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Friday, 31 March 2006
LAKE MARY, Fla. —Virgin Blue Airlines, serving travelers in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific destinations, has been recognized for offering the best 2005 travel Web site in Australia. The awards·bestowed last month at the second annual Hitwise Online Performance Awards in Sydney, Australia·recognize www.virginblue.com.au, which includes a Web check-in solution from Kinetics, a subsidiary of NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR).
Virgin Blue's Web site received awards in two categories: Aviation, Commercial Airline; and Travel — Transport. Awards are given based on number of visits in 2005.
"With the launch of Kinetics' Web check-in solution, Virgin Blue has further emphasized its commitment to providing our customers with best-in-class Internet technology," said Nick Brant, general manager of IT, Virgin Blue. "More than 90 percent of our bookings are made online, and with this tool our guests have all-hours access to a user-friendly service that makes their check-in process easier than ever."
Virgin Blue launched the Kinetics Web check-in solution in mid-2005. The online tool provides Virgin Blue customers with self-check-in services and boarding pass printouts. Virgin Blue also utilizes Kinetics TouchPort II B self-check-in kiosks at its airport terminals in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Launceston, Cairns, Cooloongatta and Canberra.
"With the accelerating adoption and compelling benefits of self-service in the travel industry, adding an online check-in tool is vital to an airline's success," said Theresa Heinz, vice president of business development, Kinetics. "With the Kinetics Web check-in solution, Virgin Blue customers know they'll receive quick, reliable service."
About Virgin Blue
Award-winning airline Virgin Blue and sister carriers Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue currently operate a fleet of 51 modern Boeing 737 aircraft flying to 22 destinations across metropolitan and regional Australia, as well as eight international destinations taking in New Zealand, Vanuatu , Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Rarotonga. For more information, visit www.virginblue.com.au.
About Kinetics
Kinetics, a subsidiary of NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), is a leading provider of enterprise and self-service technologies to today's travel industry and is the architect of the modern airline self-service era. Kinetics, based in Lake Mary, Fla., produces hardware and software solutions, as well as engineering, developmental and preventive maintenance services designed to help businesses capture more revenue, expand distribution channels and enhance customer service. Kinetics technologies support all consumer channels, including kiosks, Web, PDAs, cell phones and phones (natural speech recognition). For more information, go to www.kineticsusa.com.
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leading global technology company helping businesses build stronger relationships with their customers. NCR's Teradata® data warehouses, ATMs, retail systems, self-service solutions and IT services provide Relationship Technology™ that maximizes the value of customer interactions and helps organizations create a stronger competitive position. Based in Dayton, Ohio, NCR (www.ncr.com) employs approximately 28,200 people worldwide.
Friday, 31 March 2006
LAS VEGAS — Earlier this year, the leaders in gaming peripherals — JCM American, Tovis Monitors and TransAct Technologies — came together to combine the reach of JCM's industry-leading sales force with the world-class technologies of Tovis and TransAct. This enabled the JCM sales force to provide the most complete range of gaming products available under one roof. Now the alliance of companies will be making their premiere cooperative tradeshow appearance in North America.
The three companies will stand side by side at the upcoming Native American Gaming Association (NIGA) tradeshow, held April 2-5 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The alliance will be in booth #1209.
"We've brought together the recognized worldwide leaders in their fields, and now we represent the best products and highest level of customer service. And with our combined history of supporting Tribal gaming, we are all thrilled to be making our first group tradeshow appearance at NIGA," said JCM VP of Gaming Solutions Tom Nieman.
On display will be the wide range of products the alliance jointly represents, including the award-winning Universal Bill Acceptor (UBA), Trident Table Safe System, the Epic 950 printer, and Tovis monitors.
The UBA is the next generation bill validator, utilizing magnetic and optical sensors and is completed by its forward/backward-compatible, high-impact Plastic Cash Box. The Trident Table Safe System is a complete table management system that tracks assets from the table to the pit to the soft count room, and to the back office.
The TransAct Epic 950 thermal gaming printer offers 2-color printing that turns ordinary slot vouchers into eye-grabbing marketing media while its USB connectivity enables its use with server based and downloadable games. Tovis offers a wide array of best performance LCD monitors including standard 15", 17", 19" and wide format 23", 26", 32", 40", 42", 46", 55". Also, Tovis provides monitors with customized design and configuration to meet the customers' need exactly.
About the Alliance Companies
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. TransAct Technologies Incorporated (Nasdaq:TACT) is the leader in developing and manufacturing market-specific printers for transaction-based industries under the ithaca and Epic brand names. In addition, the company markets related consumables, spare parts and service. Standing on its four pillars of "Foremost," "Foundation," "Fair" and "Fast," Tovis Monitors is the leading manufacturer of monitors and displays for the gaming industry.
Friday, 31 March 2006
Heisei's P-Open Panel PC is specially designed for the confined spaces typical of industrial applications, with Intel Celeron and Pentium 4 CPU processor in options and variety panel sizes (12"/15"/17"), Heisei's Panel PC offers flexibility, capable of meeting the needs of specific industrial field deployments.
With the robust mechanical design based on extensive shock and vibration tests, P-Open has pass the Vibration test with the frequency up to 500Hz in SGS Taiwan Ltd. laboratory. Also with standard IP65 certified rugged protection, the panel computer can be utilized perfectly in industrial harsh environments
P-Open has been tested by one of the worldwide Panel PC leading company, and it pass the test to operate in the environment of 57℃ for 60 hours, also burn in 336 hours using Burntest 32.
This is ideal industrial-grade Panel PC, the P-Open can be applied and suitable to several industrial or commercial projects,
For more information about the P-Open, please contact your regional sales representative or visit us at www.heisei.com.tw
Friday, 31 March 2006
ALLEN, Texas -- Sixty-three Illinois counties deployed optical scan and touch-screen voting stations from Diebold Election Systems for the March primary election with positive results. The majority of the counties had already used Diebold's optical scan system for several years. However, this was the first Illinois election in which Diebold's touch-screen voting station with a voter-verifiable paper audit trail printer was used, enabling blind and physically challenged voters to cast their ballot privately and independently, meeting Help America Vote Act requirements.
A total of 5,300 Diebold touch-screen and optical scan voting stations were deployed by Illinois jurisdictions for the primary election. More than two million registered voters in nearly 3,000 precincts had the opportunity to vote on Diebold machines during the election.
DuPage County, the second largest county in Illinois with more than 550,000 registered voters, was the largest Illinois jurisdiction to use Diebold's voting solutions. DuPage County deployed approximately 340 optical scan and 340 touch-screen units.
"Our Diebold system performed commendably, was well accepted by the voters of DuPage County and enabled us to effectively meet federal accessibility requirements," stated Robert Saar, Executive Director of the DuPage County Elections Commission. "The March primary election was the first time DuPage County offered early voting to our electorate, and the touch-screen systems were used to record ballot selections from all early voters. The touch-screen stations with voter-verifiable paper audit trail printers were very well received by voters, and the paper audit trail proved to be reliable and 100 percent accurate, as verified by our post-election recount. Tabulation of early voting and election day optical scan and touch-screen results was an easy process with Diebold's unified election management software."
Diebold Election Systems, Inc. is a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD), a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery systems and services. Headquartered in Allen, Texas, Diebold Election Systems provides high-quality voting technology to jurisdictions of all sizes, along with comprehensive service and support capability, and is committed to elections accuracy, security and integrity. For more information on Diebold Election Systems, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dieboldes.com, or call 1-800-433-VOTE.
Friday, 31 March 2006
DAYTON, Ohio — Banco Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A., a leading private bank in Argentina, is partnering with NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) in expanding its automated teller machine (ATM) channel availability and functionality. The order includes 200 NCR Personas ATMs, NCR's industry-leading APTRA multivendor software, and complete installation and maintenance services.
This is NCR's second recent order with Banco Galicia and one of the largest single contracts for NCR in Argentina. Banco Galicia purchased more than 70 NCR ATMs in 2005 and intends to use this new order to continue its deployment of NCR Personas ATMs to replace older, non-NCR units. Banco Galicia is also a leading customer of Teradata, a division of NCR, using a Teradata data warehouse to efficiently analyze and segment target clients.
Miguel Pe, chief information officer and chief operating officer for Banco Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A., said, "We were impressed with NCR's ability to meet both our service and quality needs, while also delivering a solid value proposition that ensures our investment meets today's requirements while also offering opportunity for future enhancements. Our established relationship with Teradata also helped in recognizing the opportunities available with NCR's APTRA platform."
He added, "NCR has been a supplier of this bank for many years, but I'd say that rather than suppliers, they have been one of the most important technology partners in the bank's 100 years of history. What sets NCR apart is their knowledge of the industry and of our business. They understand the issues of a company like ours. And the Teradata data warehouse has been, is, and will always be a key tool for our business."
Michael O'Laughlin, vice president of NCR in Caribbean and Latin America, said, "We are very pleased to partner with Banco Galicia to ensure the utmost availability of the bank's ATM channel, driven by our extensive services capabilities, quality hardware offers and Windows-based APTRA software platform. APTRA is a tried and tested architecture chosen by the majority of the world's financial institutions using a Windows platform. Given the bank already taps into a Teradata data warehouse, they have even greater opportunity to uniquely differentiate Banco Galicia in the market by personalizing each customer's banking experience."
About Banco Galicia
Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires (Banco Galicia) is one of the most important private banks of Argentina. It was founded in 1905 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005. Through more than 400 sites in Argentina, the bank offers loans to a client base primarily of businesses and individuals. It also provides consumer, corporate and investment banking; insurance; risk management; and credit and debit cards. Banco Galicia has 2.5 million accounts (credit plus debit), and a current deposit share of 8 percent. More information can be found at http://www.bancogalicia.com.ar.
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leading global technology company helping businesses build stronger relationships with their customers. NCR's Teradata data warehouses, ATMs, retail systems, self-service solutions and IT services provide Relationship Technology that maximizes the value of customer interactions and helps organizations create a stronger competitive position. Based in Dayton, Ohio, NCR (www.ncr.com) employs approximately 28,200 people worldwide.
Thursday, 30 March 2006
Retail Systems, held at Chicago's McCormick Place May 21-24, featured three days of speakers and exhibits focused on the latest retail innovations. Self-service and kiosk applications, ranging from high-tech kiosk software to digital signage, were evident on the show floor. Organizers claimed 2,800 attendees were present.
The event opened with a keynote from Andreas Weigend, a Stanford statistics professor and former chief scientist at Amazon.com. Weigend discussed the ways in which the World Wide Web drives participation and interaction in retail, forcing innovation in the retail industry.
The exhibit hall, which opened the following day, included an array of self-service and kiosk solutions. Among the highlights:
NEC unveiled a new self-service grocery and retail solution, SmartLocator, for the first time in the United States. The solution, which NEC is still developing, combines an on-cart touchscreen and infrared transmitters to deliver in-store, location-based product information and marketing messages to shoppers.
Users can scan their loyalty cards on the carts' data terminals. The infrared sensors, which can be battery-powered or mounted on and powered by stores' existing fluorescent light bulbs, would be located throughout the store, telling the cart what information to display from place to place depending on what products are nearby.
HP demonstrated its Store Assistant and Media on Demand kiosks. The Store Assistant allows users, who activate it by swiping their loyalty card, to find sales on products they typically buy, build shopping lists by aisle number, and print store maps and coupons with directions to desired products. The Media on Demand kiosk allows DVD download or burning in 8-12 minutes in a variety of formats from iPod to HDTV. HP currently has licenses from Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures to burn movies.
Microsoft showed a custom-made application for kiosks to be deployed into North Face stores, built on the forthcoming MS Windows Vista operating system (due January 2007). The interface features three revolving videos which the user drags clockwise or counterclockwise with a fingertip. The videos morph as they revolve, and each features an adventure movie from a North Face-sponsored expedition meant to demonstrate their products.
Users can touch the screen or scan a barcode, to view 3-D product research. They can then rotate jackets with a fingertip while reviewing product information, or bringing up a 3-way product comparison in which all three products can rotate at once.
According to a spokesman, Northface.com will adopt a similar user interface when the project is deployed.
Experticity proffered its LiveSupport customer service software in the Microsoft booth. The system, designed for Windows-based kiosks and computers, incorporates a live person via webcam to assist the customer in using the kiosk and finding information. The kiosk's menus can be activated by either the customer or the on-screen assistant. Features include the ability to print recipes or project instructions. Deployers can also make the client downloadable for customers, who could access the customer support professional from their home computer for further assistance in completing projects.
Digital Persona demonstrated its biometric fingerprint reader. The readers are used in Pay by Touch's biometric payment devices, which can associate loyalty and credit cards with customers' finger prints, as well as checking accounts and ID cards. Microsoft also sells the readers for use in home and office PCs, which allow users to associate passwords with their fingerprints — alleviating the need to memorize several different passwords.
Digi demonstrated its ConnectPort zero client hardware. The units can be deployed with digital signs to replace the PCs or thin clients that are often used with them, allowing the deployer to manage all signs centrally, from one CPU, instead of servicing CPUs individually.
The ConnectPorts can often be placed inside the signs, and use about five watts of energy (emitting about as much heat as a small Christmas tree light) as opposed to 200-300 watts for a typical PC or thin client — which Digi markets as a way to reduce heat in the signs. The units' buffer memory allows them to run streaming content, meaning they don't require memory upgrades to run bigger content. The upgraded version, due in June, will include HDTV and stereo functionality.
VeriFone showed its new kiosk hardware, including the MX870 mini-kiosk, which includes the ability to play full-color video with sound. It can also function as a Triple-DES compliant payment terminal.
Hand Held Products again previewed its 8570 mini-kiosk with 5.7 inch screen, linear and 2D barcode reader. The generic, customizable interface software is built on the Windows CE 5.0 platform. The unit, which Hand Held showed at several trade shows this year, is set for release in June.
Retaligent Solutions Inc. showed the latest upgrades to the Clarience 1:1 retail software, which includes additional assisted selling information for store associates via mobile device. The scalable system currently offers 20 different modules geared toward using product and customer data to create a more personalized, high-touch buying experience which Retaligent calls "clienteling." The modules can be used in a variety of combinations, across diverse platforms, from PDAs giving store associates remote management capabilities, to smart phone applications that can scan bar codes, to kiosks that customers can use inside the changing room to have different sizes and colors of clothes, or accessories, brought to them.
Netkey represented its kiosk network management software, designed for security and fraud prevention, peripheral integration, transaction enablement, remote monitoring, content management and data analysis. Netkey specializes in serving large retail clients, including Home Depot and Borders.
IBM showed its self-check out, designed to be used with shopping assistants to maintain a high-touch service environment. It doesn't stop operating if a product is removed from the unit's bagging area, and it's made specifically for shopping assistants to help customers, creating a more high-touch check-out. The company also exhibited its Anyplace kiosk: an adaptable CPU/touch screen unit designed for deployment in a variety of solutions.
NCR showed its Fastlane self-check-out, built for ease of use by allowing customers to activate the unit by scanning a barcode or loyalty card. It also features a video tutorial that plays as users check out.
Retail Anywhere showcased its integrated retail/grocery software, built on the ARTS data model. Their kiosk software includes backward compatibility with many legacy databases, loyalty programs, gift registries and in-store loyalty programs.
S1 Corp. (the company that acquired Mosaic Software in 2004) represented its customer-interaction software for payment processors, which it largely markets to retailers and financial institutions. Its offerings include the Postilion Online Platform for e-commerce and multi-channel payment processing, including gift cards.
Thursday, 30 March 2006
NASHUA, N.H. -- Nashua Corporation (NASDAQ: NSHA) today announced that it has signed a new three-year secured financing agreement with LaSalle Bank N.A. and Bank of America that provides the Company with a revolving line of credit of up to $35 million. This agreement, which is effective on March 30, 2006, replaces the Company's existing credit facility with these banks, which was scheduled to expire in February 2007.
John Patenaude, Nashua's vice president finance, chief financial officer and treasurer stated, "Both of these institutions have been long-time supporters of Nashua, and we are pleased that we are extending our relationship with them. The new agreement will provide Nashua with the financial flexibility it requires for the future."
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.
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
CNNmoney.com recently interviewed ADUSA president Juan Perez for a special report on restaurant and deli kiosks, one area of specialty for ADUSA. According to CNN the QSR, quick-service restaurant, could soon become an SSR: self-service restaurant.
Read the article here.
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
HOLTSVILLE, N.Y., and HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., U.S.A. -- Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Companyâ„¢, and Syclo, a global leader in mobile software solutions, today announced that Tube Lines Ltd, a tube maintenance company that works in partnership with the London Underground, has equipped its engineers with more than 200 rugged PPT8800 mobile computers running Syclo's mobile work management solution, across three key London Underground lines.
As part of a massive overhaul and modernization of London's mass transit subway system, Tube Lines sought to create a single source of information from some 500 disparate systems. The end goal was to improve overall maintenance processes and asset performance but the first step required eliminating error-prone paper work orders and the resultant work backlog.
Syclo was selected to create mobile applications that would support workers in more than 15 asset areas, such as rolling stock, tracks, signals and premises. Using its Agentry platform, Syclo configured its widely deployed SMART Suite of mobile products for asset maintenance to create a seamless means for technicians to access and update critical asset information in order to provide managers with a 360-degree view of asset performance.
"The mobile solution has made an enormous impact on several areas of the business within fleet; but the biggest benefit would be that of front line management being able to focus on managing staff performance and maintenance planning rather than spending so much time in front of a computer inputting data," said Steve Lammin, depot manager, Tube Lines. "Another advantage is with budgets and operating functions. As we roll out additional mobile applications, we are now able to see a more accurate picture of what is spent · in terms of time and spare parts · on each work order and planned maintenance function. This is critical knowledge."
Symbol PPT8800 mobile computers were selected with the support of rail union GMB because they matched Tube Lines requirements for a ruggedized and easy-to-use handheld. Of the 210 PPT8800 mobile computers, 60 were supplied to two main end-of-line depots with one device supplied per work group and the remaining 150 across smaller locations. The aim of the project was to modernize the London Underground infrastructure through an aggressive capital investment and asset maintenance program.
"Using Symbol's PPT8800 mobile computers with Syclo's software has dramatically improved the productivity and efficiency of our workers by giving them instant access to high quality data" said Martyn Capes, project manager, Tube Lines. "Real time data upload and download allows engineers to view what work had previously been performed on a track or a carriage giving the complete work background. We are able to track virtually every asset which has improved our visibility of activities, and in turn has improved regulatory compliance."
Field engineers can now access mission-critical, real-time applications improving worker productivity and the overall efficacy of the asset management process. Work commenced in November 2004 and was rolled out over a six month period. The implementation was a joint effort involving Symbol's Premier Solution Partner, PEAK Technologies, who supplied the device provisioning, site surveys, and WiFi deployment services; Syclo's professional services team; and Tube Lines systems administrators and project managers.
"Tube Lines' mobile investment demonstrates the kind of knowledge management critical to developing London's transport infrastructure for the 2012 Olympics and beyond," said Marco Landi, marketing director, Symbol Technologies EMEA.
Tube Lines had been reliant on a paper-based system to submit tasks and urgent work. However, the process was incredibly slow and routinely delayed work for more than three weeks from the moment it was filed until it was actioned. With the introduction of the new mobile solution, field workers and service engineers are able to utilize real-time data entry to close off orders that transformed a previous 24-day process to one that was completed in 24 hours.
"The mobile software component eased the change management process for our front-line workforces, who were faced with a new set of work management systems as part of the complete asset management overhaul," Capes continued. "The result of the mobile software was rapid end user adoption, more data available for technicians and improved data for managers."
"Our development team worked closely with Tube Lines senior management to configure an application that would be both easy to use and deliver valuable data to asset managers," said Marc Chesover, director of Syclo's EMEA Operations. "The solution provides skilled technicians access to information that had never before been available at the point of performance, including detailed job plans, equipment repair history and failure information."
Tube Lines users will send and receive updates in real-time using a wireless connection in depot. In case of the absence of wireless connectivity, Syclo also supports full offline computing, so workers can work without interruption regardless of network availability. In addition to viewing maps with Mobile GIS and MSS, the solution also enables users to take photographs with their Symbol mobile computers and attach them to work orders and upload them to the appropriate databases.
Tube Lines is actively trialling Symbol's MC50 and MC70 Enterprise Digital Assistants (EDA) with their asset managers and senior staff, and are looking to utilize GPRS communications to increase system flexibility. They are also working with Symbol and Syclo to identify areas of the business that could benefit from the deployment of RFID technology. There are also plans, brought in since the July terrorist attacks in London, to introduce biometric swipe card tracking software of all personnel for safety and security reasons.
Tube Lines is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) formed in the UK responsible for maintaining and modernizing the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines of the London Underground system which amounts to a third of its infrastructure.
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Companyâ„¢, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. www.symbol.com
About Syclo
Syclo is a leading developer of mobile solutions that streamline workflow and maximize productivity. Building on its flagship development platform Agentry, Syclo offers fully configurable mobile applications that run on a variety of devices and support real-time wireless or offline computing. Syclo's SMART Suite, the most widely deployed solution for enterprise asset management, includes pre-packaged and pre-integrated applications for maintenance and field service teams. Syclo and its partners utilize Agentry to design, develop and integrate mobile solutions on-time and within budget. Over 500 Global 2000 corporations across industries have deployed Syclo's solutions. For more information, visit www.syclo.com, or email .
About Tube Lines
Tube Lines performs the ongoing maintenance, platform up keep and asset management of the track, signals, stations and trains. Tube Lines also takes care of train carriage rotation and an aggressive maintenance schedule with regular out of hours testing. It is the first company in the UK to deploy mobile technology in a rail asset management environment. www.tubelines.com
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
Detroit, MI -- GARTNER Wireless & Mobile Summit - Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Companyâ„¢, today announced new wireless network infrastructure features for increased coverage, enhanced security and mobility - including Layer 3 roaming, mesh networking and wireless security with location-based services. These new features enable enterprises to operate more efficiently with increased security, and expand their wireless coverage area. Symbol also announced the MC9090 family of premium rugged mobile computers for demanding environments.
"Businesses with a growing number of mobile users continually need to address challenges in wireless coverage, network security and user mobility. Addressing these challenges requires the enterprise to implement mobility as a complete system — end-to-end," said Anthony Bartolo, vice president and general manager of Symbol's Wireless Infrastructure and RFID Divisions. "This means taking into account the users, devices, applications, network infrastructure and management. With this approach, customers should utilize their wireless infrastructure to optimize their mobile applications."
Expanded Coverage, Security and User Mobility for "Business-Critical Wireless"
Symbol's new wireless features are designed to optimize mobile applications in the enterprise — including solutions to extend wireless networks to previously cost-prohibitive or physically-challenged locations; provide persistent mobility; secure the wireless network, and add location-based services throughout the enterprise.
The enterprise edge is evolving from traditional wired workstations to wirelessly connected devices. Networks are expanding within and outside "the four walls," requiring a wireless infrastructure designed for new and challenging environments. Symbol's mesh networking solution provides the functionality to securely extend the perimeter of wireless coverage to locations previously too expensive or physically impossible to wire. The Symbol mesh architecture provides a resilient system that is intuitive to deploy, "self-healing" and capable of supporting high-bandwidth voice, video and data applications on standards-based wireless devices. With a Symbol wireless mesh network, businesses can now deploy an expansive wireless network beyond the main campus to support business-critical applications at the point of activity, avoiding the expensive requirement of installing traditional Ethernet cabling.
Symbol's award-winning WS5100 wireless switch will soon feature Layer 3 roaming capabilities to enable true enterprise mobility. Layer 3 roaming allows mobile users to maintain connectivity as they roam throughout the enterprise and help ensure applications such as voice and video are available and connected as they move. This feature further enhances Symbol's predictive roaming technology already found on its family of mobile computing devices to enable high-bandwidth, connection-sensitive applications.
Symbol's Wireless Intrusion Protection System (IPS) delivers 24-by-7 protection against unauthorized access and malicious attacks on a wireless network. The upcoming release of Wireless IPS will provide network managers with the ability to visualize and monitor the RF domain and wireless network capacity, and ultimately, identify the source and location of a rogue attack. With Symbol Wireless IPS, businesses can extend location-based services throughout the enterprise, and quickly locate devices in the wireless space and disarm potential threats. This feature helps to ensure maximum up-time and peak performance of the wireless network and mobile computers.
New "Connected" Flagship Rugged Mobile Computer
The MC9090 family of mobile computers builds on Symbol's market-leading MC9000 series of rugged handheld mobile computers . Symbol MC9090 mobile computers support current and next-generation business-critical applications that help maximize the efficiency and productivity of mobile workers inside and outside "the four walls" of the most demanding environments such as manufacturing and warehouse floors, field sales and delivery. The MC9090 series of mobile computers combines the latest in mobile operating systems and processing power with advanced data capture options and integrated multi-mode wireless connectivity including wide area network (WAN), 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN (WLAN) and Bluetooth-enabled wireless personal area network (WPAN) — for anytime, anywhere voice, video and data connectivity.
"Extreme ruggedness, multi-mode wireless WAN/LAN/PAN, and three distinct form factors based on a common high-performance platform has made the original MC9000 mobile computer the best-selling rugged mobile computer in the industry," said Brian Viscount, vice president of product marketing for Symbol's Mobile Computing Division. "To date, Symbol's MC9090 mobile computer maintains its best-in-class, best-selling rugged mobile computer status, and provides our customers with key refinements in areas such as voice and data convergence for increased productivity and true competitive advantage."
In manufacturing environments, the MC9090 mobile computer can be used to instantly track parts, inventory and shipments, as well as arrange for just-in-time delivery by connecting with suppliers worldwide. The MC9090 mobile computer can also help improve and accelerate assembly line and plant operations, and notify staff when inventories are running low before it is too late. Select MC9090 mobile computer models support reading of direct part markings (DPM) used in the manufacture of metal parts in industries such as automotive and aerospace, as well as Push-to-Talk walkie-talkie capability and integrated GPS (Global Positioning System) support built into the recently announced MC9097 mobile computer — the industry's first iDEN rugged mobile computer.
The MC9090 family of mobile computers is available with Symbol's "Service from the Start" comprehensive coverage, a three-year service agreement that includes a three-day turn-around for products sent to Symbol repair centers.
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. www.symbol.com.
About the Gartner Wireless & Mobile Summit
Gartner Wireless & Mobile Summit 2006 offers new concepts and best practices to increase ROI on wireless investment, insights on the future of wireless, and unbiased perspectives on devices, systems, integration and the latest trends. The summit provides the critical information necessary to make the best choices to reduce costs, while maximizing current and new mobile initiatives. Additional information is available at www.gartner.com/us/wireless
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
NEW DELHI — Intel Corporation today officially launched an innovative PC platform that has been developed exclusively to meet the needs of rural villages and communities in India. Designed as a result of defining locally relevant computing solutions based on Intel technology, the Intel-powered "Community PC" platform is equipped to operate in a community setting while accommodating the varying environmental conditions prevalent in the country.
With an objective to bridge the urban-rural divide, today Intel also announced its "Jagruti" ("Awakening") initiative designed to provide rural communities in India with greater economic and social opportunities. By collaborating with leaders in business, government, education, online services and Internet service providers, Intel's Jagruti program will support the spread of rural Internet "kiosks" based on the new Intel-powered Community PC. These kiosks will help accelerate access to the benefits of information and communications technologies (ICT) in villages across India.
The aptly named Community PC platform was defined by Intel after intensive ethnographic studies in rural India showed that a clear desire for technology access exists in remote rural communities. Unfortunately, weather conditions (heat, dust, humidity) and unreliable power sources can compromise typical PCs used in such environments.
To address these issues, the Intel-powered Community PC platform was developed to be a fully functional, expandable and shared-access computing solution. It is a highly reliable, manageable system that supports remote diagnostics and control features under low power requirements. Unique features include:
- Ruggedized chassis: The chassis has been designed to withstand dusty conditions, varying temperatures and high humidity. It has a removable dust filter and integrated air fan to regulate the temperature of the motherboard. The chassis is designed to keep the motherboard cool at temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celsius and the PC resistant to humidity levels of 70 to 85 RH (Relative Humidity).
- CPSU: The PC is equipped with a Customized Power Supply Unit which is comprised of an Integrated Power Supply and the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) unit, which allow the PC to maintain continuous load power in the event of a power outage.
- Low power consumption: The total power consumption of all peripherals is less than 100 watts.
- Access Control:The platform comes installed with a certificate-based access, allowing banks to verify the validity of installment payments against the purchase of the PCs.
Intel expects many of these Community PC platforms to be deployed in Internet "kiosks" common in Indian villages. The kiosks are operated by local entrepreneurs and provide neighboring communities with access to services such as e-Government forms (land records and marriage licenses, among others). This saves time and money for potential users who no longer need to spend an entire day and take multiple modes of transportation into the main city to complete necessary paperwork. They can now visit a local kiosk and have a kiosk "operator" input their data online quickly and cost-effectively.
The Community PC model thus provides both a means of improving efficiencies for the locals as well as creating entrepreneurship opportunities for prospective kiosk owner/operators. Intel, after studying this business model in detail and identifying the needs and limitations of existing PCs being used in rural communities in India, initiated several pilot projects utilizing the Community PC platform in villages across the country.
The Intel-powered Community PC platform is part of Intel's commitment to enable individuals, communities and countries to gain equal access to the technology tools, skills and educational content they need to fully engage in the global economy.
"Intel actively supports efforts to provide computer technology to places where it hasn't previously been available," said William M. Siu, vice president and general manager of Intel's Channel Platforms Group. "Our experience shows that ICT adoption in developing nations requires much more than providing a standard PC; the technology often needs to be adapted to the local usage and environment of a particular country or region. In addition to defining the platform and developing the ingredient technologies, Intel also collaborated with local hardware, software and service companies to deliver on the promise of the Community PC platform. Overall, Intel has made substantial investments in technology, ecosystem partnerships, and education initiatives in support of this belief."
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Intel is a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
NEW DELHI — Intel Corporation today officially launched an innovative PC platform that has been developed exclusively to meet the needs of rural villages and communities in India. Designed as a result of defining locally relevant computing solutions based on Intel technology, the Intel-powered "Community PC" platform is equipped to operate in a community setting while accommodating the varying environmental conditions prevalent in the country.
With an objective to bridge the urban-rural divide, today Intel also announced its "Jagruti" ("Awakening") initiative designed to provide rural communities in India with greater economic and social opportunities. By collaborating with leaders in business, government, education, online services and Internet service providers, Intel's Jagruti program will support the spread of rural Internet "kiosks" based on the new Intel-powered Community PC. These kiosks will help accelerate access to the benefits of information and communications technologies (ICT) in villages across India.
The aptly named Community PC platform was defined by Intel after intensive ethnographic studies in rural India showed that a clear desire for technology access exists in remote rural communities. Unfortunately, weather conditions (heat, dust, humidity) and unreliable power sources can compromise typical PCs used in such environments.
To address these issues, the Intel-powered Community PC platform was developed to be a fully functional, expandable and shared-access computing solution. It is a highly reliable, manageable system that supports remote diagnostics and control features under low power requirements. Unique features include:
- Ruggedized chassis: The chassis has been designed to withstand dusty conditions, varying temperatures and high humidity. It has a removable dust filter and integrated air fan to regulate the temperature of the motherboard. The chassis is designed to keep the motherboard cool at temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celsius and the PC resistant to humidity levels of 70 to 85 RH (Relative Humidity).
- CPSU: The PC is equipped with a Customized Power Supply Unit which is comprised of an Integrated Power Supply and the UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) unit, which allow the PC to maintain continuous load power in the event of a power outage.
- Low power consumption: The total power consumption of all peripherals is less than 100 watts.
- Access Control:The platform comes installed with a certificate-based access, allowing banks to verify the validity of installment payments against the purchase of the PCs.
Intel expects many of these Community PC platforms to be deployed in Internet "kiosks" common in Indian villages. The kiosks are operated by local entrepreneurs and provide neighboring communities with access to services such as e-Government forms (land records and marriage licenses, among others). This saves time and money for potential users who no longer need to spend an entire day and take multiple modes of transportation into the main city to complete necessary paperwork. They can now visit a local kiosk and have a kiosk "operator" input their data online quickly and cost-effectively.
The Community PC model thus provides both a means of improving efficiencies for the locals as well as creating entrepreneurship opportunities for prospective kiosk owner/operators. Intel, after studying this business model in detail and identifying the needs and limitations of existing PCs being used in rural communities in India, initiated several pilot projects utilizing the Community PC platform in villages across the country.
The Intel-powered Community PC platform is part of Intel's commitment to enable individuals, communities and countries to gain equal access to the technology tools, skills and educational content they need to fully engage in the global economy.
"Intel actively supports efforts to provide computer technology to places where it hasn't previously been available," said William M. Siu, vice president and general manager of Intel's Channel Platforms Group. "Our experience shows that ICT adoption in developing nations requires much more than providing a standard PC; the technology often needs to be adapted to the local usage and environment of a particular country or region. In addition to defining the platform and developing the ingredient technologies, Intel also collaborated with local hardware, software and service companies to deliver on the promise of the Community PC platform. Overall, Intel has made substantial investments in technology, ecosystem partnerships, and education initiatives in support of this belief."
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Intel is a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
Rochester, NY, -- Jim Langley, President of Kodak's Graphic Communications Group and Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company, gives the keynote address at IPEX 2006 on Friday, April 7 at the INNOV8 Theatre in Hall 10.
Langley will explore the impact of economic, technology and global business trends on the industry. He will share his insights about new prospects for print providers based on a changing market environment and the continued prominence of print in today's media mix.
"Today's fast moving graphic communications industry provides printers with exciting opportunities to increase revenues and enhance profitability by embracing innovation," said Langley. "That innovation includes a new way of defining and thinking about partnership among graphic communications providers."
Kodak's broad portfolio of integrated solutions for conventional, digital and blended production environments will be on display at stand D70, Hall 5, at IPEX, April 4—11 in Birmingham, UK.
About Eastman Kodak Company
Kodak is the world's foremost imaging innovator, providing leading products and services to the photographic, graphic communications and healthcare markets. With sales of $14.3 billion in 2005, 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, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; 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.
For more information about Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, visit www.graphics.kodak.com.
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- 3M today announced its newest, high-security anti-counterfeiting label will be introduced on March 30 at the Authentication Connections Forum in Tampa, Fla. This new security solution, the 3M Confirm authentication label with floating image technology, incorporates a unique eye-visible security feature that provides powerful product authentication and can be verified easily with or without the use of a tool.
The label's floating image has an optically variable device (OVD) - a unique, overt security feature. The OVD image appears to "float" above or "sink" below the surface of the label and then disappear as the viewing angle changes. Dramatic movement of the image is easy to detect and recognize using only the human eye, enabling quick and easy authentication that proves the label and product are genuine. The label also incorporates a very secure and time-tested covert security feature inherent to Confirm security material.
"Electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, apparel, and cosmetics - the list of items that are counterfeited is endless," said Bill Markovitz, marketing development manager, 3M Security Systems. "The new Confirm security label will allow manufacturers and distributors to certify their products as authentic and then let wholesalers, retailers and end-consumers rapidly identify fakes. 3M currently sells a similar security product to governments for passports and driver's license programs. That same high level of security now will be available for commercial applications."
These labels build on 3M's proven retroreflective security technology - 3M Confirm security labels - which have been very well-accepted in the security marketplace for more than 25 years. The new floating image security feature enhances the inherent security of Confirm authentication labels and is based on proprietary technology. Verification is easier than ever and can be accomplished by a diverse population.
For more than 30 years, 3M has provided premier security solutions and services that identify, authenticate, secure and track materials and information by combining security and productivity. Drawing on its broad technology base and expertise, 3M creates solutions for a wide array of security needs. Examples include issuance and authentication of travel documents and personal identification cards, brand and asset protection solutions to fight counterfeiting and tampering, file tracking solutions, and library security and workflow management solutions.
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, Confirm, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE) -- 3M has launched a new Web site with an old address: www.3M.com/telecom. Here you can find the full set of solutions used by worldwide customers to connect, protect, test and locate communications networks.
The site was developed with your ease of use in mind. Use the Solutions Tool Product Selector to find industry-proven telecommunication solutions tailored to your situation. It's fast and easy. A comprehensive suite of products for use in applications from military and government to aerial plant, central office, utilities, CATV - wherever communications networks are found - is available. Just fill in your preferences and discover the right products for your job.
The solutions tool and the complete online catalog indicate which products are compliant with RoHS and WEEE directives.
In addition, you can find what promotions are running currently, register for workshops and read the latest news releases.
3M Telecommunications
3M - a major force in the telecommunications industry for more than 100 years - provides practical, scalable solutions to telecommunications service providers around the world. Our proven systems optimize network testing, construction, locating and maintenance for faster, more reliable high-bandwidth transmissions. 3M provides physical media-layer capabilities for FTTP and DSL deployments from central office to customer premises. Worldwide customers rely on 3M fiber optics technologies to leverage existing infrastructure or install completely new networks. OSP magazine called us "America's favorite supplier of OSP products."
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.
Tuesday, 28 March 2006
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW) announced today it has signed agreements with LED Specialists and Metaphase Technologies, two high brightness light emitting diodes (LED) experts.
Arrow's Lighting Group, launched in January, was created to deliver total customer solutions to designers, integrators and manufacturers of products containing high brightness LEDs.
LED Specialists and Metaphase will join the Arrow Consulting Engineering Services (ACES) program, which assists Arrow's customers in quickly finding highly skilled design service firms. The addition of these firms will enhance ACES' ability to help customers with a wide variety of lighting needs.
The new partners will accelerate Arrow's customers' time to market by helping them address the complexities of designing high brightness/power LED-based lighting solutions.
LED Specialists (www.ledspecialists.com) is an engineering services firm specializing in the design and integration of high performance LED lighting solutions. LED Specialists' services include requirements analysis and rapid prototyping, optical design, electronic driver design, mechanical design, including thermal management and component manufacturing.
Metaphase (www.metaphase-tech.com) addresses customer needs for straightforward lighting solutions using LEDs in non-imaging applications. Metaphase offers expertise in the design of components such as secondary optics for LEDs and fully developed lighting systems. Metaphase's services include design team consultation, prototyping for design verification and full OEM component and system manufacturing.
"Being successful in the lighting industry is more than just specifying the LED -- it is about how the end product is used," said Robert Sagebiel, director of lighting, Arrow NAC. "Finding the best LED, the right ballast or LED driver components, optics, heat sinks and final assembly options is critical in developing a real world solution that is both easily manufactured and meets the needs of the customer. By partnering with third-party experts such as Metaphase and LED Specialists we can help our customers identify these elements and develop the best available LED lighting solution."
Arrow's new Lighting Group is dedicated to supporting manufacturers of products containing high brightness LEDs. The group consists of regional lighting specialists, lighting applications engineers, and dedicated inside sales representatives who help Arrow's customers seize opportunities in the rapidly growing lighting market.
About the North American Components group of Arrow Electronics
The North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. is a leading provider of semiconductors and passive, electromechanical, 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, Inc. is a major global provider of products, services, and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and computer products.
Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Ann Shiveley, 303-824-3762
Tuesday, 28 March 2006
YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY, and ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - IBM today announced new intrusion detection capabilities to help clients detect, prevent and analyze hacker attacks.
IBM researchers have designed a novel intrusion detection tool, code named "Billy Goat," that not only provides early detection of worm attacks but also greatly reduces the false alarm rate. The tool masquerades as a collection of servers on the network. Actual servers do not communicate with Billy Goat, but criminals who randomly attack servers are likely to stumble over it. As soon as Billy Goat gets attacked it quickly identifies the attacking systems and fences them off -- effectively isolating worms and viruses before they can propagate much further.
"Integrity of financial transactions, confidentiality within a virtual enterprise, privacy of customer data and availability of critical infrastructure all depend on strong security mechanisms," said Peggy Kennelly, vice president of IBM's On Demand Innovation Services. "IBM Research and Business Consulting Services work together to offer world-class solutions to everyday security threats that make sense for your business, whether you have 100 employees or 100,000."
Due to the strain on systems administrators during attacks, the most important property of any intrusion detection system is that it is free from the high rate of false alarms produced by many other sensors. The Billy Goat system minimizes false alarms through the use of a novel architecture that combines an extensive view of the network, spoofed service interaction with potential attackers, and a clear focus on detecting automated attacks.
"Billy Goat uses a unique approach to detect malicious software by responding to requests sent to unused IP addresses, presenting what from a worm's-eye view looks like a network full of machines and services," says Dr. James Riordan, the lead designer of the system at IBM's Zurich Research Lab. "In other words, Billy Goat creates a virtual environment for the worms. Such virtualization, by providing feigned services as well as recording connection attempts, helps Billy Goat trick worms into revealing their identity. This method allows the system to reliably and quickly identify worm-infected machines in a network."
One of the greatest threats to security has come from automatic, self-propagating attacks such as viruses and worms. These attacks scan networked servers at random until they are able to place a harmful program on a server using a maliciously crafted request. The program uses the now-infected server as a base from which to attack other servers. The direct result is rapid exponential growth in the number of attacks leading to load-induced network failure.
While the presence of these attacks is by no means new, the damage that they are able to inflict and the speed with which they are able to propagate have grown. Effective implementation of intrusion detection systems and techniques, such as Billy Goat, allows security problems to be identified before major damage occurs.
The technology is being made available through IBM's On Demand Innovation Services (ODIS), the partnership between IBM Research and Business Consulting Services (BCS), to help clients tap into the deep technical expertise of IBM Research along with the business insight of IBM's consultants. The ODIS team offers security and privacy services related to biometrics, digital rights management, identity management, intrusion prevention, privacy protection and secure systems.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information about IBM, visit www.ibm.com
Monday, 27 March 2006
First floor: The J.C. Penney experience store featured a limited on-site inventory in a setting that was half loft, half art gallery, making inventory available for sale only via kiosks. Photos by Bryan Harris.
J.C. Penney rolled up its red carpets on Times Square last week.
The J.C. Penney Experience Store at 1 Times Square in New York City closed on Sunday, March 26. The pop-up store debuted on Oscar Night on the first three floors of the hallowed former New York Times tower, for which Times Square is named. Customers could purchase inventory only via kiosk.
The J.C. Penney Experience: The traditional department store opened an ultra-modern temporary store at 1 Times Square in New York City, utilizing self-service to reinvent its brand.
The temporary store promoted online shopping, at JCP.com, on 22 EasyPoint kiosks, which are manufactured by Self-Service & Kiosk Association member NCR Corp. J.C. Penney's IT department built its own software, a modification of the retail platform designed by Netkey, another SSKA member.
The 15,000-square-foot store included 18 plasma screen displays, surrounded by a huge duo-tone portrait of each featured designer. And mannequins modeling J.C. Penney's latest styles surrounded the EasyPoint units scattered throughout the store.
Outside the towering plate glass windows, New York's famous lines of taxis rushed by.
The sales associates, all clad smartly in black to match the black and red décor, are actually supervisors from near-by J.C. Penney stores. Tracy Pouncy, ordinarily a training supervisor at the company's Bronx store, worked the home furnishings floor. She said about 800 customers, mostly tourists, frequented the store daily. She said the kiosks kept traffic moving quickly in the store.
"Transactions here are just so brief because they don't spend a lot of time looking at things," Pouncy said. "If I don't have it here, they look on the kiosk."
Tooting its own horn: J.C. Penney employed 18 digital NEC Corporation plasma screens to put a modern twist on even its most traditional products.
She said few customers needed help using the kiosks. Of those who asked questions, the most common was, "Where do you ship?" The second most common: "Where is your nearest (normal) location?"
"Maybe once a day I'll get someone who actually needs help (with a kiosk)," Pouncy said.
As for actually using the kiosks, customers gave mixed reactions. While some liked the new technology, others voiced disappointment. J.C. Penney told USA Today it is refocusing marketing efforts toward adult women of middle to high income. The end results surprised Slawka O'Brien, a visiting insurance investigator from Manchester, England.
"I've never seen anything like it," O'Brien said. "You're not faced with rows and rows of things. I just walked in. I'm still getting used to it. It's more visual than going through racks of things. It cuts down on staff as well."
Selling themselves: The J.C. Penney experience store used kiosks to cut down on-site inventory and used flashy, museum-style displays — like the lit cubes in which these men's items were housed — to highlight the items it did have.
Meanwhile, June Lefferty, a caterer from the West Scottish Isles, was less than awe-struck by the self-service technology.
"It's not what we thought it would be at all," Lefferty said. "We thought there would be a lot more clothes on display. We saw an ad on TV in our hotel room. It's a disappointment."
Skimpy inventory: Using NCR EasyPoint kiosks and Netkey software, J.C. Penney replaced its traditional racks with modern, minimalist displays.
J.C. Penney public relations coordinator Brenda Romero said the kiosks were less about creating a self-service environment and more about promoting the company's Web site, JCP.com, which she said totaled $1 billion in sales as of January 2006.
"We are testing self-service kiosks in about three stores right now," Romero said. "We're testing how shoppers are reacting to the availability of ordering merchandise online from within the store. More than anything, it's just about creating an easy and exciting shopping experience, whether the customers shops through the store, through the catalog or online."
Monday, 27 March 2006
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — When planning their new Hopkinton location, executives at The Milford National Bank & Trust Company in Hopkinton, Mass., wanted a new, ultra-modern branch with the latest self-service technology that would serve customers quickly and efficiently and ease teller workloads. And that's exactly what Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) provided: an innovative branch fully equipped with the most up-to-date self-service and security products.
"Our goal with this project was to create a high-efficiency banking office with fewer staff but more technology to facilitate routine transactions," said Kenneth Cole, president of The Milford National Bank & Trust Company. "The self-service technology will ultimately allow our customer service representatives to focus more on value-add services."
Located amid a cluster of technology-based companies about 35 miles west of Boston, and adjoined to a Dunkin Donuts that adds to foot traffic, the 2,000 square-foot facility boasts three offices, two teller stations, a customer service counter and an online banking station. A concierge welcomes customers and helps familiarize them with the following Diebold customer service options:
- Two drive-up Vacuum Air Tube systems — Compact, ergonomic pneumatic tube systems that safely transport customer and merchant documents. Transactions are enhanced with Diebold communications systems and one-way or two-way closed-circuit television.
- Two Diebold RemoteTeller Systems - A technology that accommodates any transaction traditionally conducted via the teller line. RemoteTeller increases teller productivity because two or more customers can be served simultaneously at a walk-up banking unit that uses pneumatic tube technology (similar to the drive-up) to exchange cash, checks, coins, receipts and other materials. Communication is facilitated via a two-way video and audio connection. Additionally, tellers can be relocated to less costly and more accessible areas of the facility.
- Two ExpressDelivery systems - An automatic cash-dispensing terminal that boosts teller productivity and increases customer satisfaction and security while reducing costs in teller operations.
- Two Opteva ATMs, including a drive-up unit and an indoor walk-up unit that will ultimately dispense coupons, print statements and offer deposit automation.
- A Securomatic After Hour Depository — A through-the-wall unit that provides convenient and secure bag or envelope deposits.
- Digital surveillance, video cameras, alarms and alarm monitoring.
Diebold's Product Applications Services, a consulting group that partners with financial institutions to assist with the integration of new technologies, aided executives at the Milford National Bank in choosing from a myriad of Diebold solutions to help retain customers and grow their business in response to competitive industry trends.
The Milford National Bank & Trust Company was founded in 1849 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MNB Bancorp. In addition to its newest location in Hopkinton, it operates five other offices in Milford, Mendon and Bellingham, Mass. It is a complete financial resource, offering a full array of personal and commercial banking, insurance, investment and trust services.
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 $2.6 billion in 2005 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.
Monday, 27 March 2006
Yorktown Heights, NY, -- IBM today announced that its researchers have built the first complete electronic integrated circuit around a single "carbon nanotube" molecule, a new material that shows promise for providing enhanced performance over today's standard silicon semiconductors.
The achievement is significant because the circuit was built using standard semiconductor processes and used a single molecule as the base for all components in the circuit, rather than linking together individually-constructed components. This can simplify manufacturing and provide the consistency needed to more thoroughly test and adjust the material for use in these applications.
The work was reported in an IBM paper appearing in today's issue of the journal Science.
"Carbon nanotube transistors have the potential to outperform state-of-the-art silicon devices," said Dr. T.C. Chen, vice president, Science & Technology, IBM Research. "However, scientists have focused so far on fabricating and optimizing individual carbon nanotube transistors. Now, we can evaluate the potential of carbon nanotube electronics in complete circuits -- a critical step toward the integration of the technology with existing chip-making techniques."
For some 50 years the semiconductor industry has relied on the ability to pack increasing numbers of electronic circuits on a single silicon chip to make those chips more powerful. This was achieved largely by finding ways to build circuits smaller. With scientists seeing an end to that capability looming, the use of nanotechnology is being explored as a means to keep the industry moving forward.
The field of nanotechnology involves the synthesis and assembly of new types of molecules and structures with dimensions measured in billionths of a meter. Looking like a microscopic roll of chicken wire, carbon nanotubes measure 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. Yet they have unique properties that may allow them to carry higher current densities than the "pipes" currently used in today's transistor and, with their smaller size, might allow for further miniaturization.
The circuit built by the IBM team was a ring oscillator -- a circuit chip makers typically build to evaluate new manufacturing processes or materials. The circuit stresses certain properties that can give a good indication of how new technologies will perform when used to build complete chips.
By integrating the complete circuit around a single nanotube, the IBM team observed circuit speeds nearly a million times faster than previously demonstrated circuits with multiple nanotubes. While this is still slower than the speeds obtained by today's silicon chips, the IBM team believes that new nanofabrication processes will eventually unlock the superior performance potential of carbon nanotube electronics.
The IBM scientists will now use the ring oscillator to test improved carbon nanotube transistors and circuits, and to gauge their performance in complete chip designs.
The report on this work, "An Integrated Logic Circuit Assembled on a Single Carbon Nanotube," by Zhihong Chen, Joerg Appenzeller, Yu-Ming Lin, Paul Solomon, and Phaedon Avouris of IBM's T. J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY; Jennifer Sippel-Oakley and Andrew G. Rinzler of the Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; and Jinyao Tang and Shalom J. Wind of the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, NY is published in the March 24th issue of the journal Science.
Monday, 27 March 2006
Singapore and New York, NY — muvee, the pioneer and leader in Instant Personal Video, has announced a deal with Sakar International to bundle an OEM version of its consumer-friendly muvee autoProducer movie-making software with Sakar's digital cameras.
Elvin Low, muvee's Director of Business Development for North America, said, "Sakar is a home-grown brand associated with quality products at affordable prices. Through this deal, we're not only making it easier for people everywhere to own a digital camera, we're also equipping them with easy-to-use software that works automatically to create professional-looking video productions and photo-movies that will let them enjoy and share their digital media experience even more."
muvee autoProducer software is the first in the world to deliver an intelligent, automatic and effective home video production solution that caters to the majority of consumers. muvee lets even the most novice user instantly transform unedited video and pictures into compelling, professional-looking 'muvees' — completely automatically in just a few quick steps. Users simply select their video and pictures, add in their favorite music, and apply a production style. muvee's Artistic Intelligence analyzes the video, pictures
and music to select footage highlights and determine the tempo and mood of
the music, before automatically splicing everything together with style effects and transitions synchronized to the beat. The end result is a stylish, edited production that can be saved and shared in many popular formats, including DVD.
The muvee CD software bundle will be shipping with Sakar's entire range of digital cameras, which will be available from late April 2006 through Amazon.com and retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Fry's Electronics.
About Sakar International, Inc.
Sakar International Inc. designs and manufactures a wide range of technology, toy, and consumer electronic products. It offers consumers a unique blend of high quality products at affordable prices. In addition, Sakar enjoys an industry wide reputation for servicing its trade retailers due to its state of the art operational systems.
About muvee
Founded in 2001, muvee is the pioneer and global leader in a dynamic new field: Instant Personal Video. muvee's award-winning autoProducer software for PCs features patented technology that revolutionizes the process of home video production, allowing anyone to automatically turn unedited video and photos into professional-looking productions in hundreds of different styles. Users need no prior experience working with photo or video editing software, and each production is finished in minutes. muvee's products are available for the PC, camera phones, photo kiosks and other platforms, and have sold into more than 100 countries worldwide. muvee's global partners include Hewlett-Packard, Nokia, Sony, Nikon and ATI. For more information, please visit www.muvee.com .
Friday, 24 March 2006
In a world first, Whitech Software Solutions has just announced an online helpdesk service for customers that need assistance while using Photo.Teller kiosks. This means that help is just a push of a button away for consumers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The new service is called Kiosk.Help! and can be instantly accessed at the push of a button from any Photo.Teller kiosk in any location including airports, shopping centres, pharmacies and other remote locations. Kiosk.Help! will improve customer service by the availability of instant access to technical support.
Steve Delnawaz, Managing Director of Whitech Solutions said, "This is a world first in terms of the availabitity of an instant Helpdesk for photographic kiosks which will help to increase their usability and be more customer friendly."
Here's how it works, a customer is using a Photo.Tellerâ„¢ kiosk and needs help to complete their order, the customer presses the 'Help' icon to initiate an online connection between the kiosk and the customer service centre at Whitech Solutions. A trained professional will then be available to provide assistance to the customer and resolve any issues.
For the owners of Photo.Tellerâ„¢ kiosks this means that the kiosks will always be generating income because a customer can get help the minute they need it.
In addition to Kiosk.Help! a store owner is also able to initiate a call to Whitech's Technical Support Team, then the technicians can connect into the kiosk and rectify the problem.
To find more about Whitech's Kiosk.Help! or to see a demonstration, contact Whitech today on or through www.whitechsolutions.com.
About Whitech
Whitech Software Solutions is an innovative Australian company that offers Information Technology products and services to retail businesses all over the world.
Established in 1995, Whitech specialise in industry specific and customised electronic point of sale solutions aimed at improving the efficiency and profitability of our customers.
Whitech also develops market leading photographic digital kiosk and home ordering solutions, which successfully assist retail businesses in taking advantage of the digital boom in the photographic industry.
See www.whitechsolutions.com for more information.
Friday, 24 March 2006
CALGARY, Alberta --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces that Atomic Learning is now offering 45 two-minute tutorials on various features of the SMART Boardâ„¢ interactive whiteboard and its whiteboarding application, SMART Board software. Atomic Learning is an online library where teachers can access QuickTime movies on the effective use of a wide range of popular hardware and software applications. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard tutorials cover many basic functions — everything from using your finger as a control tool to navigating with the Page Sorter tool. Atomic Learning's tutorials can be found at www.atomiclearning.com.
Atomic Learning is a trusted source of online training materials for a growing base of school districts across the United States. Atomic Learning's customer base had been requesting training materials covering the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, the most popular interactive whiteboard in the world. SMART worked closely with Atomic Learning to accelerate the development of the tutorials, including sharing materials, resources and best practices. Atomic Learning provides online tutorials to 1,500 school districts across the United States and is recognized as a significant resource for teachers who want to learn about classroom technology. The Atomic Learning offering supplements SMART's own selection of free two-minute tutorials on all of its products at http://www.smarttech.com.
"SMART created the interactive whiteboard market and has continued to drive this product category forward," said Chuck Amos, CEO of Atomic Learning. "Atomic Learning is proud to provide tutorials on SMART Board software. The training is delivered via Atomic Learning's award-winning, Web-based software training and support library."
"SMART Board interactive whiteboards have become the technology product of choice for whole-class learning and collaboration," says Nancy Knowlton, president and co-CEO of SMART Technologies Inc. "Atomic Learning's new tutorials will help teachers who subscribe to its service become familiar with the many features of the product that can be used to create digital lessons that engage students and enhance learning."
About Atomic Learning
Atomic Learning, Inc. was formed in 2000 by a group of technology educators with a mission to create useful and affordable online products focused on teaching people how to effectively use technology. Atomic Learning delivers a library of thousands of short, easy-to-view-and-understand tutorial movies that can be used as an integral part of a professional development program, a valuable curriculum supplement and an anytime/anywhere software training resource. Atomic Learning now serves more than 1,500 school districts and universities in all 50 states and many foreign countries, as well as individuals and organizations in a variety of other industries. For more information, visit www.atomiclearning.com.
About SMART Board interactive whiteboards
The SMART Board interactive whiteboard is a large, touch-sensitive display. Connected to a computer and projector, the interactive whiteboard is like a giant computer screen that students and teachers simply touch to operate. Using their finger or a pen as a mouse, teachers and students can access and control any computer application, file or multimedia platform, including the Internet, CD-ROMs and DVDs. They can also write over applications in digital ink, then save their work for future study and review. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard engages students with diverse learning styles by providing both immediate access to a wide range of digital materials and a common focus for the entire class — not something easily achieved with other classroom technology products. It is the number one choice among primary and secondary school educators in more than 75 countries worldwide because it captures the imagination of students of all backgrounds and abilities in order to help them learn together, understand better and achieve more. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com/smartboard.
Friday, 24 March 2006
ATLANTA -- PRNewswire-FirstCall -- S1 Corporation (Nasdaq: SONE), a leading provider of customer interaction software solutions, and CheckFree Corporation (Nasdaq: CKFR) announced today the integration of S1's online banking solutions with the latest version of CheckFree Web(SM), the industry- leading platform for secure and convenient electronic billing and payment. S1 online banking applications offer consumers and business customers advanced online money management capabilities and self-service banking features. With the close integration of CheckFree Web and S1 online banking solutions, banks can now create the optimal customer experience through the entire range of self-service banking services from account management to receiving and paying bills electronically.
The latest version of CheckFree Web provides customers with robust and innovative electronic billing and payment features, bringing customer usability to a new level with a centralized view of bill payment information on one page in a best-in-class user interface. It also maximizes payment speed, with faster payment capabilities and advanced bill reminders and e-mail notifications. In addition, consumers and businesses using S1's software gain access to CheckFree e-Bill(SM), electronic bills from organizations that represent thousands of brands and the majority of billers common to U.S. households.
Customers of financial institutions using S1 online banking solutions with CheckFree Web are now able to manage their bills and payments with exceptional speed, convenience, and flexibility. Consumers who pay bills on the CheckFree platform provided by their banks are protected by the CheckFree Guarantee against late fees resulting from processing delays and minimized liability for unauthorized transactions.
"S1 provides us with an intuitive user experience through online banking," said Veronica Funaro, assistant vice president, manager online banking at Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach, California. "Now with the CheckFree Web enhancement, we are able to provide our customers with an even more compelling service."
In addition, the S1 to One Solutions program, a service offered to partner financial institutions that implement S1 online banking applications, provides a toolkit to enable clients to effectively communicate and market the features and benefits of the new CheckFree service to existing customers, while also driving increased enrollment and activation of new users.
"CheckFree's partnership with S1 is focused on developing an exceptional user experience to help a growing mainstream consumer base further embrace online banking and electronic billing and payment services," said Jeff Weikert, senior vice president and consumer service provider channel executive at CheckFree. "S1 shares CheckFree's vision of online banking as a cornerstone of a bank's customer relationships, and we value the innovation S1 develops within its solutions."
"CheckFree made customer benefits and usability the primary design focus of CheckFreeWeb, with outstanding results," said Carmen Crutchfield-Smith, Director of Marketing at S1 Corporation. "Any bank using S1 online banking solutions and the newest version of CheckFree Web will have compelling advantages to offer consumers who seek robust management of their online finances."
About CheckFree (www.checkfreecorp.com)
Founded in 1981, CheckFree Corporation (Nasdaq: CKFR) provides financial electronic commerce services and products to organizations around the world. CheckFree Electronic Commerce solutions enable thousands of financial services providers and billers to offer their customers the convenience of receiving and paying their household bills online or in person through retail outlets. CheckFree Investment Services provides a broad range of investment management solutions and outsourced services to thousands of financial services organizations, which manage about $1.3 trillion in assets. CheckFree Software develops, markets and supports software applications that are used by financial institutions to process more than two thirds of the 12 billion Automated Clearing House transactions in the United States. The division also provides operational risk management, financial messaging, corporate actions, and regulatory compliance software to more than 1,500 organizations across the globe.
About S1 Corporation
S1 Corporation is a leading global provider of customer interaction software solutions for financial and payment services. Comprised of applications that address virtually every market segment and delivery channel, S1 solutions help integrate and optimize an institution's entire front office, resulting in increased operational efficiencies, revenue opportunities and overall customer satisfaction. S1 is the only provider with the proven experience, breadth of products and financial strength to empower financial services companies' enterprise strategies. Additional information about S1 is available at www.s1.com.
Friday, 24 March 2006
NEW YORK, NY - IBM today announced that it has signed a long-term contract with Solectron Corporation (NYSE: SLR), a leading provider of electronics manufacturing and integrated supply chain services, for indirect procurement services across 17 countries. Solectron is expected to realize significant savings throughout the life of the contract by leveraging IBM's global economies of scale and by optimizing core procurement processes. The value of the contract is not being disclosed.
IBM will manage more than $1.2 billion per year of indirect spend in areas such as temporary contract services, office equipment, utilities, and telecommunications. Core to the project is the implementation of IBM's complete Procure-To-Pay procurement solution that will be integrated with Solectron's internal systems and controls. IBM's solution will enable web-based requisitioning as well as efficient procurement and supplier payment.
"The savings we expect from this contract with IBM will contribute to both operational and process innovation and simplification, which improves services to our customers and suppliers," says Perry Mulligan, chief procurement officer, Solectron. "IBM's world-class expertise and experience in sourcing and procurement as well as its ability to serve us globally were keys in the development of our indirect procurement strategy."
Solectron worked closely with IBM to customize the service offerings into a single, holistic procurement solution. This approach combines Solectron's strategy with IBM's leading-edge procurement practices. Elements of the overall procurement solution include IBM commodity experts, a global contact center and an accounts payable processing center supporting Solectron suppliers and employees around the globe. Solectron will also have access to a full range of transformation and maintenance services from IBM.
"IBM's ability to share its internal procurement expertise with clients is an incredibly unique value proposition," says John Paterson, chief procurement officer, IBM Integrated Supply Chain. "Organizations both large and small can benefit from procurement outsourcing which can deliver both short and long-term economic benefits."
Business Transformation Outsourcing (BTO) transforms client organizations and delivers enterprise optimization through innovative business and technology approaches. Using its global network of expertise, industry-leading consulting methodologies, research and engineering capabilities, advanced technologies and analytical tools, IBM's BTO services standardize, streamline and improve business processes. IBM BTO services transform key business functions including Finance and Accounting, Customer Relationship Management, Supply Chain, Procurement and Human Resources. IBM provides BTO services to many of the world's leading organizations, and over the last four years has made a number of strategic acquisitions and investments to expand and strengthen its capabilities, including the acquisitions of PwC Consulting, Daksh eServices, Liberty Insurance Services Corp., Maersk Data, Key MRO, Equitant, Healthlink and Viacore, Inc.
The hosted Procure-To-Pay environment and business operation will go live in the autumn of 2006 in North America and will then be fully deployed globally by early spring 2007.
About IBM
With consultants and professional staff in more than 160 countries globally, IBM Business Consulting Services is the world's largest consulting services organization. IBM Business Consulting Services provides clients with business transformation and industry expertise, and the ability to translate that expertise into integrated, responsive, on-demand business solutions and services that deliver bottom-line business value. Over the past several years, IBM Business Consulting Services has developed industry-leading transformation consulting skills and delivery capabilities in key areas, including Human Resources, Financial Management, Customer Relationship Management and Procurement. For more information, visit http://www.ibm.com.
About Solectron Corp.
Solectron Corporation (www.solectron.com) provides a full range of electronics manufacturing and supply-chain management services to the world's leading networking, telecommunications, computing, consumer, automotive, industrial and medical device firms. The company's industry-leading Lean Six Sigma methodology (Solectron Production System) provides OEMs with low cost, flexibility and quality that improves competitive advantage. Solectron's service offerings include new-product introduction, collaborative design, materials management, product manufacturing, product warranty repair and end-of-life support. Based in Milpitas, Calif., Solectron operates in more than 20 countries on five continents and had sales from continuing operations of $10.4 billion in fiscal 2005.
Thursday, 23 March 2006
CANTON, Ohio -- PRNewswire-FirstCall -- What are the three most important things a financial institution considers with respect to building a new branch? Location, location, location. Choosing optimal sites for financial institutions and public utilities is a specialty for the consulting firm, Verdi & Company, a subsidiary of Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD).
Verdi uses Pointrac(SM) to strategically leverage customer service technology, capitalize on customer behaviors, create demand for services and increase revenue.
"We wanted to be sure we were building our new branch in the right location," said Alan Smith, president and CEO of Hopewell Federal Credit Union (FCU), in Heath, Ohio. "Verdi helped us achieve our strategic goals by building in the parameters for profit and loss over a period of time based on an examination of the demographics in a 2 1/2-mile radius of each proposed site."
Pointrac is an online decision-support tool for site evaluation and expansion planning. Financial institutions provide the system with a street address that represents current facility locations or expansion sites currently under consideration. In turn, Verdi uses Pointrac to give users a profile of characteristics, such as demographics, for that particular location and surrounding area that will help the financial institution meet its goals and objectives.
Verdi's Pointrac analysis convinced executives at Hopewell FCU to construct a new 2,500 square-foot branch office in north Newark rather than moving forward with an initial decision to purchase an existing 1,750 square- foot building from another financial institution.
"Pointrac provides access to a good mix of market elements that will benefit a variety of strategic areas within an organization, such as facilities, operations, branch administration and marketing," said Gerald D. Verdi, president of Verdi & Company.
Hopewell FCU's new one-acre site will provide ample parking and offer easy access to adjacent streets. Based on Verdi's recommendation, the credit union will also equip the site with three Diebold RemoteTeller(TM) Stations (RTS), an exclusive technology that accommodates any transaction traditionally conducted in a bank lobby.
RTS increases teller productivity because two or more customers can be served simultaneously by one teller. RTS utilizes pneumatic tube technology to exchange cash, checks, coins, receipts and other materials. Communication is facilitated using a two-way video connection, microphone or a telephone handset for privacy. Additionally, tellers can be located in less costly and more secure areas of the facility.
Hopewell FCU also plans to install three drive-thru banking lanes consisting of compact, ergonomic-designed pneumatic tube systems that safely transport customer and merchant documents. Transactions are enhanced with Diebold communications systems and one-way or two-way closed-circuit television.
Hopewell Federal Credit Union is a community chartered credit union delivering banking solutions to anyone who works, lives or worships in Licking County, Ohio. Hopewell Federal has been in the business of serving members since 1962. Hopewell Federal has assets of $55 million and serves 8,000 members. Interested parties may visit Hopewell Federal's Web site at www.hopewellfcu.org.
Based in Buffalo, N.Y. and founded in 1990 by Gerald D. Verdi, Verdi & Company is a financial service consulting firm that specializes in helping hundreds of financial institutions and public utilities across the country optimize their retail delivery and distribution systems. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.verdico.com.
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 $2.6 billion in 2005 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.
Thursday, 23 March 2006
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- HighJump Software, a 3M company, a global provider of adaptable supply chain execution solutions, today announced several customer wins and successes in the wine, spirits and beverage industry. HighJump Software's growing list of customers in this highly regulated industry includes Badger Liquor, Major Brands, City Brewing Company and Johnson Brothers Liquor Co. These companies rely on the adaptability of HighJump Software's solutions and industry-specific functionality for competitive advantage in managing unique inventory and distribution challenges.
Distributors of wine, spirits and beverages must master strict regulatory guidelines, seasonal variations in volume and multiple distribution channels. The robust functionality and adaptable architecture of HighJump Supply Chain Advantage suite enable companies to meet these demands for their own customers. The HighJump system enables increased productivity, supply chain-wide visibility and increased accuracy.
HighJump Software has worked with consulting firm CIBER to offer wine, spirits and beverage customers the valuable combination of flexible software and in-depth domain expertise. The relationship has resulted in many successful implementations.
Badger Liquor, a Wisconsin-based distributor of wines and spirits, selected HighJump Supply Chain Advantage suite to support management planning with real-time inventory and shipment data. Additionally, the flexibility of the HighJump system allows Badger Liquor to incorporate process changes quickly. "The HighJump system will enable us to achieve strong visibility, regulatory compliance and superior customer satisfaction," said Ron Sadoff, CEO, Badger Liquor.
Major Brands turned to HighJump Software for help in managing regulations and optimizing all shipping and receiving activities in its high-volume warehouse. With the HighJump system in place, the Missouri-based distributor of wine and spirits has improved customer service, fulfillment accuracy and replenishment speed. "Because of HighJump Supply Chain Advantage, we've increased operational efficiency and our ability to comply with state and federal beverage alcohol laws," said Patrick Quinn, vice president of administration, Major Brands.
"Not only are we helping our customers meet these particular supply chain challenges, but we're also giving them the tools they need to stay a step ahead of their competition," said Jon Kuerschner, vice president of applications, HighJump Software. "We're pleased to see results for our customers in terms of higher efficiencies, regulatory compliance and excellent customer service."
About HighJump Software, a 3M Company
HighJump Software, a 3M company, is a global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution solutions that streamline manufacturing and distribution from the point of source through consumption. HighJump's integrated solutions empower operational excellence in the warehouse and optimize the flow of inventory throughout the supply chain by facilitating collaboration with customers, suppliers and trading partners. These solutions combine robust, standard functionality; a best practices-based implementation methodology; and a uniquely adaptable architecture that facilitates fast, cost-effective system modifications. As an independent subsidiary in the 3M family of companies, HighJump leads the supply chain execution software industry in financial strength and delivers on an unmatched commitment to innovation and quality. For more information about HighJump, visit www.highjump.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, Vikuiti and HighJump are trademarks of 3M.
Thursday, 23 March 2006
 Burnaby, BC, - Info Touch Technologies Corp.(www.infotouch.net) (IFT: TSX Venture Exchange) owners of the TIO Network has signed an agreement with both San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Company (SCGC) to launch a new self-serve automated bill payment program that enables SDG&E and SCGC customers to pay their bills with cash, checks or money orders at 14 terminals in 10 southern California locations.
SDG&E and SCGC customers will be able to use the self-service bill payment technology to scan their bill payment stubs, and securely make payments that post to their accounts in the same day.
SDG&E and SCGC will purchase all kiosk hardware, software, and on-going maintenance services associated with the program from Info Touch.
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. 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. For more information, please visit 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. The TIO brand symbolizes safe secure access to key financial services with 'real time' updates for the cash preferred consumer. For more information, please visit www.mytio.com
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:
Wednesday, 22 March 2006
LAS VEGAS — JCM American will continue to electrify the vending world with its technologically superior products being shown at the upcoming NAMA Spring Expo. The show takes place March 23 and 24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. JCM will be in booth #422.
On display will be the four latest products in JCM's advanced vending product line. JCM's high security, high acceptance Optipay cash recycling system has changed the world of vending forever. Optipay recycling enables multi vending, allows for higher price points, and drives increased sales volume at the vending machine.
Optipay RC is the first bill recycler that enables vending machines to dispense the same bills they accept as part of the change to a customer, enabling the machine to become a single cash management system. The Optipay BV is specifically designed for the vending market. JCM has incorporated its high security validation processes, reliability and optional snap-on bill recycling technology into a validation package that meets the space and cost restraints of the vending market. Optipay CC is the vending industry's only coin changer that works with the JCM Bill Recycler to enable customers to receive change in both bills and coins.
JCM will also be showing its revolutionary LCD Bezel which is an add-on option to the bill validator. Made specifically for the vending world, this new bezel fits in the existing validator punch out and is interactive and programmable. It allows operators to program a wide range of messages, such as logos, specials or usage instructions.
JCM VP of Commercial Sales Dave Elich said, "At JCM, we never stop thinking of innovative ways to make the operator's life easier while making their machines smarter and more secure. We are very proud of the acceptance of the Optipay system by the industry and the positive testimonials we get from operators across the country."
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 Dsseldorf, 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.
Wednesday, 22 March 2006
ARMONK, NY - IBM today announced new software and services to help organizations capture best practices and IT assets, allowing them to more easily integrate their business processes and information assets across the enterprise.
Called Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) Governance, the new portfolio helps businesses address the unique concerns that arise when adopting an SOA infrastructure, including measuring business goals, aligning IT to meet those goals, and tracking business performance.
Comprised of best practices, processes and new software, IBM's SOA Governance portfolio helps customers establish tailored decision rights in the organization and implement the policy, measurement and control mechanisms necessary to carry out those decisions. Effective governance helps free teams from the uncertainties and challenges of trying to figure out who needs to agree on what so they can focus on creating and delivering innovative business solutions.
A recent study from IT analyst research firm, Gartner, confirmed the need for governing an SOA environment. "In 2006, lack of working governance mechanisms in midsize-to-large (fewer than 50 services) post-pilot SOA projects will be the most common reason for project failure (0.8 probability)."*
The new IBM SOA Governance portfolio draws upon IBM's experience in helping hundreds of customers improve their governance approaches and use SOA to meet business goals. To help govern their SOA, customers can choose from numerous IBM offerings, including the recently announced IBM Workplace for Business Strategy Execution to help customers measure performance of their business strategy.
"IBM is making business flexibility through SOA governance a reality for our customers," said Danny Sabbah, general manager, Rational Software, IBM. "We have the tools, templates, experience and methodologies to help bring business and IT stakeholders into a productive discussion."
New IBM offerings include:
- SOA Governance and Management Method -- The new SOA Governance and Management Method will be available through IBM Business Consulting Services. Nearly 500 consultants will be trained and available to help customers map their requirements, policies, procedures and regulations to execute new business plans based on SOA, and help with the necessary cultural changes.
- SOA Governance plug-in for IBM Rational Method Composer -- select governance best practices from IBM Business Consulting Services are packaged as a reusable asset and delivered as part of Rational Method Composer. The governance approach delivered with Rational Method Composer can be customized to reflect an organization's unique requirements. When used with IBM Rational Portfolio Manager, IBM's project and portfolio management software, the governance process becomes more automated.
- IBM Rational Data Architect -- helps customers adopt and enforce corporate and industry standards on their data models, and helps customers design, discover and govern SOA compliant information architectures.
- IBM Tivoli Change and Configuration Management Database -- automatically discovers and manages information about a client's IT environment, including IT resources, configuration items, user identities, and the interrelationships between these entities.
- IBM WebSphere Service Registry and Repository -- available later this year, this offering will help customers discover, access, and manage service metadata used in the selection, invocation, management, reuse and governance of services in an SOA. This delivers strong governance capabilities for the publication, discovery, subscription, management and policy enforcement of SOA services and assets.
In addition to 500 consultants available to help customers govern their SOA, nearly 90,000 IBM Business Consulting Services employees will be trained to help customers realize business benefits from SOA.
"For an SOA to be successful, business leaders need to join the discussion," said Michael Liebow, vice president of SOA and Web Services, IBM Business Consulting Services. "This concentrated focus on SOA governance is an important first step to getting business leaders engaged in the discussion. The team of consultants and the SOA governance method being announced today, as well as the SOA training across IBM, will bring business leaders to the table and result in a unified business and IT alignment strategy.
For more information on IBM's SOA Governance solution, visit http://www.ibm.com/soa/gov.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company with more than 90 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key business partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, financing, solutions and technologies that enable customers to take full advantage of the on demand era. For more information on IBM's on demand strategy, visit http://www.ibm.com/ondemand.
Wednesday, 22 March 2006
BOULDER, CO - 22 Mar 2006: IBM announced today that it has received a "Positive" rating in Gartner's MarketScope for Distributed Output Management.(1)
The rating was based on evaluation of products, services, customer experience, strategy, ability to execute, and several other criteria. Sixteen vendors were evaluated by Gartner.
Distributed output management is defined by Gartner as middleware that drives the output process and supports the automated creation and delivery of business process and ad hoc documents. They estimate that the 2005 worldwide market size of distributed output management was $441 million in software and maintenance and forecast that this market will have a 5 percent compound annual growth rate from 2006 to 2010.
The study evaluated the IBM Infoprint Workflow Portfolio, which includes the Infoprint Workflow services offering, IBM Infoprint Manager software, and new IBM Infoprint ProcessDirector software.
"Distributed output management is an important consideration for companies that are looking to automate processes, while increasing flexibility and security. It has become much more than managing output from a server to a printer," said Karen Fukuma, vice president, production solutions, IBM Printing Systems Division. "Leaders in this area have designed an end-to-end framework to include print, the web, email and other forms of electronic distribution. We believe Gartner's 'Positive' rating confirms IBM's position in distributed output management and our commitment to providing clients with a wide range of capabilities to meet a variety of requirements."
IBM Infoprint Workflow Portfolio The IBM Infoprint Workflow Portfolio can help clients address business challenges ranging from basic printer management to enterprise-wide output transformation.
IBM Infoprint Manager software is for managing transaction, distributed, and POD (print on demand) printing. It enables more efficient enterprise print management with lower overall costs, better utilization of existing printer assets and full accounting of printer resources. Infoprint Manager can scale from small to very large, multisite transaction output operations.
Infoprint ProcessDirector software is a customer configurable output process management system based on the Linux platform. It enables job-level control of print processes to simplify operations, lower costs and support the re-engineering of transaction output processes. ProcessDirector enables clients to start small and grow over time.
The Infoprint Workflow solution is an industry-leading end-to-end, customized consulting engagement and workflow management and control solution. IBM works side-by-side with clients to automate and transform their enterprise document production and distribution to help increase efficiency, improve integrity, comply with government regulations and reduce costs.
About IBM
With more than 40 years of experience in helping customers with print solutions, IBM Printing Systems specializes in output solutions for the on demand era. A leader in production print solutions, print-on-demand technologies, distributed print technologies, one-to-one marketing initiatives and print management software; IBM Printing Systems' offerings include printers, software, consultation, systems integration, supplies, service and support. For more information visit http://www.ibm.com/printers.
Gartner MarketScope
The MarketScope is copyrighted 2006 by Gartner, Inc. and is reused with permission. The MarketScope is an evaluation of a marketplace at and for a specific time period. It depicts Gartner's analysis of how certain vendors measure against criteria for that marketplace, as defined by Gartner. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in the MarketScope, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest rating. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Wednesday, 22 March 2006
HP today introduced an initiative designed to help reduce warranty costs by streamlining the entire warranty chain management process for discrete manufacturers, those that produce distinct items such as automobiles, appliances or computers.
Using its own experience as a guide, HP leveraged the warranty chain management expertise of four solution providers — Microsoft, PolyVista, iTAC Software and 4CS — to deliver a "closed loop" solution that spans manufacturing and parts traceability to warranty claims and customer satisfaction.
The solution identifies early product reliability issues and provides information to manufacturing divisions to correct the problem. That information is then passed to design and engineering divisions to help correct the problem in future products. Finally, the information flows to vendors and suppliers to help improve long-term product reliability.
Manufacturing Insights, an IDC company, expects warranty claims for North American manufacturers to reach or exceed $27 billion in 2005.(1) Industry and government compliance requirements add further complications. These factors challenge manufacturers to improve product quality as well as better measure product tracking and traceability to protect their brands and to comply with regulations.
"The data we have gathered so far from the first three quarters of 2005 suggests that most manufacturing companies will report an increase in warranty claim expenses," said Joe Barkai, program director, Product Life-cycle Strategies, Manufacturing Insights. "To address this trend, the best practices employed by forward-looking companies include quality improvement; design for warranty; design for serviceability; and a collaborative approach to reduce warranty costs within the company and with suppliers."
To better manage its own warranty chain, HP has invested in improved processes and technologies. From 2001 to 2003, HP saved hundreds of millions of dollars in warranty costs by streamlining its warranty chain; it also reduced the time it takes to detect problems in many product areas from 120 days to 24 hours.
"At HP, we've seen how the right solution can lower a company's warranty reserves, free up cash and protect its brand promise to customers through controlling the quality of its products," said Brian Walker, director, Automotive Industries, Worldwide Manufacturing and Distribution Industries, HP. "Working with Microsoft, PolyVista, iTAC and 4CS, HP has expanded upon its warranty management methodology to deliver a complete warranty management solution."
HP works with solution providers to close the loop on warranty management
PolyVista enables business-users to move beyond reporting to discover new and valuable business insights hidden in their data. The software company works with HP to deliver early warning/detection solutions that transform customer warranty and quality management processes from reactive to proactive. PolyVista provides a robust analysis environment that automatically uncovers the complex relationships hidden in the data that are extremely difficult to discern using traditional reporting/analysis. The software takes analytics far beyond reporting.
Microsoft brings a simple and agile foundation to HP's warranty management solution with its .Net platform, which enhances the capabilities that PolyVista delivers by adding collaboration and search capabilities through the use of SharePoint Server, Office 2003, SQL Server 2005 and Biztalk Server. Microsoft's online analytical processing tool, OLAP, enables users to see data in multiple dimensions. The Microsoft platform provides the basis for third-party applications, like PolyVista's, to plug into and provide functional capabilities such as warranty transaction processing, warranty analytics reporting, component traceability and collaboration between manufacturing and engineering.
iTAC Software, an expert supplier of MES systems focusing on traceability solutions for the discrete manufacturing industry, focuses on high-volume, high-variant manufacturing — particularly for companies in the automotive industry producing electronic and non-electronic safety-relevant parts. iTAC's "easy works" parts-traceability solution provides complete transparency of manufacturing data and processes down to the single item level, across multiple plants located in different parts of the world. The result: a streamlined, more efficient production with reduced scrap rework and product recalls.
The 4CS iWarranty software solution focuses on automating the claims process from claim submittal, processing, payment, warranty intelligence, through to quality control. iWarranty software helps track which parts are under warranty and which parts are under supplier warranty. iWarranty helps identify any parts that have failed and what the root cause of that failure is so that information can be shared to enable the problem to be fixed and prevented from recurring. 4CS is an industry expert in warranty software solutions that has focused on the automotive industry for the past 10 years and supports industry standards from automotive industry associations out of the box.
More information about HP's warranty chain management solution is available at www.hp.com/go/manufacturing/warranty.
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 Jan. 31, 2006, HP revenue totaled $87.9 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.
(1) Theory & Practice, "Warranty Costs Continue to Plague the Manufacturing Industry" by Joe Barkai, Jan. 23, 2006.
Wednesday, 22 March 2006
Palo Alto, Calif. · The key to success in the Retail Wireless Infrastructure market depends on effectively optimizing functional roles across technology domains and providing one-stop complete suites or providing easily intergraded solutions.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.autoid.frost.com), reveals that the World Retail Wireless Infrastructure Market earned revenue of $2.70 billion in 2005 and estimates to reach $6.73 billion in 2012.
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the latest analysis of the World Retail Wireless Infrastructure Market then send an e-mail to Tori Foster - Corporate Communications at with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state and country. We will send you the information via email upon receipt of the above information.
Wireless is a powerful enabling technology that promises to transform the retail ecosystem, provided it is coupled with the business processes and IT infrastructure that help improve performance. Hence, vendors must recognize the potential value of wireless in the store environment early and move aggressively to support the retail industry through research, involvement in industry-standards organizations and customer pilot projects. Most vendors are equipping themselves to help retailers make an incremental transformation of retailers' businesses to an integrated environment.
"Wireless technology is definitely not nascent and has proved it could be extremely beneficial to retailers, and moving on with future advancements, it could well be used favorably in conjunction with other technologies like RFID," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Shyam Krishnan.
The technology faces a relatively lesser number of challenges or issues as compared to a nascent technology like RFID, and hence, retailers have more faith in the ROI that wireless infrastructure promises if implemented.
"Without too many vendors focusing on tapping the Asia Pacific (under-penetrated) markets, the awareness of the business benefits is low in some of these regions, though awareness that the technology exists, is prevalent," says Shyam. "The awareness factor plays a significant role, since this would be the first step towards the retail industry picking up speed in these quarters. With more global retailers setting up shop here, the scenario is likely to change."
The vendors are getting involved with these efforts and more vendor alignments with these global organizations could see these technological issues sorted out at the earliest.
The World Wireless Infrastructure Market in Retail is a part of the 9212 subscription service. This study provides an overview and outlook for the market and has been segmented into the World Retail Wireless Infrastructure market, the North American Retail Wireless Infrastructure market, EMEA Retail Wireless Infrastructure market and the Rest of the World Retail Wireless Infrastructure market. This research includes detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com.
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
MELVILLE, N.Y., - PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) today announced the appointment of Peter T. Kong as a corporate vice president and president, Arrow Asia/Pacific, effective April 1, 2006.
Mr. Kong will lead Arrow's Asia/Pacific business and report to Michael J. Long, president, North America and Asia/Pacific Components, and will be a member of the company's Executive Committee.
"Peter Kong's extensive experience leading and working with businesses in the Asia Pacific region, coupled with his deep experience with U.S. based companies, make him the ideal leader to take Arrow Asia/Pacific to the next level of performance," said William E. Mitchell, president and chief executive officer, Arrow Electronics.
From 1998 to 2006, Mr. Kong served as president, Asia Pacific Operations, for Lear Corporation. In that role, he developed and implemented the company's Asia Pacific growth strategy and successfully led the division to record sales and profitability. Prior to joining Lear Corporation, Mr. Kong was president, MAPS International Inc., where he provided consulting services in the areas of business development, sourcing, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning and operations management to companies doing business in Asia. Mr. Kong holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Toronto, a master's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, and a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Washington State University.
About Arrow Electronics
Arrow Electronics (http://www.arrow.com) is a major global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and computer products. Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for nearly 600 suppliers and more than 130,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of over 270 locations in 53 countries and territories.
SOURCE Arrow Electronics, Inc.
CONTACT:
Ira M. Birns, Vice President and Treasurer, +1-631-847-1657,
Paul J. Reilly, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, +1-631-847-1872,
Media Inquiries:
Jacqueline F. Strayer, Vice President, Corporate Communications, +1-631-847-2101
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
ARMONK, NY - IBM and its Lotus Software division today announced strong momentum and investment in the mid-market, showcasing new products and tools to better serve the needs of customers and create value-add opportunities for the Lotus Business Partner community. The new offerings include: a new version of IBM Workplace Services Express and a hosted trial version of IBM Workplace for Business Controls and Reporting.
With over 5,000 business partners and double-digit year-to-year growth, Lotus and its business partners are targeting solutions that meet the needs of small and medium customers around the world. Small and medium-sized businesses face the same challenges as large enterprises, but with fewer resources at their disposal. Lotus is providing affordable solutions that allow these businesses to adopt and upgrade systems that help enhance business performance while at the same time bringing efficiencies and cost savings to business operations. With over 800 solutions in the IBM Workplace Solution Catalog, small and mid-market firms have access to applications relevant to their industry and sized right for their operation scale.
"With more and more small and medium business owners and entrepreneurs worldwide turning to IBM Lotus and IBM Business Partners to help them build industry-specific solutions, our focus in 2006 is on delivering products and services that are affordable to manage but do not compromise on depth of capability," said Mike Rhodin, IBM general manager Workplace, Portal and Collaboration Software.
IBM Workplace Services Express 2.6
IBM is announcing the new 2.6 release of Workplace Services Express, which will ship in April. This release will provide significant reliability and scalability improvements with up to a 200 percent improvement in performance. In addition, business partners who are building horizontal and vertical solutions that extend the rich portal, team collaboration and document management services of Workplace Services Express now have the new IBM Workplace Designer 2.6 tool to facilitate development and deployment of applications for their customers.
Other additions to the release are the inclusion of a license for IBM DB2 Universal Database Express Edition licensed for use with Workplace Services Express that provides robust database capabilities, as well as portlet support for Microsoft Exchange 2003 and support for IBM Workplace Web Content Management.
Workplace Services Express is experiencing rapid market penetration with over 5,000 trial downloads by customers in the last nine months alone. Some 750 business partners are now enabled on this offering and more than 60 new business applications have already been built on Workplace Services Express, providing customers with industry-specific solutions using the rich, out of the box services of the product.
Workplace Services Express is used by companies in many industries and many sizes. Among the customers who have benefited from its team-based collaboration and portal capabilities are: government organizations, utilities companies and companies in the industrial manufacturing and retail industries.
For example, in China Shajiao C Power Station improved its collaboration capabilities and streamlined its business operations with a collaboration portal after engaging IBM Business Partner TECHHERO Technology Co. to implement a collaboration portal based on the cost-effective IBM Workplace Services Express and IBM WebSphere Portal Express. This integrated environment provides the power station with the business flexibility that it needs to capitalize on fluctuating market trends and help increase its profitability.
In the U.S., Skaugen Petro Trans, a leading lightering company in Texas, reduced information-distribution costs and provided its customers with near real-time status data when it created a content portal using IBM Workplace Services Express software.
MSI Systems Integrators, a Nebraska-based IT services company reduced costs associated with a geographic expansion when selecting IBM Workplace Services Express for their human resources intranet. Immediate savings on new hire printing costs and orientation sessions exceed $5,000, as well as avoiding the addition of a new human resource staff member to handle the expanded employee population. As an IBM Business Partner, MSI will also be able to sell the IBM Workplace Services Express solution to its own customers, offering first-hand knowledge and expertise.
Hosted IBM Workplace for Business Controls and Reporting -- a faster solution to help address compliance needs
Regulatory compliance requirements and the need to improve internal controls are issues faced by businesses of all sizes. Small and mid-market companies in particular are often overwhelmed by the cost and complexity of IT solutions available to address these needs. IBM's software offering, IBM Workplace for Business Control and Reporting, addresses these business needs.
IBM can also simplify deployment and management of this solution by providing the capability as a hosted service in partnership with IBM's eBusiness Hosting Services. The Flexible Hosting Program for Workplace for Business Controls and Reporting enables customers to be up and running with IBM's software in as little as 48 hours. Today, IBM is announcing a new "test drive" program for prospective customers who wish to evaluate the application and hosting delivery of Workplace for Business Controls and Reporting before purchasing. Business Partners can also use IBM's test drive program to support needs identification engagements, conference room pilots and other pre-sales activity. For more information on the test drive program, see http://www-142.ibm.com/software/workplace/products/product5.nsf/wdocs/bcghomepage.
Workplace for Business Controls and Reporting is designed to be delivered in cooperation with regional systems integrators, providing IBM Business Partners with a compelling tool to help address customer compliance and internal controls needs. Business Partners can leverage this solution to help reduce or eliminate the up front time investment needed to install and deploy a technical solution, including installation fees, capital investment for hardware, and training of IT staff. IBM provides a complete package of ongoing IT services including daily operations, backup of critical data, and upgrades to new versions, allowing the customer to focus on their core business. Business Partners can then focus on offering services to support a successful deployment such as needs analysis, configuration, and end user training services.
"Compliance is a critical need for clients of any size. We're very excited to extend our partnership with IBM to include the ability of providing services around the Managed Application Services option for IBM Workplace for Business Controls and Reporting," said Howie Hunger, managing partner of Personal Systems Technology. "With this option, Personal Systems Technology has a distinct advantage: Clients can start their compliance programs in days with no up front capital investments or IT training costs and we can focus on delivering our market leading compliance services."
IBM plans to enable Business Partners to offer the hosted service to their customers and receive compensation for all opportunities they help close. IBM Business Partners who are enabled to participate in this program will receive a Closed Contract Fee totaling 4 percent of the quarterly hosting revenue stream. An additional 6 percent of first year revenue is paid as an SMB Accelerator for new Small and Medium Business customers. For more information on this complementary sales program for eBusiness Hosting, IBM Business Partners can go to http://www-1.ibm.com/partnerworld/pwhome.nsf/weblook/ebhs_bp_programs.html or check with their IBM Business Partner representative.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM Software offers a wide range of middleware and operating systems for all types of computing platforms, allowing customers to take e-business systems by using leading edge technologies from IBM to enable people to collaborate, communicate and integrate services over the Internet.
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
LIMA, PERU - Lima Airport Partners has signed a five-year contract with IBM to provide hosting services for its SAP business applications.
LAP selected IBM because of its experience in managing large local SAP hosting projects on UNIX platforms, providing the high reliability and availability LAP requires. IBM hosts 80 percent of all SAP applications in Peru.
LAP is the business consortium that manages operations for Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima.
"After considering the alternative of managing an in-house solution, we decided to use IBM's hosting service, as it gives us access to IBM's expertise," said LAP CFO Pilar Vizcarra. "This agreement enables us to ensure service availability and to take advantage of economies of scale, with the added benefits of relying on shared IT resources. Our personnel have been freed up to focus on our strategic business areas."
The services IBM will provide include the operation, monitoring and administration of all SAP infrastructure for LAP, including communications and application support.
Under the terms of the agreement, IBM will host the LAP applications at its Technological Campus in La Molina.
"IBM's unquestionable leadership in Peru's SAP hosting market, the experience of our services professionals in this type of engagement, and the infrastructure of IBM Peru's IT Campus all make our clients feel comfortable entrusting their IT processes to our outsourcing operation," said IBM Peru Services Manager Gaspar Fernandez-Concha. For more information about IBM, go to www.ibm.com
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
WHITE PLAINS, NY - IBM announced today it is joining forces with Hoplon Infotainment, Online Game Services Incorporated (OGSI) and Render Rocket under separate agreements to help them innovate in the gaming and animation industries. Recognizing the critical role that new technology and services will play in the future of these industries, IBM is working with small and medium gaming companies around the world to empower innovative business models.
IBM offers a variety of hardware, software and service solutions specifically designed to help game companies manage their games environment, reduce expenses, increase efficiency and generate more revenue. While mostly known for working with some of the world's largest game companies, IBM is also engaging with small and medium companies around the world to harness the power of IBM technology while these companies grow their business. Recently IBM has teamed with RenderRocket to create an innovative on demand animation service, a first of its kind game hosting service with OGSI and an on demand hosting environment for Hoplon, which supports a unique game design running on an IBM mainframe.
"IBM's flexible business model helps enable small and medium-sized gaming companies to grow their business at low cost and low risk," said David Laux, IBM Global Executive, Games & Interactive Entertainment. "IBM helps provide innovative business models for innovative companies."
Innovative game design on a mainframe
Hoplon Infotainment, a pioneering Brazilian developer of online games and game architectures, was originally considering cluster and possibly grid computing technology for its forthcoming game deployment platform. When attending a grid computing presentation, Hoplon was introduced to the IBM On Demand Business model and the service-oriented architecture (SOA) concept. That meeting changed Hoplon's course completely, and its new game, TaikoDom, is now being hosted on demand by IBM mainframe technology.
"We wanted to create a game deployment platform that was much more scalable and flexible than existing models," said Tarquinio Teles, Hoplon CEO. "It is clear to us that IBM's approach allows us to do that in a way we had not considered before . . . a way that is new to the industry."
Traditional online games exist in one or more "shards," or identical duplicates of the complete game environment. A large game can have a very complex, costly, underutilized infrastructure, with multiple shards running on multiple servers and a great deal of redundancy.
By contrast, Hoplon's game platform places all users in a single shard, but with a modular structure. Dedicated software modules handle specific functions for all players. This modular structure fits in well with the idea of a service-oriented architecture. In an SOA, computing functions are packaged as services that communicate with one another using open standards and clearly defined interfaces. If more modules or more capacity are needed, they can be added quickly and easily; the game "universe" can grow organically with IBM tools and technology.
Hoplon sees great benefit in working with IBM. "It's not just the quality of hardware, software and services, all of which are excellent," says Teles. "We liked the fact that IBM is both local and global at the same time. IBM has local knowledge and knows how business works here in Brazil. But much more important, IBM has a global reach, and is capable of delivering the same quality of service and expertise that we enjoy here at home to our customers in other parts of the world."
Game hostin powered by IBM
When it comes to hosting and services tailored to the needs of the online game industry, OGSI has carved out a niche by offering its customers the highest quality infrastructure and bandwidth at prices game companies can afford.
The OGSI business model is a first of its kind in the industry. From its inception, Silicon Valley-based OGSI has met considerable success with its game service provider business model, and chose IBM BladeCenter server solutions on which to base its platform.
"For OGSI, it's all about enabling customers with a means to provide their players with the best possible gaming experiences," said James Hursthouse, CEO, OGSI. "The reliability, scalability and price performance of the IBM Blade Server Solution allows OGSI to offer an attractive price point to our customers. They can scale their business as fast as it grows, without taking financial risk."
The OGSI model is based around an affordable monthly recurring fee for all of the hardware, bandwidth and support that a games company needs, regardless of its size. To this end, IBM BladeCenter server systems have been instrumental in helping OGSI customers reduce the risks and capital outlay associated with online game deployment.
Since the initial relationship with IBM began, OGSI has continued to add more IBM BladeCenter systems, as they experience rapid business expansion.
Animation on demand
Designed by animators for animators, Los Angeles, California-based RenderRocket provides 3D rendering services on demand to companies worldwide, from broadcast/TV producers and leading visual effects companies to animation, video games, product design and photography studios.
Using RenderRocket, animators can reserve time on, and send their work to a remotely located IBM Deep Computing Capacity on Demand render farm equipped with massive supercomputing power.
The solution offers a tremendous benefit to those businesses finding it difficult to justify large-scale investments in servers and related expenses, as well as having to manage additional unplanned workloads, obtain more capacity or meet tight deadlines during "crunch time."
"IBM offers us the best capacity and the best growth path, enabling our company to grow as fast as we need to. We can now offer our services to mid-sized animation firms who are, in turn, looking to scale quickly. And we can do this after only a few days and a phone call to IBM," says Ruben Perez, Executive Producer, RenderRocket. "IBM's ability to offer computing power on demand is critical to our business."
With IBM, RenderRocket did not have to invest in a costly capital infrastructure or systems management teams. In turn, its customers can avoid similar expenses and concerns by leveraging the distinctive interface it had already developed. Says Perez, "One of the things allowing us to offer a successful service is that we are able to put together a solution focusing on our strengths in animation and rendering, while IBM handles the core component of the technology. This enables a company like ours to do so without having to invest millions of dollars, which therefore reduces our business risk."
About IBM
With 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate, IBM is the world's largest information technology company. Over the past 45 years, IBM has extended its business solutions into entertainment, professional sports and more recently games. As a longtime leader in the online gaming industry, IBM has helped some of the world's top games companies build profitable businesses with a full range of hardware, software and services offerings. Inside the consoles of every major video game system you'll find IBM technology. And inside IBM you'll find the expertise to help game companies reduce expenses while increasing efficiency and profitability in a complex yet boundless market. In 2005, IBM received an Emmy award for technical achievement in broadcasting. For more information on IBM, please visit: www.ibm.com/solutions/games.
About Render Rocket
Founded upon the idea that any 3D production team, regardless of its size, should be able to tap into the render power they need on-demand, RenderRocket launched its service to meet this challenge head-on. With IBM as our partner, we are able to provide the highest quality infrastructure that enables us to add professionalism and reliability to our services. We're using world-class technology from the largest computer infrastructure vendor in the world. Our mission is to provide maximum render processing power at minimal cost to 3D content creators. Additionally, we will continue to develop and provide innovative tools that bring the latest rendering technology to your projects. To find out more about RenderRocket, go to www.RenderRocket.com
About Online Game Services Inc.
In partnership with Global Netoptex (GNi), a leading West Coast provider of managed Internet services, OGSI's core focus is the provision of scalable, reliable game hosting and management solutions. With world-class datacenters, 24x7x365 onsite support, and 100% uptime SLAs, we provide business continuity for our customers -- and uninterrupted service for their gamers! For more information please visit www.onlinegameservices.com.
About Hoplon Infotainment
From 2000, when it was founded, Hoplon Infotainment has dedicated itself to multiplayer online games, complex simulations, and other online entertainment and business training ventures based on advanced information systems. Hoplon is located in Florianapolis, Brazil, and on the Web at http://www.hoplon.com
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
Shoppers who have seen a D2 kiosk probably don't know it. That's because each one is built to reflect a particular brand. Whether that means building a kiosk of a different color, or building one shaped like a tree, D2 does it. Owner Sandra Nix said that's where the company's success lies. She founded D2 in 1992 on that core principal: branding. Previously, Nix worked in IPOs, been an IndyCar and Formula 1 race official. Now she's driving one of the lead cars in the kiosk industry.
What were you doing before you became involved in the kiosk industry?
Most of my career has been in the marketing field. Prior to working in the display/kiosk industry, I owned a company that did sales promotions and customer support, primarily focused in the automotive and technology fields.
What attracted you to the industry and made you want to get involved?
I believed — and still believe — that interactivity is the key to capturing customer attention and empowering customers to create their own experience within the parameters of a brand. It is the next logical step from both a marketing and basic transactional perspective.
Describe your first kiosk project.
My first project was a wheel selector kiosk for The Tire Rack in 1995. It was a perfect application of kiosk technology, allowing customers to choose aftermarket wheels from a database, sorted for their make and model, and then see the wheel applied to a picture of their car. It was a really smart application - the company was forward-thinking.
Describe the most significant recent changes in the industry.
This is a technology-driven industry. As functionality is enhanced, new functionality is created and price points drop for implementing that technology, we are now able to offer a dazzling array of affordable and practical performance options. When I did my first project in 1995, computers were slower and bigger, screens were smaller and peripherals were hit or miss — and the whole package was comparatively very expensive. Today, kiosks are an easily obtainable, affordable option for most businesses. And the lower cost means better ROI, which only further adds to the value.
Where will the industry be in five years?
I think there will be a blending of segments and we will no longer see a vertical just for "kiosks". I see a convergence of technologies across the board — kiosks, ATM's, POS, digital signage, exhibits and displays, etc. I think the verticals will be more defined by function — transactional, informational, marketing, etc. — rather than physicality as they are now. I also think this means we'll see some consolidation as providers look for economies of scale and begin to offer a range of offerings within a specific functional group.
Who was most influential to your career, and why?
To my professional career overall, I would say my grandfather. He was a fearless visionary and a tremendously charismatic person. Within the industry, I would say Frank W. Mayer. His customer focus was absolute — he inherently understood that every aspect of every project begins and ends with the needs and wants of the customer, period. It's a perspective that most companies tout, but he lived it and it embodied how he ran his business.
What has been the biggest "missed opportunity" in the industry recently?
Lack of collaboration. The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, but our parts just seem to be a bit fragmented right now and therefore not realizing that benefit.
If you could grant any wish for the kiosk industry, what would it be and why?
A really great marketing campaign for the industry as a whole. We don't have a clear product or identity in general. We need to find a way to simply articulate our product and its benefits to the business community if we want interactive devices to proliferate at the rate they could be deploying.
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
NORTH CANTON, Ohio -- PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- More than 116 financial institutions across the United States and Canada have harnessed the power of Diebold's Agilis(R) software to enhance their brands and bolster promotion of branch products at Diebold's Opteva(R) ATMs. A recent offer from Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) enabled customers to utilize ATM screens created by the company to communicate marketing messages and personalize greetings to ATM users.
Pat McCune, president and CEO of Community Bank, a Diebold customer located in Carmichaels, Pa., said he recognized the promotion as an opportunity to capitalize on the number of transactions its ATMs process.
"We viewed this as a mechanism to feature products and services offered by the bank," McCune said. "The Diebold Opteva ATM free marketing messages allowed us to reach out to a growing group of consumers that utilize the electronic delivery systems offered by our institution."
Diebold implemented the HTML screen program in June 2005 as a way to introduce financial institutions to its Windows(R)- based Campaign Office(TM) software. Campaign Office allows financial institutions to personalize their ATMs with location-based options and screen messaging, segment advertising based on customer demographics and obtain detailed status reports about ATM usage.
Auto Workers Federal Credit Union, a Diebold customer located in West Mifflin, Pa., recognized the value of the promotion. Mike Pastirik, president and CEO of the credit union, said it was an opportunity to project a professional image.
"We purchased two new ATMs and in addition to the welcome screen, we had two additional screens made: one that promotes automobile loans and another that promotes home loans," Pastirik said. "The larger screen and television- like graphics are very appealing. In the future, we plan to have new screens created that will promote membership."
Customers who purchase Opteva ATMs may select two welcome screens from one of six templates, which are customized with the institution's name and logo at no charge. The free screens are available to the financial institution for the life of the ATM. Screens can be changed or enhanced and new screens can be added through purchase of Diebold's Campaign Office solution.
"Diebold always strives to offer more to its customers, and with HTML- customized screens, we can provide the most comprehensive options for screen customization," said Dave Bucci, senior vice president of Diebold's Customer Solutions Group. "This offering enhanced financial institutions' brand and provided a fresh user interface for customers."
Since its implementation, the HTML screen program has successfully helped financial institutions offer an enhanced self-service experience for consumers and provided a stronger representation of their brand. It has also assisted in generating sales of branch products. The promotion allowed customers an opportunity to test the enhanced capabilities of Opteva and Windows-based Agilis terminal software and determine what benefits it provided to their financial institution before making an investment in the solution.
To view photos of HTML screens, visit
http://www.diebold.com/whatsnews/HTMLscreens.htm.
http://www.diebold.com
About Diebold
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 $2.6 billion in 2005 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.
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
According to Venture Development Corporation's recently released Automotive Vertical Market volume of its annual RFID Business Planning Service, the global market for radio frequency identification (RFID) systems in the automotive vertical reached an estimated $312 million in 2005. Hardware accounted for nearly 56% of the market (excluding transponder revenues for automobile immobilization and keyless entry). VDC anticipates a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% through 2010, with revenue shipments projected to exceed $765 million within five years.
The automotive industry has primarily used RFID for vehicle immobilization. However, as economies of scale are attained and improvements in performances are achieved, deployments to support supply chain, shop floor, and asset management applications are expected to significantly increase.
Automotive companies expect to reap the following benefits from using RFID within supply chain and shop floor applications:
- Improved visibility of products, assets, and materials within the enterprise;
- Automated tracking and inventory management of goods and materials;
- Increased operational efficiency and decreased resource expenses;
- Enhanced security and shrinkage reduction;
- Improved cradle-to-grave tracking capability;
- Removal of limited human interaction generally required with bar code systems;
- Improved supply chain collaboration (i.e., reduced warranty cost, shorter response time to open issues); and
- Compliance with current and future industry and customer mandates (NHTSA, AIAG, ODETTE, JAMA/JAPIA, Wal-Mart, etc).
Users in the automotive market are highly experienced with the benefits and challenges of RFID, and are expected to rapidly integrate new solutions as they become technologically and financially feasible. Small in number and requiring a diversity of suppliers to support massive inventories of unique parts, vehicle assembly and parts/components firms wield significant clout in driving the entire supply chain to implement new technologies — much like the DoD and its supply chain.
According to Michael J. Liard, Director of VDC's RFID Practice, "Although many applications are still in early phases, the increase in new RFID applications suggests that the technology is moving beyond traditional application niches of automobile immobilization and security/access control."
The automotive vertical discussed here is part of VDC's 2005-2006 RFID Business Planning Service. To view the program proposal, click here.
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.
Further information about: "RFID Business Planning Service 2005-2006: Global Asset and Transaction Management Systems Market Analysis"
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company, today announced the appointment of Jan Burton as vice president for Symbol in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) operations. Burton will oversee EMEA operations, spearheading the development of Symbol's sales and services capabilities in the region, and continue to deliver strategic and consistent business velocity. Burton will continue to support the EMEA channel to drive the sales engagement between Symbol's sales force and partners, and continue to develop the award-winning PartnerSelect Program.
Reporting to Todd Abbott, Symbol's senior vice president of worldwide sales and operations, Burton has been vice president of worldwide channels for Symbol since June 2003, and has grown the channel business to more than $1 billion (US), and increased Symbol's channel centricity from 45% to nearly 70%. Symbol's PartnerSelect Program under Burton's leadership has gained integrity and credibility in the marketplace, and has enabled Symbol to take an industry-leading channel position.
"We are very pleased to have Jan Burton lead our EMEA operations. Selecting Jan for this position is a testament to her industry knowledge, astute business acumen and unwavering dedication to establishing a world-class channel organisation," said Abbott. "A seasoned Symbol senior executive of three years, Jan is also an industry veteran with a wide span of international experience who has more than two decades of sales development, business leadership and marketing management experience in the global technology space."
Prior to Symbol, Burton spent a considerable amount of time living in Europe while with Apple Computer as director of EMEA education sales. Whilst at Lucent Technologies, Burton was based in Brussels as the director of EMEA marketing, and later as Lucent's managing director of EMEA channel sales.
At Symbol, Burton led the development and launch of Symbol's PartnerSelect Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Partner Program in April 2005, further developing the partner ecosystem with a broad set of industry applications that provide an end-to-end enterprise mobility solution for customers. The program enables qualified software application developers to leverage technical, sales and marketing enablement programs, aiming to better serve their customers, and help to increase their revenue and profitability. Symbol's Solutions Validation Program reinforces Symbol's commitment to customers to help increase speed of deployment and validation of enterprise mobility solutions, and increase confidence for customers that they will deploy a successful solution from the start. To date, in EMEA, nearly 60 ISVs have joined the program.
Additionally, for the third consecutive year, Symbol's PartnerSelect Program attained VARBusiness magazine's distinguished 5-Star rating, as well as substantially increased partner satisfaction and loyalty.
"Over the past few years, my team and I have worked hard to build a strong global channel infrastructure that would enable Symbol to better serve our customers' enterprise mobility needs," said Burton. "In my new role, the three key priorities I will focus on is to work closely with the existing EMEA sales and service team and our partners to improve our customer satisfaction, develop our joint business in enterprise mobility; and continue to build Symbol's leadership position leveraging recent product launches such as the MC70, the first rugged Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA)."
Burton will relocate to EMEA in April, and will be based out of Symbol's EMEA headquarters in Winnersh, England. Abbott will assume the global channel leadership role until a new lead is appointed.
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. www.symbol.com
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company, today announced that BRB Enterprises, an Oregon based franchise of a global oil and gasoline conglomerate, has selected the Symbol LS9203 omni-directional bar code scanner to increase efficiency and accuracy in its "food and fuel" convenience stores across Oregon. The LS9203 scanner has enabled BRB Enterprises to improve in-store inventory control and increase productivity through better stock and product pricing management.
The LS9203 scanner replaces traditional paper-based, manual inventory and cashier operations at the BRB Enterprises convenience stores. Cashiers at BRB Enterprises convenience stores can now instantly access product information by simply scanning an item -- improving customer satisfaction and convenience by reducing wait time in the stores.
"Symbol's scanning solution provides us with the real-time visibility into our inventory that is vital in retail today," said Earl Andrews, operations manager, BRB Enterprises. "We are also now able to manage the fluctuations in pricing more efficiently ensuring that cashiers are simply scanning the product for the correct price, not relying on memory -- dramatically reducing pricing errors that have saved money for both our company and our customers."
Symbol's LS9203 bar code scanner is a high-value, cost-effective scanner, delivering increased durability and ergonomic design in a compact footprint. The LS9203 is designed for both hands-free and handheld scanning of bar codes, and incorporates omnidirectional scanning which eliminates the need to orient the bar code for faster and more accurate read rates. Easy to use, deploy and maintain, the Symbol LS9203 helps BRB Enterprises increase the accuracy of transactions and inventory tracking, while reducing the costs associated with scanner maintenance, training and operations.
"The Symbol LS9203 bar code scanner provides a robust scanning solution for better inventory management with minimal investment, and is designed to enable retailers like BRB Enterprises to gain a competitive advantage," said Bob Sanders, vice president and general manager of Symbol's advanced data capture division. "The LS9203 has provided a rapid return on investment for BRB Enterprises in the form of improved customer service, greater retail efficiencies and increased employee productivity."
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. www.symbol.com
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
STAMFORD, Conn -- PRNewswire-FirstCall -- Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) announced today that Ivin Smith, vice president of Customer Service and Worldwide Technical Support for Pitney Bowes Document Messaging Technologies, and Frank DiOrio, director of Northeast Service for Pitney Bowes Document Messaging Technologies, have been invited to present at a general session at this year's Field Service Conference. The event will be held April 3-6, 2006 at La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California.
The Field Service 2006 conference, organized by Worldwide Business Research LLC, is entitled "Building a Service Strategy That Eliminates Your Competition" and will focus on maximizing service revenue, reducing costs, and exceeding customer expectations. Attendees will explore ways to leverage service strategy to create new revenue opportunities, retain customers, and stay ahead of the competition.
Smith and DiOrio will deliver a presentation titled "Leveraging The Past To Build The Future...a 1+1=3 Approach To Service." The session, scheduled for 8:15 a.m. on April 5, following the chairperson's opening address, will detail how the Pitney Bowes service executives have leveraged their common and unique experiences to mold a winning service organization. Attendees will explore the many common service challenges across different organizations and vertical markets, as well as learn to take advantage of what Smith and DiOrio call the "10 golden rules of service" to build effective and profitable service organizations.
"Many organizations are in a position to leverage their service and support capabilities to boost business," says Smith. "Our session will examine how, by delivering exemplary customer service and reliability, companies can differentiate themselves from the competition and expand market share."
According to DiOrio, the notion of "1+1=3" can serve as a mantra for companies looking to transform their service organization and drive business success. "In the end, effective service is dependent upon the overall skills, attitude and discipline of your organization," says DiOrio. "The sum is greater than the individual parts, and managing to that greater aggregate is key to delivering best-in-class customer service."
Smith and DiOrio have each spent over 30 years in corporate service organizations in management and executive positions, providing support to customers in a variety of worldwide markets. Both have been involved in all facets of the service business including training, strategic planning, and field operations, as well as new product service development, service parts supply chain management, and customer satisfaction measurement.
About Pitney Bowes
Pitney Bowes provides the world's most comprehensive suite of mailstream software, hardware, services and solutions to help companies manage their flow of mail, documents and packages to improve communication. Pitney Bowes, with $5.5 billion in annual revenue, takes an all-inclusive view of its customers' operations, helping organizations of all sizes enjoy the competitive advantage that comes from an optimized mailstream. The company's 86 years of technological leadership have produced many major mailstream innovations, and it is consistently on the Intellectual Property Owners Association's list of top U.S. patent holders. With approximately 34,000 employees worldwide, Pitney Bowes serves more than 2 million businesses through direct and dealer operations. More information about the company can be found at http://www.pb.com/.
Media Contact:
Colette Cote
Tel: 203 570 6061
Web site: http://www.pb.com/
Tuesday, 21 March 2006
ATLANTA and LONDON -- PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- S1 Corporation (Nasdaq: SONE), the leading provider of customer interaction software solutions for financial and payment services, today announced the signing of an agreement with the ATEbank of Greece S.A. (ABG) to supply the full Postilion suite to replace the bank's existing ATM-driving platform and enable it to expand its service offering. This agreement was brokered by Codix S.A., S1 Corporation's Postilion reseller in Greece, which will implement and support the system.
In the first phase of the project, Postilion Realtime will be used to drive the bank's existing and new ATMs. ABG intends to migrate its current network of 600 ATMs -- branded as ATEnet -- and the 15 ATMs it drives on behalf of another Greek bank to Postilion in mid-2006. During this phase Postilion Realtime will replace the incumbent ON/2 switching platform, connecting to the Greek national switch (DIAS), to Visa and MasterCard, and to the core banking system and back-office systems.
Additionally, Postilion Realtime will enable the bank to fulfill its EMV compliance commitments. Postilion PostCard will manage ABG's 1,000,000 debit cards. Postilion Office will allow the bank to perform continuous back-office processing without impacting the online system.
The bank plans to expand the reach of its ATM network, implement new banking channels, and offer new financial services on the Postilion Realtime platform. The bank's goal is for Postilion Realtime to become its financial transaction processing platform, with all transactions from all the bank's subsidiaries and channels being routed through Postilion Realtime to the relevant authorising module on the host system. Postilion Realtime will also provide stand-in authorisation, thereby allowing the bank to offer 24 x 7 service on the new banking channels.
Anastasios Papanikoloau, director of the electronic banking department at ATEbank of Greece, explains why the bank chose Postilion: "We were looking for an open systems transaction processing platform to replace our existing proprietary system. In Postilion, we found a solution with the breadth of functionality that will become central to our strategy for new banking service offerings to the Greek market. For instance, ABG intends to offer Internet banking, Phone banking, Web Kiosks and has ambitions of becoming the location of choice for utility bill payment -- with Postilion, we can do this with ease."
"This agreement," says Chris Pappas, the president and CEO of Codix, "highlights S1 Corporation's growing profile in the European market and Postilion's reputation as the open technology transaction processing system of choice. Postilion has a fast time to market and is designed so that support, maintenance, new integrations, and system enhancements can be done cost effectively with industry-standard technical resources."
"S1 considers this a flagship implementation in the region and an important partnership between these three organisations," says S1's head of operations in Europe and the Middle East, Jan Kruger. "ATEbank of Greece has purchased the breadth of functionality that our software offers. We are delighted that, after thorough due diligence, a leading European retail bank considers our product best in class. This underlines Postilion's position as the leading open systems payment product on the market."
About S1 Corporation
S1 Corporation (incorporating Mosaic Software) delivers customer interaction software for financial and payment services and offers unique solution sets for financial institutions, retailers, and processors. S1 employs 1,500 people in operations in the North America, Europe and Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions. Worldwide, more than 4,000 customers use S1 software solutions for financial services. S1 partners with best-in-class organizations to provide flexible and extensible software solutions for its customers. Through the establishment of strategic alliances with the world's leading companies, S1 is successfully accelerating the pace of innovation, implementation, and service delivery.
The payments software solution, Postilion, was added to S1's software solutions when it acquired Mosaic Software in November 2004. Postilion drives payments, including advanced financial transactions such as prepay and self-service, through ATMs, POS terminals, phones, and Internet access points. Postilion provides consolidated management information, integrated card management, EMV chip enablement, and loyalty software solutions. Postilion reduces transaction processing costs, speeds time to market for new products and offerings, improves analysis of customer transactions and business opportunities, and increases profitability. Postilion is at the forefront of next-generation payments processing software -- 250 customers in 49 countries use Postilion to provide leading-edge consumer transaction processing. For more information, please visit http://www.s1.com
About the ATEbank of Greece S.A.
ABG is a group of seven financial services subsidiaries. Ever since its founding in 1929, ABG has combined modern banking practices with the concern to promote the overall development of the Greek farming sector. ABG's client base is now estimated at more than 2.5 million customers.
Far from simply "agricultural," ABG offers a full spectrum of financial products and services in order to satisfy the whole range of customer financial needs. With its more than 450 branches covering the entire country and 600-strong ATM network, ABG ensures round-the-clock retail banking availability. Moreover, ABG's representative office in Germany and a worldwide network of 50 correspondent banks testify to its dynamic presence in the international banking system.
For more information, please visit http://www.ate.gr/en/index.shtml
About Codix S.A. Systems Integration
Codix S.A. Systems Integration focuses on providing turnkey solutions, consulting as well as systems integration for large and complex projects in the Banking and Financial services Industries as well as for the Telecommunication and Security Sectors.
With an aim in providing leading edge solutions possessing a high return on investment for our customers, we partner with "best of breed" corporations from Europe and the U.S.A.
Codix's client list includes major banks and other companies of the public and private sector in Greece, Cyprus and the Balkans such as: ATEbank, Bank of Piraeus, Cosmote, CYTA (Cyprus), DIAS-Interbanking Systems SA, EFG Eurobank, the Central Bank of Greece, Geniki Bank, RASDAQ ROMANIA, TIM and University of Athens.
Codix resells S1 Corporation's Postilion payments software solution throughout Greece, Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria.
For more information, please visit http://www.codix.gr/
SOURCE S1 Corporation
CONTACT:
Martina von Bonin, Marketing Manager, Europe and Middle East, +44-1932-574-700,
Chris Watson, Global VP of Marketing, +1-404-923-6775,
Pavlina Mavraki, Marketing Communications Director, Codix S.A. Systems Integration, +30-210-725-5020,
Monday, 20 March 2006
The association has seen several changes in the last few months. A new logo, look and URL; a new executive director; a Web site redesign and now a new editor. Bryan Harris, technology reporter for KioskMarketplace.com and SelfServiceWorld.com, assumed editorship of SelfService.org prior to February's Self-Service & Kiosk Show in Orlando. That show was Harris' debut to the association, as well as David Drain's.
Harris has reported for a couple small newspapers, owned a pair of his own publications and freelanced for a number of clients including the (Washington) D.C. Examiner and The Poynter Institute for Media Studies' Poynter.org. In addition, Penguin Books published his first non-fiction tome, and his next book is due out in late 2006.
As editor, Bryan will bring to SelfService.org a greater depth of original content than ever before. For the first time the site will produce original feature articles on technologies and events important to our members, in addition to the member news, interviews, profiles and case studies that we've always done. And even these will see great improvement as a benefit of Bryan's management.
Now, having given Bryan a little time to settle in, we introduce him with a little Q&A.
SelfService.org editor Bryan Harris
SSO: Describe your attitude toward business.
I love applied reality and that's not always a popular thing. Case in point: We're in business to make money. We work in a creative, dynamic industry in which many of us love our work · and that's a wonderful thing to be able to say · but at the end of the day I think most professionals would rather have all the money they needed to put their minds at ease and just do what they love on their own schedules, rather than the schedule that revenue demands.
I'm of the opinion that we should be very up-front about those needs and try to understand and support each other as much as we can. It's easy to make a good business decision when you have all the facts, but unwillingness to deal with reality makes it hard to get those facts.
SSO: How does that attitude carry over into your work?
Obsession with reality is why I'm a journalist. And I can tell you the most transparent, forthright people and companies are the ones who excel, and the most guarded, closed-door companies are the ones that stagnate or fail. Look at Info Touch and how fast it's growing. Lo and behold, its CEO is this gregarious fellow who loves to tell people about his company's maneuverings. Would you rather put your money on him, or some guy who won't tell you what his sales are?
SSO: Is that how you got into business journalism? Because you like business?
I really wanted to cover hard news or international relations. But it just happened that my first job, at a little paper in Northern Indiana, had me cover politics and economic development. I got a crash course in applied economics and politics in an impoverished area that had little grasp on the future. I remembered going to all these board meetings and finally thinking "It's not that hard to run a budget. They just get some bids, match some numbers. I can do this." So then I started a couple small businesses of my own, little publications, and that gave me some first-hand experience in business.
SSO: What happened to the political writing?
Well, I started two publications, one failed and the other succeeded. And I told a friend who told a friend-in-common who was an editor at Penguin/Tarcher books that I was doing a lot of writing and publishing and she asked me to write some sarcastic political humor. I signed my first book deal when I was 26-years-old. I'm 28 now and working on the next one. It's my proudest achievement. Whatever happens to me, I'll always be a published author. I'm very grateful for that.
SSO: How is covering politics like covering business?
It's exactly the same. Those politicians, left, right or other, who are willing to embrace reality · to evaluate relevant costs and benefits and say, "This is right, this is wrong, this is what we need to do" · those are the ones who succeed. Those are the ones who can weather storms because they exercised due diligence and made the best decisions possible. Those that try to use smoke and mirrors, red herrings and diversions to support an agenda apart from what they're publicly claiming, they're always discredited. It's the same way in business.
SSO: This all sounds pretty basic from a person covering a high-tech industry.
I get that a lot. People tease me around the office for overusing "ROI." I've always talked about returns a lot at my little businesses, and ROI is a phrase I've picked up while covering this industry. And it's been put to me that I don't have to use it so much because it's just a given that, if you're in business, that's what you want, and all the tech and solutions I cover go along with that. I'm told it's already on our professional readers' minds. But I contend that the basics aren't that basic and those who master them always succeed. Harping about returns or paying attention to demand might sound sophomoric, but billion-dollar market cap companies go down the tubes every year because they didn't do it.
SSO: What's your impression of the self-service and kiosk industry so far?
The increasing shift to self-service is a phenomenon that will change American culture and business forever. And I believe the best thing we can do to grow the industry is urge deployers to expand their field of vision outside their verticals and understand the real potential in this industry.
When a business owner deploys an ATM, he or she stays tuned into that industry, not just their original vertical, to understand trends that'll help them further develop and protect their investment. Kiosk deployers need to understand that the seemingly simplistic product information kiosk or photo kiosk, just like the ATM, is a changing, growing, sales-generating machine and they can leverage it for completely new revenue streams.
Monday, 20 March 2006
DynaTouch Corporation provides efficiency enhancing, cost effective e-government customer service solutions. Their total solutions approach incorporates hardware, software, enclosures and service to create advanced kiosk and web-based information systems
Monday, 20 March 2006
Carson, CA - CrossCheck, Inc. and MagTek announced the certification of two versions of MagTek's MICRImage check scanner for deployment with the CrossCheck PC Conversion Plus service — MICRImage RS232 with modem and MICRImage with Ethernet connectivity. With the scanner, merchants can process check payments for conversion through CrossCheck's Conversion PlusSM service through their PC. CrossCheck is offering both traditional dial and high-speed Internet processing.
CrossCheck, the nation's largest privately held check approval and guarantee company, will make the PC option available to any merchant using their CrossCheck Conversion Plus service. The CrossCheck Conversion Plus service enables a merchant to convert checks at the point of purchase, eliminating the need to take checks to the bank for deposit. Check information is sent through a POS terminal or by PC using the CrossCheck web site and funds are ACH'd into the merchant account. CrossCheck's Conversion Plus service includes business check conversion and guarantee features.
"We are committed to making our check services fast and convenient, and that means offering our merchants a variety of equipment and processing options. We are pleased to add this PC capability to our innovative CrossCheck Conversion Plus service and to have it available with the MagTek equipment for our Auto Dealers, Building Material merchants and retailers using PCs at their POS," said J. David Siembieda, president and CEO of CrossCheck.
"CrossCheck's Conversion Plus solution allows merchants to gain additional value from their existing PCs by simply adding the MICRImage check scanner and the CrossCheck software. MagTek is committed to providing quality products to customers who use a variety of point-of-sale products and CrossCheck continues to be a great solution provider, said John Arato, Vice President, Business Unit Manager, Retail Products at MagTek."
About CrossCheck, Inc.
CrossCheck, Inc. provides check approval and guarantee for a variety of merchants nationwide. For more than 20 years, its goal has been to increase merchants' profits by allowing them to accept more checks and to provide their customers with payment flexibility. Annually, CrossCheck processes and approves billions of dollars worth of transactions for its retail and dealer outlets. CrossCheck is known for industry firsts and cutting-edge technology. Visit www.cross-check.com for more information.
About MagTek®
As the industry's leading supplier of card readers and check readers and scanners, MagTek continues to deliver superior technology and products to the POS market. Their wide range of magnetic stripe, EMV certified smart card, hybrid readers, check readers, and check scanning solutions offers the retail industry a myriad of payment transaction options that far exceed the marketplace demands. For more information, visit www.magtek.com.
For more information:
MagTek, Inc.
20725 S. Annalee Ave.
Carson, CA 90746
Kristin Coughtry
CrossCheck
Tel: 707-586-0551
Kathy Crumley
MagTekÂ
Toll: 800-788-6835
Monday, 20 March 2006
NORTH CANTON, Ohio -- PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Customers at a Saudi Arabian bank will soon know and appreciate the convenience, security and dependability of conducting self-service transactions on biometric automated teller machines (ATMs). Diebold's (NYSE: DBD) biometric Opteva(R) ATMs will provide service to a select group of government customers in need of the new technology.
Al Rajhi Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, recently purchased 240 Opteva ATMs through Diebold's business partner in the Kingdom, Alhamrani Universal Company (AU). Diebold's Agilis(R) software will enable the integration of biometric technology in Opteva terminals purchased by the bank. Agilis terminal software interfaces with a variety of multivendor products to provide flexibility and help protect investments in legacy systems.
Working with AU's technical professional team, Diebold Professional Services will manage the implementation of 82 biometric terminals, providing overall development of the biometric software solution, and will create a customized user interface in the local language. The biometric units will be deployed at Social Security offices throughout Saudi Arabia. The machines will allow 400,000 retirees to use the unique geometry of the index finger in conjunction with a magnetic stripe card to access monthly retirement payments. The biometric technology will replace the use of personal identification numbers (PINs) for the authentication of identity.
"Diebold's biometric ATMs will allow us to expand our business by distributing government-mandated pension payments on a monthly basis," said Suliman Al Obaid, general manager of IT and Shared Services at Al Rajhi Bank. "Our biometric program may be expanded to include the enrollment of other customers in rural areas who are unfamiliar with the use of PINs."
The agreement also includes the replacement of legacy Diebold ATMs with new Opteva island ATMs equipped with Diebold's exclusive Extreme Environmental Kit, which incorporates an air conditioner within the ATM to provide reliability and superior operating performance. The kit extends the useful life of ATMs by allowing them to operate in regions with excessive hot and cold temperatures.
Diebold's Extreme Environmental Kit reduces operating costs by eliminating the need to enclose the ATM in an expensive, air-conditioned building or kiosk. The kit also includes a terminal safe and enclosure protected by more than double the insulating properties of previous models, better protecting the unit's devices against rapid and significant temperature fluctuations that could impact interior module reliability.
Additionally, 37 advanced-function Opteva terminals will replace Diebold's legacy i and ix-Series(R) terminals at Al Rajhi bank branches and off-site locations. The upgrades will provide future advanced functionality that may include bulk note acceptance, intelligent depository modules and other applications that enable revenue generation.
"The reliability and flexibility of our Opteva platform and biometric solution gives our customers a competitive edge by allowing them to meet the local needs of their customers," said Henrik Funch, division vice president for Diebold Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). "And our Extreme Environmental Kit helps protect our customers' investment in the latest self- service technology."
About Alhamrani Universal
Alhamrani Universal Co. Ltd, (AU) is the largest distributor of Diebold products in the Middle East. AU is the leading provider for services and solutions in the Saudi Arabian electronic payment industry and has representation across the Gulf countries. AU is a member of the Alhamrani Group of Companies, one of the most diversified group of companies in Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.universal.com.sa.
About Diebold
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 $2.6 billion in 2005 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.
SOURCE Diebold, Incorporated
CONTACT: Media Relations, Joseph Richardson, Corporate Communications,
+1-330-490-5562, or
Investor Relations, John Kristoff, +1-330-490-5900, or
Web site: http://www.diebold.com
http://www.universal.com.sa
Monday, 20 March 2006
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 3M Bookcheck Unit Model 940-Series premieres on March 22 in booth 3117 at the 2006 Public Library Association (PLA) National Conference in Boston, Mass. These new circulation accessories help library circulation staff realize productivity gains by reducing processing time and errors at checkout and return.
The 3M Bookcheck Unit Model 942 desensitizes and resensitizes 3M Tattle-Tape Security Strips on print materials, DVDs and CDs quickly and reliably. Library staff and customers benefit from efficient, virtually false alarm-free processing. 3M Bookcheck Unit Model 943 adds a bar code scanner to the list of equipment features. Each system interfaces with existing integrated library systems, can be installed into or onto a countertop and has a sleek design to complement any library decor.
"3M has been pioneer in providing reliable and innovative solutions to libraries around the world for more than 35 years," said Rory Yanchek, business manager, 3M Library Systems. "Whether it is security, productivity or information management, 3M has a proven solution that will help increase productivity, reduce costs and free staff to offer more service to customers."
Capabilities of the Bookcheck Unit Model 942 include:
- Efficient, reliable processing that virtually eliminates false alarms
- Enhanced ergonomics
- Flexible, easy to use, customizable system with intuitive feedback indicators
- Desensitization and resensitization of security strips in one unit
- System indicates presence of active security strip when verification option is enabled
- USB-enabled to allow future product upgrades
- UL-listed equipment that complies with state and local regulations
- The Bookcheck Unit Model 943 includes all capabilities of the Bookcheck Unit Model 942 plus:
- State-of-the-art bar code scanner that allows bar code scanning, desensitization and resensitization in one unit
A global leader in library innovation for more than 35 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, Bookcheck, Tattle-Tape, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
Friday, 17 March 2006
For more than 40 years StacoSwitch has been manufacturing input devices for aerospace, military and industrial environments. "Tactile Feedback" touchscreens ("Touchscreens that touch you back") have been added to our broad lines of rugged keyboards, keypads, mouse pointers and switches. Combining tactile feedback touchscreens with rugged input devices provides one-stop shopping for your kiosk input needs.
Friday, 17 March 2006
WEST CHESTER, Pa.- MEI announces that its CASHFLOW SC Series note acceptor has been integrated into Air Tube Conveyors' new Intelli-Safe point-of-sale safe, which was recently launched in the UK market. Currently deployed in thousands of retail locations, petrol forecourts and fast food restaurants across Australia and New Zealand, Intelli-Safes secure cash in sites that have high volumes of cash transactions.
Intelli-Safes are designed to be used by cashiers at the point of sale immediately following cash transactions, and are usually placed under or behind the counter. After receiving banknotes from customers, cashiers feed them into the safe via the note acceptor, where they are validated and stored securely out of reach of employees and potential thieves. Intelli-Safes have been proven to reduce cash shrinkage by up to 50%.
Equipped with MEI cash acceptors, Intelli-Safes achieve a 98% first pass rate and store validated notes within 2.5 seconds. Each Intelli-Safe can hold up to 2400 notes, receiving them from up to ten cashiers at a time and running individual reconciliation functionality. Euro versions of the Intelli-Safe are also available.
"The principle of Intelli-Safes is simple: minimize the handling of cash, and you minimize shrinkage," said Graham Siddle, managing director at Air Tube Conveyors. "The safes remove the temptation of a till full of cash. These units need to be ultra reliable, which is why we opted for the industry's most reliable brand of note acceptor."
About MEI's Full Line of Cash Acceptors for Self-Serve Systems MEI (Mars Electronics International) offers the industry's most complete line of note and coin acceptors for the varying needs of retail self-serve applications. MEI SODECO(TM) BNA56 note acceptors are designed specifically for use in high-volume, high-value applications with dedicated cash-box collection and a revenue center. MEI CASHFLOW SC Series note acceptors are the world's most technically advanced cash acceptors for retail applications. MEI Series 2000 note acceptors provide a lower-end alternative for retail applications that do not require premium features or a lockable cash box. MEI Combo Acceptors are the industry's first units that accept cash, credit and debit. MEI CASHFLOW 9500 coin acceptors are ideal for kiosks and other unattended retail systems. MEI provides all the technical support that OEMs, professional software developers and systems integrators need to design, integrate, test and deploy their self-serve systems.
About MEI
MEI systems are relied upon for more than 1 billion transactions per week in 90 countries. The company developed the first electronic coin mechanism in the 1960s, followed by the first electronic non-contact note acceptor, and more recently its vending management system. Today MEI has the largest worldwide installed base of unattended payment mechanisms. In 2004, MEI reached a milestone of selling more than 3.5 million note acceptors, 4.5 million coin mechanisms and 1 million control boards worldwide. Its products are in widespread use in the vending, soft drink, gaming, amusement, transportation, retail, and kiosk markets. For more information on MEI and its products, visit www.meiglobal.com/kiosks or call 1-800-345-8215.
About Air Tube Conveyors
Air Tube Conveyers Ltd. is a leading, global manufacturer of pneumatic conveying systems, specialist retail paging systems, rising security screens and complementary software. Air Tube's systems meet the needs of customers that require secure conveying of cash, documentation, samples, products, or staff in potentially sensitive areas. For more information, visit www.airtubegroup.co.uk/about.html .
Contacts:
MEI
1301 Wilson Drive
West Chester, PA 19380-5963
www.meiglobal.com
800-345-8215
Friday, 17 March 2006
ROCHESTER, Feb. 17 -- Eastman Kodak Company today reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-quality, innovative products to help retailers succeed in today's changing marketplace.
According to the most recent Photo Marketing Association (PMA) reports, total digital camera images for 2005 are estimated at 17 billion, with 22 billion projected for 2006 and 26 billion for 2007. This creates a tremendous opportunity for the industry to help consumers capture, share, archive and print these images. And as Kodak continues to deliver innovative solutions for digital printing, retailers can profit from a plethora of opportunities.
Kodak's newest retail printing solution is the KODAK Digital Picture System 900 (DPS 900). This unique system gives retailers an affordable way to offer onsite printing of both digital and film media, thereby tapping into the rapidly expanding digital market, while also retaining important revenue from film customers as the market transitions. The DPS 900 builds on the proven technology in Kodak's award-winning Picture Kiosk family, the most widely used digital printing kiosk at retail today, with nearly 75,000 units installed worldwide.
Combining a 35 mm film scanner with Kodak's powerful Picture Kiosk G4 platform and award-winning KODAK 6850 and 8800 thermal photo printers, the KODAK DPS 900 provides a total photo solution for retailers of virtually any size. Compared with a digital mini-lab, the KODAK DPS 900 has a significantly lower total cost of ownership, including lower capital investment and labor costs. Additionally, it is much easier to operate and maintain, and offers modularity and flexibility to allow far more options for the retailer, including the ability to print from both digital and film files, and to create high margin products such as CDs and enlargements. As film volumes decline, the DPS 900 can easily convert to a total digital print solution.
Consumers also benefit from the outstanding image quality and durability of prints made with the DPS 900. Enabled with the innovative KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology, this system enhances each image to reveal more vibrant colors, richer detail and fewer dark shadows. Thanks to the quality of Kodak's high-speed thermal printers, prints are wipeable, waterproof, stain-resistant and last a lifetime under typical home display conditions. The DPS 900 will be available beginning in May in the US and Canada.
"The DPS 900 brings ease and speed for printing digital and film media at retail, without the huge investment of a mini lab," said Phil Faraci, President, Consumer Digital Imaging Group and Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "This new solution fills an important niche for retailers who want to tap into the rapidly expanding digital marketplace while retaining important revenue from film customers as the market continues to transition. This affordable full-service photo solution offers the benefits of increased volume and additional revenue for retailers while providing a high-quality printing solution for consumers."
Other Announcements
Exciting Additions to the KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Camera Line-up
Building upon the tremendous success of its award-winning line of KODAK EASYSHARE digital cameras, Kodak announces four new digital cameras offering a variety of features and benefits to meet the divergent needs of today's consumers. Leading the announcement is the EASYSHARE V603 model (6.1 MP, 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD), a compact camera that is the perfect combination of style, performance and simplicity that can slide into almost any pocket. For those who prefer to get closer to the action, the EASYSHARE Z612 zoom digital camera (6 MP, 12x optical zoom with image stabilization, 2.5-inch LCD) helps everyday picture takers get closer, better, more creative shots. For entry-level enthusiasts who want high-quality images, the affordable EASYSHARE C643 (6.1 MP, 3x optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD) and EASYSHARE C533 zoom digital cameras (5 MP, 3x optical zoom, 1.8-inch LCD) are great options.
Innovations for Professional Photographers, Labs, and Consumers
Kodak is also introducing innovative new traditional film and paper products for professionals and consumers. "Actions speak louder than words," said Mary Jane Hellyar, President of Film & Photofinishing Systems and Senior Vice President, Kodak. "The innovations we are introducing underscore our commitment to serving our customers with the best in films, papers and services."
Underscoring its commitment to the professional market, Kodak announced improvements across its industry-leading professional output product portfolio. Designed to increase efficiency for professionals and bolster quality for the end consumer, these improvements are the result of Kodak's continued investment in imaging technology research. New products include KODAK PROFESSIONAL Digital Print Production Software DP2 and DP1, KODAK ULTRA ENDURA Paper, KODAK EKTACOLOR Digital Developer Replenisher RT, KODAK EKTACOLOR SM Processing Unit P1, KODAK PROFESSIONAL Inkjet Photo Paper Rolls, KODAK PROSHOTS and Studio Suite software, Kodak's Pro Photographer Locator website and DIGITAL SHO, GEM and ROC photo software plug-ins.
Fulfilling the company's commitment to the millions of people around the world who still shoot and enjoy film, Kodak announced numerous improvements across its venerable film product portfolio. These performance enhancements and new benefits are designed to elevate the consumer and professional photography experience, helping people get the best possible results from their film photography experience.
Announcements include a new emulsion for 800-Speed Film, improved KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA 800 Film, increased post-processing antistatic protection for professional and consumer 35 mm capture films and simplified consumer film brands, graphics and packaging.
For more information about PMA 2006, go to www.kodak.com/go/pma.
About Eastman Kodak Company
Kodak is the world's foremost imaging innovator, providing leading products and services to the photographic, graphic communications and healthcare markets. With sales of $14.3 billion in 2005, 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, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; 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.
KODAK, Perfect Touch, EasyShare, KODAK Professional, ProShots, Ultra, Endura, Ektacolor, Digital SHO, Digital GEM, Digital ROC and Portra are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.
2006
Thursday, 16 March 2006
Dispensing cash is trickier than it looks. It requires resources, security and an effective strategy for stocking and maintaining the machines. These are all things that potential deployers should consider aside from the base cost of a cash dispenser.
We asked SSKA member ArcaTech Systems' Jim Ekeland, new business developer, to explain a few key concepts to consider when purchasing a bill dispenser:
What will it do?
The type of cash dispenser needed depends on the situation in which it will be used. For example, ArcaTech's dispensers can dispense as few as two notes per second or as many as seven, depending on the unit. In a small volume environment, speed isn't as crucial, but in a high-volume environment, like filling armored cars or retail store cash drawers, slow dispensers can cause a serious labor expense. It's also important to be aware of how the unit's speed is measured.
"Most people measure the speed of the path of the bill through the machine," Ekeland said. "What you should measure is the total transaction time. The time it takes to enter it in, the path speed and the time it takes to dispense the bills. And the path speed can be interrupted by a rejection: a bad note or a faulty note, or a double pick, when it inadvertently grabs two bills instead of one. That happens frequently in everyone's machines."
Where will it go?
A dispenser in an outdoor ATM or kiosk will need to be much more durable than an indoor dispenser. And while some dispensers are made for outdoor use, Ekeland said extreme temperatures and bad weather can put extra wear and tear on the dispenser.
"We put these machines in casinos and they run heavy, heavy cash (volume)," Ekeland said. "They out-pace banks three to one. The environment in a casino is usually so dirty and smoky and when the machines come in for servicing they get cleaned and the nicotine on the belts and gears and parts is just amazing."
How much money will it dispense?
Dispensers can hold as little as a few hundred notes in a single container, or thousands of bills in multiple cassettes. It's important to remember that maintenance visits, which can be especially costly for an off-site dispenser requiring armored car visits, can be lessened if the machine can hold more bills. Also, not only is the total amount of cash important, but so is the total amount of each currency, depending on the denominations needed.
"You really have to assess your business and how much cash you go through in the course of a day, or a week, or whatever, and you also have to take a note of what denominations you go through in relative volume," Ekeland said. "And that will point you need to know how many tens, how many twenties, how many fives do you need to store."
What are the software requirements?
Ekeland said software requirements depend on the dispenser's application. Typically, middleware will be implemented to tie the dispenser into the pre-existing system. Windows-based systems, for example, often use Win ACD software to control the dispenser. He said software implementation is usually a smooth process for a bill dispenser.
"We have not stumbled into big problems," Ekeland said. "It's minor problems, user error, temporary glitches that somebody overlooked or users pushing the wrong button at the wrong time. If they're brand new, mistakes happen. Sometimes they back up the system until somebody who knows what it's all about can walk them through it. Usually a telephone call can fix all the problems. It's usually in set-up where somebody has the wrong designation for the wrong bill in the wrong cassette."
How will it be maintained?
Ekeland encourages potential buyers to budget for the total cost of ownership over the life of the machine when buying a cash dispenser, rather than just the up-front costs. Issues like being able to change assigned cassette denominations in the field can amount to significant costs over the life of the machine.
"As a rule of thumb, we kind of use 10 percent per year of the purchase price for maintenance, and that's a real broad guideline," he said. "It could be much less, it could be much more. It depends on the volume."
Thursday, 16 March 2006
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 15, 2006--Rapid Response, a Web-based solution that enables reliable and efficient information sharing among emergency response agencies, received three distinguished awards this week at IBM PartnerWorld 2006 in Las Vegas. The IBM Group of Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions (ECS), a business group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) accepted these awards for Rapid Response, which included the IBM PartnerWorld Beacon Award, the IBM Public Sector "Top Star" Business Partner Award and CRN Best in Show.
This emergency management solution was developed by Arrow, IBM Software Group, NC-4 (formerly ETeam), Paaridian Technologies, Inc. and Advanced Interactive Systems, Inc. For the team's efforts in developing Rapid Response, Arrow and its partners are winners of this year's prestigious IBM PartnerWorld Beacon Awards in the On Demand Business Innovative Solutions category.
Arrow was also selected as an IBM Public Sector "Top Star" Business Partner for its involvement in developing Rapid Response. Arrow is one of only five IBM Public Sector Business Partners chosen for this honor. "Top Stars" were chosen by IBM based on innovation, strategic commitment to IBM, and strong adoption of IBM platforms and open architecture, among other criteria.
Additionally, Rapid Response was awarded CRN Best in Show at IBM PartnerWorld 2006 in the category of Innovation in Collaboration. Rapid Response was selected for this award for its ability to leverage IBM technology and services to bring together teams of workers and enable better business processes. This award also considered overall customer satisfaction.
"We knew Rapid Response met a critical need of public safety agencies across the country because of the clear benefits this solution provides emergency response personnel," said Eric Williams, executive vice president, IBM Group, Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions. "But we didn't realize our team's efforts to create this solution would be honored multiple times with these three prominent awards."
Rapid Response enables disparate emergency responders to streamline communication pertaining to emergency situations. This results in shortened response times, clarity about how the incident will be managed among various emergency response organizations, and the ability to leverage up-to-the-minute information to make better response decisions. More information about Rapid Response can be found at http://www.rapidresponse.net.
About Arrow ECS
Arrow ECS is the global business group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) that provides enterprise and midrange computing products, services and solutions to value-added resellers, system integrators, and independent software vendors (ISVs). Based in Englewood, Colo., Arrow ECS connects its customers to an exclusive network of the world's foremost technology suppliers, including HP, IBM, Sun Microsystems, EMC, NetApp, HDS, and other leading storage networking, software, and security suppliers. Arrow Electronics reported $2.7 billion in worldwide computer products sales in 2005. Visit us at www.arrowecs.com.
Contact:
Arrow
Ann Shiveley, 303-824-3762
www.arrowecs.com
Thursday, 16 March 2006
SEATTLE (March 16, 2006) - The Digital Signage Group, a digital signage consulting and project management company, today announced the winners of the second annual DIGI Awards, which honor outstanding performance in the digital signage industry.
The DIGI Awards are the only industry awards that recognize the outstanding resellers, dealers and integrators of digital signage. This year's sponsors included NEC, NEC Display Solutions, Sharp, Digital Signage Quarterly, and media sponsor aka.tv (www.aka.tv).
The 2006 DIGI Awards honored 10 winners in four categories: Excellence in Technology (three winners), Excellence in Creativity (three winners), Excellence in Innovation (three winners), and Judges' Choice (one winner). This year's DIGI Awards recipients are:
Excellence in Technology
Creative Realities, Inc. for RadioShack Corporation - an interactive in-store model home of the future utilizing radio frequency ID technology.
Multimedia LED for JP Morgan Chase - one of the world's largest LED displays in Times Square, curving 45 yards.
POPMedia for York Region Transit - a real-time news and information system on-board VIVA buses, equipped with WiFi.
Excellence in Creativity
Multimedia LED for Craig Realty Group - eight architecturally enhanced large format LED displays at the Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles.
smart point media AG for AVA AG - a network of screens in a German department store that track which information and screens a shopper is exposed to through tags within shopping carts to record shopping habits and ad effectiveness.
Stone Mountain Productions, Inc. for Enoshima Spa and Resort - a unique spiral LED tower designed to serve as a multimedia sculpture for advertising, promotions and entertainment.
Excellence in Innovation
GFX Dynamics for Nygard International, Ltd. - an installation using the GFX Dynamics SmartTableT, which uses RFID technology to trigger specific product information when products are lifted from the table.
ONESTOP Media Group for its ONESTOP Toronto Transit Commission Network- an underground subway media network that provides commuters with transit, public safety, news and info-tainment messaging.
Reactrix Systems, Inc. for Horizon Media Inc. - a temporary installation in New York City's Grand Central Terminal that created a "hall of illusions" to promote the launch of the Criss Angel: Mindfreak television series on the A&E Television Network
Judges' Choice
Macy's Florida in partnership with Digital Signage Services, LLC - designed, installed and maintains a network of rear projection screens used to promote brands and increase sales.
"Having received three times the number of entries this year as we did last year, we were extremely pleased with the number and quality of entries," said Scott Stanton, director, product and technical services, The Digital Signage Group. "This year's winners stood out to the judges as those that are not only completing excellent work, but are pushing the digital signage industry forward."
Each winner received $1,000 and a trophy recognizing their achievement, as well as a graphic suitable for use in promotional materials. All partners, including those involved in the software, content, fixture and hardware of the winning installations, received a certificate to recognize their contribution.
Judges for the 2006 DIGI Awards were: Joseph Finizio, Vice President, Member Services, POPAI, the Global Association for Marketing at-Retail; Darek Johnson, Senior Technology Editor of Signs of the Times; Ed Weil, Sourcebook Director-Content, Inc. magazine; Kurt Witzel, Sr. Manager, Retail Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.; David Keene, Executive Editor of Digital Signage Quarterly and DIGI Awards Chairman.
About The Digital Signage Group
The Digital Signage Group provides consulting and project management expertise and is a prime source for products and services addressing digital signage systems. The Digital Signage Group is part of The Powder Hill Group of companies, which includes BOXLIGHT Corp. The Powder Hill Group companies are based in Poulsbo, Wash., near Seattle. More information is available at www.thedigitalsignagegroup.com or by calling 866-591-1974.
Thursday, 16 March 2006
BEIJING — NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) today announced it has been awarded its first order from China's CITIC Bank, making NCR one of CITIC's leading suppliers of automated teller machines (ATMs). Established in 1987, China's CITIC Bank (CNCB) is one of the earliest commercial banks formed in the course of China's reform.
Under the terms of the contract, NCR will provide CITIC with maintenance services and NCR's latest self-service technology, including NCR Personas ATMs and its newest, multi-function Personas M Series ATMs with NCR's industry-leading, multi-vendor APTRATM Edge software. This offers CITIC a solid foundation for the addition of new services and for the future deployment of a single software application environment across its entire ATM channel.
CITIC currently owns more than 1,000 ATM units nationwide. With this purchase, the bank is looking to increase its operational efficiency, competitive edge and customer service levels. CITIC will also migrate high-volume, low-commercial-value customer transactions from its teller counters to the self-service channel and plans to add new service offerings on its ATMs in the future. The total solution offered by NCR, which includes hardware, software and supporting services, will help CITIC reduce the total operational cost of its ATM network, while enhancing its customer service and market competitiveness.
Jeff Lutz, vice president of Global Sales and Marketing for NCR's Financial Solutions Division, said, "We are pleased to help CITIC meet its retail banking development initiative, particularly in its goal to provide customers with 24-hour cash deposit and withdrawal services. Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with CITIC on its various self-service initiatives, including the potential for our unique High-Availability Services offer with its Self-Service Diagnostic Gateway (SSDG) analytics, which can further enhance the availability and the bank's ATM channel."
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leading global technology company helping businesses build stronger relationships with their customers. NCR's Teradata® data warehouses, ATMs, retail systems, self-service solutions and IT services provide Relationship Technology™ that maximizes the value of customer interactions and helps organizations create a stronger competitive position. Based in Dayton, Ohio, NCR (www.ncr.com) employs approximately 28,200 people worldwide.
Wednesday, 15 March 2006
CALGARY, Alberta — March 15, 2006 — SMART Technologies Inc. announces that Bridgit conferencing software 3.0 and Actalyst interactive digital signage have both been selected as finalists for the 2006 Innovations in Technology Product Awards, a program designed to recognize companies that demonstrate exceptional contributions to the electronic systems industry. The fourth annual event is presented by the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) and Sound and Video Contractor magazine. Bridgit conferencing software 3.0 is a finalist in the Business Productivity category, and Actalyst interactive digital signage is recognized in the Video/Display Technology category.
Finalists of the 2006 Innovations in Technology Product Awards will display and demonstrate their products at the 2006 NSCA Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be recognized at the NSCA Membership Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on March 16, 2006. Category winners will be announced at the President's Reception on Friday evening, March 17, at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel and acknowledged in Sound and Video Contractor magazine.
"The Innovations in Technology Product Awards identify how SMART's celebrated products meet high standards for quality, functionality and innovation," says Nancy Knowlton, president and co-CEO of SMART Technologies Inc. "Being named a finalist in two categories recognizes our commitment to excellence in innovation and product development."
About the Innovations in Technology Product Awards
For the fourth consecutive year, the Innovations in Technology Product Awards celebrate the primary drivers of the world's most innovative products. Three finalists in each category have been chosen by the NSCA nominations committee, which is made up of expert integrators, contractors, consultants and magazine editors.
NSCA Expo contractor, integrator and consultant attendees will vote to determine the category winners. The 2006 Innovations in Technology Product Awards include the following seven categories: Audio, Business Productivity, Control Systems, Convergence, Security/Fire/Life Safety, Video/Display Technology and Website.
About Bridgit conferencing software
Bridgit conferencing software helps users connect quickly and easily to share real-time data without making reservations, installing software or uploading presentation materials in advance. Bridgit software can be purchased and installed on an organization's server or subscribed to on a monthly basis for use on servers hosted by SMART. Once installed, any number of users with an Internet connection can download the free client software to seamlessly join a conference, simply by selecting from a list of active sessions. Participants can share desktop and webcam images, take over applications on a participating user's computer or write notes in digital ink for everyone to see. When used on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, notes can be saved in Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint applications, or directly to SMART Board software. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com/bridgit.
About Actalyst interactive digital signage
Actalyst interactive digital signage attaches easily and securely to virtually any large plasma or LCD panel and transforms it into an interactive display, retaining its original brightness and clarity. Users can simply touch the display surface to access and control any multimedia content, computer application, website, CD-ROM or DVD. Actalyst interactive digital signage is ideal for interactive information stations in retail stores, office buildings, real-estate developments, museums, hotels and shopping malls. Actalyst interactive digital signage includes proprietary technology developed by SMART that is protected by several issued patents. SMART offers interactive digital signage for 15 popular brands of flat-panel displays, in sizes ranging from 37" (94 cm) to 65" (165 cm). For more information, visit www.smarttech.com/actalyst.
For more information, contact
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
1207 — 11 Avenue SW, Suite 300
Calgary, AB T3C 0M5
CANADA
403.802.2595
Wednesday, 15 March 2006
Nashua, N.H., March 15, 2006 - Nashua Corporation (NASDAQ: NSHA) announced today that Thomas G. Brooker will succeed Andrew B. Albert as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and President, effective May 4, 2006. Mr. Albert will continue in his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Brooker will be nominated for election and Mr. Albert will be nominated for re-election to serve on Nashua Board of Directors at the Company's Annual Meeting to be held in Nashua, New Hampshire, on May 1, 2006.
Prior to his selection as Nashua's next CEO and President, Mr. Brooker, 47, served as the Group President of Forms, Labels and Office Products for Moore Wallace, a company he joined as a sales representative in 1981. Throughout his career at Moore Wallace, he held a number of positions, including Vice President of the Office Products Group and Executive Vice President of Sales. Moore Wallace is a subsidiary of R.R. Donnelley & Sons (NYSE: RRD).
Commenting on Mr. Brooker's appointment, Mr. Albert said, "We are excited that Tom will be joining Nashua in May. He brings 25 years of solid industry experience to the label, converting and coating businesses of Nashua, and his expertise and leadership skills are well suited to the strengths of our management team and the Company overall. I am confident he will build on Nashua's momentum and ensure that the Company continues to move in the right direction. I look forward to working with Tom in the upcoming months to ensure a smooth transition."
Mr. Albert continued, "While my role is changing, as Chairman I will remain focused on the Company's continued growth — as a business and as an investment. I am proud of Nashua's accomplishments over the past five years. In essence, the Nashua team turned around a struggling enterprise to create a company poised for strong performance in terms of operations and service, financials and shareholder returns. The Company is well positioned for future growth, and I am certain that Tom is the right person to lead Nashua and capture the opportunities that are available to us."
Mr. Brooker said, "I am extremely pleased to be joining a first-rate company like Nashua. I am eager to work with Andy and his management team to take the company to the next level and further enhance its value for shareholders, customers and employees alike. It will be exciting to work with managers and employees whose talent, dedication and knowledge of the business are evident throughout the Company's operations. I am honored to become a part of the Nashua team."
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.
Contact:
Andy Albert/John Patenaude
Nashua Corporation
847-318-1710/603-880-2145
Rich Coyle
Citigate Sard Verbinnen
212-687-8080
Wednesday, 15 March 2006
MACAU (March 15, 2006) — Responding quickly to the growing needs of its customers in the region, JCM Gold (H.K.) Ltd. has opened a new sales office in Macau. The office will offer direct local sales and support, including product training, trouble shooting and maintenance.
Pictured in photo (left to right):
Akioshi Isoi, Masakazu Sakamoto, Yojiro Kamihigashi, Koji Tsubakihara, Norihito Nakatani
The office will sell and service the entire line of JCM products, including the World Bill Acceptor (WBA), Universal Bill Acceptor (UBA), Trident Table Safe System and Intelligent Cash Box (ICB). The office will also offer TransAct printers, including the Epic 950, which is available on virtually every modern game platform.
JCM Gold (HK) Chairman Yojiro Kamihigashi said, "This is an incredibly exciting time in the gaming industry, and we are thrilled to open an office in Macau, where we can provide local, easy access to JCM staff and products. Globally, we are ready to commit all necessary resources to further strengthen our customer-centric business philosophy."
JCM Macau is located at Unit N, 6/F, Dynasty Plaza 393-437 Alameda Dr. Carlos D'Assumpcao, Macau, and is headed by Masakazu Sakamoto.
About the Alliance Companies
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. TransAct (Nasdaq: TACT) designs, develops, manufactures and markets transaction-based printers under the Ithaca and Epic names. In addition, the company markets related peripherals spare parts and service.
Wednesday, 15 March 2006
ATLANTA, March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- S1 Corporation (Nasdaq: SONE), a leading global provider of customer-interaction software for financial services, announced today that M&T Bank, the principal subsidiary of M&T Bank Corporation, a $55 billion asset holding company with 645 banking offices, and TCF, a $13.4 billion asset holding company with 453 banking offices, are both achieving measurable business value from successfully deployed S1 Teller solutions. TCF also deployed S1 Sales & Service Platform in conjunction with the Teller roll-out.
M&T Bank has deployed S1 Teller as the bank's mTell solution at more than half of its 645 branches. The Bank began the deployment in September 2005 and continues to rapidly deploy the branch automation solution at a rate of about 18-34 branches per week with a target of completion for mid-summer 2006. Prior to beginning the implementation process, M&T Bank outlined a number of customer service and operational objectives it expected to achieve following deployment. According to Mike Shryne, senior vice president retail operations for M&T Bank, the project has already met and surpassed a number of objectives, including a reduction in training time on the teller system operations from three days to approximately one half day. The bank also anticipates a significant lift in commercial income fees over and above its business case in deployed branches - early results are showing as much as 33 percent.
"One of the biggest benefits of the new mTell solution is its integration with back-office item processing systems that automates the power-encoding of checks. We no longer have to manually encode every check via the proof process, as this process is now fully automated. This capability alone will save M&T Bank over $1 million in expenses annually," commented Shryne.
The new mTell solution provides tellers with a number of automated features that enable fast, accurate information and immediate completion of the customer's transactions. mTell also talks to all of the Bank's back- office systems and gives tellers a view across all interactions and improves accuracy with the assurance that all transactions will be done right the first time. The Bank's deployed branches are seeing the error rates plummet and expect mTell to reduce its mis-posted transactions by 68 percent. The Bank also added another level of protection to accounts by setting the system up to do automated searches against other applications for fraud to give customers a higher level of security against fraudulent activity.
TCF, an S1 customer since 1993, also recently deployed the S1 Teller and S1 Sales and Service Platform solutions as an upgrade to the bank's branch technology infrastructure. All of TCF's 453 branches throughout the Midwest are operating with the new branch automation solutions in place. The Bank's main goal was to bring its current technology up to speed by implementing a Windows-based solution that would not only replicate the service they offered already, but also enable the Bank's tellers and customer service representatives to focus more on interacting with the customers and less on operating a system.
"This was TCF's largest IT project undertaken to date, and the S1 Teller and Sales and Service solutions were implemented without flaw," said Tim Doyle, senior vice president retail functional management for TCF. "We had a very aggressive deployment schedule, with an average of 28 branches being brought up on the new system per week, and throughout the entire deployment we heard only positive comments from our branches and bankers on the simplicity and intuitiveness of the solutions."
The Bank's branch operations team received very positive feedback from across its branch network on how simple the solutions are to use and how much faster it is to train employees with more streamlined and intuitive systems. As part of the deployment and training of the solutions, TCF also developed a special newsletter to highlight and emphasize the features/functions of the system that make it easier for bankers to complete job functions.
The newsletter included the following highlights:
- Account Services: The system provides for a guided account opening process that includes pre-determined list of values from drop down menus, making it easier to open customer's accounts and comply with Bank Secrecy Act Customer Identification Program requirements. A more intuitive system helps to focus more attention on the customer's new account needs.
- Transaction Code Descriptions: A list of transactions and associated descriptions makes it much easier than remembering transaction codes.
- Error Correct: Correcting transactions from the Electronic Journal is much easier.
- Account Opening Process: TCF can open multiple accounts with one session and the system will automatically pre-populate the customer's information to make the subsequent account fulfillment process much more streamlined.
- Balancing: The streamlined balancing allows minimal input and any "overs" or "shorts" are automatically posted, the system knows which general ledger to run.
"S1 continues to be an exceptional partner," said Gregg Goudy, executive vice president information technology for TCF. "We look forward to continuing to work with S1 on multiple projects over the next few years."
About M&T Bank
M&T Bank is the principal subsidiary of Buffalo-based M&T Bank Corporation, which has offices in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia. Additional information is available at www.mandtbank.com.
About TCF
TCF is a Wayzata, Minnesota-based national financial holding company with $13.4 billion in assets. TCF has 453 banking offices in Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Colorado and Indiana. Other TCF affiliates provide leasing and equipment finance, brokerage, and investments and insurance sales. www.tcfexpress.com.
About S1
S1 Corporation (Nasdaq: SONE) is a leading global provider of customer interaction solutions for financial and payment services. Comprised of applications that address virtually every market segment and delivery channel, S1 solutions help integrate and optimize an institution's entire front office, resulting in increased operational efficiencies, revenue opportunities and overall customer satisfaction. S1 is the only provider with the proven experience, breadth of products and financial strength to empower financial services companies' enterprise strategies. Additional information about S1 is available at www.s1.com.
Wednesday, 15 March 2006
ARMONK, NY - 14 Mar 2006: Nearly 60 percent of U.S. businesses believe that cybercrime is more costly to them than physical crime, reports a recent IBM survey of companies in the healthcare, financial, retail and manufacturing industries. The costs resulting from cybercrime, these businesses report, are primarily from lost revenue, loss of current and prospective customers and loss of employee productivity.
Surveying 600 CIOs or other individuals qualified to answer questions about their company's IT practices, the IBM survey reveals that 84 percent of IT executives of U.S. businesses believe that organized criminal groups possessing technical sophistication are replacing lone hackers in the world of cybercrime. The threat from unprotected systems in developing countries is a growing challenge, according to almost three-quarters of respondents. And, alarmingly, almost three-quarters (74%) perceive that threats to corporate security are now coming from inside the organization.
These views come as a majority of respondents (61%) believe it is the joint responsibility of both the Federal and local law enforcement agencies to help combat organized cybercrime. These responses by businesses are in stark contrast to consumer beliefs. A recent IBM survey of consumers showed that 53 percent of Americans hold themselves most responsible for protecting themselves from cybercrime, while 11 percent felt it was the job of federal law enforcement agencies, and only four percent hold local law enforcement agencies responsible.
"U.S. IT executives are making it very clear how seriously they take cybercrime threat, both from internal and external sources," said Stuart McIrvine, director of IBM's security strategy. "Paralleling their growing awareness of the impact of cybercrime on their business is the view that this is not a battle they can fight wholly on their own. The nature of crime is changing, and businesses, technology providers and law enforcement must work together to ensure the right safeguards are being put in place to securely operate in today's environment."
Taking Action
In light of the growing threat of cybercrime, many companies have increased their security measures to guard against cybercrime. According to the IBM survey, 83 percent of U.S. organizations believe they have safeguarded themselves against organized cybercrime, and they are responding to the increased/changing threat of cybercrime in a number of ways:
- Upgrading virus software (73%);
- Upgrading their firewall (69%);
- Implementing intrusion detection/prevention technologies (66%); and
- Implementing vulnerability/patch management system on network (53%)
When asked which two initiatives were the most important to undertake over the course of the next year, IT business executives in the U.S. indicated upgrading their virus software (39%) and upgrading their firewall (32%) were of highest priority.
How the Industries Differ
IT executives in the Finance industry tend to be more concerned than their counterparts in other industries about the threat of cybercrime versus physical crime (50% cite it as a bigger threat versus 38% of the total surveyed). Respondents in Finance also perceive a greater cost impact from cybercrime than IT executives in other industries (71% versus 57%). The Healthcare and Manufacturing industries also find cybercrime to be more costly to their organization than physical crime, while the Retail industry still sees physical crime as having the greatest cost impact.
Retail respondents cite loss of revenue as having the greatest cost impact associated with cybercrime. Healthcare and Finance executives believe loss of prospective customers has a greater impact than do their counterparts in Retail and Manufacturing. Manufacturing respondents view damage to brand/reputation as far more of a concern (52%) than in the Healthcare (40%), Financial (35%), and Retail (32%) segments.
Global Comparison
IBM conducted the same survey in 16 additional countries to better gauge the attitudes regarding cybercrimes and their impact on international businesses. Both cybercrime and physical crime are viewed as considerable threats to U.S. and international organizations. And, when it comes to cost impact, both groups agree that cybercrime (57% of U.S. and 58% of international businesses) is more costly to their organizations than physical crime (43% and 42%, respectively).
However, while 83 percent of U.S. businesses boast that they have adequate safeguards in place to combat organized cybercrime, their international counterparts are not so confident, with just over half (53%) indicating they are prepared.
In combating cybercrime, there are some slight differences between U.S. and international IT business executives regarding their priority initiatives. The top two initiatives for U.S. businesses are upgrading their virus software (39% versus 24% of international businesses) and upgrading their firewall (32%). For international businesses, implementing intrusion detection/prevention technologies (33% versus 20% of U.S. businesses) and upgrading their firewall (27%) were the highest priorities. Just seven percent of U.S. businesses thought increasing the encryption of their files was a high priority while almost one-fifth (18%) of the international community thought this to be a higher priority.
The U.S. and international business community share the same concerns when it comes to the key costs associated with cybercrime. Both groups indicated that loss of revenue (63% U.S. versus 74% international) and loss of current customers (56% U.S. versus 70% international) would have the highest cost impact should their organization fall victim to a cybercrime. Damage to their brand/reputation is of much higher concern to international businesses than those in the U.S. Over two-thirds (69%) of international businesses cited this to be a key cost associated with cyber-crime, compared to only 40 percent of U.S. businesses. Conversely, legal fees are considered to be a key cost in the U.S. (33%) while of less concern internationally (19%). U.S. businesses are equally concerned about the loss of their current and prospective customers (56% for each) compared to the international community which is more concerned with losing current customers (70%) and less concerned about losing prospective customers (33%).
Methodology: Braun Research, Inc. conducted the survey on behalf of IBM. A total of 601 telephone interviews were conducted with U.S. businesses in the healthcare, financial, retail and manufacturing industry sectors during the period of December 2005 to January 2006, and 2,401 international businesses in sixteen countries (China, UK, India, Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, Japan, and Canada) during January 2006. Eligible respondents were at the CIO level, a VP or higher reporting directly into a CIO, or other individuals who were well-versed and qualified to answer questions about their company's IT practices. The survey was fielded at the 95 percent confidence level with a margin of error of +/-2 percent for the global results and +/-8% for the U.S. results.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key IBM Business Partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable customers, large and small, to take full advantage of the new era of on demand business. For more information about IBM, visit http://www.ibm.com.
Contact information
Adam Emery
IBM Media Relations
(914) 766-4696
Wednesday, 15 March 2006
PALO ALTO, Calif., Mar 15, 2006 - HP is celebrating more than a decade of providing unmatched variety, quality and value in computing technology with the introduction of new AMD processor-based products for business customers.
HP introduced its first AMD processor-based thin client as well as enhanced industry-standard x86 server offerings, which extend the company's portfolio to more than 30 products based on AMD processors.
"Our success is dependent on the speed of transactions," said Sean Gilman, chief technology officer at Currenex, which offers corporate and institutional buyers and sellers reliable, low-cost and secure electronic access to the more than $1 trillion a day global foreign exchange market. "HP and AMD bring a dynamic processing power that our clients now rely on. Since we made the move to HP servers, several customers have stated they choose Currenex because we executed trades much more quickly than the competition."
HP expands AMD-based portfolio with new business products
The HP t5720 thin client, featuring the AMD Geode NX 1500 processor, is the optimum choice for business customers who need a powerful, secure and reliable computing experience.
HP also is expanding the industry's largest portfolio of AMD Opteron processor-based servers with the addition of Dual-Core AMD Opteron processor Models 185, 285 and 885 to the HP ProLiant DL145, DL385, DL585 density-optimized servers and HP ProLiant BL25p, BL35p and BL45p server blades. The servers, which can help customers maximize the value of their business-critical databases and reduce power consumption, are expected be available worldwide on March 20.
"HP is dedicated to providing the overall best experience for customers, so we strive to make it easy for them to improve their work and play through easy-to-buy, easy-to-use technology," said Satjiv Chahil, vice president of marketing, Personal Systems Group, HP. "HP offers the industry's broadest portfolio of trusted, proven AMD processor-based computing technology, and today's new product introductions further our commitment to providing customers the widest choice in technology to meet all of their needs, whether they're focused on performance or their pocketbook."
In 1996, HP and AMD began their collaboration with the introduction of the HP Pavilion 6330, the first AMD processor-based consumer PC from a major manufacturer. The computer featured an AMD K6-2 microprocessor for an industry-low price of $949.(1)
The turn of the millennium brought a multitude of AMD processor-based industry firsts from HP, starting with the first business desktop featuring AMD Athlon XP processors in 2002.(2)
"Working together, HP and AMD have successfully garnered greater market penetration and global acceptance for AMD64 technology-based HP systems," said Henri Richard, executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer, AMD. "Our close relationship has evolved to today's expansive consumer and commercial product lineup, driving a balanced computing market that ultimately benefits the end customer in both technology innovation and performance-per-watt competitiveness."
The addition of AMD processors to the HP ProLiant server line in 2004 reinforced the company's position as the No. 1 vendor of industry-standard x86 servers worldwide, and HP quickly became the leading provider of AMD Opteron processor-based server systems.(3) As the world's No. 1 consumer PC company, HP later that year introduced the first Media Center PC featuring the AMD Athlon 64.
More groundbreaking introductions followed in 2005 with the launch of HP ProLiant server blades featuring AMD Opteron processors with Direct Connect Architecture, as well as the first AMD Athlon 64 processor-based PC blade for its Consolidated Client Infrastructure solution. The company also introduced the first globally available HP Compaq business notebook incorporating AMD Turion 64 mobile technology with advanced security features.
More information and additional joint HP and AMD milestones are available in an online press kit at www.hp.com/go/HPAMD10years.
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 Jan. 31, 2006, HP revenue totaled $87.9 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.
(1) HP and AMD had a previous relationship based on printing technology, dating to 1991.
(2) Both HP and Compaq offered an AMD-based business PC in 1995, but only as a limited market test.
(3) Source: IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Server Tracker, November 2005.
AMD, AMD Athlon, AMD Opteron, AMD Turion, AMD Geode and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Wednesday, 15 March 2006
Heisei announces new lines of Wireless Pentium IV based Touch POS products incorporating LCD screens in compact mechanical design in Q2 2006.
The terminal has been designed to serve as a POS, Kiosk interactive training device with the built-in 6 USB 2.0, The built in Power USB port DC12V suitable for External CD/DVD/Combo, 3.5" HD-External Box, LCD monitor and Scanner. And also come with DC 24V suitable for Thermal Printer, Laser Printer, Office-machine and Projector to accommodates a wide range of peripherals at once without a separate power adapter .
The optional hybrid card reader (MSR 3-track + IC card + iButton) can handle both synchronous and asynchronous (T=0, T=1) types of card. This device can read single, dual, or triple track data for the magnetic card and can decode magnetic cards swiped bi-directionally. Interface is provided for USB connection. The device application can be updated to handle new card formats or user protocol changes after installation. With a versatile mechanical design. This hybrid card reader may be quickly installed or replaced without opening the cabinet.
The build in Multi Card Reader/ Writer that supports SD/MMC/CF/SM/MS/MMC memory cards. The device supports high-speed data transfer rate and four media slots can be used at the same time for data exchange. It's easy to use and easy to input the data.
Select now the new model Q-POS 815 series of reliable, fast and flexible solutions
You can find additional information about the Q-POS 815 by emailing your request, with contact information, to
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
Glendale, Calif.--March 13, 2006--FutureLogic, Inc., the leading manufacturer of thermal ticket printers for cashless gaming, announced today that IGT, a subsidiary of International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT), has tested and approved FutureLogic's GEN2 Universal gaming printer for use in its existing and new gaming platforms.
Designed to provide the ease of integration required for the next generation of electronic games, the FutureLogic USB-compatible TITO printers will be launched this spring with IGT's new Trimline AVP games at Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas .
The GEN2 Universal printers anticipate new GSA standards for downloadable games and are compatible with existing platforms as well as the next generation of USB games. The printers include three game ports (RS232, NetPlex, and USB 2.0 Full Speed) and a dedicated promotional printing port to enable the latest trend in casino marketing - promotional couponing.
FutureLogic developed and launched its first TITO printer in collaboration with IGT designers for the introduction of EZ Pay in 1999, and proudly maintains its status as default printer supplier for IGT worldwide. As a platinum member of the Gaming Standards Association (GSA), FutureLogic actively participates in the development of USB communication standards and reference designs. The company also works closely with casinos and global game manufacturers to improve efficiencies and enhance player satisfaction.
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, electronic voting, 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 is available at www.futurelogic-inc.com.
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
PALO ALTO, Calif., March 14, 2006 - HP today announced that the nonprofit organization World Vision U.S. has named the company as its preferred technology provider to accelerate international relief efforts.
HP will deliver and deploy technology and services supporting the Christian organization's relief, development and advocacy work for the estimated 100 million children and adults World Vision serves in nearly 100 countries worldwide.
World Vision has standardized on HP technology and services to quickly respond to changing business needs and more efficiently manage donations during peak transaction times. Following several recent natural disasters, there has been an estimated 50-fold increase in contributions to the nonprofit group. After the 2004 Asian tsunami, HP technology enabled World Vision to expand capacity and process information and transactions involving 70,000 new donors.
"We selected HP as our preferred technology provider based on its vision, expertise, flexibility and understanding of our needs as a nonprofit organization," said Will Randolph, chief information officer, World Vision. "With its broad portfolio of technology and services, HP provides us with an offering that will allow for growth of our program while addressing day-to-day IT budget and resource constraints."
HP has been working with World Vision to streamline its business processes with an IT consolidation project. This included replacing multiple servers with an HP 9000 Superdome system to power the organization's Donor Vision database. This worldwide database tracks the names of participating children, families and sponsors, as well as contributions and distributions.
To ensure consistent and dependable management and reliability of this massive amount of data, World Vision also deployed HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Arrays (EVAs) and industry-standard HP ProLiant server blades running Linux. The technology will pool shared resources to support various workloads and ensure business continuity and availability as well as reliable data replication throughout the organization. Additionally, HP Services is providing technology support for an Oracle database running HP technology.
"HP's highly flexible, simplified and cost-effective solutions and services enable customers such as World Vision to identify critical business needs and quickly apply IT expertise to manage change," said Deborah L. Nelson, vice president, Worldwide Marketing and Alliances, HP. "That is what our Adaptive Enterprise strategy is all about, providing technology solutions that help make it easier for customers like World Vision to align their IT resources with their primary missions."
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 Jan. 31, 2006, HP revenue totaled $87.9 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
HILLSBORO, Ore., March 14, 2006 — Intel Corporation is outfitting server, storage and telecommunications equipment makers with a new ingredient for squeezing more performance out of space— and power—constrained environments. It is the first low—voltage Intel Xeon processor to combine dual—core technology with Intel's innovative power management capabilities, helping to boost energy—efficient price/performance with up to two to four times the performance—per—watt of previous Intel Xeon processors and platforms.**
The historical need for raw computing performance has evolved into a drive for energy—efficient performance to meet people's expanding demands — whether for smaller devices, lower cooling bills or better price/performance per watt. Energy—efficient performance enables equipment manufacturers to optimally balance processing capabilities with power and space constraints to help meet those demands. Intel is driving innovations in multi—core computing architectures through a combination of silicon, architecture, platform and software innovations to enable new levels of performance, capabilities and energy efficiency.
With total dissipated power (TDP) of 31 watts, the new low—voltage Dual—Core Intel Xeon processor is ideal for deployments requiring high compute density and power optimization, including single—height (1U) chassis and blade servers, SAN and NAS solutions, and network infrastructure equipment. The new processor excels at handling demanding multi—threaded, multi—tasking applications such as high—performance computing and financial services.
"The low—voltage Dual—Core Intel Xeon processor's combined enhancements in performance and energy efficiency, along with the efficient power and cooling design of IBM's industry—leading BladeCenter*, deliver a leadership integer performance—per—watt solution," said Doug Balog, vice president and business line executive, IBM BladeCenter. "The new IBM BladeCenter Ultra Low Power HS20 blade* is a solid example of the innovation being brought to market through Intel and IBM's blade collaboration."
To accelerate time to market for telecommunications equipment makers and original equipment manufacturers, Intel also plans to introduce the AdvancedTCA—compliant Intel NetStructure MPCBL0040 Single Board Computer (SBC). This new, high—density—compute SBC features two of the new low—voltage Intel Xeon processors, which equates to four high—performance cores per SBC. With the performance boost of the new dual—core processor, the MPCBL0040 is expected to service far more transactions and subscribers per system than previous generation products***, which can help significantly reduce the cost per subscriber and/or transaction and total cost of ownership. This powerful processing capability, offered in the AdvancedTCA standard, is ideal for applications where transaction and subscriber load can increase dramatically in a very short time, such as IP Multimedia Services (IMS), Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), and Wireless Control Plane applications.
"HP is helping operators and equipment providers take advantage of the trends that are reshaping the industry, such as the evolution toward open, modular networks; blended, content—rich services; and easy—to—use personal devices," said Ananda Subbiah, vice president, worldwide solutions, Network and Service Provider Business, HP. "The performance and innovation of Intel AdvancedTCA building blocks, combined with the comprehensive services and support of the HP Advanced Open Telecom Platform, are enabling customers to evolve their networks in the most strategic, cost—effective way."
Intel is also planning to offer a blade server solution powered by up to two of the new Dual—Core Intel Xeon processors LV for ultra—dense, low—power environments where density is limited by power and cooling capabilities. The Intel® Server Compute Blade SBXD62 will enable server OEMs and resellers to offer their small— and medium—sized business customers a blade server platform to help reduce operational costs and extend IT resources through improved price/performance/watt, operational efficiencies, deployment flexibility and simplified management.
The Dual—Core Intel Xeon processor LV 2.0 GHz and 1.66 GHz are available from Intel now for $423 and $209 per unit, respectively, in 1,000—unit quantities. The Intel NetStructure MPCBL0040 Single Board Computer is expected to be available in the second quarter with an initial price from Intel of $4,495 per unit. The Intel® Server Compute Blade SBXD62 is expected to ship in April with an initial price from Intel of $945 per unit (price does not include processor, heat sink, memory or hard drive).**** For more information about low—voltage Dual—Core Intel Xeon processors and platforms, please visit www.intel.com/design/intarch/xeonlv2sbc.
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Xeon and Intel NetStructure are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
** Results are based on Intel pre-production products measured against certain previous-generation single core Intel Xeon processors and Intel Xeon processor-based platforms. Actual results will vary based on system type and configuration. Performance tests and ratings are measured using specific computer systems and/or components and reflect the approximate performance of Intel products as measured by those tests. Any difference in system hardware or software design or configuration may affect actual performance. For performance benchmarking details and system configurations, visit http://www.intel.com/design/intarch/prodbref/311375.htm and http://www.intel.com/products/processor/xeon/xeon_lv_prodbrief.htm.
*** As compared with the Intel NetStructure MPCBL0001 Single Board Computer.
**** Prices stated are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice. Such prices are not and should not be construed as a quote or an offer by Intel to sell any products at these prices.
Tuesday, 14 March 2006
Raleigh, NC, March 14, 2006— Microspace Communications Corporation (Microspace), the leading provider of point-to-multipoint satellite services, today announced that it has signed a non-exclusive, non-binding letter of intent to partner with Paramount Pictures for satellite delivery of digital cinema. Since 2004, Microspace has delivered several films from Paramount's Dreamworks SKG via its VELOCITY service to select digitally-equipped theatres in North America, including Shrek 2, Collateral and Shark Tale.
The program, which includes installation of a VELOCITY system at no cost to the participating theaters, decisively demonstrates the business advantages of satellite distribution, including cost-effectiveness, reliability, security, and work flow, according to Microspace VP and General Manager Joe Amor.
" Over the past three years, we have worked with most of the major movie studios in the development of digital cinema delivery," said Amor. "This new agreement with Paramount affirms our core strategy and strongly bolsters our current plans to extend our existing digital cinema pilot program in 2006. "
" VELOCITY has consistently proven its reliability and will be a cost-effective solution for mass-market distribution of digital cinema and related in-theatre content,"� said Mark Christiansen, executive vice president, operations, for Paramount Pictures. "As the number of digital screens and theatres increases, our partnership with Microspace will be critical to expanding our distribution channels for digital entertainment. "
VELOCITY, Microspace's high-speed video, data and audio broadcasting service, provides an optimum solution for businesses requiring economical and reliable content delivery from one to multiple locations. Compared to terrestrial or traditional shipping solutions, VELOCITY is quicker and easier to implement and offers significant cost savings. The service is available as either a dedicated solution or on-demand service, enabling customers to easily and affordably expand bandwidth as their content delivery needs change.
About Microspace
Microspace Communications Corporation (Microspace) is the leading provider of satellite services for video, data and audio content distribution and operates the largest global business satellite broadcasting network, with over 340,000 remote links worldwide. A variety of both businesses and government organizations rely upon Microspace's VELOCITY® for high-quality, cost-effective and secure content distribution at savings of up to 98% over terrestrial services. VELOCITY supports customers such as Morgan Stanley, LodgeNet, John Deere, Muzak and the Christian Radio Consortium via a wide range of IP broadband applications such as business TV, distance learning, digital signage and digital cinema, among many others. The service is available as either a dedicated solution or as an on-demand service, enabling customers to easily and affordably expand their bandwidth as their needs change. Founded in 1988 with headquarters in the U.S and a presence in Europe and Latin America, Microspace is a subsidiary of Capitol Broadcasting Company. For more information, visit www.microspace.com.
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAL Digital, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WCMC-FM, Microspace, the North Carolina News Network, CBC New Media Group and Wolfpack Sports Marketing in Raleigh, NC; WJZY-TV and WWWB-TV in Charlotte, NC; WILM-TV in Wilmington, NC; WRAZ-TV and The Durham Bulls in Durham, NC; the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball Club in Myrtle Beach, SC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Project and Diamond View office building in Durham, NC.
Monday, 13 March 2006
STUTTGART, Germany and WASHINGTON, D.C., Mar. 13 -- Eastman Kodak Company has again been recognized for its product design prowess, marking 10 awards for product design, leadership and innovation since the start of 2006.
CHIP, the German personal computing and information technology magazine, has recognized the KODAK EASYSHARE V570 dual-lens digital camera for innovation, style, and performance. The magazine announced its "CHIP Award for Innovations in Digital Photography" last week at the international CeBIT trade fair in Hannover, Germany.
In Washington, D.C., the new KODAK Scan Station 100 captured the Government Computer News Best of FOSE Award in its debut at the Federal Office Supplies Expo (FOSE). GCN is a leading source of information for the government technology community published by PostNewsweek Tech Media, which is the organizer of the exposition and a wholly-owned media subsidiary of The Washington Post Company.
"We've made product innovation a primary driver of our design initiatives at Kodak," said Paul W. Porter, Director of Corporate Design & Usability at Kodak. "In each of these awards, the judges have cited Kodak's ability to design innovative technology that truly differentiates our products from others in the marketplace."
The CHIP recognition was part of the "CeBIT Highlights" awards for the best and most innovative new products at the trade fair. The editors of the magazine chose winners in five categories, and recognized the KODAK V570 camera as the top innovative product in digital photography. Other category winners included Intel, T-Mobile, Texas Instruments, and Microsoft.
CHIP's panel of judges lauded the KODAK V570's unique dual-lens technology as a "simply ingenious" solution to the needs of picture-takers who prefer both wide-angle and zoom capability in a single camera. Using proprietary KODAK RETINA Dual Lens technology, the KODAK V570 camera packs an ultra-wide angle lens (23 mm equivalent) and an optical zoom lens (39-117 mm) into a stylish sleek black camera body. The camera includes two five-megapixel image sensors — one for each lens.
"We're thrilled that the EASYSHARE V570 captured the imagination of CHIP's judges at CeBIT," said Mary Hadley, general manager of digital cameras for Kodak's Consumer Digital Imaging Group. "This recognition is a reflection on the innovative design and technology thinking that our team applied to bring this breakthrough camera to market."
Other awards earned by Kodak so far this year include:
- The KODAK EasyShare V570 and EasyShare Photo Printer 500 earned top honors at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES);
- At PMA, the photo-retailing trade show, Kodak earned the Digital Imaging Marketing Association's (DIMA) award for the KODAK Picture Center G4 digital printing kiosk;
- The red dot Design award for three EASYSHARE cameras, the P850 and EASYSHARE ONE, as well as the EASYSHARE V570;
- The iF Product Design award for the KODAK DIRECTVIEW DR 7500 System, along with the EASYSHARE P850 and P880 digital cameras; and
- The NAPL Industry Award for Graphic Communications Leadership.
For more information on the EASYSHARE V570 digital camera, please visit www.kodak.com/go/easyshare.
FOSE Best of Show
The KODAK Scan Station 100 was introduced March 6 at FOSE, a technology tradeshow that serves the government marketplace. The FOSE awards program recognizes the most innovative and well-designed new products used in government IT. Award winners were chosen by a panel of editors from Government Computer News (GCN).
The desktop Scan Station 100 quickly and easily turns paper documents into digital files that can be simultaneously stored on the network and shared with colleagues across the hall, across the country and around the world.
"GCN editors reviewed hundreds of new and innovative products," said Tom Temin, Executive Vice President, Editorial, PostNewsweek Tech Media. "The editors were proud to pick the best of the products from the 550 exhibiting companies at FOSE."
Temin added that judges evaluated more than 200 products on usability and specifications, innovation and value, and government applicability. Of these products, 13 were named GCN Best of FOSE and only two awarded Best of Show — FOSE 2006.
"Because it is both easy to use and produces high quality images, the KODAK Scan Station 100 brings the same one-step simplicity that people appreciate most in our digital cameras and walk-up kiosks to the office environment," said Roger Markham, Product Marketing Manager for Distributed Capture Products, US&C, Document Imaging, Graphic Communications Group. "This is another innovative way for the public sector to maximize efficiency in its efforts to convert paper documents to digital images."
Additionally, the judges cited the color touch screen that enables Scan Station 100 users to convert paper documents — color, black-and-white and grayscale — into digital images for sharing via e-mail, routing to network folders, and sending to networked printers or copiers. Unlike competing products, the Scan Station 100 does not require a dedicated computer, additional software or training to operate because it connects to existing network infrastructure.
The KODAK Scan Station 100 is ideal for use in paper-intensive office environments. Applications include finance, accounting, insurance, healthcare, transportation, law offices, and government administration. For more information on KODAK Scan Station 100, please visit www.kodak.com/go/scanstation.
About Eastman Kodak Company
Kodak is the world's foremost imaging innovator, providing leading products and services to the photographic, graphic communications and healthcare markets . With sales of $14.3 billion in 2005, 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, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; 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.
Kodak, EasyShare, EasyShare One, Kodak Retina, Scan Station, and DirectView are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.
2006
Monday, 13 March 2006
BEAVERTON, Ore., Mar 13, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Planar Systems (NASDAQ:PLNR), a worldwide leader in flat-panel display systems, announced today it will be presenting at the New York Display Industry Investment Conference. The conference will be held on March 15, 2006 at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York City. The Display Industry Investment Conference is sponsored by the U.S. Display Consortium and Needham & Company and will feature presentations by senior-level executives from leading publicly-traded and privately-held companies within the display industry. Planar's Chief Financial Officer, Scott Hildebrandt, is scheduled to present at 11:30 a.m. Eastern.
A webcast of Planar's presentation will be available at the Company's website at www.planar.com in the Investor Relations section. An archive of the presentation will also be available online for those who cannot participate in the live event.
About Planar
Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR) is a leading provider of flat-panel display hardware and software solutions for demanding medical, retailing, industrial and commercial applications. Hospitals, shopping centers, banks and businesses of all sizes use Planar display technology to help connect people, information and ideas. Founded in 1983, Planar is headquartered in Oregon, USA, with offices, manufacturing partners and customers worldwide. Visit the company's web site at www.planar.com.
Monday, 13 March 2006
AUSTIN, TX·March 13, 2006·Wincor Nixdorf, one of the world's leading suppliers of IT solutions for the banking and retail industries, today announced that Balducci's has selected Wincor's StoreForward POS software as the point-of-sale application for a chainwide rollout. Balducci's, one of the largest and most highly regarded specialty food companies in the U.S., will also install Wincor's BEETLE POS systems in new stores including its Food Lover's Market stores in Manhattan and Washington, D.C.
StoreForward POS is a robust, server-based Java® point-of-sale (POS) software application that is optimized for thin-client computing — lowering Balducci's total cost of ownership, while providing a more stable, robust operating environment. Key features include a server-based architecture for greater system uptime and reliability; a powerful accounting system that provides real-time access to critical sales information, down to the store level; and a built-in SQL database with flexible, easy-to-use reporting functions.
For POS hardware, Balducci's selected the BEETLE /NetPOS systems with a sealed-chassis, which helps to prevent the intake of particulates that can damage the system. In order to optimize valuable and limited counter space, Wincor mounted the flat-panel display and printer on a swing arm above the counter.
"The reliability and stability of StoreForward POS running on Wincor Nixdorf hardware will greatly increase system uptime at Balducci's stores, helping us speed customers through the checkouts during peak shopping hours," said John Stroke, director of information services, Balducci's. "By improving throughput, the new POS solution plays a key role in helping Balducci's increase customer satisfaction."
"Balducci's is an innovative specialty foods retailer, with loyal customers and a great brand reputation," said Doug Evans, vice president of retail, Wincor Nixdorf USA. "StoreForward was the perfect solution for helping Balducci's lower their costs and further increase customer satisfaction. Wincor's store system solutions are gaining significant market momentum in the U.S., as we continue to focus on helping retailers deliver a better customer experience and drive cost out of their business."
About Balducci's
Balducci's is one of the largest specialty food companies in the country. Formerly operating under the names Hay Day Country Farm Market and Sutton Place Gourmet, the company was purchased in November 2003 by a group headed by Bear Stearns Merchant Bank. Shortly thereafter, the company began a major repositioning of all stores under the Balducci's name, with the new tag line, "Food Lover's Market." Balducci's flagship store opened in December 2005 in Manhattan, and an 11th store is set to open in Washington D.C.'s Penn Quarter later this Spring. For more information on Balducci's, visit www.balduccis.com.
About Wincor Nixdorf
Wincor Nixdorf is one of the world's leading suppliers of IT solutions to the retail and banking industries. The company's extensive portfolio, consisting of hardware products, software, consulting, maintenance and other services, is aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of business processes while improving customer service. Wincor Nixdorf is the world's third largest supplier of POS systems and automated teller machines and the number one supplier of POS systems in Europe (source: Clarendon Report, April 2005). With over 7,000 employees and net sales of €1,744 million last fiscal year, Wincor Nixdorf operates in over 90 countries with manufacturing plants in Germany and Singapore. Worldwide headquarters are in Paderborn, Germany and North American headquarters are in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.wincor-nixdorf.com/usa.
###
For Information Contact:
KK Walker
Wincor Nixdorf, Inc.
+1-512-252-5673
Karen.walker@wincor-nixdorf.com
Jeff Ketner or Catherine Seeds
KetnerBarnes, Inc.
+1-512-794-8876
jeff@ketnerbarnes.com
Cseeds@ketnerbarnes.com
Monday, 13 March 2006
HOLTSVILLE, N.Y., March 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: SBL - News), The Enterprise Mobility Company, today announced that Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York has ordered Metrologic Instruments, Inc. to pay Symbol $14.8 million in past due royalties and interest in a licensing dispute between the two companies. The license relates to handleld bar code scanning products.
In 2005, an arbitrator upheld Symbol's contention that certain Metrologic products fall within the scope of a licensing agreement between the two companies and that, therefore, Symbol is entitled to ongoing royalty payments for use of its patented technology. Upon Symbol's motion, the Court confirmed the award in February 2006, and earlier this month, the Court agreed that Metrologic owed $14.8 million, representing royalties owed through December 31, 2005, plus interest through March 3, 2005.
"Throughout this case, Metrologic has refused to pay licensing fees that are required under the licensing agreement between the two companies. We are pleased that the Court has supported our position and is requiring Metrologic to fulfill its financial obligations, as outlined in our licensing agreement," said Aaron Bernstein, Symbol deputy general counsel and vice president of intellectual property. "We view the Court's decision as strong validation of the ongoing strength of our laser patent portfolio and its continuing importance in the data capture industry."
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. More information is available at www.symbol.com.
Monday, 13 March 2006
HOLTSVILLE, N.Y. and ARMONK, N.Y., March 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: SBL - News), The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), and IBM today announced Symbol will embed IBM's WebSphere RFID Device Infrastructure (WRDI) on the Symbol XR Series of fixed RFID readers, creating an "intelligent" RFID reader that automates the process of routing and managing incoming data from RFID tags, even from remote locations.
The WRDI capabilities leverage application hosting on Symbol's XR Series RFID readers to deliver capabilities such as on-demand decision-making and reduced network traffic by filtering redundancies and sending only pertinent information to a company's application server. WRDI provides Symbol's XR Series RFID readers with a platform to integrate and reconcile RFID information with data used in other areas of a business. Additionally, WRDI supports the Control I/O on Symbol's XR Series RFID readers to create solutions using other devices such as motion sensors and lights, to activate business processes in their supply and logistics chains.
"The real value of RFID is in the data collected, filtered and analyzed at the point of business activity. By combining IBM's software with Symbol's XR Series RFID readers, we can deliver valuable business intelligence out to managers on the front line," said Anthony Bartolo, vice president and general manager of Symbol's RFID and Wireless Infrastructure Divisions. "With more than 20 years working together with advanced data capture technologies, embedding IBM's WRDI is a natural extension to align Symbol and IBM's Collaborative Global Market Strategy."
IBM's WRDI software was developed to meet the demand for an embedded open standards-based software platform to provide automatic RFID data collection and reporting from remote locations where on-site IT services are not available. Embedded into Symbol's XR Series readers, the platform allows the reader to route data to an IBM RFID WebSphere Premises Server.
IBM's software makes "radio tagging" a strategic business function to help RFID grow beyond simply exchanging or managing the flow of data. WRDI extracts value from the captured information and can potentially convert that information into an electronic service that can help perform strategic functions. For example, the software can move product or operational information into systems that analyze trends in the supply chain, to identify a company's efficiency or sales trends. As a result, RFID network administrators possess the ability to gain instant and enhanced visibility into RFID-tagged pallets and products. The information is then shared across an integrated retail or consumer supply chain, leading to greater control of inventory levels, reduced network traffic, and potentially, an overall reduction in systems and management costs.
"This new offering demonstrates IBM's continued commitment to partner with Symbol in developing and deploying RFID systems, and to help our customers get the advantages of RFID within new, innovative business processes," said Robert Mayberry, vice president of sensor and actuator solutions, IBM. "The creation of intelligent readers that are able to optimize the benefits of industry- leading, open-standard middleware solutions will provide companies a lens into their supply chain never seen before."
For more information on Symbol's XR Series Readers, visit: http://www.symbol.com/category.php?category=144..
Information on IBM WebSphere RFID Device Infrastructure (WRDI) can be found on IBM's Premises Server page: http://www-306.ibm.com/software/pervasive/ws_rfid_premises_server/..
Features and benefits for IBM Premises Server and WRDI: http://www-306.ibm.com/software/pervasive/ws_rfid_premises_server/about/..
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies. More information is available at http://www.symbol.com.
About IBM
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key business partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable companies to take full advantage of the on-demand era. For more information about IBM, visit http://www.ibm.com.
Monday, 13 March 2006
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2006--Value-added resellers serving the public sector now have a new emergency management solution developed by a partnership between Arrow ECS, IBM Software Group, NC-4 (formerly ETeam), Paaridian Technologies, Inc. and Advanced Interactive Systems, Inc.
The new solution, Rapid Response, provides reliable and efficient information sharing among emergency response agencies. Using this Web-based solution, disparate emergency responders can streamline communication pertaining to emergency situations. This results in shortened response times, clarity about how the incident will be managed among various emergency response organizations, and the ability to leverage up-to-the-minute information to make better response decisions.
Rapid Response, based on open standards, integrates hardware, software and middleware and is designed for use in coordinating a variety of major public events ranging from unexpected emergencies to scheduled sporting events and public celebrations.
Arrow played a critical role in solution development, market analysis and product strategy for Rapid Response, including go-to-market planning and channel development. Arrow is working closely with all partners involved to assure proper vendor certification and to effectively market the product through a select reseller base. Arrow also brought in two key systems integration partners, CACI Technologies Incorporated and Paaridian Technologies, to assist resellers with the implementation of Rapid Response.
"Rapid Response combines innovation and integrated technologies to help emergency response teams better coordinate their cooperative efforts," said Eric Williams, executive vice president, IBM Group, Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions. "We are extremely proud of this solution and the collaborative work among several Arrow partners, IBM and ISVs that brought this product to market."
For the team's efforts in developing Rapid Response, Arrow and its partners are winners of the prestigious IBM PartnerWorld Beacon Awards in the On Demand Business Innovative Solutions category.
"The Arrow team did a terrific job in making Rapid Response a reality," said Alex Gogh, vice president of marketing, IBM Global Public Sector. "This emergency response solution has the capacity to improve safety measures in countless situations and even save lives. We are extremely proud to recognize Arrow as a winner of an IBM PartnerWorld Beacon Award." For more information about Rapid Response, visit http://www.rapidresponse.net.
About Arrow ECS
Arrow ECS is the global business group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) that provides enterprise and midrange computing products, services and solutions to value-added resellers, system integrators, and independent software vendors (ISVs). Based in Englewood, Colo., Arrow ECS connects its customers to an exclusive network of the world's foremost technology suppliers, including HP, IBM, Sun Microsystems, EMC, NetApp, HDS, and other leading storage networking, software, and security suppliers. Arrow Electronics reported $2.7 billion in worldwide computer products sales in 2005. Visit us at www.arrowecs.com.
Contact: Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Ann Shiveley, 303-824-3762
SOURCE: Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Friday, 10 March 2006
Raleigh, NC, March 10, 2006— Microspace Communications Corporation (Microspace), the leading provider of point-to-multipoint satellite services, today announced that it has delivered the first JPEG 2000 feature via satellite for Walt Disney's The Shaggy Dog, opening today in theaters nationwide. The delivery is a key milestone in reaching Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) compliance. Microspace delivered the feature via its VELOCITY satellite service in conjunction with Kodak Digital Cinema to the Cinemark Tinseltown Theater in Rochester, New York.
"Walt Disney Pictures is on the forefront of bringing digital cinema into the mainstream to enhance the movie going experience," said Chuck Viane, president, distribution, Buena Vista Pictures. "As a member of DCI, we are actively working with the industry to ensure that digital delivery of feature films meets the utmost standards of quality. Our delivery of this JPEG 2000 feature is the next step in the adoption of the DCI specification."
"Cinemark has always been on the cutting edge of innovative technology that can transform the exhibition industry. The digital presentation of The Shaggy Dog in our Rochester location showcases a state-of-the art technology that we are very pleased to provide for our customers," said Alan Stock, President, Cinemark USA, Inc.
"We are leading the industry with a series of industry 'firsts,' from the original standardized satellite delivery of a digital feature to this first delivery of a JPEG 2000 feature film working toward DCI compliance," said Curt Tilly, manager of digital cinema distribution for Microspace. "We see satellite-powered digital cinema delivering on the promises of secure and reliable distribution for the motion picture industry. We are delighted to work with Walt Disney Studios, Kodak Digital Cinema and Cinemark to continue this momentum."
"Kodak Digital Cinema is excited to join Microspace in enhancing the digital cinema experience in a way that further proves the value of the Kodak network," said Drena Rogers, director of worldwide sales for Kodak Digital Cinema. "We applaud their efforts in ensuring reliable and quality delivery of features for a great theatrical presentation."
Microspace's VELOCITY eliminates the expenses of producing and delivering individual film print. Since early 2004, Microspace has been working to enhance the theater experience by providing digital satellite delivery for several motion pictures, including "Chicken Little," "Shrek 2," "Collateral," and "Shark Tale."
About Microspace
Microspace Communications Corporation (Microspace) is the leading provider of satellite services for video, data and audio content distribution and operates the largest global business satellite broadcasting network, with over 340,000 remote links worldwide. A variety of both businesses and government organizations rely upon Microspace's VELOCITY for high-quality, cost-effective and secure content distribution at savings of up to 98% over terrestrial services. VELOCITY supports customers such as Morgan Stanley, LodgeNet, John Deere, Muzak and the Christian Radio Consortium via a wide range of IP broadband applications such as business TV, distance learning, digital signage and digital cinema, among many others. The service is available as either a dedicated solution or as an on-demand service, enabling customers to easily and affordably expand their bandwidth as their needs change. Founded in 1988 with headquarters in the U.S and a presence in Europe and Latin America, Microspace is a subsidiary of Capitol Broadcasting Company. For more information, visit www.microspace.com.
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAL Digital, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WCMC-FM, Microspace, the North Carolina News Network, CBC New Media Group and Wolfpack Sports Marketing in Raleigh, NC; WJZY-TV and WWWB-TV in Charlotte, NC; WILM-TV in Wilmington, NC; WRAZ-TV and The Durham Bulls in Durham, NC; the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball Club in Myrtle Beach, SC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Project and Diamond View office building in Durham, NC.
Friday, 10 March 2006
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Mar 10, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The IBM Group of Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions (ECS), a business group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW), is participating in IBM PartnerWorld 2006, being held next week in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Convention Center. Arrow will showcase business solutions available through its IBM reseller partners and independent software vendors (ISVs) in Booth #100 in the Solutions Center.
Arrow will emphasize its ability to serve the complex needs of its IBM reseller partners by showcasing solutions and services provided by several IBM Business Partners and ISVs, whose offerings drive IBM solution sales. Areas of focus include business continuity, healthcare, reseller productivity tools, professional services, business intelligence and federal government. Arrow will also highlighting Rapid Response. This Web-based solution provides reliable and efficient information sharing among emergency response agencies, and is this year's IBM PartnerWorld Beacon Award winner in the On Demand Business Innovative Solutions category.
"We are committed to making our IBM reseller partners the most successful and profitable in the channel and strive to reaffirm our unwavering promise to help our resellers prosper and grow," said Eric Williams, executive vice president, the IBM Group, Arrow ECS. "We continue to be a leader in overall reseller satisfaction among enterprise distributors because we are a trusted channel partner that provides total support throughout the entire sales cycle to ensure success for our reseller partners."
In addition, Arrow IBM Business Partners can continue to rely on Arrow's end-to-end support for IBM's family of servers, storage and software products to uncover new opportunities in 2006.
About Arrow ECS
Arrow ECS is the global business group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) that provides enterprise and midrange computing products, services and solutions to value-added resellers, system integrators, and independent software vendors (ISVs). Based in Englewood, Colo., Arrow ECS connects its customers to an exclusive network of the world's foremost technology suppliers, including HP, IBM, Sun Microsystems, EMC, NetApp, HDS, and other leading storage networking, software, and security suppliers. Arrow Electronics reported $2.7 billion in worldwide computer products sales in 2005. Visit us at www.arrowecs.com.
SOURCE: Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Ann Shiveley, 303-824-3762
Thursday, 09 March 2006
2006-03-09 Holtsville, NY - Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company, today introduced the Symbol XR480, an industrial-class radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader that supports today's European RFID standards and builds on the next generation architecture of the XR400. Early adopters in Europe are already using the Symbol XR480 reader to leverage the increased asset visibility and operational efficiencies of RFID across their supply chains.
The XR480 reader builds on Symbol's commercially proven XR400 RFID reader platform and supports the European ETSI 302-208 standard reliable read performance for today's industrial-scale RFID implementations. The XR480 also delivers Generation 2 (Gen 2) dense-reader mode operation which enables the flexibility to support the European standard as it evolves.
The XR480 is the only commercially available EPC-compliant RFID reader approved for use in Europe to provide support for up to eight read points which helps decrease deployment complexity and increases flexibility. The Symbol XR480 is also the first commercially available EPC-compliant RFID reader in Europe based on the Windows CE operating system. By utilizing Microsoft's Windows CE operating system, the XR480 RFID reader enables seamless integration and interoperability with existing IT infrastructure while reducing the support costs associated with multi-platform environments.
"METRO Group is excited that Symbol is bringing their extensive supply chain and real-world application deployment experience to Europe, with their first commercially available European RFID reader," said Dr. Gerd Wolfram, Managing Director MGI METRO. "Metro is evaluating Symbol's RFID technology and agrees with its focus on robust RFID solutions, packaged systems and dense-reader environments. Symbol's increased European presence will only serve to drive further adoption of RFID and promote the global business efficiencies and inventory accuracy that comes with the technology."
The new XR480 platform is backward compatible with Symbol's XR400 reader and leverages existing XR400 capabilities such as application hosting. This allows end-users, partners and third party application developers to easily develop specific, customer-driven applications that can be embedded and run directly on the reader.
"The XR480 European RFID Reader builds upon Symbol's diverse customer and application experience with large-scale RFID implementations," said Anthony Bartolo, Vice President and General Manager, RFID Division. "By allowing customers to manage and move information instantly upon data capture, the XR480 truly extends business intelligence to the edge of the enterprise. The XR480 complements our existing comprehensive product platform as Symbol enables global early adopters to move from RFID pilots through to full scale deployment."
The new XR480 reader also provides Control I/O and USB interfaces to manage devices ranging from motion sensors and lights to memory sticks and display screens. With these peripherals, enterprises can use RFID to activate various business processes, including dynamic assembly lines that are reconfigured based on the specific products being received on the conveyor belt; real-time alerts that allow forklift drivers to change delivery locations for urgent items, and rules that prevent delivery of products to incorrect locations and "handle with care" rules, that signal an item's fragility at the moment it passes through the dock door reader.
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies.
Thursday, 09 March 2006
Agriculture Bank of China, one of the country's four largest state-owned commercial banks, has placed another order with Wincor Nixdorf for the supply of automated teller machines. Wincor Nixdorf is to install 877 ATMs in the bank's branch network which consists of 37 main provincial branches, over 30,000 other branches and 400 self-service centers. The contract is, in terms of volume, one of the largest orders Wincor Nixdorf has won in China and sees the service provider which specializes in branch banking and distributed retailing continue its planned expansion in Asia.
The business relationship between Agriculture Bank of China and Wincor Nixdorf goes all the way back to 1997, and the bank now has over 1,300 Wincor Nixdorf self-service systems in service. This latest award saw various different companies selected as suppliers, with the largest share of volumes going to Wincor Nixdorf. As part of its global growth strategy, Wincor Nixdorf is aiming to expand its business activities on a step-by-step basis, in particular in Asia and the Americas now that, in Europe, the company has secured the market leadership position in retail and taken the Number 2 position in banking.
Thursday, 09 March 2006
At CeBIT, Wincor Nixdorf shows how ATM transactions can be additionally secured with the integration of biometric identification procedures.
Wincor Nixdorf has been involved with the practical application of biometric procedures for more than ten years now, and has carried out numerous pilot projects with customers internationally. At CeBIT, the company is presenting one of many possible applications. In the process on display, the tried-and-tested PIN is not replaced by biometric procedures; instead, it is made even more secure with the addition of fingerprint matching.
After inserting the card and entering a PIN, the customer is requested to place his/her finger on the sensor. The fingerprint is then scanned and compared to a template installed in the database. This so-called "one-to-one" comparison enables a highly secure authentication of each bank customer.
With the implementation of this technology, fraudulent reading of card data and tapping of PINs is rendered useless, since only the person whose fingerprint matches the biometric data stored in the database is allowed to complete the transaction.
For securing teller station workplaces or PC networks, Wincor Nixdorf already offers a biometric authorization solution using fingerprint technology. Audit-proof tracking of attempts to misuse the system is possible with the implementation of ProTectWork/Enterprise, since logging on under another user name is no longer possible. ProTectWork/Enterprise is server-based and can be used internationally
Thursday, 09 March 2006
Wincor Nixdorf has become a full member of the worldwide RFID/EPC global network and in future will help shape the standardization of the Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) and the Electronic Product Code (EPC). Wincor Nixdorf, as one of the world's leading suppliers of IT solutions for banking and retail companies, will bring its know-how into the specialized group "RFID/EPC service providers".
The goal of this group is to drive forward the application and concrete conversion of international standards in dialog with users from the areas of retail, industry and logistics. Wincor Nixdorf places great importance on the implementation of RFID and EPC, particularly in the field of retail. "Just like 30 years ago with the introduction of the barcode, we'll accompany and support our customers with the integration of this new technology in all processes and also use it to optimize our own internal processes in production and logistics", said Reinhard Rabenstein, Wincor Nixdorf's chief technology officer.
Above and beyond the retail and banking sectors, Wincor Nixdorf is currently active for customers in the postal, lottery and service station industries and will also contribute its expertise from these business areas to the work of the standardization committee.
Wincor Nixdorf can already offer retail companies and industry-supplier companies the opportunity of investigating how RFID and EPC might be implemented in their processes, from the supply chain to the store, along with the option of integrating these solutions where their benefit can be demonstrated.
At the Metro Group stand (Hall 6, Stand E 50) Wincor Nixdorf is demonstrating how RFID technology can be implemented in the chill chain for the quality assurance of groceries. With the combination of RFID and sensor technology, the chill chain can be continually monitored from the manufacturer to the retail store.
Thursday, 09 March 2006
Wincor Nixdorf is driving forward the internationalization of its store software TP.net and has developed a version for the Russian market together with its Russian partner IT Service Retail & Banking, which is based in Moscow. IT Service is presenting the software at CeBIT in Hall 1, stand J 24 in a version that has been especially adapted to Russian requirements including Russian fiscal law.
"The Russian market is of crucial importance to us", said Dr. Johann Isaak, who heads up Wincor Nixdorf's representative office in Moscow. On the one hand, numerous western European retailers are continuing to expand into Russia and are requesting software that can be implemented internationally. On the other hand, the large Russian retailers are greatly expanding their store networks and require solutions that reduce complexity and costs and can be adapted easily to specific requirements.
"TP.net fulfills Russian trading requirements", said Michael Mostovoy, IT Service's managing director. "The technological concept of TP.net has proven itself in Europe and can be implemented in a variety of retail formats with characteristics such as faster installability, numerous functions and central administration." IT Service Retail and Banking employs people specialized in automating areas such as sales, post offices and banks. Among its clients are major international and Russian companies such as Metro Cash & Carry, real,- Hypermarket, Castorama, Daily Foods, Aeroflot, The Post of Russia and many others.
With TP.net, Wincor Nixdorf has developed a software product that meets the strategic demands of international retail. TP.net is based on standard technology such as XML, the peripheral control concept OPOS or the development standard Microsoft .NET. In addition, the solution offers a comprehensive range of functions. These characteristics enable TP.net to be implemented in many different store systems and guarantee the support of innovative checkout concepts.
Thursday, 09 March 2006
INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, San Francisco, March 8, 2006 — Matrox Graphics' demonstration of its TripleHead2Go multi—display upgrade captured top honors at the second Technology Innovation Accelerated Awards held at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF).
Eighteen demos — three in each of the six categories — vied as finalists for the awards, which recognize technological pioneering and adoption of Intel's platform strategy. The company's platform strategy centers on the integration of suites of hardware, software, services and support that enable new capabilities for people in all facets of their lives — at work and at home, in productivity, information, entertainment and health care.
Matrox Graphics' TripleHead2Go is a palm—sized box that allows a user to add three 19—inch monitors with a combined resolution of 3840x1024 pixels. The demonstration, which took top honors in the Digital Home category along with "Best of Show," introduced three—screen support capabilities for systems with only one video output. The innovation is hailed as an immersive technology capable of providing a 45—inch virtual reality—like visual gaming experience, and is ideally suited for home and studio production.
Other categorical winners were:
Mobility — BSQUARE for its "Juniper Systems Archer device" demo. The device is a tool for harsh usage conditions, and described as "cleverly designed to prevent damage to the display," surviving full emersion in water and a rough drop test.
Data Center — Pericom Semiconductors Corporation for a demo titled "PCI Express Extravaganza!" The demo showed the enabling of true PCI Express bandwidth over Ethernet and other low—cost cables and the miniaturization of the 4—port Ethernet switch on an x4 PCI Express card.
Digital Office — Realtek Semiconductor Corporation for its "High—Definition Audio Codec — ALC888 Telecom" demo. The demo showed innovative use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and public switched telephone network (PSTN) in a combined solution and can be used for seamless collaboration, another pillar of digital office usage.
Technology and Research — WiQuest Communications for its "Integrated Ultra—Wideband chipset for Wireless USB" demo. The chipset is designed to provide breakthrough wireless performance with standard WiMedia and Wireless USB data rates from 53 Mbps to 480 Mbps.
Storage — One Stop Systems for its "Cost—Effective PCI Express Over Cable" demo. This solution offers users the capability to extend a previously in—chassis interface to more than seven meters.
All non—Intel exhibitors and sponsors of IDF were eligible. The 45 entries more than doubled the number from the awards' debut at IDF last August. Judging the finalists were hundreds of journalists and analysts covering the three—day technical conference.
About the Intel Developer Forum
Now in its 10th year, IDF is the premier global technology forum for hardware and software developers to confer on Intel—based platforms, technologies and solutions, and the new usage models they enable. More than 25,000 technology experts come together at IDF in more than a dozen countries each year. Visit www.intel.com/idf for more information. Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live.
Intel, the Intel Logo, Leap ahead, Intel Core Duo and Intel SpeedStep are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Wednesday, 08 March 2006
According to Venture Development Corporation's recently released report, Kiosks for Self-Service and Interactive Applications: Technical and Vertical Market Analysis, many kiosk deployments are not meeting users' return on investment (ROI) expectations; however, continued investment is expected. Users recognize the technology's importance - and future - and will therefore place greater emphasis on several requirements for solution providers. These changes will contribute to VDC's expectation that the kiosk market - which reached over $330 million in 2005 - will exceed $480 million in 2007, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.6%.
Reasons for these early frustrations include:
- Development and deployment schedules are not being met;
- Kiosks are not operating at required performance or reliability levels;
- Kiosks are not as easy to use as they need to be;
- Users are not reaching their customer visit and transaction goals; and
- ROI is falling short.
According to Christopher J. Rezendes, Project Director for the report, "Our findings provide evidence that the right kiosk deployment can enhance consumer experiences in a broad range of retail businesses. In turn, these enhancements can simultaneously contribute to higher transaction values and reduced cost to process these transactions. We expect that retailers from a broad range of segments will invest more of their IT, merchandising and logistics talent to deploy kiosks in ways that have immediate and material impact on their customers' experiences and their business units' income statements."
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.
Wednesday, 08 March 2006
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2006 - HP today announced new solutions and services to help government agencies increase security while becoming more agile.
Announced at FOSE 2006, the offerings focus on several federal priorities including: identity management; personal identification verification solutions in support of HSPD-12, a homeland security presidential directive; open source strategy and solutions; document management; and solutions for ports, borders and customs.
"HP is pleased to demonstrate our global government solutions for federal decision makers at FOSE," said Jim Ganthier, leader, worldwide Defense, Intelligence, and Public Security Solutions, Technology Solutions Group, HP. "HP enables governments to better serve the public by improving access, insight and integration of information, processes and people."
HP is working with ImageWare Systems, Inc. and Software Productivity Strategist, Inc. on a solution that incorporates biometrics for a personal identification verification card to allow both physical and IT access to enterprise resources.
The solution leverages the HP OpenView Identity Management software suite, including HP OpenView Select Access and Select Identity, to simplify the management of the lifecycle of the identity, access rights and compliance through a single enterprise view with remote management control from edge devices to the enterprise database. In addition, the solution's "Biometric Engine" can evolve to comply with the future needs of government biometric requirements.
The use and need for identity management solutions span all areas of the public sector including government, health and education, with applications ranging from passports, drivers' licenses, health and human services and university ID cards.
Federal Open Source Alliance
Intel, HP and Red Hat have formed a marketing initiative called the Federal Open Source Alliance. The alliance seeks to deliver tailored solutions to help federal government agencies mitigate risk while benefiting from the performance, flexibility and lower costs of Linux.
Federal Open Source Alliance solutions deliver the agility and economy of scale that federal government agencies want from an open source strategy, combined with the trustworthiness expected from an industry-standard platform delivered and supported by proven partners.
New HP scanners
In response to government compliance issues and a growing number of agencies relying on scanners to organize and manage documents, HP has introduced a new line of scanners to provide more document management options for organizations. The scanner line can help agencies accelerate workflows, reduce the cost of operations and control risk while managing critical documents.
For workgroup document scanning, the HP Scanjet 8390, 8350 and 7800 provide increased productivity with single-pass duplex automatic document feeders and industry-leading speeds at their respective prices.
Microsoft Across America Mobile Experience
HP is the official host of The Microsoft Across America Mobile Event Experience at FOSE 2006. Parked in booth 1800, the 42-foot, state-of-the-art truck is outfitted with the latest business technology from Microsoft, Cisco, HP and Intel. Local government representatives can obtain the information and hands-on experience they need to help make smart technology decisions and drive productivity, profitability and growth.
HP is located in booth 1600 at FOSE 2006, taking place March 7-9 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington. More information on HP's offerings for the public sector is available at http://www.government.hp.com/index.asp.
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 Jan. 31, 2006, HP revenue totaled $87.9 billion. More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.
Wednesday, 08 March 2006
CEBIT March 2006 Hannover, Germany. Elo TouchSystems, the global leader in touch technology and a business unit of Tyco Electronics, is exhibiting its latest entry level LCD touchmonitor family on Stand C38 in Hall 25 at CeBIT (915 March 2006). The latest additions to the 1000 series are four touchmonitors in 12", 15", 17" and 19" sizes that deliver costeffective touch solutions for systems integrators, resellers and OEMs in the retail and hospitality markets. The new 1215L, 1515L, 1715L and 1915L spacesaving touchmonitors are "designed for touch" with Elo's proven expertise and reliability already built in.
All Elo 1000 series touchmonitors are factory sealed against dirt, dust and splashes and are styled to be attractive from all angles. The entire family is available with Elo's IntelliTouch surface wave touch technology plus a dual serial/USB touch interface. 1215L and 1515L models are also available with AccuTouch fivewire resistive technology. Worldwide agency approvals cover the entire monitor that is designed, built, serviced and supported by Elo, a singlesource supplier. Elo also offers the 3000 and 5000 series of touchmonitors with additional options, features, choice of touch technologies and additional approvals for medical and industrial applications.
"Elo invented touch technology over thirty years ago and has set the global standard in touch ever since," says Ignace Verhamme, Elo product manager. "Using our experience, expertise and ingenuity, we have created our 'designed for touch' product family. Touch technology is built into the 1000 series from the ground up not added as an afterthought by altering an existing monitor. The new touchmonitors include a stable base. Controls are placed on the side rather than the front and are locked out for public use. Elo's IntelliTouch pure glass surface wave technology offers superior optical clarity with excellent touch performance and can be used in a variety of environments because it registers input from a finger, gloved hand or soft stylus with a fast and accurate response. Elo's AccuTouch fivewire resistive technology may be activated with fingernail, gloved hand, credit card or any stylus and it keeps working with splashes, food and grease on the touchscreen."
According to Mike Sigona, Elo market manager, "Our new 1000 series of LCD desktop touchmonitors provides a truly economical solution, with Elo's renowned quality, for systems integrators, resellers and OEMs. With Elo's portfolio of touchmonitors the world's largest both firsttime and experienced users can now deploy touch solutions to market more easily and reliably than ever before."
Elo's 1000 series "designed for touch" touchmonitors can be seen on Stand C38 in Hall 25. Samples of the new 1215L and 1915L will be available end of March with volume deliveries in May. The 1515L and 1715L are in stock now.
About Elo TouchSystems
Elo TouchSystems, a global leader in touch technology, develops, manufactures and markets a complete line of touchscreen and touchmonitor products. Elo offers the largest selection of touchscreen technologies, LCD and CRT touchmonitors, and carefully designs each product for the demanding requirements of diverse applications, such as industrial, medical, POS, kiosks, retail, hospitality, transportation, office automation and gaming. Elo founders invented the touchscreen over 30 years ago. Since then, customers have used Elo touchscreens with one common, powerful result advanced computer technology simplified for all users. Founded in 1971, the company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with manufacturing sites in the US, Europe and Asia. Elo's main regional offices are in KesselLo, Belgium and Yokohama, Japan, with additional sales and technical support offices worldwide. For more information on Elo TouchSystems' products and services, call +3216352100 in Europe or visit our web site at www.elotouch.co.uk
About Tyco Electronics
Tyco Electronics, a business segment of Tyco International Ltd., is the world's largest passive electronic components manufacturer; a leader in cuttingedge wireless components, complete power systems, and premise wiring components and systems; and a provider of critical communications systems to the Land Mobile Radio industry. Tyco Electronics provides advanced technology products from over forty wellknown and respected brands, including Agastat, Alcoswitch, AMP, AMP NETCONNECT, Buchanan, CII, CoEv, Critchley, Elcon, Elo TouchSystems, M/ACOM, Madison Cable, OEG, Potter & Brumfield, Raychem, Schrack and Simel. For more information, visit www.tycoelectronics.com
Further information:
Elo TouchSystems
Nadia Vandeweyer
Tel: +32 16 35 2125
Fax: +32 16 35 2101
www.elotouch.co.uk
Tyco Electronics Ltd.
Mike Ratcliff
Tel: +1 7175922316
Fax: +1 717-592-6146
Wednesday, 08 March 2006
MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 8, 2006--Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW) announced today that its President and Chief Executive Officer, William E. Mitchell, adopted a stock trading plan in accordance with rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which allows corporate officers and directors to adopt written, pre-arranged stock trading plans when they do not have material, non-public information.
Mr. Mitchell is entering into the stock trading plan for personal tax, asset diversification and financial planning reasons. Under his stock trading plan, Mr. Mitchell may sell up to 115,000 shares of Arrow Electronics common stock over a period of one year. Most of the shares will be acquired through the exercise of stock options. The transactions will be disclosed publicly through Form 144 and Form 4 filings as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Arrow Electronics is a major global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and computer products. Headquartered in Melville, New York, Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for nearly 600 suppliers and more than 130,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of over 270 locations in 53 countries and territories.
CONTACT: Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Ira M. Birns
Vice President & Treasurer
631-847-1657
Paul J. Reilly
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
631-847-1872
Media:
Jacqueline F. Strayer
Vice President, Corporate Communications
631-847-2101
SOURCE: Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Wednesday, 08 March 2006
Burnaby, BC, March 6, 2006 - Info Touch Technologies Corp. (TSX-V: IFT), owners of the TIO Network, has teamed up with Sunoco, Inc.'s (NYSE: SUN) Retail Marketing division to set up a pilot program deploying, for a limited time period, self-serve automated bill payment and financial services touch-screen terminals at certain Sunoco APlusR convenience stores in the Pittsburgh, PA area. The terminals seek to provide a convenient way for customers to pay a host of bills including wireless, utility and cable bills, to view and update their accounts, and to purchase prepaid products and services and revalue and/or activate stored value products. The first deployment will be completed in March 2006.
"We are thrilled to partner with Sunoco, one of America's truly trusted brands, to expand our bill payment and financial services program", said Hamed Shahbazi, Chairman and CEO of Info Touch Technologies. "IFT believes that this pilot program with Sunoco presents a significant opportunity to serve the cash preferred community with cash based financial services as provided by the TIO program".
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. The TIO brand symbolizes safe secure access to key financial services with 'real time' updates for the cash preferred consumer.
About Sunoco Inc.
Sunoco, Inc., headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of petroleum and petrochemical products. With 900,000 barrels per day of refining capacity, approximately 4,800 retail sites selling gasoline and convenience items, approximately 4,500 miles of crude oil and refined product owned and operated pipelines and 38 product terminals, Sunoco is one of the largest independent refiner-marketers in the United States. Sunoco is a significant manufacturer of petrochemicals with annual sales of approximately five billion pounds, largely chemical intermediates used to make fibers, plastics, film and resins. Utilizing a unique, patented technology, Sunoco also has the capacity to manufacture over 2.5 million tons annually of high-quality metallurgical-grade coke for use in the steel industry.
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:
Tuesday, 07 March 2006
With some two-dozen companies actively involved in designing, manufacturing and selling photo kiosks, any new competitor on this scene must surely hope that "better late than never" is true. And when the field is filled with titans like Kodak, which has an estimated 75,000 photo kiosks deployed worldwide, the new arrival must bring something special to the table.
Palo Alto, Calif.-based HP believes it has something very special and is making its move to dominate in the retail space the way it has in the home printing market.
Last month, the company unveiled two photo kiosks, the Photosmart Express and Photosmart Studio. The former is a standalone unit that only produces 4x6 prints, but very quickly; the latter connects to a larger behind-the-counter system for one-hour service.
"It really comes down to following where the customer wants to go," said Kalle Marsal, director of marketing for HP's retail photo solutions group. "We see the same customer having the need to do photo printing and activities in the home, online and at retail, depending on the situation and depending on the day. It was pretty clear to us that we needed to have a strong offering in the retail photo space if we wanted to be the leader in photo."
Marsal said the announcement is part of a bigger-picture plan that also includes the acquisition of Snapfish, the leading online photo processing service.
"Digital photography has been elevated to one of the highest priority objectives for the company," he said. "This really is just the first step."
Under the hood
Marsal called the Photosmart's printing capabilities "fourth-generation inkjet," part of a five-year, $1.4 billion investment in technology. The machine's print heads have more than 30,000 nozzles, which he said translates to a speed of one billion droplets of ink per second. "We're able to print very high quality prints at speeds that have not been possible before." 
For Photosmart Express, the decision was made to craft a device that does one thing, but does it well: in this case, 4x6 prints. HP estimates it can churn out photos at a rate of one every five seconds.
The Studio model answers the need for larger sized prints, as well as the growing demand for alternative photoproducts like calendars, greeting cards and posters.
Estimated prices range from $15,000 for the Express to $50,000 for the Studio, with variances based on configuration. Marsal said HP would not disclose the companies that helped develop the kiosks, but did say there were "several partners on both the hardware and software sides."
Keep it simple
As a globetrotting, respected voice-of-authority on photo kiosks, Francie Mendelsohn is a tough customer. The president of Summit Research Associates, Mendelsohn has probably tested every major photo kiosk in use today. And she doesn't mince words when it comes to usability; designers hold their breath when she puts one of their machines through its paces.
She admits she was skeptical about HP's latest endeavor. "My first reaction was, why are they entering a market that is saturated?" she said. "But having seen it, I think they're going to do very well."
Mendelsohn heaped particular praise on the Photosmart's attract loop, which she called "the cleverest thing I've ever seen." While idle, the machine rotates through a series of humorous, lighthearted messages designed to put the potential customer at ease: "Touch my screen · I won't bite." "You can crop and zoom, like ex-boyfriends." "Touch my screen to begin · careful, I'm ticklish."
"Nobody else can do this now because they'll be accused of copying, but I've never seen anything like it," she said.
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More research on these key terms:
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All the whimsical text in the world won't save a bad interface, but the HP machine gets flying colors there, too.
"It's very clean, very intuitive," Mendelsohn said of the device she tested at the annual PMA show in Orlando, Fla. "They kept apologizing, saying ‘Oh, this is just a prototype, it's going to be faster,' and I kept saying, ‘You don't have to apologize! This thing is good!'"
She said the designers made the wise move of keeping screens uncluttered and minimizing options. While the machine is working, the screen gives tips on how to take better pictures. And when printing begins, a countdown timer estimates how much longer the user will have to wait to get the finished product.
"Before, I would have told them they were wasting their time," she said. "Now that I've seen what they've come up with, I think they will be a serious competitor."
Getting into the real world
Many self-service devices work great in the test lab, but getting them out where customers can use them is as much of a challenge as development. This is particularly true in an established niche like retail photo, where the dominant players have had years to carve out their foothold.
HP initially announced that the Photosmart line would debut in Albertson's, Longs Drugs Stores and specialty shops like Dan's Camera City in Allentown, Pa. But the bigger news came Feb. 27, when the company announced a deal to place the Photosmart Studio in 50 Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB Stores nationwide. Even though that's a fractional number of locations in those two chains, it does represent a serious foot in the door with the mother of all mega-retailers.
"The market timing is right," Marsal said. "The mass market is really adopting digital photography now, and they're looking for easier solutions. Digital printing in retail has been growing for some time, but it's exploding this year."
Tuesday, 07 March 2006
2006-03-07 Holtsville, NY - Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company, today announced that Frederiksberg Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in Copenhagen, Denmark, has selected a Symbol enterprise mobility solution to help maximize patient care by reducing the potential for hospital error during the process of administering medication. Frederiksberg Hospital has also increased the productivity of nurses and doctors by equipping them with Symbol mobile computers that can capture vitals and chart information instantaneously, ultimately allowing them to treat more patients.
Frederiksberg Hospital is using Symbol MC50 Enterprise Digital Assistants (EDA), and PPT8846 mobile computers, along with Symbol WS5100 wireless switches and AP300 access ports, and Symbol's Mobility Services Platform (MSP) to securely capture, move, and manage critical patient information for more accurate and timely medication administration. Healthcare professionals at Frederiksberg Hospital can now scan the bar code identification on a patient's wristband and review their medical history along with the correct medication and dosage to administer -- dramatically reducing the paper-based patient documentation that can be a source of medication and patient care errors.
"Hospitals need to do everything possible to reduce the potential for mistakes and to provide the maximum service to patients," said Jeppe Hansen, Consultant MD, Frederiksberg Hospital. "Symbol's solution helps us accomplish this, while also streamlining our everyday hospital procedures to allow nurses to spend more time with patients rather than on paperwork."
With Symbol's MSP, Frederiksberg Hospital can also remotely manage, deploy and install new applications on Symbol mobile computers and EDAs, saving time and operational costs. MSP provides Frederiksberg Hospital with a scalable platform and a single point of control, allowing for easy management of the entire enterprise mobility solution.
"Medication administration applications have been shown to reduce errors by more than 80 percent," said Ken Kleinberg, senior director of healthcare industry solutions at Symbol Technologies. "By combining Symbol's innovative technologies with a medication administration application, doctors and nurses at Frederiksberg Hospital can ensure that the right patients get the right medication in the right dose at the right time via the right route of delivery."
Axcess, an authorized reseller specializing in delivering network solutions to Danish enterprises, ensured that Frederiksberg Hospital's solution was scaleable and included a highly secure wireless infrastructure that would conform to existing and future standards.
"The gains in productivity at Frederiksberg Hospital are significant, demonstrating an increasing trend in the healthcare sector to invest in enterprise mobility solutions that maximize patient care and offer operational efficiencies," said Stig Abildso, CEO, Axcess.
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies.
Tuesday, 07 March 2006
INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM, San Francisco, Calif., March 7, 2006 — Intel Corporation today disclosed details of its forthcoming Intel Core microarchitecture, a new industry—leading foundation for Intel's multi—core server, desktop and mobile processors for computers later this year. The first Intel Core microarchitecture products built on Intel's advanced 65nm process technology will deliver higher—performing, yet more energy—efficient processors that spur more stylish, quieter and smaller mobile and desktop computers and servers that can reduce electricity and real—estate associated costs, and provides critical capabilities such as enhanced security, virtualization and manageability for consumers and businesses.
Justin Rattner, Intel Senior Fellow and chief technology officer, explained that the Intel Core microarchitecture is the foundation for delivering greater energy—efficient performance first seen in the Intel Core Duo processor. It builds on the power—saving philosophy begun with the Mobile Intel Pentium—M processor microarchitecture and greatly expands it, incorporating many new and leading—edge innovations as well as existing Intel Pentium 4 processor technologies such as wide data pathways and streaming instructions. Intel expects processors based on the Intel Core microarchitecture, using Intel's industry—leading 65nm manufacturing technology, to start shipping in the third quarter of 2006.
"The Intel Core microarchitecture is a milestone in enabling scalable performance and energy efficiency," said Rattner. "Later this year it will fuel new dual—core processors and quad—core processors in 2007 that we expect to deliver industry leading performance and capabilities per watt. People will see systems that can be faster, smaller and quieter with longer battery life and lower electric bills."
In his keynote, Rattner showed how the Conroe desktop processor could provide roughly a 40 percent boost in performance and a 40 percent decrease in power as compared to Intel's current high—performing Intel Pentium D 950 processor.** He also discussed significant gains in the Enterprise and Mobile areas as well.
Enhancing Users' Experiences
By providing higher performance, greater energy efficiency and more responsive multitasking, the Intel Core microarchitecture will enhance users' experiences in all environments — in homes, businesses, and on the go.
In the home, these include higher performing, ultra—quiet, sleek and low—power computer designs, and new advances in more sophisticated, user—friendly entertainment systems.
For businesses, it will reduce space, cooling requirements and electrical demand in server data centers, as well as increase responsiveness, productivity and energy efficiency across client and server platforms.
For mobile users, the Intel Core microarchitecture means responsive computing performance combined with leading battery life in a variety of small form factors that enable world—class computing "on the go."
Other Keynote Speakers at IDF
Rattner also outlined the other Intel executive keynotes that followed his opening presentation: Pat Gelsinger, senior vice president, general manager, Digital Enterprise Group on how Intel will build on the Intel Core microarchitecture to deliver superior computing performance and power efficiency for PCs, servers and the core of the network infrastructure while reducing the total cost of IT ownership; Sean Maloney, executive vice president, general manager, Mobility Group on Intel's mobile future, highlighting new innovations in mobile devices and broadband wireless technology; and Don MacDonald, vice president, general manager, Digital Home Group on how Intel Viva technology is emerging as the foundation for a digital home where consumers can access their entertainment anytime, anywhere, on their choice of devices.
New Intel Core Microarchitecture Features
Several advances mark the new microarchitecture:
Intel Wide Dynamic Execution —— Delivers more instructions per clock cycle, improving execution and energy efficiency. Every execution core is wider, allowing each core to complete up to four full instructions simultaneously using an efficient 14—stage pipeline.
Intel Intelligent Power Capability —— Includes features that further reduce power consumption by intelligently powering on individual logic subsystems only when required.
Intel Advanced Smart Cache —— This includes a shared L2 cache to reduce power by minimizing memory traffic and increase performance by allowing one core to utilize the entire cache when the other core is idle.
Intel Smart Memory Access —— Yet another feature that improves system performance by hiding memory latency and thus optimizing the use of data bandwidth out to the memory subsystem.
Intel Advanced Digital Media Boost —— Now many 128—bit SSE, SSE2 and SSE3 instructions execute within only one cycle. This effectively doubles the execution speed for these instructions which are used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
About the Intel Developer Forum
IDF is the direction—setting communications and computing industry program for Intel architecture—based design, development and solutions. Launched in 1997 as a gathering of 200 developers in San Francisco, IDF is a growing, worldwide program attended by more than 25,000 technology experts annually. IDF helps key players expand their knowledge of cutting—edge technologies, gain tools for building enterprise—level solutions and make powerful connections. Visit www.intel.com/idf for more information.
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Intel, the Intel logo, Centrino, "Intel. Leap ahead.,", "Intel. Leap ahead." logo, Intel Viiv and Intel Inside are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
**performance based on estimated SPECint*_rate_base2000. Actual performance may vary. Power reduction based on TDP.
Tuesday, 07 March 2006
A quick stroll by SSKA member Tranax Technologies' booth at ATMIA East and it soon became clear that Tranax has a new vision for the future · one that includes self-service beyond the ATM.
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Shown above is Tranax' MB c4000, the first terminal manufactured by Tranax.
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The Fremont, Calif.-based company showed off its newest addition, the MB c4000, at the February conference. The self-service terminal is unique for a couple of reasons: It represents a convergence of ATM and self-service functionality, and it's a machine that Tranax is manufacturing independent of Seoul, Korea-based Nautilus Hyosung Inc.
Tranax entered the off-premise ATM space in 1997 with the Mini-Bank 2000, an ATM manufactured by Nautilus Hyosung and sold by Tranax. In North America, the relationship afforded Tranax the ability to provide its customers with ATM support and services.
Now that Tranax is branching out into more advanced functions, its executives say it needs more control at home.
"When you've got more going on at the ATM · more than simply cash dispense · the hardware becomes more complex," said Tranax vice president of sales Bill Dunn. "The self-service equipment is more complex, and we needed to have the ability to react and do enhancements with quick turnaround time."
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No surprises
Simply, Dunn said, "Tranax made a decision to manufacture things above and beyond what Hyosung could do for us."
Some manufacturing will continue in Korea, "at least for the time being," Dunn wrote in an e-mail to ATMmarketplace. "We are in the process of moving into a new facility that will almost double our space and will allow for more of the manufacturing to be done here."
That decision didn't surprise most in the industry.
Neil Clark, vice president of sales for Billings, Mont.-based ATM Express Inc., Tranax' No. 1 ATM distributor, has worked with Tranax since 1999. Clark said the relationship with Nautilus Hyosung hindered Tranax, and a severance of sorts was expected.
"This move puts them in control, and I think it will be good for them," he said. "They can react faster now to market changes."
Joe Harris, general manager of Hamburg, N.Y.-based ANS Marketing LLC, another Tranax distributor, said Tranax' ability to quickly react to customers' and partners' needs will have a huge impact, especially where new functionality is concerned.
As an example, Harris pointed to Tranax' check-cashing solution · a solution developed by Portland, Ore.-based Vero Inc. At ATMIA, Vero and Tranax announced a partnership to provide check-cashing functionality on the c4000. (Read also, Vero, Tranax join forces to provide self-service check-cashing solution.)
"The newness of the check-cashing solution, for instance, is an interesting point to consider," Harris said. "The fact that they'll be creating that and manufacturing it here will allow them to do any adjustments or tweaking needed, in order to get it to work the way they want it to. "With check-cashing, you're going to be fine-tuning it in order to get it to work in the field."
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 This has been an evolutionary thing. Tranax made a decision to manufacture things above and beyond what Hyosung could do for us.
-- Bill Dunn,
Tranax
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For a piece of equipment that typically costs between $20,000 and $30,000, distributors and customers want to know that support and parts are close to home, he said.
"When you make an investment in equipment like that, you expect it to work a certain way. And if you have to wait for something from South Korea, that's not going to sit well with anyone who's invested that type of money."
Bringing software and hardware together
Jeffrey Lee, Tranax' director of sales for self-service products, said "Enhancement is why we're doing our own manufacturing."
Like Harris, Lee said Tranax' check-cashing and advanced self-service functionality require more attention from a software perspective · an area in which Tranax expects to excel.
"The two have to be together · software and hardware," Dunn said. "As a hardware supplier, you have to understand software. " Dr. Hansup Kwon has a doctorate in computer and electrical engineering and he understands how to make a piece of hardware work with a piece of software."
Through its partnerships with Vero, Livewire International Inc., Financial Payment Systems and Info Touch Technologies Corp., Tranax is honing in on self-service beyond cash dispense, Dunn said. (Read also, Tranax, Livewire introduce ATM with ticketing solution, Ticket sales at the ATM make a comeback , Tranax expands into kiosk business and Retailers are reaching the unbanked, FIs are lagging behind.)
And what of the relationship with Nautilus Hyosung?
No one at Nautilus Hyosung could be reached for comment, but Dunn said Tranax' relationship with the company is not expected to change.
"The Mini-Bank 1500 is manufactured by Hyosung, and that's still our business. It's a partnership we both dearly enjoy having," he said. "There are rumors in the industry that we're mad at them or that we're replacing them and that's just not true. The major portion of our business right now comes from that relationship with Hyosung, and we don't see that side of the business going down. We see it continuing to grow with the self-service terminal business."
A move forward
Tranax decided more than a year ago to branch out into an area where Nautilus Hyosung doesn't exist.
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Since Tranax' market entrance in 1997, it has worked closely with Nautilus Hyosung.
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The MB c4000 is the first product Tranax manufactured in-house.
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Tranax expects to continue working with Nautilus Hyosong on the retail ATM side. On the self-service/kiosk side, however, Tranax is working independently with other partners.
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"This has been an evolutionary thing," Dunn said. "Tranax made a decision to manufacture things above and beyond what Hyosung could do for us."
Tranax' products are now divided into two categories, Dunn said: One for ATM enhancements, which includes its retail ATM business with Nautilus Hyosung, and one for self-service terminals or kiosks that don't interface with the ATM.
He added that Tranax is securing its place in a self-service/kiosk market that is expected to grow 9 percent over the next two years, more than double the projected growth for the ATM market.
"In the very near future (the next 24 months), we probably will be saying 50 percent of our business is self-service terminals," Dunn said. "I think that will be the driving force in our business, surpassing the retail ATM side of the business.
"There's a lot of buzz in the marketplace, and if the buzz translates into production, it will be a very short time."
Tuesday, 07 March 2006
Kinetics, a subsidiary of NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) based in Lake Mary, Fla., has announced the appointment of Herv Muller as President of Kinetics.
Herv joins Kinetics from Atlanta-based SITA, Inc., the leading provider of information technology and telecommunications solutions to the air transport industry. He joined SITA in 2000 and most recently served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, North America. In that role, he led a team of sales and marketing professionals serving customers in the airport, airline and government sectors while achieving double digit revenue growth.
Prior to joining SITA, Herv gained global business experience over 10 years in technical, support and sales positions primarily focused on technology solutions for the airline and airport industries.
"Herv's technology expertise, business skills and record of motivating teams to achieve stretching targets make him an ideal choice to lead Kinetics to new levels of effectiveness and market achievement," said Mike Webster, NCR Vice President, Self-Service.
Kinetics is a leading provider of enterprise and self-service technologies to today's travel industry and is the architect of the modern airline self-service era. Kinetics produces hardware and software solutions, as well as engineering, development and preventive maintenance services designed to help businesses capture more revenue, expand distribution channels and enhance customer service. Kinetics technologies support all consumer channels, including kiosks, Web, PDAs, cell phones and phones (natural speech recognition).
For more information, go to www.kineticsusa.com.
Please feel free to contact me for any additional information regarding Kinetics.
Tuesday, 07 March 2006
SKANEATELES FALLS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 7, 2006--Hand Held Products, Inc., a leader in image-based data collection systems for mobile, in-premise and transaction processing applications, announced today the election of five new members to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. This brings the total number of Directors to 11.
The new members are: Joel Engel, Jon A. Soderberg, Matthew G. Given, Eric R. Allyn and D. Kenan Smith:
-- Joel S. Engel will serve as a Director for a two-year term until 2008. Engel is a retired Chief Technology Officer of Ameritech and is currently President of JSE Consulting. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Syracuse Research Corporation and also serves on a number of National Research Council panels. Engel holds a BSEE from the City College of New York, an MSEE from MIT and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.
-- Jon A. Soderberg will serve as a Director for a one-year term. Currently, the Vice President, Sourcing, Service & Logistics of Welch Allyn, Inc., Soderberg is also a Board Member of the Allyn Foundation and is a Member of the Board of Directors for the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. He holds a BA of History and Philosophy from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD and a Juris Doctorate from Washington and Lee University School of Law.
-- Matthew G. Given will serve as a Director for a two-year term until 2008. Given is currently the CEO and founder of Silverline Payroll, a payroll processing services company. Given holds an MBA from Clemson University.
-- Eric R. Allyn will serve as a Director for a three-year term until 2009. Currently, Allyn is the Vice President, Special Markets of Welch Allyn, Inc. and also serves as a Board Member of the Allyn Foundation, the Auburn Memorial Hospital Foundation, and the NYS Hospital Review and Planning Committee. He holds a BA degree from Dartmouth College and an MBA in Business Administration from the University of Virginia.
-- D. Kenan Smith will serve as a Director for a three-year term until 2009. Smith is a Financial Consultant and Registered Investment Advisor for UVEST Financial Services Group. Smith holds a BS of Business Administration from Appalachian State University.
"These five individuals represent the best in business and technology intelligence. We're confident that Joel, Jon, Matthew, Eric and Kenan will help guide Hand Held Products towards achieving our corporate goals and objectives as we continue to aggressively grow our business on a global scale," said Kevin Jost, CEO, Hand Held Products, Inc.
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.
Monday, 06 March 2006
In 1931, in the village of Grafton, Wis., a man named Frank G. Mayer saw the future through the smoke of his cigar. At the peak of The Great Depression, few could've projected the tenacious sign painter's eventual success. Now his name, his family and the company he founded, Frank Mayer and Associates, are internationally known for innovative in-store displays and kiosks.
Mayer inspired a sense of respect that endures today. Some of his old employees still call him Mister Mayer. While his management style inspired the formal title, he was a down-to-earth proprietor. When something needed to be done in the shop, he pulled coveralls over his suit and went to work.
Mayer had the "get r done" attitude before it was a pop catch phrase. He carried disks in his pocket that he personally silkscreened with the word "tuit." When an employee would say "I'll do it when I get around to it" Mayer pulled a disk from his pocket and said "There, you've got a round tuit."
ROLLING THE PRESSES: Pressmen at work in the old Frank Mayer and Associates printing plant at Grafton, Wis.
Executive vice president of sales and marketing Allen Buchholz has worked 38 years for Frank Mayer and Associates. Buchholz recounted the senior Mayer's exploits during a phone interview.
"Anyone around here knew him as this bald, cigar-smoking, 5 foot 9, 5 foot 8 man," Buchholz said. "He loved cigars. We were joking about it last night. It seems so strange today how strict smoking policies are wherever you go. In those days, Mr. Mayer walked around a printing plant with a big cigar. He never burned the place down, but he always had that Churchill in his mouth."
Buchholz described Mayer on the eve of a 75th anniversary open house — much like the open houses the company held in its early days, when Mayer invited the village to see his company. It was at one of those that Buchholz, still a kid who came with his dad, realized he wanted to work there. At that time, the company housed the largest four-color copy camera in the world and it amazed the boy. A few years later, he worked for Mayer.
"He was a very energetic man," Buchholz said. "He was always thinking. He liked to be hands-on. He was not a guy who sat on his presidential office. He was always down in the paint room. He was on the press. He was in the photo department.
"He was one of these men who didn't worry about competitors. He would help a competitor. He belonged to all the associations. He would share information. He had the attitude of 'If we all have quality and we all have strength, the industry has strength.'"
Foresight and flexibility
Mayer also had flexibility. He embraced change appropriately. Buchholz remembers when a salesman came back from meeting with Ampex, an electronics chain that sold Hi-Fi's and 8-tracks, and Mayer made a decision that forged the company's core business for decades to come.
"When a salesman came in 1968 and said 'I was just on the West Coast and I tried to sell a sign to a guy at Ampex and they said they need an in-store display and the guys in the shop have lathes and saws. Can we do that?'" Buchholz said. "Mr. Mayer said 'Sure.'"
By the 1980s, Frank Mayer and Associates contracted with a new video game company called Nintendo to deploy in-store demonstration fixtures. Frank G. Mayer's grandson, Mike Mayer, remembered packing the displays while he was in college.
"I remember assembling and packing those interactive units and the product that went in there as well," Mike Mayer said. "The product just started to fly off the shelves as people realized the incredible experience they could have with the games."
The company also dabbled in a new idea: letting the customers use in-store computers to service themselves. The early attempts included a POS machine that recorded sales on a tape that technicians retrieved once a month — processing orders more slowly than ordering through a catalogue.
"Almost 20 years ago, we had several clients who were starting to understand the value of the computer in marketing," Buchholz said. "We started a little department here called ipop and it was way ahead of its time and it failed. But it was doing things like that, looking ahead and not being afraid to make mistakes. We dabbled in that and dissolved that little group, only to find 10 years later the price of computers came down drastically. More people felt comfortable using computers at the point of purchase and the point of information."
Good managers supporting good employees
According to Business Week two thirds of family businesses fail passing from the first to second generation. Frank Mayer and Associates is in the successful minority.
Frank G. passed the company to Frank W. who handed the reigns to Mike Mayer, who started out cutting grass and is now company president.
"When I was 12 years old, our focus was on screen printing," Mike Mayer said. "We were, in essence, a manufacturer. We were also very heavily into point-of-sale and point-of-purchase, the creation and design of those displays as well. We are now really a creative engineering, design and production facility and we subcontract all the manufacturing. We're very heavily into kiosks and into permanent display and branding."
The business kept growing. Buchholz estimates the company has doubled in the last 20 years, to about 100 employees. What used to be a painting shop is now an office suite. Assembly has been moved to a 200,000-square-foot facility bought 10 years ago that now houses a separate manufacturing business.
"The (office) atmosphere is team meetings, constantly, on a day to day basis," Mike Mayer said. "The team gets together and talks about the objectives of the project, solving those issues. The creative process happens on a daily basis. Seven industrial designers are coming up with the different looks concepts. Model makers are building the prototypes. Our technology manager is looking at the computer equipment, sourcing different options that would work best with the applications."
The company offers workers a variety of awards and promotes from within. They encourage creativity. Buchholz remembered serving in the National Guard during Vietnam, the company paid the difference between his civilian wage and his military pay while in camp.
"(Frank G. Mayer's) attitude was 'If you're doing something for your country, I am doing something for you,'" he said.
A great legacy
Every time a kid touches a flashing video game kiosk in a Wal-Mart store for the first time, the cigar-puffing entrepreneur from Grafton, Wis. touches another life.
Frank G. Mayer died in 1993 at his retirement home in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was almost 79. His family held a memorial in Grafton, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
"It was quite a large service," Buchholz said. "Every employee and past employee, I remember a group of us that have been around for a long time. It wasn't all old-timers. It was a group of us who knew him. We met out in the parking lot of the church and we had a big pocket full of Churchill cigars and we sat out there telling stories about him. It wasn't a morbid, sad thing. It was a celebration of somebody's life."
And while much of the company changes, its core values endure. In the 1970s, when huge belt buckles were chic, Frank G. Mayer tinkered with gemology. He made silver and turquoise belt buckles with the company logo on the front. That year, those salespeople who reached a certain goal received those buckles in a ceremony — and the title of vice president. The men were so proud, they wore them to the ceremony every year and the buckle became the company's most prized award.
Today, the logo is different and the buckles are presented on a mahogany plaque in deference to the women who later won and didn't want to wear an enormous western belt buckle. The amount it takes to win one increased considerably, but it still comes with a vice presidency.
And when Mike Mayer talks business he still talks about listening, innovating, partnering and adapting.
"A couple of the keys to our success in 75 years are, number one, the people," Mike Mayer said. "The great vision everyone here has. When you have that type of atmosphere and that type of thinking, the ability to take risk, you eventually will continue to evolve as you grow."
Monday, 06 March 2006
ATLANTA, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- S1 Corporation (Nasdaq: SONE), a leading provider of customer-interaction software for financial services, announced today the release of the S1 Personal Banking 3.5 and Business Banking 3.5 solutions into its Managed Introduction Program. With enhanced international and affiliate banking capabilities as well as personal financial management and customer segmentation functionality, the new version of S1's applications will allow financial institutions to better service and sell to their customers while leveraging a common platform -- the S1 Enterprise Platform -- to reduce system maintenance and support costs.
With this release, S1 leverages its 10 years of experience in online banking, as the company took the world's first bank live on the Internet in 1995, and its extensive knowledge of leading edge J2EE technology to deliver robust capabilities that set new standards in self-service banking. As the newest release of its online Enterprise solutions, S1 has approximately 80 financial institutions around the world using the S1 Enterprise Platform and anticipates upgrading many of these customers to the new release after the Managed Introduction Program is complete.
According to Ross McKay, vice president of self-service banking products for S1 Corporation, "As the Enterprise products continue to mature and become more robust, the new release enables S1 to address the growing demand for a common platform for both retail and business online banking solutions. We are excited to begin working with the selected customers in our Managed Introduction Program to focus our attention on ensuring these customers' success as we roll out the release on a broader basis later this year."
Key Enhancements:
Banks hoping to tap into the rapidly growing multi-lingual market are now able to use S1 Personal Banking and Business Banking to offer these customer segments a compelling online banking experience. With S1, bank customers are able to choose their preferred language for interacting with their bank online, while reducing the bank's required support and maintenance.
With a single instance of the S1 Enterprise solution running, financial institutions can use the capabilities of the S1 Application Manager found in the S1 Enterprise Platform to segment their customers and customize online products and price points accordingly. This not only generates significant new revenue opportunities for the financial institutions, it also creates a more compelling experience for the bank's customers.
S1's Personal Finance Manager (PFM) provides banks' online users a single online banking environment that delivers seamless access to financial management tools such as the online check register that are integrated with real-time account information and reporting capabilities for personal financial planning. This enables banks to cultivate more active and loyal online customers that repeatedly use their Web sites to perform advanced banking tasks.
The applications' new e-Statements module, which allows users through an online interface to "opt out" of receiving paper statements, further extends the bank's ability to reduce the costs associated with the labor and postage.
The new Foreign Exchange (FX) module, a part of the S1 Business Banking solution, provides daily rate sheets, giving banks improved spread income opportunities as part of their FX offering. S1 Business Banking also offers another ACH payment method, adding the child support payment capability for employers to withhold these payments on behalf of their employees.
About S1 Enterprise
S1 Enterprise Personal Banking and S1 Enterprise Business Banking are among the company's seven major applications integrated on the S1 Enterprise Platform. These applications also include S1 Corporate Banking, S1 Enterprise Teller, S1 Enterprise Sales & Service Platform, S1 Enterprise Call Center, and S1 Enterprise Marketing Center. The applications can be implemented independently or collectively as an integrated solution.
About S1 Corporation
S1 Corporation is a leading global provider of customer-facing software for more than 4,000 banks and insurance providers around the world. Comprised of applications that address virtually every market segment and delivery channel, S1 solutions help integrate and optimize an institution's entire front office, resulting in increased operational efficiencies, revenue opportunities and overall customer satisfaction. S1 is the only provider with the proven experience, breadth of products and financial strength to empower financial services companies' enterprise strategies. Additional information about S1 is available at www.s1.com.
Contact:
Chris Watson
Vice President of Marketing of S1 Corporation,
1-404-923-6775,
or
Monday, 06 March 2006
ATLANTA, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- S1 Corporation (Nasdaq: SONE), the leading provider of customer interaction software solutions for financial and payment services, announced today the decision to transition the Mosaic Software brand to S1, while retaining the Postilion product name. Mosaic Software, a provider of payment and financial transaction solutions for ATMs, POS terminals, kiosks, call centers, and Internet sites, was acquired by S1 in November 2004 to complete S1's suite of front-office solutions and leverage the domain expertise of the Mosaic staff.
Mosaic Software's CEO, Johann Dreyer, has been appointed group president of the recently reorganized S1, as announced in October 2005. Dreyer now runs S1's community financial group, retail banking operations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, as well as the global payments group, which is the former Mosaic Software. S1 reaffirms its commitment to providing superior service to the financial institutions, retailers, and processors that use the Postilion product and looks to continue to embrace the solutions and staff for greater synergies for the two organizations' global success.
Johann Dreyer comments: "I am confident that we enter 2006 as a fully integrated team, poised to offer an even better quality of Postilion service and support - now under the S1 Corporation brand. We look forward to offering our Postilion customers the benefits of a more comprehensive set of financial services products, implemented and supported by a team with greater global reach."
About S1 Corporation
S1 Corporation (incorporating Mosaic Software) delivers customer interaction software for financial and payment services and offers unique solution sets for financial institutions, retailers, and processors. S1 employs 1,500 people in operations in the North America, Europe and Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions. Worldwide, more than 4,000 customers use S1 software solutions for financial services. S1 partners with best-in- class organizations to provide flexible and extensible software solutions for its customers. Through the establishment of strategic alliances with the world's leading companies, S1 is successfully accelerating the pace of innovation, implementation, and service delivery.
The payments software solution, Postilion, was added to S1's software solutions when it acquired Mosaic Software in November 2004. Postilion drives payments, including advanced financial transactions such as prepay and self- service, through ATMs, POS terminals, phones, and Internet access points. Postilion provides consolidated management information, integrated card management, EMV chip enablement, and loyalty software solutions. Postilion reduces transaction processing costs, speeds time to market for new products and offerings, improves analysis of customer transactions and business opportunities, and increases profitability. Postilion is at the forefront of next-generation payments processing software - 250 customers in 49 countries use Postilion to provide leading-edge consumer transaction processing.
For more information, please visit www.s1.com
CONTACT:
Chris Watson
Vice President of Marketing of S1 Corporation,
1-404-923-6775,
or
Monday, 06 March 2006
2006-03-06 HOLTSVILLE, N.Y. -Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company, today announced that mobile computing product purchases with "Service from the Start" contracts will now include all repairs for the entire device, including accidental damage to displays and keypads, at no additional cost.
Symbol's comprehensive coverage with "Service from the Start" is a three-year service agreement that includes a three-day turn-around for products sent to Symbol repair centers, Internet access to technical documentation and telephone access to support engineers. Symbol's comprehensive coverage simplifies the repair process by covering all repairs, including displays, keypads, plastics and internal components, thus significantly reducing costs and delays for customers.
"Symbol is known for rugged and reliable products, which means predictability when the customer makes a technology investment," said Art O'Donnell, senior vice president and general manager of Symbol's Global Services Division and Chief Quality Officer. "By including comprehensive coverage with Service from the Start, Symbol is going one step further to protect the customer, so even the unexpected worst case scenario will not impact their bottom line. With Symbol Services, you're covered - period."
Comprehensive coverage with "Service from the Start" is available today, worldwide for the MC1000, MC3000, and MC9000 series of mobile computers, as well as the MC50 and MC70 Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA).
Symbol Global Services is an integral part of an enterprise mobility strategy to make every element of the solution work together to achieve customers' business goals. To learn more about Symbol Global Services, visit www.symbol.com/services.
About Symbol Technologies
Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies.
Monday, 06 March 2006
CALGARY, Alberta --- 03 March 2006 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces that DTC Worldwide, an independent UK research firm, reported that, as at December 2005, the company remains the number one brand in the interactive whiteboard market segment and has increased its share of the UK market to 56.8 per cent for 2005, up from 50.3 per cent in 2004. The closest competitor had 27 per cent of the market, down from 33.2 per cent in 2004. The total market share of all other brands remains at 16 per cent. SMART achieved record annual sales of 56,707 SMART Board interactive whiteboards in 2005. The UK continues to be the largest interactive whiteboard market in the world.
In 2003 and 2004, the UK Department for Education and Skills made £50 million available for the purchase of interactive whiteboards. This initiative was the catalyst for interactive whiteboards to be widely installed in UK schools, a significant initiative in creating 21st-century classrooms aimed at enhancing the learning environments and futures for UK students. All 208 education authorities, including those in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, use SMART products. According to the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) 2004 Performance indicator report, 60 per cent of primary schools and 90 per cent of secondary schools have interactive whiteboards. For more information, visit www.becta.org.uk.
"SMART is committed to producing superior, easy-to-use and affordable interactive whiteboard products and software tools for educators," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's president and co-CEO. "Our market-segment leadership reaffirms the advantages of SMART products in classrooms and continues to position us as the clear preference for UK educators. We believe a significant contributing factor for this preferential position is that we incorporate feedback from educators and design our product to meet their current and future needs."
Education authorities around the globe, including those in the UK, the U.S., Mexico and Australia, are adopting interactive whiteboards to improve student learning in schools and develop skills that are vitally important for a 21st-century global workforce. Many school jurisdictions have standardized on SMART Board interactive whiteboards because they enhance teacher productivity and improve student learning outcomes.
About SMART
SMART Technologies Inc. is both the industry pioneer and global market segment leader in easy-to-use interactive whiteboards and other group collaboration tools. The award-winning SMART Board interactive whiteboard is the most widely installed interactive whiteboard in the world. Many school jurisdictions have standardized on the product, which is used to provide interactive learning opportunities and enhance student achievement in more than 250,000 classrooms spanning every U.S. state, every Local Authority in the UK and more than 75 countries. SMART products also include interactive pen displays, interactive digital signage, wireless slates and software. Using SMART products, groups can access and share the information they need to meet, teach, train and present. SMART's education customers include New York City Board of Education (U.S.), Oxford University (UK), Tokyo Nampei Senior High School (Japan), Barnier Public School (Australia), University of Ottawa (Canada), United World College (Singapore), Stephen-Hawking-Schule Neckargemuend (Germany), Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (U.S.) and Harvard University (U.S.).
SMART is a private company founded in 1987. Employing more than 800 people, SMART is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with assembly facilities in Ottawa, and offices in Bonn, Tokyo, New York City and Washington DC. SMART has been issued and maintains a broad portfolio of patents with numerous other U.S., Canadian and foreign patents pending. In 1992 SMART formed a strategic alliance with Intel Corporation that resulted in joint product development and marketing efforts, and Intel's equity ownership in SMART. SMART products are sold through dealers across North America and distributors worldwide. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com.
For more information, contact
Marina Geronazzo
Manager, Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
1207 — 11 Avenue SW, Suite 300
Calgary, AB T3C 0M5
CANADA
Phone +1.403.802.2558
Fax +1.403.228.2500
www.smarttech.com
Monday, 06 March 2006
According to Venture Development Corporation's recently released Health Care Services Vertical Market volume of its annual RFID Business Planning Service, the global market for radio frequency identification (RFID) systems in the health care vertical reached an estimated $45 million in 2005, with hardware accounting for approximately two-thirds of the market. VDC anticipates a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44% over the next five years, with revenue shipments exceeding $279 million in 2010.
Although still in its nascent stages, interest in RFID within the health care market is at its highest level and continues to climb among health care organizations (HCOs) such as hospitals, care management specialists, and medical supply manufacturers and distributors. HCOs are engaged in an ongoing effort to improve patient safety and cut costs by tracking every activity, process, and asset. RFID technology offers a powerful benefit over other tracking systems:
- It can automatically trace any medical device, supply, patient or employee over a given period of time.
- It provides automation without the need for line-of-sight, eliminating human interaction/error and significantly reducing labor requirements.
HCOs recognize that RFID has the potential to provide significant advantages, but use of the technology is relatively new in the health care sector and investments in RFID remain limited. For many HCOs, justification for investment in RFID can be a difficult proposition due to several factors:
- Return on investment (ROI) models associated with RFID are currently less than market expectations;
- There is no 'preferred' solution, little industry standardization, and the technology is not widely adopted;
- Realizing the benefits of RFID requires modifying existing business processes, a task that typically requires significant changes in corporate IT strategies;
- Depending on the application and type of information being captured, RFID deployments could pose important business and legal risks in terms of privacy and data security;
- There is a lack of 'benchmark' installations and case studies that demonstrate the benefits of RFID; and
- There is uncertainty pertaining to the validation of RFID mandates from regulatory bodies such as the FDA and HDMA.
Nonetheless, increased awareness and exciting new applications have generated a significant amount of enthusiasm for RFID in the health care vertical. According Michael J. Liard, Director of VDC's RFID Practice, "Health care organizations are quietly becoming innovators and lead users of both active and passive solutions, and will likely outpace other market segments in the very near future."
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.
The health care services vertical discussed here is by VDC is part of its 2005-2006 RFID Business Planning Service.
Monday, 06 March 2006
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold's (NYSE: DBD) Opteva family of automated teller machines (ATMs) has received the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Product Line Strategy Leadership Award, providing its customers around the world with yet another reason to embrace the innovative self-service solution first introduced by the company in 2003.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Product Line Strategy Leadership Award to the company that demonstrates the most accurate understanding and interpretation of customer needs and product demands within its industry. Recipients are recognized for outpacing their competition in the refinement of product offerings through value-added services, success of the product offering in the market and ability to accommodate different market segments through innovative technology.
The Opteva family of ATMs is Diebold's first global self-service product platform. Created to meet customer demand for a single product to satisfy multiple market segments, Diebold's Opteva terminals operate in a variety of payment environments and integrate security, software and self-service transactions to provide a total-systems solution.
Aravindh Venkatesh, a Frost & Sullivan research analyst, said Diebold earned the award for Opteva's ability to provide a global customer base with high-quality solutions and value-added services.
"The Opteva line of terminals represents a key element in Diebold's enhanced lifecycle strategy, which improves the overall price, performance, flexibility and efficiency of self-service networks," Aravindh said. "Diebold has a huge installed base of terminals worldwide and is the leader in many markets around the world. The company's solutions meet current and emerging market requirements and continue to add value and increase transaction speed for customers at the ATM."
The selection process for the Product Line Strategy Leadership Award is managed through a dedicated Frost & Sullivan analyst team, which tracks all end-user requirements and market dynamics within the industry to determine the top-ranking supplier. The process includes interviews with suppliers, end-users and industry experts and compares product lines against the demands of customers.
Thomas W. Swidarski, Diebold's president and CEO, said innovative solutions such as Opteva result in loyal Diebold customers.
"Opteva's selection for this award reinforces our customers' confidence in choosing Diebold for their self-service needs," Swidarski said. "Opteva was developed only after extensive collaboration with our customers and their customers, and it represents an innovative self-service platform that meets the needs of financial institutions around the world. We are proud to have more than 60,000 Opteva terminals in place across every region of the world."
The Opteva family of ATMs includes lobby cash dispensers, through-the-wall cash dispensers and advanced-function ATMs for island, drive-up and walk-up deployments. Designed to facilitate faster and easier transactions through an intuitive, consistent consumer interface, Opteva includes more than a dozen exclusive security features. The product line is also the only family of ATMs to be endorsed for its superior accessibility by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Opteva terminals are powered by Diebold's Agilis terminal software, which interfaces with a variety of multivendor products to provide optimum flexibility and help protect investments in legacy systems. Opteva's blend of robust hardware and powerful, multivendor software provides financial institutions with the latest self-service capabilities, as well as greater control of their self-service assets.
About Diebold
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 $2.6 billion in 2005 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.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth and consulting, growth partnership services and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1,000 companies, emerging companies and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics and demographics. For more information, visit www.frost.com.
Media Contact:
Carrie Kandes
+1 330 490-5900
Investor Contact:
John Kristoff
+1 330 490 5900
Monday, 06 March 2006
Killing time in Kona is easier thanks to Kinetics, a subsidiary of SSKA member NCR. That's the firm Hawaiian commuter airline Island Air tapped to help passengers island hop with ease.
Kinetics installed five TouchPort II C check-in kiosks at Island Air's terminals around Hawaii and will install five more.
The TouchPort II's hardware and software are designed specifically for the travel industry, including:
- Integrated barcode and passport readers
- Multiple language support
- 15" touch screen
- 8" wide-format 300dpi thermal printer
- Dip style card swipe
- Ability to hold/print 2,500 ATB-sized documents
Island Air lost e-ticketing capabilities after being sold in 2004 and has since been rebuilding its automated customer service capabilities. Chief operating officer Les Murashige said Island Air spent more to have Kinetics' systems, but the extra quality justifies the added expense. Kinetics claims to have installed about 80% of domestic airlines' self-check-in kiosks.
"There are certain things you can get a cheaper model on, but if you're buying tires for your wife or your kids or your parents' car, obviously you want to get them the best kind of tires," Murashige said. "Working with (Kinetics), I'm glad we made the decision to go with them. They've been very helpful to expedite the whole process. When there are little glitches they respond right away. They've been very proactive about getting a maintenance group out here."
Murashige said the initial installation took about 90 days from the time he called Kinetics.
"We have web check-in as well, which is part of Kinetics' system," Murashige said. "You can do web check-in at home. You can do kiosk check-in at the airport. If you have a bag, just go to one of the kiosks, scan a barcode and it will prompt you with questions on how many bags you have."
The system includes web-based check-in allowing passengers to print luggage tags at home, eliminating the need to wait in line at the terminal.
"Kinetics' solutions provide Island Air's customers with an even smoother, more efficient way to fly," Kinetics vice president Theresa Heinz said. "With Kinetics' technology, passengers can travel with the confidence that they have the industry's most developed self-service check-in solutions to speed them through the airport and on to their flights."
The little airline, which Murashige said moves 15,000-18,000 passengers per week on its eleven twin turbo prop commuter craft, also has some big plans for the future.
"We want to be able to put self-service devices in our terminal area that will allow people to actually check into their hotel rooms from our holding rooms," Murashige said. "So let's say you're going to Lanei, which has two beautiful Four Seasons properties on it, as you wait for your plane you go to this kiosk and check into your hotel. You get your keys and everything. Vice versa, when you're leaving a hotel, you can check in for your flight — have your bag tags printed at the hotel and have them prior to coming to the airport."
Friday, 03 March 2006
CALGARY, Alberta --- March 03, 2006 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted the company patent number 6,972,401, recognizing the innovative illuminated bezel and touch system incorporated in SMART's DViTTM (digital vision touch) technology.
Digital cameras in the bezel detect contact with the screen and translate it to the computer as mouse activity. With no layers of material on the surface of the display to produce the touch, DViT technology offers superior image quality. This patent adds to SMART's four previously granted U.S. patents (Pat. 6,803,906, Pat. 6,919,880, Pat. 6,947,032, Pat. 6,954,197) related to the precise, intuitive touch control of DViT technology incorporated into SMART's rear-projection interactive whiteboards, flat-panel overlays, interactive pen displays and interactive digital signage products. The latest patent adds to SMART's growing patent portfolio.
"This additional patent reflects our commitment to innovation, validates our technology leadership, and protects and strengthens our intellectual property position," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's president and co-CEO. "We continue to pursue this and other patents in the U.S. and worldwide."
About SMART
SMART Technologies Inc. is both the industry pioneer and global market segment leader in easy-to-use interactive whiteboards and other group collaboration tools. SMART products include the family of award-winning SMART Board interactive whiteboards, as well as interactive pen displays, interactive digital signage, wireless slates and software. Using SMART products, groups can access and share the information they need to meet, teach, train and present. SMART has been issued and maintains a broad portfolio of patents with numerous other U.S., Canadian and foreign patents pending. SMART customers include NASA, Texas Instruments, BMW, Toyota Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Boeing, Lucent Technologies, NTT, the Los Angeles Lakers, Novartis, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Accenture, Procter & Gamble, British Telecom, Disney Imagineering and Harvard University.
SMART is a private company founded in 1987. Employing more than 800 people, SMART is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with assembly facilities in Ottawa, and offices in Bonn, Tokyo, New York City and Washington DC. In 1992, SMART formed a strategic alliance with Intel® Corporation that resulted in joint product development and marketing efforts, and Intel's equity ownership in the company. SMART products are sold through dealers across North America and distributors worldwide. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com.
For more information, contact:
Marina Geronazzo
Manager, Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
1207 — 11th Avenue SW, Suite 300
Calgary, AB T3C 0M5
CANADA
Phone +1.403.802.2556 Fax +1.403.228.2500
www.smarttech.com
Friday, 03 March 2006
TAMPA, Fla. — Engage Technologies, Inc., a specialty contractor expert in access control and security systems integration, is pleased to announce its strategic alliance with Tranax Technologies. Engage Technologies, which provides security products and services to financial institutions and others, has become the authorized dealer for Tranax Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Florida. The company offers all models of Tranax ATMs with a range of options to custom configure the ideal solution for any location.
"Tranax has a reputation for coupling innovative technology with security, reliability and performance features unequalled by other brands in the ATM market," said Terry Anderson, president and founder of Engage Technologies. "Our partnership with Tranax allows us to offer our customers the most advanced ATM technology at the best price. And, with Tranax's full range of products, we are able to provide a solution that fits any need."
Dominic Di Blasio, director of sales for Tranax Technologies, says, "We are optimistic about our partnership with Engage Technologies as an authorized distributor of Tranax banking ATMs. Engage Technologies has a proven reputation for performance, and we are confident that they will help us further expand our reach in the Florida marketplace."
Engage Technologies has been a Florida-based bank equipment and service company serving the financial community in the state of Florida for 40 years. As one of Florida's largest independent supplier of bank equipment, Engage Technologies has built a reputation for service and support envied throughout the industry. Beyond the finance industry, the company designs and builds fully integrated access control and security systems for industrial facilities, power plants, airports, medical facilities, theme parks, military bases and private residences.
For more information about Engage Technologies and its products and services offered, visit www.engagetech.net.
About Tranax Technologies
Founded in 1986, Tranax is the leading innovator of self-service technology, serving the retail, banking, hospitality, entertainment and gaming industries. Through advanced technology development, the flexibility to meet the needs of new and emerging markets, and the ability to deploy products rapidly, Tranax enables owners and operators to drive significant business growth. Headquartered in Fremont, California, Tranax has provided more than 65,000 ATMs and self-service terminals throughout North America. For more information, visit www.tranax.com.
About Engage Technologies, Inc.
Based in Tampa, Fla., Engage Technologies is a specialty contractor expert in the field of designing and building sophisticated, fully integrated access control and security electronics. From biometrics and ID card access control to video surveillance systems, ATM machine installations and parking/traffic controls, Engage products and services are designed to control, monitor and record the continual flow of people, vehicles and goods that move in and out of a facility or property.
Currently more than 25,000 Engage Technologies systems are in operation throughout the United States. Clients range from master plan developers, financial institutions and government buildings to theme parks, military bases, medical facilities, airports, parking facilities, schools, assisted living/retirement centers and power plants. For information call 800-388-2219 or visit www.engagetech.net.
Thursday, 02 March 2006
Toronto, Ontario — March 2, 2006 — GestureTek Inc. announced today that they have experienced a significant growth with their GroundFX product for use in the Trade and Exhibit marketplace. Tradeshow exhibits are specifically designed to draw attendance to their booths; and while technology is increasingly becoming a dynamic of this design, one product "GroundFX" an interactive floor projection, has created a whole new dimension, becoming a definitive showstopper.
While a recent Arbitron study reveals that over 6 in 10 customers exposed to interactive floor projection platforms told at least one other person about the experience within 24 to 72 hours, even the impact of passive observers is similar, significantly increasing the reach of this medium.
GestureTek Inc., a leading edge company who owns the patent on computer human interfacing through video cameras, created GroundFX by applying their video analysis to floor projection. Their ability to track people's movements and actions allows GroundFX multimedia content to be controlled, and manipulated by simply stepping up to and onto the projection.
"Even the simplicity of an interactive logo that ripples on what seems to be a pool of water has people lining up to "dip their toes" and have their own "walk on water" illusionary experience. The effect is a real showstopper" says Vincent John Vincent, President, and Co-Founder of GestureTek Inc.
GroundFX content can be as intricate or complex as any multimedia experience; it can function as ‘play' or be used to impart information in form of a presentation. Although GestureTek Inc. has created over 50 different custom applications for various clients, they have also created a diverse library of applications, and effects which can be integrated, and personalized with corporate branding. Similar to billboards - although much more dynamic - GroundFX has a variety of interactive effects. Exhibit booth visitors can use their feet and hands to wipe away a picture (located either on the wall or the floor) to reveal another picture. As they walk on the floor, they can flip over interactive tile components, step on animated buttons to call up information, and run videos or presentations. How about walking through fire, or lava, or mist, or ice, or sand even kicking balls and other objects; these are just a few of the marvels available.
According to Vincent John Vincent, GestureTek Inc. GroundFX implementations for tradeshow applications in 2005 doubled over 2004 and they are forecasted for the same growth for 2006.. Some of the companies that employed GroundFX as a tradeshow interactive illusionary experience include Crestor, BMW, Epson, Dephi, Astellas, and Matrex Exhibits to name just a few.
For an online video review of GestureTek's GroundFX application and experience please click the following link or come and see GroundFX in action, live at the EXHIBITOR SHOW booth #505.
About GestureTek
GestureTek (formerly known as Jestertek/Vivid Group) is the world leader in gesture technologies employed in a wide array of applications and environments: videogame consoles, museum/trade show exhibits, location based entertainment facilities, physical rehabilitation programs, corporate boardrooms for executive presentations, military control rooms, retail kiosks, interactive floors/windows and interactive billboards. GestureTek headquarters are in Toronto, Canada, with additional offices in Ottawa, Silicon Valley, and New York. For information and/or a DVD or video, contact GestureTek at 1-800-315-1189 ext. 273
Thursday, 02 March 2006
NORTH CANTON, Ohio -- Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) today announced it has successfully completed the private placement of $300 million in staggered maturity notes with institutional investors. The financing is comprised of senior notes with 7, 10 and 12-year maturities and has an effective weighted-average interest rate of 5.36 percent. This fixed-rate financing allows Diebold to take advantage of attractive long-term interest rates and provide funding flexibility for potential acquisitions, share repurchases and other opportunities.
"I am very pleased with the favorable interest rate generated in this private placement, which resulted in an oversubscription from the original plan of $225 million to $275 million," said Kevin J. Krakora, vice president and chief financial officer. "Given the attractive long-term rates offered and the level of funds available, the company ultimately elected to secure $300 million in long-term financing. I believe the success of this issuance is a testament to the company's financial strength and future growth prospects."
The notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy such notes and is issued pursuant to Rule 135c under the Securities Act of 1933.
Forward-Looking Statements
In this press release, statements that are not reported, financial results or other historical information are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the company's future operating performance, the company's share of new and existing markets, the company's short- and long-term revenue and earnings growth rates, the company's implementation of cost-reduction initiatives and measures to improve pricing. The use of the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "intends" and similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements that have been made and may in the future be made by or on behalf of the company. Although the company believes that these forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions regarding, among other things, the economy, its knowledge of its business, and on key performance indicators that impact the company, these forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. The company is not obligated to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Some of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
- competitive pressures, including pricing pressures and technological developments;
- changes in the company's relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors and/or partners in its business ventures;
- changes in political, economic or other factors such as currency exchange rates, inflation rates, recessionary or expansive trends, taxes and regulations and laws affecting the worldwide business in each of the company's operations, including Brazil, where a significant portion of the company's revenue is derived;
- acceptance of the company's product and technology introductions in the marketplace;
- unanticipated litigation, claims or assessments;
- the company's ability to reduce costs and expenses and improve internal operating efficiencies;
- the company's ability to successfully implement measures to improve pricing;
- variations in consumer demand for financial self-service technologies, products and services;
- challenges raised about reliability and security of the company's election systems products, including the risk that such products will not be certified for use or will be decertified;
- changes in laws regarding the company's election systems products and services;
- potential security violations to the company's information technology systems; and
- the company's ability to achieve benefits from its cost-reduction initiatives and other strategic changes.
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 $2.6 billion in 2005 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:
Mike Jacobsen
+1 330 490 3796
Investor Contact:
John Kristoff
+1 330 490 5900
Thursday, 02 March 2006
The envelope is open and The Self-Service and Kiosk Association has selected three new advisory board members and re-elected three incumbents. The election comes at what most in the industry believe will be an important era for self service.
"We had a great slate," outgoing interim SSKA executive director Alan Fryrear said. "Everyone was very qualified. I'm excited about the new blood, the new ideas, the new interest that we've had. I think we'd have had excitement with whoever won."
The winners are:
Brian Ardinger of Nanonation
Dr. Sylvia Berens of Apunix*
Edward Crowley of Fivepoint, LLC
Sandra Hartfield of PDNB
Cort Johnson of IBM*
Alex Richardson of Selling Machine Partners*
(*denotes an incumbent)
Incumbent board member Alex Richardson heads the SSKA's new "The Best Service is Self Service" marketing campaign aimed at extending the self-service industry to more deployers. He said it's more important than ever to demonstrate self-service benefits to potential deployers.
"Large deployers don't like to do large-scale projects without knowing that they have alternative suppliers in the marketplace. So this is a critical time for our association to demonstrate that we have a well-organized association, and that we show them best practices so they get it right. And we need to show them one spot to look at qualified suppliers for this technology so they don't spend days and days on Google looking for lots of suppliers."
Board newcomer Brian Ardinger is excited about the opportunity to serve the industry. He said he wants to understand more about how the SSKA works, and how to reach members and potential members with the SSKA's benefits.
"And we need to make sure that we're on the leading edge and thinking strategically about how these technologies will be deployed," Ardinger said. "So when people come to us as part of the association they can trust that we know about these technologies and how they're being used."
Dr. Sylvia Berens expressed similar sentiments regarding her re-election to the board, saying the SSKA should provide more value to the members and help to expand the industry.
"How do you guide someone to finding the right solution for your self service needs?" she said. "It's also about how do you provide value to the vendors so that it makes sense for them to be part of the organization, help grow the industry and meet their needs as well."
Advisory board president Cortlandt Johnson, kiosk national practice manager at IBM Global Services, said the SSKA needs to help grow the industry and provide an objective expert resource for companies interested in self service.
"It's really all about driving the industry in a way that a single company can't do," Johnson said. "By teaming together and having an objective voice we can really drive this whole industry forward."
Another class of board members will be up for election in 2007.
Thursday, 02 March 2006
 TORRANCE, Calif. — Seiko Instruments USA Inc., Micro Printer Division, has announced the introduction of an innovative, compact portable direct thermal printer that is an ideal solution for medical, test and measurement, voting and other applications. The new DPU-V445 features high reliability, affordability and a range of interfaces for maximum printing flexibility.
"The new DPU-V445 is a key addition to our line of portable printers, offering our customers a cost-effective solution that fits their requirements both in reliability and versatility," said Bob Falco, director and division manager, Seiko Instruments USA Inc., Micro Printer Division. "This printer addresses a critical market need, as a dependable alternative to the more costly, super-rugged mobile printers."
The DPU-V445 can deliver in a variety of environments, such as providing immediate results in test and measurement applications, and in healthcare, supplying valuable patient records and payment reimbursement forms. Direct thermal printing is the ideal printing technology for these challenging, long-life applications. With few moving parts and no need for ink or toner replacement, Seiko Instruments direct thermal printers can provide years of worry-free use with minimal operating costs. Reliability for the DPU-V445 is defined as a minimum of 100 million pulses and 50 kilometers of printing while print resolution is 8 dots/mm (203 dpi) at a speed of 80 mm/s with a paper width of 112 mm.
Options include a choice of AC adapter or rechargeable or 9V battery power source, and configuration flexibility with USB, IrDA infrared wireless, serial, and parallel connectivity options. Operating temperature range for the unit is 0 to 60ï‚° C.
As a demonstration of Seiko Instruments continued commitment to its customer's needs and global environmental standards, the DPU-V445 is being released in compliance of RoHS restrictions on use of lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, and PBB and PBDE flame retardants.
For more information about the DPU-V445 portable thermal printer, as well as the entire line of Seiko Instruments Inc. thermal portable printers, subassemblies and mechanisms, contact Seiko Instruments USA Inc., 2990 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505; 310-517-7778; fax 310- 517-8154; email ; or visit our web site at www.siiprinters.com.
About Seiko Instruments Inc.
Seiko Instruments Inc. uses its well-recognized expertise in precision engineering, design miniaturization and quality manufacturing to develop and market over 100 industrial high technology and consumer electronics products in the United States and around the world. The company's Micro Printer Division offers a wide range of reliable thermal printers, plug-and-play printer subassemblies, and compact print mechanisms and accessories. Other divisions offer electronic components and business and home office products.
SII is a registered trademark of Seiko Instruments Inc.
Thursday, 02 March 2006
CHARLOTTE, N.C. · SSKA member Source Technologies, provider of integrated solutions for managing financial transactions and other secure business processes, announced the availability of the concourse Kiosk Project Planner, an interactive design tool to create customized transactional kiosk project plans.
As an easy-to-use Web-based application, the concourse Kiosk Project Planner allows businesses to interactively develop their kiosk project requirements by selecting either branch banking or retail applications, hardware enhancements, color options and technical support packages. In addition, the Kiosk Project Planner collects information regarding production and deployment to ensure optimal implementation and post-sale support. After completion of eight simple steps, the requirements can be viewed online and submitted automatically. Source Technologies responds with a comprehensive kiosk design and project plan based on the submission.
"Source Technologies developed the Kiosk Project Planner to offer our customers an easy way to work through some of the initial steps in planning a self-service deployment," said Miles Busby, president of Source Technologies. "Banks and retailers are aggressively looking for transactional kiosks that address their customer's specific needs and that also provide unique branding opportunities. By allowing the customer to choose their model, devices, applications, colors and implementation plan, we are enabling our customers to quickly and effectively scope their project, reduce their time-to-benefit and maximize their return on investment."
Thursday, 02 March 2006
Smart Power Systems markets networking and power supply equipment.
Wednesday, 01 March 2006
This year is expected to be a big one for SSKA member Wincor Nixdorf International in the United States. The $1.9 billion Paderborn, Germany-based ATM manufacturer is leaning on a stronger U.S. presence and an enhanced focus on service, software and additional self-service branch solutions to pull it ahead of the competition · competition that is maintaining a far lead.
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John Tyler is vice president of banking for Wincor's U.S. subsidiary, Wincor Nixdorf Inc.
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According to ATM & Debit News' 2006 EFT Data Book, in 2004 Wincor ranked seventh in U.S. ATM shipments when compared to Diebold, NCR, Triton, Tranax, NexTran, Tidel (now NCR EasyPoint LLC), Lipman, Greenlink and Fujitsu.
Diebold is the U.S. ATM market leader, with NCR and Triton in close competition for second.
For Wincor, a relatively new entrant to the U.S. market, finding a competitive edge or niche won't be easy, said Sam Ditzion, president and chief executive of Boston-based Tremont Capital Group, an advisory firm that focuses on mergers and acquisitions within the ATM industry.
"I think if they had had a big successful push two years ago, there would have been a lot of opportunity for them to become a viable alternative," Ditzion said. "There still is opportunity, but the number of new machines that will be bought in the U.S. over the next two years (after all of the Triple DES upgrades, etc.) will be limited."
Dominic Hirsch, managing director of Surrey, England-based Retail Banking Research Ltd., said the complexity of the North American market, coupled with Wincor's 3 percent market share, pose a couple of challenges.
"Wincor will have to be innovative," Hirsch said. "On a worldwide basis, Wincor is No. 3, and they've grown by being innovative."
Hirsch pointed to Wincor's relationship with London-based Barclays, one of the United Kingdom's largest FIs, as one that could be imitated in the U.S.
"By targeting some of the big banks in the U.S. and working hard with them to design ATMs and be competitive on price, I think they could go a long way. That's what they did with Barclays and it proved successful. Once you've signed with a big bank, you're immediately recognized by those who didn't even know you were in the market."
If that's the case, then Wincor is traveling the right track. In November it announced a servicing deal with San Francisco-based Wells Fargo, the fifth-largest U.S. ATM deployer with 6,275 ATMs · a portfolio that includes Wincor, NCR and Diebold machines.
"They (Wincor) compete pretty hard on price, and they really do push the servicing side of their business," Hirsch said. "And there's no doubt that Wincor will try to get a slice of the service market in the U.S."
To leverage service and sales in the U.S., however, Wincor is leaning on partnerships, like the one it signed with IBM Corp. in 2002.
But partnerships can only take a business so far, Hirsch said. "In the U.S., they can partner to reach financial institutions, but they'll have to be innovative."
To be innovative, Hirsch said, Wincor could focus on the smaller FI space · a space Triton has worked hard to fill.
"Wincor has a history of being innovative, and this could be a space for them, with the credit unions and community banks," he said. "In the last few years, they've done a lot of things right, so it will be interesting to see what they do in the U.S."
But Tremont's Ditzion said Wincor's lack of a comprehensive service network that can rival NCR and Diebold, regardless of the FI focus, is its highest hurdle.
"In order to make it work, I think they will have to acquire someone," he said, adding that differences between the European and North American markets will have an impact.
"At the end of the day, while Wincor is relatively new to the United States, they are very well respected in the FI space in Europe. I think their product is very compelling, but their pricing and ability to service will create challenges. Also, I think it's a different target than they're used to."
A market difference
John Tyler, who late last year was named vice president of banking for Wincor's Austin, Texas-based subsidiary, Wincor Nixdorf Inc., said he thinks Wincor has a "compelling advantage in the U.S."
Tyler argues that Wincor's experience in Europe and market changes, including those pushing FIs to more advanced functionality and self service within the branch, give Wincor a clear advantage.
"When you look at how to migrate transactions to developing a product line of full-function ATM devices and put it all together, Wincor comes out ahead of the competition. I think our software is really at an advantage, too. And when you put it all together, it tells a nice story."
Wincor is working to put it all together.
At the company's annual trade event, Wincor World, which was held this year Jan. 24-26 in Paderborn, Germany, it touted a targeted approach to service · an approach Wincor enhances with some 70 global partners. (Read also, Wincor World showcases banking, retail solutions for the 21st century.)
"In North America, we've been in the market since 1996, and right now I feel very good about our distribution channel," Tyler said. "I'm very confident with our go-to-market strategy. We've overcompensated. We've hired more people than we need to meet the needs of the market, from a service approach. Deposit automation, assisted self-service · we're getting those out there so that we can then work to develop our service offering."
During the first quarter of 2006, which ended Dec. 31, Wincor hired 346 new employees to help develop its service business and promote expansion in so-called retail and banking "growth" markets, which include the U.S. and Asia.
Stefan Auerbach, who's responsible for Wincor's global services business, said Wincor is working to build a servicing arm that can support growth in the areas of branch-restructuring, process-optimization, Internet, security and software-standardization solutions.
Tyler echoed that sentiment.
"Over the last three months, assisted self-service has taken off in the U.S. There's an ROI there that to me seems compelling to major banks. Our ATS (assisted teller safe) and ATMs are helping to bring self-service to the branch, and we have more experience in that area than anyone."
Wednesday, 01 March 2006
DiTRONICS Financial Services, a Las Vegas, NV based provider of ATMs, cash advance, and check cashing services to the gaming industry, has outsourced phone technical support and dispatch services to Solvport, LLC, a Portland, OR, based servicing company beginning February 1, 2006. Tiffany Milicevic, Director of Operations for DiTRONICS said the move seemed logical based on the excellent service Solvport has provided DiTRONICS over the past year. Tiffany Milicevic also added, "It has proven to be a great benefit for our company to have someone on the other end of the phone who understands the business when a merchant/customer calls with ATM issues."
Solvport will service over 530 of DiTRONICS' ATMs nationwide, providing technical support via the phone as well as all dispatching outside the state of Nevada. Solvport will also handle all of DiTRONICS installations outside the state of Nevada.
"DiTRONICS' need for 24/7 phone technical support and dispatch assistance fits exactly in to the niche offering that we are trying to provide ," says Wayne Vandekraak, President & CEO of Solvport.
Solvport currently provides phone support for approximately 80,000 ATM locations throughout the US.
Wednesday, 01 March 2006
Burnaby, BC, March 01, 2006 - Info Touch Technologies Corp. (TSX-V: IFT), owners of the TIO Network, today announced the deployment of 25 ZapLink kiosks at select Circle K convenience stores in El Paso, Texas. Through this expansion, Info Touch and Circle K now offer cash-preferred customers secure and convenience access to bill payment and financial transactions at self-service automated kiosks, 24-hours-a-day.
These kiosks enable cash preferred customers to securely access personal accounts and view balances on select billers without the need to have account number present. They can also pay a host of bills including wireless, utility and cable and update their accounts in real time. Payments are made by inserting the cash directly into ZapLink kiosk's bill acceptor. Once the cash is accepted, the payment is immediately posted through Info Touch's TIO network. Circle K customers can navigate through bill pay and other TIO applications in either English or Spanish and complete financial transactions by either printing or emailing their receipt to an email address of their choice.
"Zaplink and the TIO Network is an important part of Circle K's strategy to empower our customers with convenient and hassle-free ways to pay bills and manage personal finances", according to Dan Stiel, Manager of Financial Services for Circle K Stores, Inc. "Our customers in El Paso will discover our self-service Zaplink kiosks to be fast, friendly and reliable."
"El Paso, Texas is a growing Latino community and market research indicates that nearly half of the Hispanics are unbanked and more than 78% of El Paso's population is Hispanic. This data confirms there is market demand for non-traditional financial solutions", said Hamed Shahbazi, Chairman and CEO of Info Touch Technologies. "By delivering convenient access to affordable financial services, we improve the quality of life for residents of El Paso, and execute on our recurring revenue transaction business"
Since September 2001, Info Touch and Circle K have deployed approximately 300 Zaplink kiosks in 6 states, including Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. Both companies' objective is to not only grow the number of locations but also the selection of billers and other financial services available.
About Circle K Stores Inc.
Circle K Stores Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., the leader in the Canadian convenience store industry.
In North America, Couche-Tard is the fourth largest convenience store operator and the second largest independent (not integrated with a petroleum company) convenience store operator. The Company currently operates a network of 4,898 convenience stores, 3,073 of which include motor fuel dispensing, located in eight large geographic markets, including three in Canada and five which cover 23 American states in the United States. Some 34,000 people work at Couche-Tard's executive offices and throughout the network.
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. The TIO brand symbolizes safe secure access to key financial services with 'real time' updates for the cash preferred consumer.
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:
Dan Stiel - Circle K
Tel.: (602) 728-3208
Email:
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