laser-based scanners primarily in North America, that trend is increasingly prevalent in Europe. Currently both laser- and imaging-based scanning solutions are experiencing strong growth in Europe; however, imaging is gaining momentum, especially in the industrial/manufacturing vertical segment. The North American market may provide a preview of what is to come in the European (and eventually Asia-Pacific) markets.
About VDC
Venture Development Corporation (VDC) is an independent technology market research and strategy consulting firm that specializes in a number of retail automation, RFID, AIDC, embedded, component, industrial, and defense markets. VDC has been operating since 1971, when the firm was founded by graduates of the Harvard Business School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Today, we employ a talented collection of analysts and consultants who offer a rare combination of expertise in the market research process; experience in technology product and program management; and formal training in engineering and marketing. VDC's clients include thousands of the largest and fastest-growing tech suppliers in the world and the most successful investors participating in the markets we cover.
1 Apple Hill Drive
Suite 206
Natick, MA 01760
United States
http://www.vdc-corp.com
508-653-9000 ext 133
Tuesday, 03 January 2006
Companies Officially Combine Sales Efforts
LAS VEGAS (January 3, 2006) — Finalizing what many analysts and journalists considered to be the biggest news of this year's Global Gaming Expo, JCM American Corporation and TransAct Technologies Incorporated (Nasdaq: TACT), today announced they have signed a final agreement, bringing together the sales efforts of the leading bill acceptor and printer brands.
JCM is the industry leader in currency handling systems, including providing products, software and services to the gaming, vending, banking, amusement, and petroleum industries, and TransAct Technologies Incorporated (Nasdaq: TACT) is a leading producer of transaction-based printers for customers worldwide.
The final agreement creates an incredibly convenient environment for customers. Under the agreement, JCM's sales force will offer TransAct's gaming thermal printers in North and South America and Macau in combination with JCM's many bill acceptor and currency handling products.
JCM President Aki Isoi said, "We are very pleased to have finalized this agreement with TransAct, a company that we see as being as innovative and dedicated to the industry as we are. This agreement creates an environment that is above all, convenient for our customers. By combining our sales team efforts, we have created the most convenient, customer-focused team imaginable — a value-driven, one-stop shop for the best currency handling, printing and monitor products anywhere."
TransAct Technologies Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Bart C. Shuldman, said, "This is an exciting time for TransAct and for our customers. The agreement allows us to utilize JCM's extensive sales organization, leveraging established relationships on each side of the deal. We can now move forward with our goal of accelerating market penetration and increasing our potential opportunities, and doing so in an extremely cost effective manner."
About JCM
JCM American Corporation is the industry leader in currency handling systems and provides products, software and services to the gaming, vending, banking, amusement, and petroleum industries. Since 1995, its products have validated an estimated $2.2 trillion in currency for the gaming industry alone. From its international headquarters in Osaka, Japan, and subsidiaries in Desseldorf, Hong Kong, London, Sydney and its U.S. headquarters in Las Vegas, JCM's progressive spirit continually sets worldwide industry standards with innovative products such as the World Bill Acceptor (WBA), Universal Bill Acceptor (UBA), Trident Table Safe System and Intelligent Cash Box (ICB). For more information, visit www.jcm-american.com.
About TransAct Technologies Incorporated
TransAct (Nasdaq: TACT) designs, develops, manufactures and markets transaction-based printers under the ithaca and Epic names. In addition, the Company markets related consumables, spare parts and service. The Company's printers are used worldwide to provide receipts, tickets, coupons, register journals and other documents. TransAct focuses on two core markets: point-of-sale (POS) and banking, and gaming and lottery. TransAct sells its products to original equipment manufacturers, value-added resellers and selected distributors, as well as directly to end-users. The Company's product distribution spans across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean Islands and the South Pacific. For further information, visit TransAct's web site located at www.transact-tech.com
Contacts:
For JCM
Paul Speirs, Steinbeck Communications, (702) 413-4278,
For TransAct:
Steven DeMartino, Chief Financial Officer, 203-269-1198 Ext. 6059
or David Pasquale, 646-536-7006, or Denise Roche, 646-536-7008, both with The Ruth Group
Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "project" or "continue" or the negative thereof or other similar words. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but are not limited to, customer acceptance and market share gains, both domestically and internationally, in the face of substantial competition from competitors that have broader lines of products and greater financial resources; introduction of new products into the marketplace by competitors; successful product development; dependence on significant customers; dependence on significant vendors; the ability to recruit and retain quality employees as the Company grows; dependence on third parties for sales outside the United States, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Latin America; economic and political conditions in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Latin America; marketplace acceptance of new products; risks associated with foreign operations; availability of third-party components at reasonable prices; price wars or other significant pricing pressures affecting the Company's products in the United States or abroad; and the outcome of lawsuits between TransAct and FutureLogic, Inc. Actual results may differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no duty to update them to reflect new, changing or unanticipated events or circumstances.
Paul Speirs
Steinbeck Communications
P: 702-413-4278
F: 702-233-3492
E:
Tuesday, 03 January 2006
Info Touch receives investment from CFSI
BURNABY, British Columbia · Info Touch Technologies Corp. closed a $150,000 equity investment from the Center for Financial Services Innovation, a for-profit Chicago-based organization that works to provide underbanked citizens with greater access to financial services.
According to a news release, CFSI will assist Info Touch with designing and implementing innovative methods that deliver effective bill-payment and financial services to underbanked and unbanked consumers. The services are designed to be affordable, convenient and help consumers establish credit and acquire appreciable assets.
"The investment demonstrates Info Touch and CFSI's commitment to helping underbanked consumers gain access to the financial services that help build wealth and transform people's lives," said Hamed Shahbazi, Info Touch's chairman and chief executive. "Additionally, the fund provides Info Touch with a new opportunity to drive and generate new sources of revenue and profit in a responsible and effective manner."
Arjan Schette, CFSI's associate director, has been appointed to Info Touch's advisory board. Schette manages the CFSI's investment and grant programs and works with portfolio companies and nonprofits to further their projects' goals.
Diebold, Bank of China close Opteva Deal
NORTH CANTON, Ohio · Diebold and Bank of China have finalized a multimillion-dollar agreement that includes the purchase of 642 Opteva ATMs powered by Agilis software.
"Bank of China has a long and celebrated history, and is considered one of the best commercial institutions in the country," said Daniel Hu, managing director of Diebold, Greater China Area, in a news release. "BOC's deployment of Opteva ATMs will enhance the bank's brand image and expand its customer base by setting higher standards in the province for advanced technology, superior products and enhanced services."
BOC is working to raise the efficiency and profitability of its bank branches and aims to transfer about 40 percent of its traditional teller transactions to its self-service delivery channel by 2008. It also wants to increase surcharge revenue through self-service transactions.
Sagem Denmark acquires Finnish payment solutions provider
GLOSTRUP, Denmark · Sagem Denmark A/S has acquired Manison Maksujärjestelmät Oy (a.k.a Manison), according to a news release.
Manison, which has 20 employees in Helsinki, Finland, and operations in Norway and Sweden, develops value-added software solutions and products for the point-of-sale payment market.
"The Manison acquisition is very significant in bringing us closer to our customers and partners geographically in our endeavors to give them the best possible service," said Kaj Christiansen, Sagem Denmark's managing director and chief executive. "The acquisition of Manison brings us one step closer to our goal of being the leading player in our main markets in the Nordic region for payment terminals and self-service payment solutions."
Monday, 02 January 2006
My hometown, Louisville, Ky., is celebrating the national recognition of two of our University of Louisville football players. Louisville is not really known for its prowess in collegiate football, but this year we have something to toot our horn about. Elvis Dumervill, senior defensive end, was named an All-American. He also received the honor of being named the country's top defensive player, along with being named Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year. One player receiving these kind of accolades would be a great accomplishment for most schools, but Louisville's sophomore quarterback Brian Brohm also was recognized as the Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Year. We certainly have a lot to cheer about here in Louisville.
What does this have to do with the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, you ask? Well, every successful person has certain qualities that set them apart from the rest of the crowd. They prepare well, have big dreams and are willing to do whatever is necessary to realize them. We have lots of people in our industry who fit into this mold. One of those special people was recently elected to our association Hall of Fame.
Alex Richardson, married, with one son (9), grew up on Miskel Farm in Leesburg, Va. In preparation for his business endeavors, Alex received a BA in physics and economics from Connecticut College and an MBA in marketing and finance from Yale University. He has more than 20 years experience in building value in enterprise, high growth and start-up technology companies. Some of those include Target Stores, JC Penney, Starbucks, Microsoft and many others.
As chief executive officer and founder of Netkey Inc., Alex pioneered the development of a new enterprise software market for the management of self-service devices and created the organization to capitalize on it. He led the effort to raise $20 million in venture financing to make it all happen. He is coholder of two multichannel tech patents.
Before founding Netkey, Alex prepared well. He served as president and director of marketing and sales of Lexitech Multimedia and spent brief times at Oglivy & Mather Advertising and with U.S. Representative Christopher Dodd (now a U.S. senator). He is a member of the National Ski Patrol and has been involved with Special Olympics International since 1987. Alex is presently managing director of Selling Machine Partners, a consulting firm that specializes in supporting automated retailing and kiosk business solutions. Alex is truly an All-American of our industry and deserves membership in our association's Hall of Fame.
An interview with an industry All-Star
I caught up with Alex recently, and he was gracious enough to allow me to ask him several questions about self-service.
Q. How did you become interested in the self-service/kiosk industry?
A. "Business is about solving problems for your customers. Since my early training in consulting and marketing at Ogilvy & Mather, I've been working on how to make the cash register ring at retailers, consumer product brands, banks and government institutions.
"Though it seems obvious today, it was only a few decades ago when most of us wasted precious personal time in lines · waiting and waiting · for some store associate or employee to perform our computer or POS transaction.
"After experiencing this situation at a variety of stores and agencies, I came up with the concept of turning the monitor around to allow the consumer to control the transaction through self-service, and help stores to reduce headcount by eliminating the bottleneck.
"The early challenge was the question of how to transform archaic computer database requests into simple, consumer-friendly screens that sped up the transaction. My early Ogilvy TV experience helped in this arena since I focused on how to transform computer transactions into a friendly, multimedia rich, TV-like experience."
Q. What applications excite you today?
A. "With the rapid growth of technology and media, today's consumer has been trained to be a multichannel shopper. Massive change is occurring in the retail/consumer ecosystem. Typically, retailers used catalogs or newspapers to build awareness about a company's products. Web sites were used to nudge consumers from a consideration to a preference. Then, consumers got in their car, walked into the store and stores closed the sale.
"Black Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) and the dramatic increases in e-commerce sales illustrate the massive change that is occurring. Now consumers look at shopping comparison Web sites to learn about products and retailer offerings, then they drive into the stores to get a first-hand look at the products and go back home or to work to complete the transaction on the Web site."
Q. How do you see the future growth of the self-service industry?
A. "Consumers want seamless access to their information anytime, anyplace. The next generation of consumers expects self-service everywhere they go, yet integrated with their Web-and-wireless lifestyle. This new generation lives on the Internet and can multitask.
"The next challenge for the industry will be how to address the needs of this consumer. For example, how can retailers prod the consumer into making the transaction at the store at that moment versus driving home to make the transaction at a competitor's site? The ability to understand and target the information based on the question, "What problems does my consumer want to solve in those 5-square feet of space and at that particular moment of time?" will be the difference between success and failure for any industry player.
"The fastest way to accelerate your success in this arena would be to turn off the computer, get out of the office and visit 20-30 retailers. Count the number of seconds it takes for the average coffee-and-doughnut shop to deliver a cup of coffee. See if the checkout clerk at most stores makes eye contact, smiles or complains about a coworker. Yes, innovative retailers do exist, but I have yet to find a consistent level of good retail service that couldn't be helped by one of our industry solutions."
Q. List by importance the self-service industries you think will show the fastest growth.
A. Retail, Travel/Hospitality, Gaming, Financial, Government
Q. How big a part is software development going to play in our industry?
A. "Kiosks are becoming just another customer-facing technology, integrated with CRM and another core building block of e-commerce. The spotlight is becoming brighter for these projects since the C-level executives who see self-service at work in a variety of locations are now demanding that kiosk projects be upgraded in the technology roadmap. Software is a key part of this solution, but will be tightly integrated with the enterprise hardware and consumer device."
Q. What are your predictions for future software development?
A. "The trend of build or buy seems to be following the same trend as Web commerce. Mid-size and large firms used to hire expensive Web specialists to design and build their Web sites. Today, most Web plumbing is managed by in-house staffs, though the creative design, executive and advertising strategy is contracted outside the firm.
"Though large firms will continue to use large system integrators, I'm seeing more projects being developed in-house by the current in-house Web development team. I also see a rapid growth in open source kiosk software applications."
Q. What are your predictions for the self-service/kiosk industry overall?
A.
- Continued growth in the photo marketplace: Kodak to be sold to either HP or 3M.
- Rapid growth in public Web-based gaming applications.
- Open source software.
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