 |
News Archive |
 |
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Noritsu America Corp., a manufacturer of digital photo-imaging equipment, has completed its acquisition of Virginia-based Lucidiom Inc., a maker of automated customer photo kiosks, the companies today announced.
Steven L'Heureux, COO of Noritsu America Corp., says the acquisition will allow retailers to take advantage of the company's complementary employee-facing and customer self-service offerings:
Retailers looking for ways to enhance the profit opportunities from their photo services department now have an integrated and scalable photo solution for the consumer driven digital age. What we are offering retailers is the opportunity to combine the resources of our superior digital imaging equipment, already deployed in more than 50 percent of the nation's leading retailers, with Lucidiom's creative APM (automated photo machine) kiosks and versatile Web-based solutions.
Lucidiom currently has a worldwide footprint of more than 55,000 automated photo kiosks.
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
D2 Sales, a provider of interactive kiosks and digital signage, has announced that the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medial Center has successfully completed a self-service check-in pilot program and will deploy D2's My Patient Passport Express kiosk throughout its facilities.
According to D2, the touchscreen, HIPAA-compliant kiosk allows hospital patients to check in, make appointments, update medical history, make copayments and sign documents electronically. The kiosk's enclosure was created to be consistent with the hospital's branding program.
Friday, 11 December 2009
DED Limited, a printer distributor based in the United Kingdom, today announced the availability of Nippon Primex' 2-inch thermal kiosk printer, the NP-K204. The company says the NP-K204 is available at an entry-level price and is ideal for printing tickets, receipts and vouchers.
DED says the printer is designed for ease of use and features drop-in paper loading, prints at 80mm per second and is compatible with paper between 48mm and 58mm wide on a diameter of up to 80mm. The printer also offers a full or partial paper cut and improved ease of paper insertion and feeding via an upper paper entrance slot, according to a DED news release.
Wednesday, 09 December 2009
Working Solutions Ltd. has announced the release of its Kiosk Monitor Watchdog remote-management solution for Windows 7, part of the company's line of Acquire software products.
According to a news release from Working Solutions, Kiosk Monitor Watchdog is a locally installed solution that is able to lock down a kiosk, preventing local or remote access. The program performs automatic remedial actions and continually monitors and logs preconfigured trigger events or errors. It is available in a stand-alone "lite" version, which can be configured to send e-mail notifications, or in a "pro" version, which enables remote administration, diagnostics, an optional support "ticketing" module and SMS warning functions.
Working Solutions says the "pro" package, a "software plus services" model, also includes the Remote Services Manager (RSM), which is installed remotely from the kiosk and enables support personnel to see an array of information about the kiosk network, and the PLUS! Network. The network comprises hosted, secure servers that facilitate the back-up and storage of data and provides a secure tunnel through which technicians can remotely operate.
Tuesday, 08 December 2009
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. (LAEDC) has announced results of an economic study that it says illustrates the negative impact of low-cost DVD rentals, such as those at redbox, Blockbuster Express and other DVD-rental kiosks, on the Southern California economy.
According to a news release from the LAEDC, "The Economic Implications of Low Cost DVD Rentals" indicates that an estimated $1 billion in lost revenues to the domestic home video industry in the region because of low-cost DVD rentals would lead to an additional $500 million in reduced economic activity. LAEDC's study also says the loss of film production in the Los Angeles area would mean more than 9,290 lost jobs, with annual earnings of nearly $395 million.
LAEDC only specifically names redbox in its news release and says the $1-per-day rental model puts the foundation of the film distribution industry at risk:
Redbox's low-cost kiosks are challenging the traditional distribution and release model of the industry, which is built upon timed, sequential release into differentiated market segments through a variety of channels (box office, sell-through, rental, pay television and cable). ... Although box office numbers are headlined in industry and popular press, revenues from this income stream account for less than 25 percent of the total revenues earned by distributors. Most movies are not immediate money makers, and companies rely on sequential sales, such as in the home entertainment market, to recoup their production and marketing investment.
Redbox continues to be embroiled in litigation with several Hollywood studios that have imposed new release distribution delays of up to 30 days on the DVD-rental company. According to the Los Angeles Times, redbox even has amended its suits against 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros., alleging that the studios have imposed restrictions on the number of DVDs specific retailers can sell to any one individual. Redbox has made no secret of its "work-around" process — its employees frequent retailers such as Walmart, Target and Best Buy to purchase in bulk the new releases that have been delayed by studios.
Friday, 04 December 2009
Motorola Inc. has announced that its venture capital arm, Motorola Ventures, has invested in Paris-based Sensitive Object, a provider of multitouch platforms and natural user interfaces (NUIs) that is a spin-off of the French Science National Research Centre (CNRS).
According to a news release from Motorola, Sensitive Object was founded in 2003, and its Anywhere MultiTouch platform can "tactilize" any surface by leveraging acoustics to analyze sound waves departing from the point of a touch. Motorola says the technology is able to cost-effectively transform any product into a touch device and will set a new standard for full 3-D device interaction.
Reese Schroeder, managing director of Motorola Ventures, says Sensitive Object's technology underscores an emerging trend in touch technology:
Natural user interface, and in particular interacting with a device through touch, is an area of rapid development and great excitement. Sensitive Object provides an innovative and unique approach, allowing new ways of interaction. We're most excited to be involved in their growth and success.
Tuesday, 01 December 2009
BizCommunity.com reports that JustTouchIT's "The Forum," an interactive kiosk Web portal scheduled to launch in February, has signed Australian kiosk solutions provider Yeahpoint as a Gold Sponsor.
JustTouchIT is South Africa's only kiosk-industry conference, whose inaugural event was in July 2009. Event founder Frank Nunan, who also founded and owns industry consultancy The Kiosk Shop, wanted to create a Web presence to continue the work accomplished at July's conference, according to the report:
The conference and expo's purpose was to create a communications platform for the self-service industry and we believe that we succeeded in this effort. Consensus was that it should become an annual event, so we have commenced planning for next year's event. However, as successful as the conference was, there has been a feeling that the industry needs additional communications, marketing and information platforms.
The kiosk industry Web portal and resource center is dedicated to providing information and promoting professional solutions for kiosk suppliers, manufacturers, products, services and other related technology applications. It will contain a directory of participating vendors, suppliers and solution providers and will feature product information in its virtual showroom, under a variety of categories. It will have a news gallery, featuring local and international kiosk news, case studies and white papers. It will also host special product launch, new technology or future vision pages.
BizCommunity.com says other sponsors of JustTouchIT — The Forum include South African digital signage company Public Display Technologies and kiosk solutions provider iOmeida. The Web site says other international kiosk players, including IBM, are expected to participate in the initiative.
Monday, 30 November 2009
DropStation Inc., a provider of self-service solutions for parcel delivery logistics, today announced the appointment of Rich Stillman, past president of Coinstar Inc., to DropStation's advisory board.
DropStation provides a network of self-service Automated Delivery Machines (ADMs), which the company says help streamline customer pick-up and delivery of packages and goods and allow parcel carriers to increase first-delivery success, operational cost savings and customer satisfaction.
John Matsuo, CEO of Dropstation, hopes Stillman's experience managing a nationwide self-service network will help the company expand its network of ADMs:
The addition of Mr. Stillman to our advisory board will provide valuable insight that comes with experience and a pioneering mentality as it relates to a large-scale self-service deployment. Rich’s understanding of working with retailers and managing a network of self-service kiosks will aid in our pursuit to provide a complete solution for the first and last mile distribution of small- to medium-sized parcels.
According to DropStation, Stillman has spent 30 years in executive management, marketing and sales positions and helped double coin revenue and pioneer electronic payment services and "coin-to-card" products during his time at Coinstar Inc. Stillman is now founder and president of the Upswing Group in Seattle.
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
TIO Networks Corp., a provider of expedited bill-payment processing, has announced it will expand its relationship with Cox Communications. TIO previously processed Cox bill payments in test deployments in Phoenix and Las Vegas and now will take the partnership nationwide to TIO's more than 18,000 transaction end-points, which include 1,500 cash-accepting billpay kiosks.
Mark McGuire, vice president of solutions delivery for Cox Communications, says the agreement with TIO is about customer convenience:
At Cox, our focus is always on the customer. The ability of customers to pay their bills at TIO retail locations and self-service kiosks is one more way that our customers can conveniently do business with Cox.
Atlanta-based Cox Communications is the third-largest cable company in the United States and provides digital video, broadband and telephone services to more than 6 million customers.
Monday, 23 November 2009
According to a report from Business Travel News, the United States Department of Homeland Security has proposed to make its test Global Entry kiosk program permanent in 2010. The program was launched in June 2008 and has expanded to 20 U.S. airports, including international hubs in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York.
Travelers can pay a $100 enrollment fee to participate in the Global Entry program, which uses touchscreen kiosks and biometric identification technology to expedite the customs and security process for international travelers.
The DHS' proposal to make the program permanent is now under a public comment period until Jan. 19, the report says.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
NCR Corp. has announced the opening of a new manufacturing plant in Manaus, Amazonas in Brazil. The company said in a news release that the facility will support the market demand for NCR's SelfServ ATMs in Brazil, the Caribbean and throughout Latin America. The company announced it would build the plant earlier this year.
Bob Tramontano, NCR's vice president of marketing, says the Brazilian market is poised for rapid growth:
Surveys with the retail banking industry show that the Brazilian ATM market is to grow 16 percent by 2012, which warrants that significant investments are made. NCR’s investment of R$73 million (US $42 million) will help shape the future of manufacturing in Brazil as we build, design and engineer specific products to meet the needs of our customers in the region.
NCR says the new facility will create 250 new jobs in Manaus.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
San Diego-based ecoATM, a provider of electronics recycling kiosks, today announced the appointment of Tom Tullie as its chairman, president and CEO. EcoATM last week won the $10,000 grand prize in Coinstar Inc.'s "Big Idea" contest at the KioskCom Self Service Expo in New York.
According to a news release from ecoATM, current CEO and founder Mark Bowles will transition to the position of chief marketing officer, where he will be responsible for strategy, innovation and business development.
Bowles says the addition of Tullie to ecoATM's team will help the company expand its start-up concept:
Anyone who has worked with Tom Tullie, as I have in the past, understands the intense focus and leadership he brings to an organization. We are delighted he has agreed to take the helm as we ramp into the next phase.
According to ecoATM, Tullie was CEO of Vativ Technologies, a provider of advanced communications technology before joining the company. Prior to working with Vativ, Tullie was with Path 1 Network Technologies, a provider of IP video-transport products to broadcasters, satellite operators, cable multisystem operators (MSOs), and telecom operators.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Curiosk Marketing Solutions Inc., a provider of wine and spirits information kiosks, has announced that Alex Richardson, founder and former CEO of kiosk and digital signage software provider Netkey, has joined Curiosk's advisory board. Richardson is now managing director of New York-based Selling Machine Partners.
David Weinberg, founder and president of Curiosk, says Richardson's presence on the board will help position Curiosk as a leader in its niche market:
Having Alex join our advisory board adds a tremendous layer of expertise and provides our business partners with an enhanced level of confidence that Curiosk can and will become the No. 1, top-of-mind solution for retailers seeking an affordable solution for the wine aisle. In addition to his technology insights, Alex’s strategic leadership will help us to reach our goals and maintain our reputation for innovation and customer focus.
Richardson has more than 20 years experience in the retail and technology segments. In addition to pioneering the development of an enterprise software market for retail self-service devices as the founder of Netkey, he also worked with a $4 billion luxury brand to develop the first interactive store window and cross-channel iPhone application in retail. Richardson has an MBA from Yale University and was a founding member of the Digital Signage Association, in addition to his former role as president of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
As last week's KioskCom Self Service Expo wrapped up, attendees had the chance to interact with a few industry experts, asking questions and sharing their feedback on the event. Janet Webster, president of Creative Solutions Consulting, joined Steven Pomerantz of Kaiser Permanente and Paul Flanigan, founding partner of The Preset Group, for the conference's closing "Pay it Forward" session. Webster says the three panelists spent time throughout the two-day event attending different sessions and speaking with attendees about their impressions.
"Our goal today is to give you that one tidbit, that one piece of information that maybe you didn't get during the conference that you can take back and apply to your projects," Webster told the audience.
The speakers reiterated the need for kiosk-solutions providers to create compelling offers, while keeping their concepts "charmingly simple," to empower customers and give deployers a way to improve their operations and to focus on fresh and innovative content.
"Good technology is something no one notices," Flanigan said. "What they see is the end result. You're out there to make your customer more engaged with the brand, and if that wins, we all win."
Throughout the interactive session, several deployers indicated a desire for more unity between digital signage and kiosk solutions, not only on the show floor, but also from those providing the technology. Many said they came to the show looking for such integrated solutions and were disappointed to find that many vendors are firmly on one side or the other.
"It sounds like deployers have a significant opportunity here to start demanding some things," Webster said.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
At this week's KioskCom Self Service Expo, representatives from technology research firm VDC Research Group Inc. discussed the state of the self-service industry as it moves toward a new year.
In a session entitled "Analyst Alert: Analysis of the Self-Service Kiosk Industry and Usability Studies," VDC executive vice president Chris Rezendes said the firm's data indicates the self-service industry has remained relatively healthy through the economic struggles of the past 18 months. VDC's figures, derived from a survey of 400 self-service deployers, indicate that North American deployers invested nearly $3 billion in self-service hardware, software and services in 2008.
"Self-service delivery-platform budgets survived the recession so far," Rezendes told attendees. "Your peers are continuing to invest in self-service projects."
Rezendes also told attendees that the self-service market is becoming more fragmented, which means deployers have to be smarter about the applications they roll out and the providers they work with.
"If you're considering deploying a self-service delivery platform, a kiosk for example, we think your decision has only gotten more complicated," he said. "The onus is now on (deployers) to clearly define what you want to do with the kiosk."
But coupled with that clear strategy must be room for flexibility and the goal of expanding a self-service deployment's functionality to serve multiple business needs, Rezendes said.
"You must have a razor-sharp definition of the primary application you're rolling out," he said. "At the same time, don't get caught deploying a solution that only supports that application. If you're going to invest in a platform, think of it as just that — a platform that will provide you with flexibility."
And Rezendes said self-service will only become more important to operators' bottom lines as consumers continue to deal with a shaky financial landscape — they have fewer dollars but more information than ever before.
"When they show up in your store or on your floor, they take leverage from you," he said. "Self-service is part of regaining that leverage at the point of decision."
Other numbers from VDC:
- Spending in the North American self-service market is expected to reach $5.6 billion by in 2013.
- According to VDC's survey results, 55 percent of respondents have deployed self-service solutions, and 39 percent plan to do so within the next 12 to 24 months.
- Self-service deployers cited customer empowerment, operations improvement and cost savings as their top-three deployment drivers.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Coinstar Inc. today announced the winner of its "Big Idea" contest, following president and COO Gregg Kaplan's keynote presentation at the KioskCom Self Service Expo in New York City. Kaplan awarded a $10,000 prize to San Diego-based ecoATM, a kiosk solution that allows consumers to recycle used electronic devices, such as mobile phones, often trading them as part of a promotion from a participating retailer.
Kaplan spoke during his keynote about the fundamental principles of growing a successful kiosk network, such as creating a simple yet compelling concept, innovation, flexibility and a focus on ROI. The speaker said Coinstar chose ecoATM as the winner because the solution embodies each of those characteristics:
The reason we love ecoATM is that it essentially hits on every measurement we're talking about.
Kaplan says more than $25 billion in used electronic devices sit idle each year. The ecoATM kiosk strives to reduce electronic waste, which Kaplan says supports the environmental efforts that are part of Coinstar's culture.
Thursday, 05 November 2009
POS solutions provider Epson has announced the release of its TM-T70 thermal receipt printer, which the company says is ideal for many kiosk applications because of its all-front-access, small-format design and flexible mounting options.
According to a news release from Epson, the TM-T70's other features and benefits include a near-end paper detector; paper-out, power and error LEDs; an autocutter; a spill-resistance seal; high printing speed and resolution; and the ability to support a variety of barcodes.
Epson also says the TM-T70 features multiple connection options, including USB, Ethernet and wireless. The product comes with a two-year warranty.
Wednesday, 04 November 2009
Atlanta-based SoloHealth has announced it will showcase the EyeSite vision-screening kiosk at next week's KioskCom Self Service Expo in New York City. SoloHealth says the solution will be on display at NCR Corp.'s booth, where attendees will be offered free vision screenings.
Stephen Kendig, SoloHealth's VP of operations and development, commented on the announcement:
"We are excited to be part of KioskCom again this year. The show is a great place to meet vendors, network with potential clients and engage with industry experts."
Kendig also will speak during the show at a session entitled "Funding Your Kiosk Project: Creative Business Strategies for Any Economy."
According to SoloHealth, the EyeSite kiosk won three awards at last year's KioskCom Self Service Expo: "Best Healthcare Innovation," "Best New Innovation Overall" and "Best in Show."
Monday, 02 November 2009
Managing digital marketing assets across a variety of customer touch points will be the focus of Nanonation as it exhibits at KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show next week. The Lincoln, Neb.-based software company will showcase a number of new technologies for both kiosks and digital signage.
Positioned at booth #307, Nanonation will feature demonstrations of client work and highlights of new enhancements and technology innovations based on its software platform. Stations will be set-up to demonstrate Nanonation’s CommandPoint tools to monitor, manage and measure enterprise deployments, including its new Data Tagging functionality to streamline and automate content management of digital signage networks.
New items that will be showcased include:
- User interface and functionality enhancements to Nanonation’s software platform
- Intelligent, SKU-activated merchandising solutions for customers and employees
- Digital Menu Board solutions for hospitality environments
- Customer-driven digital signage and mobile integration such as Microsoft Tag
- Digital audio solutions for management of the in-store audio experience
- Enhanced data tagging intelligence to automate and enhance content management
In addition Bradley Walker, Nanonation’s CEO, will be moderating a panel on Tuesday at 10:30 A.M. entitled “Creating the Intelligent Customer Experience.” Panel participants for the session will include representatives from Target and Outcast Media.
Brian Ardinger, Nanonation’s CMO, will present at 2:00 P.M. at a session titled “Better Shopper Marketing Through Technology: Creating Innovative, Immersive & Intelligent Customer Experiences.” Each session will delve into specific industry case studies and insights gained from the past decade of work in the digital media marketplace.
Monday, 02 November 2009
NCR Corp. announced this morning that it has purchased the assets of Netkey, a digital signage and kiosk software provider based in East Haven , Conn. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Netkey’s software platform is used to manage digital signage networks as well as self-service applications like gift registry, guided selling, endless aisle and human resources functions.
Netkey has more than 75,000 kiosks and digital signs installed by more than 400 clients in the retail, finance, transportation and government sectors. Many of these customers also use NCR ’s kiosk, self-checkout or point-of-sale solutions.
NCR will combine Netkey’s software platform with its own software to create an enterprise software solution to accompany NCR’s hardware portfolio and suite of services. NCR will continue to provide multivendor hardware support with the Netkey solution.
Mike Webster, vice president and general manager for NCR ’s retail line of business, commented on the acquisition:
Consumers increasingly expect to interact with companies when and how they wish, and businesses are responding by offering their customers a seamless experience across the channel of their choice. This acquisition will enable NCR to help its customers across multiple industries with kiosk and digital signage solutions that deliver more effective transactions, promotions and information as part of a merged-channel strategy.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Tempe, Ariz.-based Phoenix Kiosk Inc. today announced it is a recipient of the 2009 Comerica Bank Arizona Companies to Watch award, presented by the Arizona Small Business Association, Comerica Bank and the Edward Lowe Foundation.
Alan Work, Phoenix Kiosk's CEO, says a collaborative effort within the company has made such recognition possible:
"We are extremely proud of this accomplishment and recognize that it is the ongoing energy from all of Phoenix Kiosk's employees that helped to get us here. This is yet another validation that the determination we have as a team to stay the course and keep our eyes on our values is paying off."
According to a news release from Phoenix Kiosk, the Comerica Bank Arizona Companies to Watch awards program considers privately held, second-stage companies based in the state. Award recipients are selected for demonstrating the intent and capacity to grow based on employee or sales growth, exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, sustainable competitive advantage or other notable strengths.
The awards will be presented to 37 Arizona companies at a gala Nov. 6 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Olea Inc. today announced that Frank Olea has been named CEO of the company; former CEO Fernando Olea will take the position of Chairman. According to a news release, Frank Olea has overseen the company's kiosk product division for more than 15 years.
Olea provides custom self-service kiosks, as well as standard off-the-shelf models. The company also has traditionally manufactured tradeshow exhibits for its client, but Frank Olea says under his leadership, Olea will narrow its focus:
The company is now entirely focused from top to bottom on kiosks and self-service systems. The move to make me CEO is going to allow me to focus more on the company's future and the products we offer.
Olea Inc. has been in the self-service business for more than 35 years and is based on Los Angeles.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Empower Technologies, a Richmond, British Columbia-based provider of embedded computing systems, has announced a partnership with the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame to deploy an interactive kiosk. According to a news release from Empower, the "Inspiration Kiosk" is located at the front entrance of the Hall of Fame and will allow visitors to relive exceptional moments in British Columbia sports history.
Paul Leung, CEO of Empower Technologies, says the deployment will provide visitors a unique experience:
Empower is very pleased to have been selected by the BC Sports Hall of Fame when they were looking for a new generation of interactive kiosks… . The BC Sports Hall of Fame has taken initiative to be the first museum of its kind to implement this display technology. The project is a true partnership and illustrates how technology can assist in bringing sport history to life.
Empower says its kiosks used RFID technology and the company's iSign S1000 digital media player and that it is fanless, and has low power- and heat-generating features, making it a green solution.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Digital-download kiosk provider MOD Systems Inc. has announced that CEO Anthony Bay will speak at William Blair & Company's 12th Annual Private Equity Conference next week. According to a news release from MOD, the event brings together more than 50 cutting-edge companies and more than 400 investors from leading private equity firms.
MOD says Bay will share with investors how the company is capitalizing on digital delivery trend in the entertainment segment:
At the conference, Bay will discuss how the MOD Retail Digital Content Distribution System helps retailers bring an expansive library of digital content into their stores, enabling consumers to browse, pay and download content from touchscreen kiosks. He will also address the future of movie and music downloads to flash-based storage and revenue opportunities in digital content delivery for retailers, device manufacturers and content providers.
The conference will take place Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Seiko Instruments USA Inc.'s Thermal Printer Division and Arrow Electronics have announced a distribution partnership for the Americas. According to a news release from Seiko, the agreement means that Arrow's OEM Computing Solutions group will provide a full range of engineering integration and logistics services and Seiko will provide its kiosk printers, mobile printers and thermal print mechanisms.
Kaz Onishi, vice president and general manager of Seiko Instruments USA, says the partnership will benefit manufacturers and integrators in the kiosk and ATM markets, among others:
Arrow offers very high-caliber outsourcing capabilities and a robust line-up of complementary technologies. Arrow can support the full gamut of customers, from small integrators to multinational OEMs. This is a great fit for our best-in-class printers, and most importantly, it is a big win for the customer.
Arrow's OEM Computing Solutions group's capabilities include product design, prototype development, compliance, documentation, manufacturing and integration, logistics, post-sales services and financing. Arrow operates state-of-the-art, value-added and logistics centers in the United States, Mexico, China and Hungary.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
VDC Research on Oct. 8 hosted a webinar entitled "Next Gen for Self-Service: Managed Services," during which executives from NCR Corp. and MaxBox Digital Retail Ltd. discussed the opportunities for managed services deployments for self-service solutions.
The Self-Service and Kiosk Association sponsored the webinar, which is now available for free download here.
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
MOD Systems Inc., a provider of digital movie and music download kiosks for retailers, today announced that Larry Smith, the company's senior vice president of sales, marketing and business development, will present at next week's Digital Hollywood Fall 2009 conference.
According to a news release from MOD Systems, Smith will participate in a panel discussion called "Downloads, Movies, DVDs – Everywhere Video to the Consumer," Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.
As Hollywood movie studios ponder how to combat falling DVD sales and the onset of digital distribution, MOD says the panel will examine the multiple ways consumers might obtain content in the future:
In this panel, experts will discuss how the latest modes of content delivery are making video available to consumers in new places and in new ways. From home broadband download to media-on-demand in retail, the future of video purchase and rental is poised to change. Will packaged media disappear? Will kiosks or broadband downloads rule supreme? This session will address these questions and more, as industry experts look to a future with video when and where consumers want it.
MOD says Smith has more than 25 years experience in the entertainment, technology and retail industries in North America and Europe. Joining him on the session's panel will be representatives from Sonic Solutions/CinemaNow, Entone, Gigantic Digital Cinema, redbox, Avail-TVN and DivX.
Monday, 12 October 2009
Radio New Zealand reports that a "widespread" computer glitch on Air New Zealand's check-in kiosks and call-in center and online-booking systems affected 10,000 airline passengers Sunday.
According to the report, the systems, which are provided by IBM, were down for more than six hours, causing serious issues for travelers as a school holiday came to an end:
The company's short haul airlines manager Bruce Parton describes the situation as a "full-blown system meltdown," never seen before. He says computer company IBM's performance has fallen well short of expectation. … Mr. Parton says at this stage, Air New Zealand does not know what caused the disruption, and the company will address that with IBM on Monday.
Air New Zealand spent $30 million to deploy the self-check-in kiosks last November, the report says.
Thursday, 08 October 2009
Reuters reports that NCR Corp. chief financial officer Anthony Massetti will resign and take a similar post at Avaya Inc., a provider of enterprise communications solutions.
Massetti's resignation is effective Oct. 23, when he will be replaced on an interim basis by Robert Fishman, NCR's corporate controller. Massetti will continue as CFO until NCR announces its third-quarter financial results.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Lombard, Ill.-based ADUSA, a provider of self-order kiosks for retail and foodservice operators, has announced its recognition as a Certified Retail Technology Provider by the Retail Solutions Providers Association, or RSPA.
According to a news release from ADUSA, RSPA launched its certification program in July to assure retailers and the public they are working with a distinguished solutions provider. Joe Finizio, RSPA's president and chief executive, says the certification program is the first of its kind:
RSPA is very pleased to bring an industry association-supported certification program to the retail technology marketplace. This program was developed to set and maintain the bar of professionalism for retail technology vendors and resellers. ADUSA has provided its worthy of this certification by demonstrating superior products and customer service.
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Business Mirror reports that PROlife legislators in the Philippines are pushing for the early passage of a bill that would provide standards for visually impaired users at ATMs in the country.
The legislation, know as the ATM Visually Impaired-Friendly Act, calls for the addition of a nonvisual method for reading or relaying messages that appear on ATM screens.
If passed, every banking institution in the country will be required to maintain certain specification at each ATM in its network and ensure equal access for all individuals. ATMs will be required to transmit messages through visual and audio systems.
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Salt Lake City-based Companion Systems, a provider of ATM surrounds, enclosures and kiosks, is partnering with Union Bank N.A., for what Companion Systems is calling the largest ATM-surrounds recycling project in the United States.
Over the next few months, Companion Systems plans to remove existing ATM surrounds for Union Bank and then recycle all of the removed materials according to current methods and standards. The project will reportedly include updating and recycling approximately 450 of Union Bank’s ATM-surround products in California.
Union Bank has 335 branch offices in California, Washington and Oregon; two international offices; and facilities in six other states.
Union Bank senior vice president Ralph Lindsay says Union Bank required that the ATM-surrounds company it signed with be able to recycle all of the materials:
Companion Systems’ ability to effectively recycle the products from our old surrounds was a requirement of the Union Bank bid. Our company has an active recycling program and a serious interest in protecting and preserving the environment. Companion demonstrated an innovative approach that corresponds with our corporate objectives.
All ATM-surround parts and materials can be repurposed into viable commercial and consumer products. Steel, aluminum and plastic parts can be recycled by most waste-recycling facilities. Fiberglass recycling is a relatively new process in which fiberglass can be ground and separated into fine particles. The fiberglass particles can be used to make picnic tables, sea walls, park benches, railroad ties, fencing and bumper stops.
Monday, 21 September 2009
United Kingdom-based Protouch, manufacturer and distributor of touchscreen kiosk solutions, has announced it will exhibit three designs from its Xen kiosk series at London's KioskCom Self Service Expo, which runs Sept. 30-Oct. 1.
In a news release, Protouch says its Xen kiosks can house applications ranging from ticketing to bill-payment, as well as offer customizable options for components and accessories.
In addition to the company's exhibit at KioskCom, Protouch's managing director, Tom Quarry, will speak at one of the event's sessions, "EPoS for the Store of the Future":
The seminar will see Tom discussing Protouch's award-winning EPoS kiosk hardware, focusing on the Kiddicare case study. Attendees will learn how this award-winning kiosk can manage more customers with less staff costs, as well as increasing customer spend and enhancing the sales processed in the store.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
According to a new report from NextGen Research, "Next Generation Kiosks and Self-Service Technology: Providing the Customer a Better Experience While Increasing Efficiency, Controlling Costs," the global kiosk market will grow from an installed base of around 1 million units this year to more than 2.5 million units globally in 2014. NextGen is the technology arm of market-intelligence company ABI Research.
In a news release announcing the report, NextGen says two thirds of kiosk deployments globally are in the United States and that the U.S. will continue to see the most growth over the next five years. NextGen also expects Europe and Asia to grow in deployments, while adoption elsewhere is projected to remain slow.
Larry Fisher, NextGen's research director, says the growth of kiosks and self-service is a reflection of a larger trend in consumer preferences:
Self-service is driving consumer behavior. Kiosks are an extension of a broader self-service trend, where consumers want more control of their environment. The growth of online banking is an example showing that customers want to transact on their own schedule; kiosks will follow the same growth trajectory, as customers can choose when and how they transact.
Wednesday, 09 September 2009
Kiosk and digital signage software provider Nanonation has announced a partnership with LodgeNet Interactive Corp. to provide digital signage software and services to the hospitality and healthcare verticals. Nanonation says in a news release that the deal will allow LodgeNet to add expanded digital signage capabilities, such as interior wayfinding, video walls and integrated meeting room signage, to its traditional informational and promotional digital display solutions.
Bradley Walker, Nanonation's CEO, says collaboration between the two companies will allow clients to create better customer experiences and save money:
Nanonation's software is engineered to drive sales, fuel profits and enhance the guest experience. Our platform seamlessly integrated digital media content while monitoring, measuring and managing customer interactions. Partnering with a complete solution provider like LodgeNet enables more businesses to take advantage of technologies that make a difference in creating compelling experiences, while enhancing the bottom line.
Tuesday, 08 September 2009
Coinstar Inc. has announced that chief financial officer John Harvey is leaving the company after only three months in the position.
In a news release, Coinstar says Harvey came to the decision for personal reasons and will remain with the company as it searches for a new CFO:
John Harvey has decided to leave the company because of the extensive time his position required for him to spend away from his family. Harvey, appointed CFO in June 2009, has been commuting between Bellevue, Wash., and Chicago on a weekly basis. The company will begin a search immediately to replace Harvey, who has committed to assist the company with transition matters, including continuing as CFO through the reporting of third quarter financial results in November.
Harvey says in the release that he will seek opportunities in the Chicago area.
Friday, 04 September 2009
Maysteel, a Wisconson-based provider of metal enclosures for self-service and POS devices, has announced it will close its current plant and open two new facilities, the first in a series of actions that the company says will increase its competitiveness.
According to a news release from Maysteel, the company acquired a 160,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Creedmoor, N.C., and a 40,000 square-foot assembly facility in Racine, Wis.
While the new Wisconsin facility will focus on supporting value-added integration for traditional metal fabrication customers, Maysteel says the move to North Carolina will help it cater more specifically to the Southeast region:
The acquisition of the Creedmoor facility demonstrates a commitment by Maysteel to invest to extend its manufacturing footprint. The current Creedmoor volume, combined with planned transfers from Maysteel's Wisconsin facilities, will make the Creedmoor plant a competitive sourcing option for the Southeast.
Maysteel will close its plant in Menomonee Falls, Wis., and will transfer current manufacturing projects to the two new facilities and another Wisconsin plant.
Monday, 31 August 2009
The Self-Service & Kiosk Association has published a new Best Practices for the self-service and kiosk industry. The document, "Best Practices: Kiosk Cash Management," is the twelfth in a series the Association began publishing exclusively for its members in 2008. It addresses significant security issues that have the potential to result in shrinkage with cash-accepting kiosks.
"One of the most important roles an association can play for its members is that of educator. These Best Practices have been developed many of the industry-leading experts who are part of SSKA, and certainly go a very long way to keeping deployers and vendors abreast of the best, most current thinking," said David Drain, executive direction of the Association.
Other titles include:
Best Practices: Top Five Mistakes of Kiosk Deployment
It's easy to make mistakes when executing a complicated kiosk project. Find out which are the most common and the best ways to avoid them.
Best Practices: Kiosk Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)
To ensure a positive customer experience with any kiosk projects, attention must be paid to the Graphical User Interface (GUI). Find out the hallmarks of a user-friendly GUI and how to implement them during a kiosk rollout.
Best Practices: Kiosk Enclosures
The sheer number of options for kiosk enclosures can be overwhelming. Learn what details are important to consider, including choosing materials and ensuring legal compliance.
Best Practices: Power Protection of Electronic Kiosks
Kiosks that are unprotected from power surges and other disruptions can experience serious problems, including revenue losses. Learn how to safeguard kiosks from such unexpected disturbances.
Best Practices: Kiosk and Digital Signage Rollout
Rollout of a digital-media project, whether it's a kiosk or digital signage, requires detailed project management. Study the ten crucial steps to a successful rollout here.
Best Practices: Selecting Kiosk Touchscreens
There are many different types of touchscreens available for kiosks. We break down the different technologies here — find out which offerings are best-suited to your project.
Best Practices: Photo Kiosks
Learn the basics of successfully deploying photo kiosks — one of the most popular types of self-service technology — including security, remote monitoring and GUI.
Best Practices: Kiosk Acceptance and Managing Change
Successful kiosk deployments go beyond simply rolling out the machines — deployers must be able to manage how customers, as well as employees, perceive and welcome the kiosks in order to maximize their use.
Best Practices: System Security for Kiosks and Other Self-Service Devices
Securing kiosks and other self-service technology is of paramount importance, especially for machines that access the Internet. Learn the best ways to ensure your kiosks and your customers' data are fully protected.
Best Practices: Remote Monitoring of Kiosks and Other Self-Service Devices
Kiosk projects can become overwhelming to manage, especially those that are rolled out on a large scale. Learn how remote-monitoring technology can help reduce the costs of maintaining your project.
Best Practices: Kiosk Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
During kiosk rollout, deployers must consider compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn the basics of the ADA here, as well as the best ways to ensure your machine’s compliance with the regulations.
Those documents are available to association members for free download from www.SelfService.org.
The Self-Service and Kiosk Association exists to identify and promote the interests of companies engaged in the electronic, self-service kiosk industry. The Association serves its members by providing member news, research, best practice case studies, networking opportunities and forums for discussing important industry issues. With international membership the Association is in a unique position to promote the growth and health of our entire industry around the world.
Contact: David Drain Executive Director, davidd@networldalliance.com; 502-241-7545, ext. 252.
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
KODAK today announced a partnership with Medina, Ohio-based Discount Drug Mart Inc. to place KODAK Picture Kiosk G4 Digital Stations in each of the chain's 70 locations throughout its home state.
According to a news release, the deployment will increase the number of KODAK picture kiosks per Discount Drug Mart location, adding the newer model that creates prints up to 70 times faster than the older version.
John Graycar, director of photo operations for Discount Drug Mart, commented on the initiative:
Giving our customers an exceptional photo-creation experience is an integral part of our mission, and we felt that KODAK, as the market leader, best delivered that experience. KODAK is providing both an integrated suite of photo-finishing solutions and the technical and business expertise needed to enable all our locations with one-stop access to award-winning photo products and services.
The companies report that Discount Drug Mart will use KODAK's APEX thermal dry lab system chain-wide, as well.
Friday, 31 July 2009
NCR Corp. today announced its SelfServ Checkout solution has won a bronze award in the 2009 International Design Excellence Awards, or IDEA, competition. According to a news release from NCR, the product won in the Commercial and Industrial Products category.
Jeff Cegalis, vice president of NCR engineering and development, says the recognition honors the work of many different contributors at NCR:
"This IDEA award is further testimony to NCR's leadership and competitive advantage in self-service technology, built on our years of experience and extensive knowledge base, both of which are unmatched in the industry. It reflects outstanding teamwork among talented and dedicated NCR employees in solutions management, hardware design, software design and human factors engineering."
According to the release, NCR's SelfServ Checkout is the only self-service technology solution named in this year's IDEA competition.
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Earlier this month, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell temporarily shelved the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's plan to test a wine-vendig kiosk. The move looked to be an early sign of a brewing controversy, as the Liquor Control Board had already issued a news release announcing the pilot.
Now, though, Gov. Rendell has approved the test, and the PLCB will move forward with the pilot installation, according to an article from Supermarket News. The organization's goal is to determine whether it can use the kiosks to successfully prevent the illegal purchase of alcohol.
The device, developed by Pennsylvania-based Simple Brands, will use face-recognition technology and a breath sensor to verify the buyer's age and sobriety. Upon successful completion of the pilot, the kiosks will be placed in up to 100 grocery stores across the state.
The fate of the pilot will likely be followed closely by those in the self-service and supermarket industries, considering recent news of a Los Angeles organization's self-checkout and alcohol study and the pending legislation it has prompted in California. If passed, the bill would ban the purchase of alcohol from self-checkout lanes in the state.
Thursday, 23 July 2009
News of Sony Pictures' distribution deal with redbox has been widely reported this week, and now Reuters is reporting that the movie studio is set to make $460 million under the terms of the multiyear deal.
Coinstar, redbox's parent, issued a regulatory filing Tuesday outlining the terms of the deal. In the filing, the company also noted that Sony will have discretion to terminate the agreement early.
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Reuters: U.S. antitrust authorities said July 17 that they approved plans by Flextronics International Ltd. to buy rival Solectron Corp. Officials have completed their investigation of the deal without taking action to block it, the Federal Trade Commission said in a notice.
Read more
Friday, 17 July 2009
DUBLIN, Ireland — Ingenico, a global provider of payment solutions, has announced a three-year partnership with Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-fares airline, to develop the world’s first self-service passenger kiosks with chip and PIN technology to allow passengers to purchase optional services, such as priority boarding, when they arrive at the airport.
According to a news release, Ingenico and Ryanair will initially install the chip and PIN payment system in all its London-based kiosks and will continue to roll out the development across its Barcelona, Belfast, Frankfurt and Marseille bases.
As part of a three-year contract with Ryanair, Ingenico has provided a complete transaction-management system for the initial rollout of 250 unmanned kiosks, with plans to grow to 450 kiosks. It comprises the AXIS electronic payment system, centralized hosting of the transaction-management system and PIN pads. The solution enables the kiosks to be fully compatible with PCI-DSS guidelines, as well as those set by Visa and MasterCard for secure payments.
“Ingenico’s unique partnership with Ryanair demonstrates Ingenico’s commitment to being at the forefront of innovation and the technological advances in the sector,” said Philippe Lazare, CEO of Ingenico. “We continue to expand our international footprint and are dedicated to ensuring that customers and retailers have access to the highest levels of convenience, security and simplicity in their transactions.”
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Agilysys Inc., an IT solutions provider, and Wine Market Assistant LLC, a software solution provider, today announced a partnership to deliver a turnkey kiosk solution to grocery and beverage retailers. The solution will assist customers with ratings and reviews for wine, beer and spirits.
"As we continue to experience difficult economic conditions, it is extremely important for retailers to differentiate themselves from their competition and focus on enhancing the overall customer experience," said Paul Civils, senior vice president and general manager of Agilysys Retail Solutions Group. "Agilysys understands the issues our customers are facing today, and by partnering with Wine Market Assistant we are able to provide our customers with another great offering aimed at increasing cross-departmental sales and the bottom line."
According to a news release, the enterprise-class merchandising solution is multifunctional, suggesting complementary items, offering product ratings and reviews, proposing recipes or recommending a retailer's targeted promotional opportunities to customers. Using this solution, customers can either scan an item such as a wine bottle, meat or seafood or browse the kiosk to seek suggestions on product pairings or recipes. Additionally, retailers are able to utilize the solution to offer promotional opportunities to their customers.
"We are excited to partner with Agilysys to deliver this valuable solution," said Jon Holland, partner of Wine Market Assistant. "By combining our software offering with Agilysys' hardware, integration and support services offerings, we are able to supply a complete, self-service, multiuse kiosk solution to grocery and beverage retailers."
The kiosk’s additional functionalities include real-time updates on product information and the ability to provide store managers with usage reports detailing customer shopping inquiries and trends.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
TORRANCE, Calif. — Showcase Technology, a provider of automated Internet and office services, recently announced that it has acquired Kiosk Logix, provider of NetStop secure kiosk software.
According to a news release, NetStop software is secure, reliable, easy-to-use, and tamper-proof, making it an ideal solution for unattended kiosks. The software’s Web-based database and remote-management tools give administrators complete computer usage and sales statistics. NetStop is effectively used in kiosks worldwide in the retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, human resources, entertainment and financial industries, as well as in the government sector. There are currently 23,000 NetStop licenses in more than 60 countries around the world.
"The acquisition of Kiosk Logix positions Showcase within the global marketplace and leverages Showcase's suite of proprietary products and services," said Paul Rajewski, CEO of Showcase Technology. "Showcase will continue to enhance Netstop's capabilities with innovative features in order to meet the future requirements of our new and existing clients."
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
DULUTH, Ga. — NCR Corp. today announced the results of a global survey commissioned from BuzzBack Market Research regarding consumer preferences for multichannel self-service offerings.
According to a news release, the survey’s results show that 85 percent of global consumers, and 79 percent of Americans, are more likely to do business with companies that provide multichannel self-service via a mobile device or at self-service kiosks. The survey’s results suggest consumers prefer the flexibility of self-service as they change their purchase decisions and behavior in the midst of a challenging economy.
Survey respondents were asked to reveal their thoughts and preferences regarding self-service options in a variety of verticals:
• 49% would welcome a self-service kiosk in stores to locate products.
• 43% would enjoy large-screen displays that provide product information or alert them to discount offerings.
• 76% were likely to choose a travel company that provides the flexibility to interact easily via multiple channels through online, mobile and kiosk solutions over one that doesn’t.
• 44% like the convenience and flexibility of a kiosk for self check-in and printing of their boarding pass.
• 39% also welcome the convenience of a kiosk for checking in and out of their hotel room.
Among American respondents:
• 40% said self-service creates a more positive view of a company’s brand.
• 43% said their likelihood to use self-service has increased over the past year.
• 70% were more likely to choose a healthcare provider that reduced frustration by providing the flexibility to interact easily via online, mobile and kiosk.
• 61% would also choose a provider who offered appointment scheduling and prescription refills.
• 54% would welcome the flexibility to book appointment on the Internet and obtain test results or follow-ups securely on the internet.
• 43% want to mange their personal information online.
“Our research shows consumers are seeking out those companies that can offer both value and service by adapting quickly to their changing needs in these uncertain times,” said John Bruno, NCR’s executive vice president of industry services. “Multichannel self-service is a smart capital investment. It provides the choice that consumers are demanding while being cost-effective to companies …. As consumers experience these benefits of self-service across multiple industries, they will come to expect the same levels of interaction in more aspects of their lives. ”
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Hypercom Corp., a global provider of secure payments products and services, today announced that one of Germany’s leading retailers with more than 10,000 outlets is successfully using Hypercom’s Artema Modular as part of IBM’s self-checkout system in five test sales outlets in Bavaria.
According to a news release, the first phase comprises 20 self-checkout systems. Following the pilot, IBM’s self-checkout system with Artema Modular will be rolled out to several of the retailer’s larger stores in Southern Bavaria. IBM Germany selected the Artema Modular in competition with other global payment providers.
"IBM’s selection of Hypercom speaks to the operational efficiency, flexibility and security of our technology and reinforces the leadership level we have established in Europe’s fast-growing unattended card payment sector,” said Christian Jürs, vice president of sales for Hypercom Germany. "This deployment is a major step forward in support of Germany’s retail sector, bringing new levels of speed and convenience to shoppers who want to pay for their purchases quickly and move on to other things.”
The Artema Modular, Hypercom’s best-in-class unattended card payment solution, was first introduced at the end of 2005 and now can be found in self-service machines in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and North America.
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — PNI Digital Media, a provider of digital photography and media solutions for retailers, has announced several new initiatives related to its PNI Connected Kiosk.
According to a news release, PNI and Retail Imaging Management Group are working together to distribute the PNI Connected Kiosk to major retail customers across the U.S. Retail Imaging already has enabled PNI to sell the traditional touchscreen, terminal-based version of the PNI Connected Kiosk to Fred Meyer and King Soopers, the companies announced in April.
The companies now have teamed up to place the Web version of the PNI Connected Kiosk with Associated Foods Stores' online PixureThis photo solution. Based in Salt Lake City and with more than 500 independently owned supermarkets in eight states, Associated Foods Stores also will distribute a downloadable version of the PNI Connected Kiosk to PixureThis consumers.
Additionally, PNI has teamed up with Photo Gift World to launch the online version of the PNI Connected Kiosk to a new range of PGW customers, including small retailers, corporations, nonprofit organizations and schools. PGW, a producer of photo gifts, photo books and calendars for Canadian retailers, is now actively pursuing partnerships in the U.S. The PNI Connected Kiosk enables PGW to offer their thousands of photo gift products in an efficient manner to any number of new customers with ease.
Friday, 10 July 2009
LITHUANIA — Technical engineers at financial institutions can now receive Wincor Nixdorf qualification certificates after completing training hosted by Lithuania-based BS/2.
According to a news release, the BS/2 training center is the first to launch in the former Soviet Union and the second certified training center in the world, trailing one already opened in Qatar.
During the training, engineers get acquainted with software and hardware produced by Wincor Nixdorf.
ATMs, ProCash NDC/DDC application software, banking self-service equipment management and an overview of the ProView monitoring system and Wincor's check cash deposit module are included in the training.
BS/2 offers training in more than 60 countries. The company introduces solutions for banking equipment installation and maintenance.
Thursday, 09 July 2009
PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has temporarily shelved the state Liquor Control Board's plan to sell wine via vending machines in grocery stores. The wine kiosks would scan a buyer's driver's license and use face-recognition technology to verify that the picture matches the buyer. The machines would also come equipped with breath detectors, to make sure buyers are not inebriated. The governor's office says the governor still supports the idea but wants to further examine the technology.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 07 July 2009
The Northern (England) Echo: An Asda supermarket in Whinfield, Darlington, in the United Kingdom was the target of hooded thieves Sunday. In the early morning hours and as store workers were occupied by a delivery, the perpetrators used pickaxes to break into the store and then emptied the contents of the self-checkout machines.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 07 July 2009
The New York Times: Starting this month, Sprint Nextel is sponsoring a movie theater marketing effort and placing kiosks in around 500 theaters nationwide. Via the kiosks, Sprint customers can scan a code from their phones to receive printed coupons, such as for a free upgrade to a bigger popcorn or larger soda.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 01 July 2009
MUMBAI, India — Hashtech, a self-service applications provider, has announced the launch of its Nano line of kiosks. According to a news release, the kiosks are specifically designed for the Indian environment, are rugged so as to withstand extreme conditions and incorporate advanced technology, including thin client and Atom processors. The company claims the kiosks cost between 50 percent and 60 percent less than other kiosks in the market.
“We have been able to achieve these prices by taking advantage of new technologies like thin client and the Atom series of processors,” said Harish Sukhwal of Hashtech. “Apart from the low cost of acquisition, the new kiosks also have low overall cost of operation due to their frugality in consuming power.”
The four machines launched today include the HSK Nano DW 0901, the HSK Nano DF 0911, the HSK Nano ZW 0921 and the HSK Nano ZF 0931.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: SoloHealth, maker of the EyeSite vision-screening kiosk, has announced plans to expand into two new markets, more than doubling its installations. The kiosks will be placed in St. Louis and in one other new market and will be in 50 retail locations by next month, said company founder Bart Foster. EyeSite kiosks are currently deployed in 20 locations in metro Atlanta and Birmingham, Ala.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold Inc. has been listed among the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals’, or IAOP, 10 best outsourcing providers within the services industry in the group’s recently released 2009 Global Outsourcing 100 rankings.
According to a news release, Diebold improved its overall position from the 2008 rankings in its third consecutive year on the list. The Global Outsourcing 100 includes the world's top outsourcing service providers and consulting companies in a range of industries.
According to "ATM Fleet Refresh in the Shadow of the Financial Crisis," a recently published opinion piece by financial services technology analyst Jaroslaw Knapik of independent market analyst, Datamonitor, the outsourcing of ATM management is on the rise.
"ATM management outsourcing is a growing area and is being considered by many banking executives these days, especially by those who struggle to get capital for their investments but still have to compete for new clients, improve service levels and tackle their aging technology assets,” Knapik wrote. "Banks need to carefully analyze the total cost of ownership that is associated with the overall fleet management of ATMs, and benchmark it against vendors' rates for outsourcing services."
A North American survey of 80 IT decision makers within retail banks conducted by Datamonitor in the fourth quarter of 2008 found that business process outsourcing is high on CIOs' agendas as one of the major strategic goals for 2009.
Diebold was named to eight additional IAOP sublist honors, including Best 10 Leaders in No. of Centers Worldwide; Best 10 Most Company Presence; Best 20 Companies by Industry Focus: Services; Best 20 Leaders by Service Offered: Customer Relationship Management; Best 20 Leaders by Service Offered: Transaction Processing Services; Best Five Leaders by Region Served: South America; Best 20 Leaders by Region Served: India; and Top 10 List Climbers.
Monday, 22 June 2009
The NEXTEP SYSTEMS automated ordering solution and the company's dramatic growth were featured in the June 18 edition of The Detroit News. The complete article can be viewed here.
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Supermarket news: According to research from the University of California, self-checkout systems allowed the sale of alcohol to minors nearly 20 percent of the time. The study says the reasons for this finding include the failure of some self-checkouts to lock until an employee has verified the user’s ID and the ability of customers to override a system by swiping a credit card or scanning other items. The study also found a lack of adequate supervision of self-checkouts, with only one employee working the self-checkout area in 60 percent of store visits and no employee at all in 5 percent of the visits. In addition, although store personnel are supposed to check IDs for anyone who looks under the age of 30, the study says 32 percent of consumers under age 30 were not asked to show identification.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
NATICK, Mass. — Self-service solution investment by North American retailers, hospitality operators, and healthcare providers exceeded $2.8 billion in 2008 and is expected to grow 15.3 percent annually through 2013, according to VDC Research Group’s recently published “Self-Service and Customer Interaction Management Solutions: North American Market Opportunities and Requirements.” The report evaluates the current and emerging opportunities for self-service within the North American market. While North American enterprises are becoming increasingly cautious regarding their adoption and investment in most IT categories, spending on SS/CIM solutions is expected to be stable for the next 6-18 months and grow rapidly soon thereafter.
Across all three vertical markets, enterprises are finding themselves subject to overwhelming pressure to improve turnover, reduce costs and enhance customer experiences. Self-service solutions are being deployed for their unique ability to support all three goals with a one-point solution.
The value propositions associated with self-service solutions are cementing these technologies as one area that enterprises will continue to evaluate and invest in over the next few years.
“The most successful self-service solutions will continue to be centered on a multidimensional value proposition that includes an emphasis on cost management, enhancement of the stakeholder experience and corporate branding,” said auto ID and transaction automation analyst Rory Gardner. “This is in addition to the basic performance attributes of these solutions that include ease of use, reliability and security.”
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Gazette.net: A Washington, D.C.-area business has allegedly used kiosks to defraud 43 area churches. According to a lawsuit filed by the Washington, D.C., attorney general’s office, Urban Interfaith Network Inc., of Oxon Hill, Md., allegedly promised free kiosks to worship centers and then charged the religious groups thousands of dollars in leases for the machines. Several leasing companies also are being sued for billing the churches for allegedly fraudulent leases set up by Urban Interfaith, according to the filing. One church in Washington, D.C., has lost $62,000 in the alleged scam. Urban Interfaith’s customer list includes more than 580 churches nationwide.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 09 June 2009
SINGAPORE — Flextronics has announced it will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss first-quarter results on Wednesday, July 29 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific time (5:00 p.m. Eastern time).
A live webcast of the call can be accessed by logging on to the company’s Web site at www.flextronics.com. A replay of the broadcast also will be available on the company’s Web site after the call.
Friday, 05 June 2009
WXIA-TV (Atlanta): Georgia job seekers interested in applying for a job at NCR Corp.'s new global headquarters in Duluth, Ga., and its manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ga., will get some help for the state’s Department of Labor. NCR already has begun accepting applications for 870 job openings in Columbus, the Department of Labor said.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 02 June 2009
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Pan-Oston, a designer, developer and manufacturer of retail checkout products, including the Utopia self-checkout solution, today announced the formalization of a strategic partnership with Tolt Service Group, a nationally recognized single-source provider of managed services for all the technology equipment used in supermarkets and other enterprises.
"Utopia gives independent grocers the opportunity to work with a self-checkout solution that does not lock them into a long-term POS commitment, and now that we have partnered with Tolt Service Group there is a nationwide network of authorized Utopia self-checkout service technicians," said Jim Vance, president of Pan-Oston.
According to a press release, Pan-Oston and Tolt Service Group will work together to provide independent grocers better access to and service of self-checkout solutions designed specifically for their business sector.
Pan-Oston says Utopia’s proven self-checkout solutions are simple, easy-to-use, have the industry’s lowest intervention rates and work with 98 percent of POS software. Utopia also works with all of a store’s existing in-store peripherals and can increase customer satisfaction scores as well as positively impact store-operating margins.
"Our extensive daily interaction with POS and technology gives us a good understanding of what works well in Independent grocery stores,” said Mark DiGregorio, vice president of business development for Tolt Service Group. “Utopia self-checkout features best-in-class components and serviceability when compared to other self-checkout systems we’ve experienced."
Monday, 01 June 2009
AJC.com: Rumors about NCR Corp. moving its global headquarters from Dayton, Ohio, to Atlanta are not being supported by NCR or government officials in Georgia. Neither on Sunday would comment on the alleged move. NCR announced a 900-job expansion into Peachtree City and Duluth in November 2008. The Dayton Business Journal on Sunday reported that local and state officials there are scrambling to discover if the $5.3 billion-a-year company has plans to relocate 1,300 employees and its headquarters to Georgia. Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, the newspaper reported, had attempted to speak with NCR chief executive Bill Nuti over the weekend, but the two were unable to connect. But according to a copy of Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue’s schedule, Perdue and Nuti spoke by phone at least twice in recent months. Perdue communications director Bert Brantley on Sunday declined to comment.
Click to continue
Monday, 01 June 2009
IRVINE, Calif. — Epicor Software Corp., provider of enterprise business software solutions for the mid-market and divisions of Global 1000 companies, has released the Epicor ITSM 2009, its newest version of the Epicor I.T. Service Management solution.
“Epicor ITSM 2009 is a benchmark of Epicor’s continued success in supporting the needs (of) today’s enterprises by providing tools and leveraging the latest technologies to enable optimal performance, greater flexibility and extended global support of I.T. service operations,” said James Norwood, vice president of product marketing for Epicor.
Polystar Instruments AB, a Swedish-owned telecommunications company developing test and surveillance equipment for operators and manufacturers, has seen great success with Epicor ITSM.
“We have experienced a huge improvement from using Epicor ITSM — our support technicians are more efficient and our clients are happier,” said Kent Revedal, vice president of customer care at Polystar T&M AB. “With many service-level agreements and 16 to 20 different response times for different case types and clients, it was impossible to keep track of all cases manually, but Epicor ITSM manages this for us. We look forward to taking advantage of the increased performance and enhanced portal capabilities available in Epicor ITSM 2009.”
Bolstered performance and stability to support I.T. service
Effective I.T. service-management centers on technology stability and minimized downtime. Epicor ITSM 2009 provides even greater stability and performance through the support of Windows Server 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008, and the 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2008 and the Windows Vista operating systems, connecting Epicor’s sophisticated I.T. service-management solution with Microsoft Corp.’s newest technology foundations.
Greater global connectivity through portal enhancements
Geographic borders continue to shrink in an increasingly connected world economy. In order to support geographically distributed I.T. personnel and their customers, Epicor ITSM includes an enhanced self-service and field-service portal, available in numerous languages, to put self-service in the hands of employees in the field and around the globe. Epicor ITSM, including ITSM portal, provides for the following language packs: Chinese, Dutch, English, Estonian, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Russian and Spanish. Epicor ITSM 2009 also is expected to support Arabic, Polish, Portuguese and Swedish later this year.
Thursday, 28 May 2009
MEBANE, N.C. — ArcaTech Systems has promoted Kirk Nelson to associate vice president, OEM Solutions.
In his new role, Nelson will continue to manage the growth of ArcaTech’s OEM Solutions business in the Americas, which provides the cash automation components that power hundreds of self-service products around the globe. Nelson will also work to educate kiosk deployers about the benefits of building cash-enabled self-service systems.
“There are 28 million unbanked people in the U.S. and millions more who are underbanked or prefer to use cash for automated transactions,” said Nelson. “With those kinds of numbers, deployers can’t afford to leave cash out of the kiosk mix.”
Nelson has nearly a decade of experience in the self-service industry and is currently a member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association Advisory Board.
“Kirk has a keen understanding of manufacturers’ needs and an extensive knowledge of the self-service and kiosk industry,” said Mort O’Sullivan, president of ArcaTech. “When customers work with Kirk, they know they’ll get the best possible solutions for their specific applications.”
“Helping kiosk manufacturers procure best-value components is my professional passion,” said Nelson. “In my new position, I’ll ensure our customers get the products and service that help them increase revenue and decrease operating costs.”
A resident of Mebane, Nelson has worked for ArcaTech since 2001.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
(Springfield, Mo.) News-Leader: Sixty-six national cemeteries equipped with grave-locator kiosks were affected by a computer crash at the National Cemetery Administration in Quantico, Va., on Monday — Memorial Day — according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA spokesperson Jo Schueda, contacted at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., said the glitch affected access to the computerized cemetery records of six million veterans buried at national cemeteries. Schueda said the problem was due to a “fried” hard drive in Virginia that had yet to be repaired.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
NEW YORK — Zinio, a global provider of digital and interactive publishing products and services, today announced a global partnership with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. to provide guests at its portfolio of specialty select hotels with access to a branded digital newsstand offering downloadable magazines. The hotel-branded digital newsstands will be powered by Zinio and will feature select single issues for guests to enjoy during their stay at all Element and Aloft properties and participating Four Points by Sheraton properties.
"We are excited to align ourselves with Starwood to enhance its current guest amenity offering with Zinio's digital-reading experience, driving mutual brand awareness and cultivating consumer adoption," said Rich Maggiotto, president and chief executive of Zinio. "Leveraging Zinio's desire to offer on-the-go readers their favorite magazines anytime and anywhere is a logical fit for Starwood's specialty select properties."
The digital newsstand, which will be accessible in Starwood's guest rooms and at lobby kiosks, will offer participating titles including: Caribbean Travel & Life, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Field & Stream, Golf Fitness Magazine, Kiteboarding, Macworld, mental_floss, Outside, Outside's GO, PC World, Saveur, Ski Magazine, Skiing, Spa Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Wakeboarding and Working Mother. Also, Starwood will be the first hotel company to offer VIVmag, the first interactive digital women's luxury lifestyle magazine, conceived and designed exclusively to be read digitally.
Additionally, the newsstand will offer a range of international titles from Argentina, China, France, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
"At all our specialty select properties, we aim to provide guests with unique experiences that help make life on the road convenient and easy," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Starwood's Specialty Select Brands. "Partnering with Zinio enables us to extend another unique branded offering to our guests who want to keep current while traveling, without being burdened with heavy hard copies of magazines."
Guests will enjoy immediate access to the world's most popular digital publications, for free, with Starwood introducing the digital newsstands through on-property marketing and online marketing efforts.
The Element North American rollout will be in this month, followed immediately by the global rollouts at Aloft and Four Points by Sheraton. Within the first year, the expected audience reach for the Zinio partnership will range between three and five million impressions.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
MELBOURNE, Australia — Sprocket Kiosks, based in Melbourne, Australia, has announced a strategic partnership with IBM Retail Store Solutions to integrate IBM Anyplace kiosks into a range of custom-designed enclosures to cater to the Australian market. Some of Sprocket and IBM’s joint projects include:
• Bill-payment terminals at Coles supermarkets
• Australian Open information kiosks
• Royal Agriculture Society of New South Wales kiosks
• Customer-loyalty kiosks for Tabcorp Casinos Tabcorp Casino Customer Loyalty Kiosks
• Product information kiosks for Britax, a maker and distributor of childcare and automotive products
• Self check-out library kiosks
According to a news release from Sprocket Kiosks, the alliance will allow IBM to offer its end customers a range of configurations, increase its opportunities with customers outside the POS space and expand products to include non-American kiosk models, as well as allow clients to integrate non-IBM components and provide solutions in an all-in-one enclosure.
Monday, 18 May 2009
Foster’s Daily Democrat (N.H.): Former Rochester, N.H., Concerned Taxpayers Association vice-president Fred Leonard has announced he will run for mayor in November. As mayor, Leonard said he would deploy interactive bill-pay kiosks to reduce walk-in traffic at the tax collector’s office, thereby reducing labor costs for the city. The kiosk plan would be part of Leonard’s promise to reduce costs to taxpayers and increase services at the same time.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Belfast Telegraph: An overnight computer glitch at around 100 Tesco locations across the U.K. Monday had shoppers flocking to unaffected self-checkout lanes. According to a statement from the supermarket giant, a few stores were forced to close and reboot their systems, but most continued conducting business, directing shoppers to cash-accepting self-checkout kiosks and manning the stations with additional staff to ensure minimal disruption.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Skokie Review: Two groups of University of Illinois students have been awarded more than $7,000 in tuition credits for their environmentally friendly kiosk designs in the school’s first Sustainable E-waste Design Competition, held April 16. Taking top honors in the competition’s “Artist/Designer” category was a small-footprint visitor-information kiosk made from re-used steel computer cases featuring recycled materials that include a CRT monitor, motherboard and hard drives, as well as navigation tools made from discarded computer mouses and keyboard components. Also recognized, in the “Technical/Geek” category, was a kiosk made from repurposed e-waste and designed to encourage the recycling of everyday consumer materials, such as bottles, cans and paper.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 06 May 2009
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Popstar Networks Inc. and Digital Evolution Group, a full-service e-consultancy firm, recently partnered to develop and install interactive event and wayfinding kiosks at Crown Center. Crown Center, located in the heart of downtown Kansas City and owned by Hallmark Cards, Inc., is a multi-use 40-acre complex including a retail shopping mall, two luxury hotels, an exhibit hall and other office and residential buildings.
The kiosk project was commissioned to enhance the visitor experience in navigating and obtaining detailed information on retailers, dining establishments, and entertainment venues located within the complex. The state-of-the-art kiosks allow visitors to locate stores based upon the category or name of the store and provide a description of the retailer, store hours and any current sales or promotions.
Additionally, they offer guided direction to the store through Digital Evolution Group’s interactive property map solution. These advanced interactive kiosks also provide information on the Crown Center campus and surrounding attractions, display restaurant menus, play video clips of currently running theater productions and promote other upcoming events at the Center.
Digital Evolution Group, which designed and developed Crown Center’s Web site, partnered with Popstar to provide Popstar’s Frontstage interactive digital signage solution because of its ability to integrate directly with its Site Management System. The integration with Digital Evolution Group’s Site Management System provides Crown Center the ability to centrally control the updating of content, event listings, store and digital map information, and video and graphic files on both the Web site and the four installed kiosks via the Frontstage Server.
As part of Popstar’s BackStage strategic consulting process, the parties collaborated to identify all project goals and content requirements before developing wireframes and prototypes for Crown Center to review. A field and user interaction study conducted early in the process resulted in the solution being clearly defined to meet Crown Center’s unique requirements and allowed for efficient interactive development within Popstar’s FrontStage Digital Signage Network software. The project was completed in 90 days, just prior to the holiday season — one of Crown Center’s most highly trafficked periods.
”The field and user studies were a very important part to the success of the project, allowing us to confirm assumptions and verify requirements before the application development began. Utilizing the Popstar BackStage process and clearly defining goals and further refining them gave us a clear roadmap for development and final deployment,” said Maria Scarpello, sales solutions manager at Popstar, “This resulted in a solution that ideally suited the needs of Crown Center."
Monday, 04 May 2009
Attendees to this week’s KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show are gearing up for a much-anticipated keynote presentation from Joshua Weiss, managing director of self-service for Delta Air Lines.
Weiss will share how Delta has promoted the acceptance of self-service technology by developing new products, redesigning applications and making facility changes. Additionally, Weiss will cover how the technology has helped Delta diversify globally in a cost-effective manner and streamline the travel process and user experience for customers.
Show organizers and attendees alike look forward to the presentation as an opportunity to learn from one of the leaders in the massive transportation industry.
“Self-service at Delta Air Lines has evolved into a far-reaching, multichannel, multilingual strategy that aims to put the customer in control of their travel experience,” Lawrence Dvorchik, general manager of KioskCom, said in a press release. “We look forward to the opportunity all of our attendees will have to learn from Joshua and his team’s experiences.”
The tradeshow’s first keynote session, “Full Service Self Service” will take place May 6 at 9 a.m.
Monday, 04 May 2009
Don’t let the fact that Virgin is closing its U.S. Megastores fool you: the high-tech, multi-department retailer rocked when it came to providing a cohesive, energizing customer experience. Even when it came to self-service technology and digital signs, the stores made headlines with innovative mass deployments that drew shoppers to the media and then helped them play it. It’s not the fault of the stores’ kiosks and digital signs that Virgin can make more money subleasing the real estate than selling CDs and t-shirts.
Robert Fort, Virgin CIO and vice president of information technology, will talk about the deployments Thursday, May 7, 2 p.m., in a keynote address at the KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show.
According to a show release, Fort will discuss how Virgin used customer-engaging technologies such as kiosk listening stations, Virgin TV and more to make a truly unique customer experience. He also will discuss how these customer engaging technologies help improve employee productivity and control costs throughout all of their retail locations and environments, and ensure better compliance and consistency.
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Home Media Magazine: NCR Corp. has bought the remaining equity in TNR Holdings Corp., which operates The New Release and MovieCube kiosks. NCR had been a minority investor in TNR since mid-2008, when TNR tapped NCR to be its supplier of self-service technology. Blockbuster announced last August that it had partnered with NCR to bring more than 10,000 DVD kiosks to market by the end of 2009, to compete with companies like redbox, DVDPlay and TNR.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Understanding the process and setting a proper strategy from the outset is important to the success of any consumer-facing technology rollout. And when it comes to endeavors as complex as deploying digital signage and digital out-of-home (DOOH) media, it becomes critical.
To help deployers and potential deployers become more sophisticated in the kinds of details necessary to go from dark screens to light, producers of The Digital Signage Show have asked Lyle Bunn to bring his popular SPEED training conference to its event on May 5, 2009.
SPEED, an acronym for Structures for Planning, Explanation, Excitement and Deployment, will give attendees "an in-depth look at all of the aspects of deploying digital signage," said Bunn. "While digital signage appears quite simple on the surface, it is actually a deep web of interconnected and complex technologies that all act together in unison to produce the image we see on screen. Without a proper understanding and knowledge of the intricacies behind a successful deployment, failure looms."
"After 13 years of promoting and training organizations on successfully deploying customer facing and engaging technology solutions across all industries, we have noticed one constant to all of the successful projects we have seen," said Lawrence Dvorchik, general manger of The Digital Signage Show. "The proper foundation for the project itself has to be built long before the first piece of technology is purchased."
The Digital Signage Association is a supporter of the event. "We’re pleased to support Lyle Bunn’s SPEED program, and are thrilled that The Digital Signage Show will be the host," said David Drain, DSA executive director. "The best buyer is an educated one. The Digital Signage Show has clearly become an event for real buyers to attend and learn from. Show organizers have focused on this and once again delivered it for end-users. Programs like Lyle’s help the industry move forward, faster, and are a natural fit for The Digital Signage Show."
The core half-day program has been developed to meet the needs of anyone involved in the supply or use of digital signage. It comprises several modules that allow deployers and suppliers of digital signage to better plan objectives, timelines and budgets, as well as define key elements of a digital signage initiative.
Current end-user members of The Self-Service and Kiosk Association or DSA are eligible for the program at no charge as part of their membership benefits. Individuals wishing to register should send an email to Lawrence@jdevents.com. For more information, please visit http://www.thedigitalsignageshow.com/SPEED.asp
All other attendees can register for just $99. Qualified attendees also will receive a complimentary full-access pass for this show and the co-located KioskCom Self Service Expo. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.thedigitalsignageshow.com/SPEED.asp
The SPEED program is set for May 5 at The Digital Signage Show 2009, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The exhibit hall and other educational sessions will be open from May 6-7, also at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.thedigitalsignageshow.com/SPEED.asp.
Thursday, 16 April 2009
WRAL: Meridian Kiosks is acquiring Canada-based King Products and Solutions Inc.
"[This] was a strong, aggressive growth-oriented transaction in an awful environment for a great N.C. company," said Dave Gilroy of Scale Finance, which worked with Meridian on the acquisition.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
The producers of KioskCom Self Service Expo have announced finalists for the 2009 Self Service Excellence Awards.
A winner in each category and an overall best in show will be announced at the awards ceremony on May 6 at 3:15 p.m. during the KioskCom Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
KioskCom launched the inaugural industry-wide Self-Service Excellence Awards in 2002 to honor the most successful and innovative self-service and interactive digital media solutions. Over the years, KioskCom has honored more than 200 companies across multiple industries for their leadership, innovations and successes with self-service and interactive digital media solutions.
The Self Service Excellence Awards, co-sponsored by the Self-Service and Kiosk Association, are based on the measurements set forth by the deploying organization, and not just the technology suppliers. Past winners include BMW, SONY, Foxwoods Resort Casino, FedEx, AAA, the US Postal Service, Dave & Busters, Avis, Hilton Hotels, Sunoco, SAS, Daimler Chrysler and ExxonMobil.
“Each year, the show organizers keep raising the bar and the award nominations keep getting better," said David Drain, executive director of the Self-Service and Kiosk Association. "It’s an honor to win one of these awards, and we’re honored to be a part.” Also at the show, the Self-Service and Kiosk Association inducts individuals into its Hall of Fame who have contributed significantly to the advancement of self-service.
Best Retail Deployment
- Columbia Sportswear In-Store Interactive/Digital Media, submitted by Columbia Sportswear
- Gemini Goodyear Kiosk, submitted by Saitech International
- Indigo Next Generation Retail Kiosk, submitted by Indigo Books & Music
Best Travel/Hospitality Deployment
- Balboa Park Information Kiosks, submitted by KioskArts
- Hertz Drives Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction with Self-Service, submitted by NCR Corp.
- Largest Self Service Kiosk Install in History, submitted by NEXTEP SYSTEMS
Best Entertainment/Gaming Deployment
- Army Recreation Machine Program, submitted by KIOSK Information Systems
- Coex Mall Multi-Function Kiosk, submitted by MediaSolution, Inc.
- Ecast EQ Interactive HD Entertainment and Promotion at Point of Purchase, submitted by Ecast
Best Healthcare Deployment
- Adventist Health System Drives Revenue, Efficiencies with Self-Service, submitted by NCR Corp.
- EKiosk: Direct Patient Input of Validated Outcomes Measures, submitted by AutomationMed
Best Other Deployment
- The Library of Congress Experience, submitted by Library of Congress
- NEXTEP SYSTEMS' Deli Express Order System, submitted by NEXTEP SYSTEMS
- Outdoor, Full Payment Media Kiosk Delivers Results, submitted by Innovative Control Systems Inc.
Best Overall Software Solution
- Cabela's E-Commerce Kiosk Program, submitted by Netkey
- Gemini Goodyear Kiosk, submitted by Saitech International
- Nanopoint & CommandPoint Software Platform, submitted by Nanonation
Best Hardware/Enclosure Design
- Cabela's E-Commerce Kiosk Program, submitted by Netkey
- Ford Work Solutions Kiosk, submitted by Frank Mayer & Associates Inc.
- Outdoor, Full Payment Media Kiosk Delivers Results, submitted by Innovative Control Systems Inc.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Historically mindful of resource consumption across its manufacturing division, Diebold Inc. is stepping up efforts to strengthen its environmental performance on a broader scale and to positively align conservation strategies with those of customers around the world and the global community. To build a strong foundation capable of supporting the company's current and future goals, Diebold has selected long-time associate James N. Merrell to lead its environmental stewardship initiative by leveraging his broad experience across numerous Diebold operational areas and his strong personal dedication to environmental improvement.
"Climate change is very real and natural resources are actively diminishing. The time is now to take responsibility for the impact our operations may have on the environment and to serve as active participants in the global recovery effort. Diebold's commitment to environmental stewardship will be clearly evident through the leadership of Jim Merrell," said Thomas W. Swidarski, president and chief executive officer, Diebold. "Aligning with our customers and partners around the world also underscores our dedication to providing the highest quality products and services, which can enhance our customers' business processes without causing residual damage to the environment. Beyond our sustainability efforts' positive impact on the environment, the resulting efficiencies and long-term cost-savings make good business sense."
For the past 25 years, Diebold has experienced high environmental performance at its manufacturing facilities by proactively monitoring and managing air and water discharges to minimize the impact on the environment. Its manufacturing teams have also worked to reduce energy consumption through higher efficiency lighting and, in the case of Diebold's Lexington, N.C., facility, reduce the water used in paint preparation by 40 percent.
As director of environmental stewardship, Merrell's initial priority has been to define an all-encompassing strategy and establish environmental policies upon which to build. This includes the development of a performance baseline for resource consumption as well as other strategies to establish where the company stands today to more accurately measure the success of upcoming initiatives. Merrell also formed a global advisory board comprising Diebold representatives from every region of the world, who work to implement policies, collect data, evaluate performance, share information with associates in their respective regions and identify examples of best practices by Diebold associates.
The company also is focused on products and services and is in the evaluation phase of a comprehensive product and service delivery review to find new ways to improve the efficiency of its many solutions. Although Diebold's Opteva line of automated teller machines are among the most energy efficient in the industry, Diebold engineers are continually working to further enhance them.
"An important goal of this initiative is to significantly reduce Diebold's carbon footprint at our locations around the world," Merrell said. "To that end, we've elected to participate in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a nonprofit organization that facilitates dialogue between institutional investors, purchasing organizations and senior corporate management from the world's largest companies. By participating, Diebold contributes to CDP's global gas-emissions database, helping formulate information that will motivate governments and corporations to take the appropriate actions to work toward preventing dangerous climate change."
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Consumer Affairs: District of Columbia Attorney General Peter Nickles filed suit against several individuals and companies accusing them of a nationwide scam to defraud African-American church congregations of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The suit alleges that the defendants approached numerous congregations offering "free" computer kiosks that they could place in church lobbies to provide community and church information. As part of the agreement to receive the equipment, congregation officials unwittingly signed documents that obligated the groups to long-term lease payments amounting to $50,000 or more. But Nickles' suit alleges the computer equipment was valued at no more than a few thousand dollars, and in some cases, did not function properly.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 08 April 2009
WOLLONGON, Australia — iQmultimedia has announced plans to launch its IQ LINK kiosk for information accessibility solution, targeted at light and heavy industry.
According to a news release, IQ LINK automatically collects a broad variety of existing company information and makes it available to workforces through a smart, user-centric interface. IQ LINK is expected to be unveiled in late April.
IQ LINK allows users with no prior computer expertise and without personal access to a PC to access critical safety information, report issues on-site, and view current notices and advisories. Its dynamic framework allows for the production of new, customized modules per-customer, bringing all essential information into one accessible touchscreen terminal.
Its flagship document management module can integrate with existing document control systems, including EMC Documentum, Microsoft SharePoint, Open Text Hummingbird and IBM Lotus Notes. Integration can be tuned to specific customer needs and can be built around almost any existing system.
iQmultimedia touchscreen kiosk software is currently deployed with customers in Australia and the United States.
Monday, 06 April 2009
Computerworld: At a congressional hearing last week, federal lawmakers and retail industry officials contended that the PCI security rules have done little to stop payment card data thefts and fraud. "I do want to dispel the myth once and for all that PCI compliance is enough to keep a company secure," said Rep. Yvette Clark (D-N.Y.), chairwoman of the House subcommittee that held the hearing.
Click to continue
Friday, 03 April 2009
PADERBORN, Germany — Datalogic Mobile, a global player in the Rugged Mobile Computers and self-shopping solutions market, and Wincor Nixdorf AG have signed a strategic partnership to integrate Datalogic Mobile products into Wincor Nixdorf's solutions offer to its customers and prospects all around the world.
According to a news release, the partnership between Wincor Nixdorf and Datalogic Mobile allows Wincor Nixdorf to distribute Datalogic Mobile devices for merchandise operations, in store and warehouses as well as the customer self-service operations like mobile shopping.
“Datalogic Mobile is honored to promote this strategic partnership with its worldwide sales organization and establish consistent and profitable relationship with Wincor Nixdorf,” said Gian Paolo Fedrigo, vice president and chief executive at Datalogic Mobile. “Thanks to this partnership, Datalogic Mobile and Wincor Nixdorf will provide retail customers all around the world with complete solutions for optimizing their business processes.”
Datalogic Mobile, part of the Datalogic Group, is a global player in the rugged mobile computers market, offering a full range of products dedicated to warehousing solutions, field-force automation and retail in-store. Datalogic Group is produces barcode readers, data-collection mobile computers, RFID systems and photoelectric sensors for the industrial automation sector.
“Mobile solutions are a key issue in retail," said Bruno Missoni, mobile solutions manager at Wincor Nixdorf. "The collaboration between Wincor Nixdorf as a provider of store solutions and Datalogic Mobile as a provider of mobility products is therefore of strategic importance to Wincor Nixdorf. With its store solutions portfolio, Wincor Nixdorf meets all store requirements for a highly efficient store management and customer friendly self-service environment. Datalogic mobility products form an essential element in this offer to our customers.”
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Los Angeles Times: DVD sales historically have been how movie studios earn a profit on movies, because ticket sales are barely enough to offset production and marketing costs. But some studios believe that consumers will forgo buying DVDs if they have a cheap option to rent movies. The spread of redbox's kiosks, coming as DVD sales started to decline, has triggered alarms within Universal Studios. Last year Universal sought to withhold DVDs from redbox until 45 days after release to prevent competition with sales. When redbox rejected the deal, Universal ordered wholesalers to cut off supplies. Redbox then sued Universal, alleging restraint of trade.
Click to continue
Thursday, 19 March 2009
LONG BEACH, Miss. — Triton Systems of Delaware Inc. has joined the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council.
According to a news release, as a participating organization, Triton will work with the council to evolve the PCI Data Security Standard, as well as other payment card data protection standards. As a participating organization, Triton now has access to the latest payment card security standards from the council and will be able to provide feedback on the standards.
"Triton is happy to join the ranks of PCI's participating organizations," said Chuck Hayes, product development manager for Triton, who is representing the ATM manufacturer on the council. "We look forward to assisting in the development of new security standards to protect the interests of both our customers and the general consumer."
PCI DSS, endorsed by American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa Inc., requires merchants and service providers that store, process or transmit customer payment card data to adhere to information security controls and processes that ensure data integrity.
"The PCI Security Standards Council is committed to helping everyone involved in the payment chain protect consumer payment data," said Bob Russo, general manager of PCI DSS. "By participating in the standards setting process, Triton demonstrates they are playing an active part in this important end goal."
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
(Boston) WBZ-TV, Channel 38: Police in Salem, N.H., are looking for a man armed with a hypodermic needle who tried to rob a woman while she withdrew cash at a Bank of America ATM. The 35-year-old woman told police the attacker held the needle to her neck and demanded money.
Click to continue
Thursday, 12 March 2009
DUNDEE, Scotland -- NCR has announced a proposal to cut 252 jobs in Dundee and cease its manufacturing of low volume and high complexity products at its Gourdie site.
According to a news release, the company will also propose to reduce staff levels in engineering, solutions marketing and support functions.
"Like many companies, we have taken a number of prudent steps to better manage our cost structure in recent months," said Rick Marquardt, vice president of global manufacturing for NCR. "However, based on the current business outlook, we now need to make the difficult but necessary decision of proposing further workforce reductions in Dundee in order to protect our position."
"We realize that these changes will bring challenging times for those employees affected and we are committed to helping any individuals affected with comprehensive outplacement support," he said.
NCR is beginning a 90-day consultation process on the proposed restructuring with union and employee representative groups in Dundee.
Under the proposals, NCR's remaining business activities in Dundee will focus on engineering, research and development, services support operations, solutions management, marketing and new product introduction. Approximately 450 positions would remain across all functions in Dundee.
NCR is a member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
The (Milwaukee, Wis.) Journal Sentinel: Two employees of the Pick 'n Save grocery store have been charged with theft for allegedly hacking into the self-service checkout lanes and claiming 5-cent credits the store gives for using reusable grocery bags. Though the scam may not appear lucrative on its face, between the two of them, the teens were allegedly able to pocket more than $10,000 from the scheme. Shaun C. Franke, 19, could face up to three years in prison if convicted, while his co-defendant, Ryan K. Struck, 18, faces the possibility of a nine month jail term.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
NORTH CANTON, Ohio -- Diebold Inc., a member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, has been recognized as one of the world's top outsourcing providers by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals, according to a news release.
This is the third consecutive year that Diebold has received the distinction from the IAOP, which is awarded to companies that define the standard of excellence for outsourcing within the industry. Companies that earn the award are judged in four fundamental categories, including company size and growth, customer satisfaction, depth of competence and management capabilities.
"This recognition by the IAOP for the third consecutive year underscores our unwavering commitment to the industries we serve and the solutions we provide," said Charles E. Ducey, Jr., Diebold senior vice president of global development and services. "Diebold has uniquely positioned itself to offer customers a tailored, end-to-end outsourcing solution that delivers the most innovative technologies available without the need for large upfront capital expenditure."
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
CRM magazine: As the global economic recession continues to take its toll on businesses, Forrester Research is offering a list of five service strategies it says will help organizations stay afloat. Among them: Making self-service work across all channels. "Don't put manuals up on your Web site and think that alone will work," said Natalie Petouhoff, senior analyst at Forrester and co-author of the report. "Take the content, figure out what people are asking you and store it so it can be retrieved. The basis of all self-service and agent productivity is knowledge management."
Click to continue
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Core Technology Solutions (CTS), a nationwide IT services provider based in Parsippany, N.J., has announced the acquisition of GA Services LLC (GAS), an Irvine, Calif. based firm that delivers similar nationwide services across a wide range of technology and infrastructure.
The merged companies will be branded under the CTS banner.
The merger provides bi-coastal operations and logistics facilities that will greatly enhance offerings to customers of both organizations, according to a news release.
"The ability to aggregate multi-vendor product, kit, stage, configure and deliver from both coasts will dovetail nicely with our existing field services offerings, ensuring complete control of large scale deployements," said Gary Dedoussis, chief executive of Core Technology Solutions. "The integration of the GAS customer base into CTS operations has gone very smoothly due in large part to our decision to standardize all service management on Computer Associates' Unicenter Service Desk software platform. Service Desk provides tremendous leverage for us to rapidly grow our customer base, while providing full visibility to our clients to all activity on-going in the field."
According to the release, CTS will maintain its focus in the retail market segment, providing services around POS, wireless devices, kiosk, digital signage and the associated cabling infrastructure. George Harris, former president and chief executive of GAS will join CTS as executive vice president of business development.
"The entire GAS organization is thrilled to join the CTS team, and together we will strive to be the premier provider of IT services to our target market segments," he said.
CTS is a member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association.
Monday, 16 February 2009
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Dynamic Card Solutions, a provider of instant card issuance, PIN selection and PIN change for financial institutions, and Postilion, a provider of software solutions for self-service banking and payments and a division of S1 Corp., have announced a partnership to offer financial institutions a fully integrated solution for card management, instant issuance and PIN selection, by connecting DCS' patented CardWizard solutions with Postilion for Card Issuers.
According to a news release, instant card issuance provides banks with improved service for new account holders and allows for the immediate replacement of lost or stolen cards for current customers. DCS' CardWizard instant issue software fully personalizes the chip, encodes the magnetic stripe and prints or embosses cardholder details on each card. Postilion for Card Issuers provides complete life cycle management for an extensive range of card products with full support for EMV, including contactless and PIN control. The integrated solution also enables customers to select their own PINs at the time of issue, which increases activation rates, allows for the immediate use of the card, and eliminates the costs of PIN mailers.
Fraud associated with the interception of cards in the mail is a known area of concern for issuers. The end-to-end solution from DCS and Postilion offers built-in security and removes the risk of sending cards and PINs through the mail. Instant issuance provides and attractive, low-cost alternative, particularly in countries where mail delivery services may be less reliable.
"We are pleased to be partnering with DCS in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions to offer this innovative capability to our card issuer customers," said Mark McMurtrie, marketing director of Postilion International. "Instant issuance is now both cost-effective and easy to implement thanks to to advances in technology, and it makes an ideal complement to our product suite. This unique service, which includes immediate card replacement and the freedom for customers to choose their own card designs, can support card issuers with customer acquisition, retention and portfolio profitability."
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
The (London) Times: When Vélib bike rental kiosks were introduced in Paris 18 months ago, they were hailed by environmentalists and cycling enthusiasts as one of the self-service industry's most worthwhile achievements. The kiosks enable residents to rent damage resistent grey bicycles at the swipe of a card. The future of the kiosks is now in doubt, however, after roughly 11,600 of the bicycles have been vandalized. Another 7,800 of them simply vanished, only to be recovered in parts of Eastern Europe and Africa. The bicycles are worth roughly €400 (U.S. $520) each.
Click to continue
Read also: The best self-service on two wheels.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
(Fallbrook, Calif.) North County Times: A California man has pled guilty to trying to scam elderly victims out of roughly $20 million. Edward U. Bevilacqua was sentenced to seven years in state prison for selling pay phones, Internet kiosks and jukeboxes as investment opportunities to the elderly. His co-defendant, Charles Castro, pled guilty in Feb. 2008 and has already been sentenced to a three-year term. The company promised to pay investors monthly revenues at an annual return of 12 percent, but only a fraction of the equipment was installed.
Click to continue
Monday, 09 February 2009
San Antonio Express-News: When Tony Alvarez, founder of iKiosk Solutions, tried to explain his motivations for creating his company to an audience of high school students, his eyes filled with tears. "Once I went to a parent-teacher night," he said. "And my teacher said I'd be nothing but a blue-collar worker. It's been with me (since), and it hurts, because I'm sure a lot of kids are told that in the country." It took Alvarez three years to create a digital kiosk that displays and prints information and applications for financial aid, admission to Texas colleges, exams and high-demand job information and statistics. He hopes that through the kiosks he can encourage more students to attend college and help lower the number of high school dropouts in San Antonio.
Click to continue
Friday, 06 February 2009
SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. -- MediaTile, a provider of cellular digital signage solutions, has announced that company founder and executive chairman, Keith Kelsen, has been selected as the 2008 Man of the Year by members of the Digital Signage Forum, Digital Signage News, Online Buyer's Guide and Network Database, according to a news release.
Kelsen was selected for his contributions in advancing the digital signage medium in retail promotions, branding campaigns, and in corporate communications activities. Kelsen's projects within the past year have reached executives in a growing number of vertical markets, demonstrating the advantages of digital out-of-home (DOOH) media. His knowledge and leadership have provided network operators, advertising agencies and enterprise clients with a roadmap for defining, deploying, and running networks that meet industry best practices and deliver a higher return on investment.
"I am truly honored to receive this award from a panel of my peers," Kelsen said. "Simplicity and relevancy are the cornerstones of the digital media revolution. In the current economic climate, it's become imperative for businesses to find communication solutions that are not only easy to deploy and manage, but that also deliver highly engaging messages that compel audiences to act in measurable ways. I am privileged to work alongside some outstanding thought leaders in digital media and together we're shaping this industry and moving it forward into the next decade."
Josh Coffman, Digital Signage Forum Judge and Parter at DNA Network stated, "What Keith Kelsen has accomplished on top of running a successful and innovative company is impressive. Not only does he run a hardware and software company, but he has shown that he is committed to good content."
Kelsen most recently lead a digital signage webinar on content best practices that attracted over 900 registered viewers and also posted the Top 10 Trends for Digital Signage in 2009, which logged over 10,000 downloads. Kelsen's many endeavors within the past year have also included an Advisory board membership with the Digital Signage Association; Content Best Practices Committee Chair for the Digital Signage Association; Advisory Board Member for the Digital Signage Expert Group; and recipient of the Frost & Sullivan 2008 Digital Signage Technology of the Year award.
"And we're not done yet," Kelsen added. "This industry is just heating up and 2009 will be another year of new innovations in digital signage."
MediaTile is a vendor member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, as well as the Digital Signage Association.
Friday, 06 February 2009
MSNBC: Continental Prison Systems Inc., a provider of cashless prison kiosk and Exit card technology announced today that it has been awarded the Pinnacle award in Colorado for the most "innovative" new products. The award came after one of Continental's current Colorado jail facilities entered the Company and its cashless products and services technology for this award. More than 30 applicants were submitted for this award. Continental Prison Systems' EZ Kiosks include booking kiosks, which handle bookings and bail, trust funds kiosks that handle all monies deposited to inmate accounts and dispense EZ Cards debit release cards to inmates who are being released.
Click to continue
Read also: Prison kiosks grab attention at sheriff show.
Thursday, 05 February 2009
TORONTO -- St. Clair Interactive Communications Inc., an association member, h as announced the arrival of "a new generation of self-service specialists."
On Feb. 2, Abigail (5 lbs., 9oz.) and Emma (7 lbs., 1 oz.) were born to the Peter family. They are the daughters of Cam Peter, a project manager for St. Clair, twin nieces of Chris Peter, another project manager for St. Clair, and the grandchildren of Doug Peter, president of the company.
The new arrivals are doing well, according to the news release, which states that they will join the company "as soon as they finish the Introduction to Diapers course."
The association would like to offer its sincere congratulations to the Peter family and to St. Clair Interactive for the new additions.
Thursday, 05 February 2009
SlashGear.com: Exhibit and media design firm Ideum has taken on Microsoft with the launch of its MT2 Table, a multitouch-table which, at 50-inches running at 1280 x 720, has both larger and higher resolution than Microsoft's Surface. The MT2 Table, which can respond to multiple points of contact across the display and recognize gestures, is intended for museum use, and as such has an aircraft-grade aluminum frame and thick tempered glass top. Underneath there's a 2100 ANSI projector with a 2000:1 contrast ratio.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 03 February 2009
Digital Transactions: After news of the Heartland Payments Systems breach — possibly the largest data breach on record to date — details about how much damage was actually caused is still unclear. One report suggests Heartland's breach-related legal liabilities could approach $98 million, an estimate a Heartland spokesperson dismisses as speculative. Heartland says the so-called "sniffer" program secretly planted on one of its payment-processing platforms was not being used when investigators found it about two weeks ago.
"It was inactive," a spokesperson says. "I want to be specific to say it was inactive," he adds, clarifying that the hackers hadn't deliberately disabled or deactivated it. Now Heartland chief executive Robert Carr is calling for better industry cooperation and new operational procedures to prevent future data compromises — including industry-wide, end-to-end encryption to fully protect cardholder data.
Click to continue
Monday, 26 January 2009
The Malaysian Insider: Usape Nelson Wireless Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mesdaq-listed Nextnation Communications Bhd, is suing its former business partner Macro Kiosk Bhd for breach of contract and is seeking damages of approximately RM20 million (U.S. $5.5 million). It is also seeking an injunction to freeze the bank accounts of Macro Kiosk, its shareholders and related parties, according to a filing. Macro Kiosk offers mobile messaging gateway services and is majority owned by Goldis Bhd.
Click to continue
Monday, 26 January 2009
(Milwaukee, Wis.) Journal Sentinel: United Leasing Associates of America, a Brookfield, Wis.-based company, has filed lawsuits against 39 churches in eight states alleging that those congregations owe at least $1.4 million for failing to make payments on interactive kiosk systems that they leased. At the same time, many of the predominantly urban churches say they have been the victims of a kiosk scam that involves United Leasing Associates of America and Washington D.C.-based Television Broadcasting Online and its subsidiary, Urban Interfaith Network.
Click to continue
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Tulsa (Okla.) World: Tier Technologies, a Reston, Va.-based provider of electronic payment solutions, has agreed to purchase ChoicePay Inc., a company with a network of self-service kiosks that accept payments for local, regional or national billers. The transaction is for $7.5 million in cash at closing, and has an earn-out potential for ChoicePay shareholders capped at $2 million, based on future business. It is not known how the acquisition will impact ChoicePay's workforce of roughly 80 members. "Both companies are optimistic that the deal could close as early as next week," said Ben Peters, chief financial officer of ChoicePay.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
The Washington Post: Experts are saying a data breach that occurred last year at Heartland Payment Systems, a payment processor based in Princeton, N.J., may be the largest breach of card data ever. The company has announced that tens of millions of credit and debit card transactions may have been compromised. Heartland's chief financial officer says the company, which processes transactions for more than 250,000 businesses, discovered malicious software on its server. That software was recording payment card data. It is not known how long the software was in place, nor how many transactions were recorded.
Click to continue
Monday, 19 January 2009
The Puget Sound Business Journal: Much has been made of the recent partnership between Mod Systems, a provider of digital movie download solutions, with NCR and Toshiba, but not everyone is pleased with the performance of the Seattle startup. Investor Robert Arnold, an early backer of Mod Systems, isn't satisfied with the company's response to numerous requests for financial and business records, and now he's demanding answers. "Most of the disagreement relates to the use of investment funds," said Jeff Smyth, an attorney who is representing the former banking executive.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Business First of Louisville: Flextronics International Ltd., a electronics manufacturer and provider of self-service solutions, will lay off 150 employees in Louisville, Ky., according to a filing with the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training. The layoffs will take place at a repair and maintenance facility formerly owned by Solectron Corp. Flextronics officials could not be reached for comment. Flextronics acquired Solectron Corp., a competitor, in June 2007 for about $3.6 billion in cash and stock. At the time that deal was expected to make Flextronics the world's second-largest electronics manufacturing and self-service powerhouse, trailing only Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. in terms of annual sales, according to Forbes.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
(Raleigh, N.C.) WRAL, Channel 5: A kiosk was the end of the line for one convicted sex offender when he tried to volunteer at a Raleigh high school. Registered sex offender Marcus Jermaine was stopped dead in his tracks by the self-service check-in device, which automatically ran his personal information against a national sex-offender registry. When the device idetified Jermaine as a registered sex offender, school officials asked him to leave. He was later arrested for unlawfully attempting to gain access to a school.
Click to read story.
Click for video.
Wednesday, 07 January 2009
Government Technology: Just because a company deploys self-service doesn't mean it can just assume customers know how to use it. A successful deployment hinges on patient employees who are willing to guide the uninitiated through the user interface. Columnist Andy Opsahl opines on an unfortunate experience he had with a deployer that simply dumped him in front of a kiosk without providing any assistance.
Click to continue
Sunday, 04 January 2009
DAYTON, Ohio -- 72 percent of U.S. consumers who were interviewed for a survey commissioned by NCR Corp. say they are more likely to shop with a retailer that offers the flexibility to interact via online, mobile and kiosk channels than a retailer that doesn't.
According to the survey, unprecedented price wars and product promotions by retailers may be saving consumers money, but also costing them more in terms of personal time.
The research reveals that bargain conscious American consumers are spending more time evaluating less familiar brands, switching among stores to capitalize on deals and also scheduling their shopping trips to coincide with the arrival of paychecks.
As a result, retailers stand the best chance of winning consumers' business if they can make things faster and easier through more in-store help from staff, faster checkout and seamless integration of store offerings with Internet and mobile technologies.
"People assume that in an economic downturn, the consumer is only motivated by price, but this research shows that retailers also need to deliver on changing service expectations that consumers say they value as well," said Mike Webster, chief strategy and communications officer for NCR Corp. "Consumers in these uncertain times are clearly showing a preference for retailers that can meet their expectations through self-service options on the Web, mobile and in-store. These technologies are playing a growing role in helping retailers deliver competitive advantage."
Critically, the research reveals that shoppers believe a range of multi-channel and in-store self-service technologies play a vital role in meeting service needs and they will differentiate between retailers that offer these technologies and ones that do not.
- 72 percent said they are more likely to shop with a retailer that gives consumers the flexibility to interact easily via online, mobile and kiosk self-service channels versus a retailer that does not.
- Around half, 49 percent, believe kiosks that show them where to find products in stores would be convenient.
- 43 percent believe receiving discount offerings and product information on large screens in store would be convenient, while 39 percent want self-return solutions for processing returns quickly.
According to NCR, retailers using self-checkout systems experience decreased customer queue time of 40 percent and increased checkout speed of 20 percent.
NCR commissioned BuzzBack Market Research to conduct this survey among 500 U.S. respondents in Dec. 2008. The results form part of NCR's 2009 Self-Service consumer survey.
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
AMonline.com: Self-Service Networks, a provider of turnkey self-service solutions, has announced GiftWise, a complete program for selling, activating and dispensing gift cards within the retail setting. GiftWise bills itself as a self-service program that offers a consistent experience while decreasing operational costs. Users purchase their gift cards at an interactive kiosk, equipped with a touchscreen interface.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
POSEN, Ill. -- Corporate Safe Specialists is upgrading its MenuSOS kiosk software platform to support more applications, including .net framework 3.05, Windows Presentation and Communication Foundations (WPF and WCF) and SQL Express.
Corporate Safe Specialists kiosk solutions are designed to help small- and medium-sized businesses quickly implement self-service systems with a lower initial investment. MenuSOS is offered as an enhancement to the CSS kiosk platform, which, according to a news release, is the only kiosk system to accept credit/debit cards and cash, validate and count currency, and store it directly to a business rated safe. Notes are deposited directly into a business rated safe and CSS kiosk security can be made ready for armored car pick-up.
MenuSOS offers rapid self-configuration through a scripted, user-friendly process that non-technical users can complete within a few hours. Restaurant and retail establishments would then have a working kiosk platform that would provide benefits to both the business ower and customers.
According to the release, customers will now have the ability to order and pay for products and services through a touchscreen interface. The design objective for the user interface was a superior customer experience that shed associations with order entry via a personal computer.
Business owners are able to service a greater number of customers without hiring additional staff. The MenuSOS will also enable small business owners to offer their customers the self-service options that have become increasingly popular at larger competitors. The MenuSOS module can also be used as a digital chalkboard to communicate daily specials and other information to customers.
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. -- MIE Solutions, a provider of software tailored for the manufacturing industry, has unveiled its new MIE Trak Kiosk.
According to a news release, the MIE Trak Kiosk is designed to collect shop floor employee data without involving the use of paper or barcodes. The kiosk comes with a user-friendly interface including large buttons that enable employees to clock in and out for the day, as well as in and out of specific jobs. Employees can also issue a bill of materials for job costing purposes, all at the kiosk.
The MIE Trak Kiosk user interface is unique, according to the release, because it has the capability to highlight all of the jobs an employee is scheduled to work on.
Dragging and dropping jobs onto the scheduling whiteboard will immediately change the jobs employees see as they clock in to their machine and associated job. Eliminating keystrokes is a key to managing data collection and the MIE kiosk does this as recently viewed items are shown in plain sight on the computer screen. In order to reduce paper waste, the kiosk can display drawings, blueprints and models on the computer screen.
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Home Media Magazine: Despite recent attempts by Universal Studios to cut off its supply of DVDs to redbox, the company is still stocking Universal titles in its DVD kiosks. On Dec. 23, redbox announced that it is now stocking more than 100,000 copies of "Mamma Mia! The Movie" and "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emporer." Universal refused to allow commercial distributors Ingram and VPD to sell to redbox after redbox refused to sign a revenue sharing agreement that would limit the types of movie offerings available at its DVD kiosks. Since then, redbox has been obtaining Universal DVDs through different outlets.
Click to continue
Monday, 29 December 2008
The Paypers: The State Bank of India has deployed its first Internet banking kiosk. Located in the Mumbai Central Railway station, the kiosk provides railway travelers with a portal to access their Internet banking accounts. Users can also purchase railway tickets at the self-service device. It's the first in a network of 383 similar kiosks to be unveiled at railway stations across the country.
Click to continue
Monday, 29 December 2008
San Francisco Chronicle: Air travelers at the San Francisco International Airport will soon be able to pay restitution for the carbon emissions caused by their trip. This spring, the airport plans to unveil self-service kiosk stations where users can purchase carbon offsets. The experimental program will make the airport the first in the nation to offer such a plan.
"We'd like people to stop and consider the impacts of flying," said Steve McDougal, executive vice president for 3Degrees, a San Francisco firm that sells renewable energy and carbon-reduction investments and is teaming up with the airport and the city on the project.
Click to continue
Monday, 29 December 2008
PADERBORN, Germany -- Indonesia's BCA has chosen Wincor Nixdorf to provide kiosk and ATM technologies as the financial institution moves to expand its multichannel self-service network.
As Indonesia's largest transactional bank, BCA has more than seven million customers.
According to a news release, BCA will deploy 283 ProCash1500xe ATMs and 200 ProInfo 1000 kiosk systems (in addition to the existing 1,090 Wincor Nixdorf kiosks installed since 2003.) In addition to installing the systems, Wincor Nixdorf will assume responsibility for maintenance of both the kiosks and ATMs through its extensive service coverage in the archipelago.
Financial institutions such as BCA are now beginning to migrate their deposit and withdrawal transactions to self-service zones in the branch and at offsite locations to improve service to individual and business consumers.
BCA took on a pioneering role to move teller transactions to ATMs migrating 70 percent of teller transactions to self-service outlets in 2007. And to enhance customer service further, BCA has now migrated up to 30 percent of non-cash transactions from the bank's ATMs to more than 1,000 existing ProInfo 1000 kiosk terminals reducing customer wait times at ATMs.
Examples of more complex transactions handled by this terminal include registration for e-banking and payment functions for 70 different types of bills, purchases of vouchers and airline tickets and funds transfers.
"We are very satisfied with the advanced technology from Wincor Nixdorf and our customers are satisfied with us because of the ease of use and the feeling as a part of the modern society," said Stephen Liestyo, senior general manager of BCA's Consumer Banking Division. "Furthermore, we are not only gaining a competitive advantage by using the kiosks, we are also saving money, since the transaction costs at the terminals are 30 percent lower compared with transaction costs at the ATM."
Monday, 29 December 2008
(Albany, NY) WRGB, Channel 6: The New York State Consumer Protection Board is reviewing plans to deploy self-service recall notification kiosks in area Target stores. The kiosks would enable shoppers to check if a particular product has been recalled. Although the board says it supports any program that will help to protect consumers, it wants to review the new system to ensure it meets state requirements.
Click to continue
Monday, 29 December 2008
MEDFIELD, Ma. -- Comark Corp., a designer and manufacturer of kiosk
|
|
|
Comark's 15-inch "Rugged Kiosk."
|
and digital signage solutions, has unveiled its new 15-inch Rugged Kiosk.
According to a news release, the portrait mode, wall-mountable kiosk features a "virtually indestructable" metallic enclosure, as well as a touchscreen and wireless capability.
"The kiosk is a compact, rugged solution for self-service applications in a touch environment, such as warehouse stores or back room applications," said Paul Laracy, director of sales at Comark Corp.
The kiosk is configured with a VESA mounting pattern, which allows for multiple mounting options in addition to wall mounting. The internal computer is available with a range of processors and memory options and is capable of running Windows- or Linux-based applications. Storage options include hard drive and/or compact flash, available up to 120GB and 32GB respectively.
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Co-Op Financial Services has enhanced its Falcon Fraud Manager by adding Falcon Real-time Decisioning, an optional service that allows highest-risk transactions to get evaluated by Falcon before authorization of the transaction. To date, all transactions are evaluated after the authorization decision. The enhanced Falcon allows potential fraud to be detected and prevented earlier.
Webinar on Falcon Real-time Decisioning
Co-Op Financial Services will host a webinar on Falcon Real-time Decisioning on Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. PST. For additional details about registration, visit Co-Op's Web site.
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Home Media Magazine: Redbox chief executive Gregg Kaplan says redbox will continue to expand its footprint and bring forth innovations that reinforce the company's position in DVD rental. With more than 12,000 locations, Kaplan says redbox expects to continue its deployments in high-traffic locations in residential and commercial areas.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Variety: Mark Burnett, the producer of shows such as "Survivor," "The Apprentice" and "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader," has inked a deal to use Studio One Media’s MyStudio service to audition reality show contestants. From kiosks in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, the Scottsdale, Ariz., company’s program lets people create a high-def audition video for about $20. Studio One also operates a Web-based product so that auditions can be directly uploaded online.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Mitch Goldstone, president and chief executive of ScanMyPhotos International, credits the quality of prints from Eastman KODAK technology for an uptick in business during the economic downturn.
According to a news release, ScanMyPhotos International provides photo scanning services, specialized photo services and photo printing from digital files via an Internet site, ScanMyPhotos.com, and has a brick-and-mortar store in Irvine, Calif., for closer-to-home business.
"My sales this year have exceeded any other since founding my company in 1990," said Goldstone. "Today, I have three times the number of people employed compared to a year ago and we are all working 20-hour shifts, not because of the holidays, as my business model is not reliant on seasonal fluctuations. I owe it all to KODAK Technology."
Goldstone recently purchase two additional KODAK i660 Scanners to supplement his one original. Recently, he has started offering KODAK Picture Movie DVD services online.
For the walkup self-service side of his business, Goldstone purchased Kodak's new modular, thermal dry lab system for making digital prints, the KODAK Adaptive Picture Exchange. It is connected to a bank of self-service KODAK Picture Kiosk G4s at the Irvine location.
Goldstone said his business has grown largely through online orders.
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
PADERBORN, Germany — Wincor Nixdorf AG is enhancing its consulting portfolio for the banking business.
According to a news release, Wincor Nixdorf plans to expand its business intelligence into its overall consulting business. Wincor Nixdorf says it is responding to the increased demand for specialized knowledge in the area of designing and integrating business-intelligence solutions.
A Business Week survey, in which some 700 European and American companies were polled, shows that nearly 80 percent of managers complain that they have insufficient or imprecise information for important business decisions. The same number of managers also reported knowing of bad decisions that were made on the basis of insufficient information.
"First, we analyze the starting situation, pin down goals and develop the project strategy," Wincor says. "In a second step, we identify the various processes and user concerns, define the key figures and determine the recipients, contents and structure of the reports. These first two steps are followed by the development of the new process and system design. A test environment is developed on this basis and a prototype BI solution installed. System, applications and data quality are then examined in a test phase, after which the system is configured and is put into operation."
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
CUPERTINO, Calif. -- Solidcore Systems Inc., provider of security software, and Esprida Corp., a remote management software producer, have partnered to help retailers remotely manage kiosk systems.
According to a news release, the partnership seeks to ensure that remotely managed kiosks can only be altered with Esprida LiveControl’s automated administrative software, which automates administrative tasks to give businesses complete visibility and control over a kiosk network with security provided by Solidcore’s POS Check and Control software, which addresses all of the PCI and security requirements of a kiosk system.
Solidcore also protects the kiosk from malware, zero-day vulnerabilities and any unauthorized local changes that might include reading or copying protected files off of the system.
"We are pleased to be partnering with Solidcore to deliver a more comprehensive offering that addresses key concerns for anyone deploying intelligent devices, such as kiosks," said Anila Jobanputra, president of Esprida. "By combining our technology offerings we make it easier for kiosk deployers to meet and exceed security protocols and service expectations."
Anne Bonaparte, president and CEO of Solidcore, said the partnership will address challenges in security, change audit and configuration control caused by the remote locations of the kiosks.
"Working together with Esprida will help simplify the most challenging aspects of kiosk deployments so retailers can focus on growing their businesses and servicing their customers," she said.
Monday, 22 December 2008
LONDON — The Barclays branch at Picaddilly Circus is reportedly the first bank to incorporate Microsoft Surface technology.
The Surface program allows users to "grab" digital content with their hands and navigate information about Barclays’ Premier banking offering with simple gestures and touches.
According to a news release, the branch will have a large self-service area that includes a foreign ATM dispensing dollars and euros, and deposit machines for cash, checks and coins.
Monday, 22 December 2008
Bank Systems & Technology: Though mobile banking seems to get a lot of attention, JPMorgan Chase & Co. ($1.24 trillion in assets) is focusing attention on upgrading or replacing its 5,000 envelope-based, deposit-taking ATMs with image-based machines. The New York-based institution is rolling out 900 no-envelope ATMs. "By 2010, all of our deposit-taking ATMs across the country will be no-envelope machines," said Tom Kelly, a Chase spokesman. Chase is deploying 600 Wincor Nixdorf multicheck ATMs and plans to install an additional 300 multicheck ATMs from its primary supplier, NCR, which also will provide the back-office software to process check-images.
Click to continue
Monday, 22 December 2008
Chelsea Now: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York unveiled a new “talking kiosk” to help visually impaired customers navigate Penn Station’s concourses, passageways and platforms. The kiosk features a touch-activated map of the station, visual displays for the partially sighted and a voice designed for phonetic clarity. Customers touch different parts of the map, and the kiosk describes the corresponding location and gives directions. The kiosk costs $23,000, or less than half the cost of a previous model, which was removed earlier this year.
Click to continue
Friday, 19 December 2008
TORONTO -- Digital signage and smartphones are being combined to facilitate the first real-time giant video game application on Toronto's Eaton Centre Media Tower at Yonge-Dundas Square.
Using Rogers Wireless BlackBerry Pearl Flip smartphones, the public can communicate with the Outdoor Broadcast Network's massive video board located in the square. OBN secured the exclusive rights to "Dial to Play" software distributed by iGotcha Media and took the idea to Rogers Wireless through its agencies, MediaCom and Publicis. The software has been integrated into the operating system of the 40-inch x 30-inch digital display on the tower, enabling smartphone users to interact with it.
Rogers will station event teams at the square until the end of the year, inviting up to 10 people at a time to try out one of the new BlackBerry Flip smartphones, which use voice recognition to play the game in real time. Each player controls an avatar by shouting "Flip" into a mobile phone to make the character's hand reach up to a Christmas stocking and grab phones that appear to tumble from the sky. OBN has incorporated the game into the regular programming run of advertising on the digital display.
Friday, 19 December 2008
CNN: A pair of German researchers have designed a prototype kiosk that gives iPhone users their first taste of the semantic Web. The semantic Web is just one component of what many tech analysts are calling "Web 3.0" -- the next generation of online interaction. Generally, it refers to an emerging Internet experience in which all things on the Web will be described with descriptor languages so computers can "understand" what they are. An object marked as baseball bat could be identified by the computer and the Web could immediately display related data, such as information on catchers' mits, baseballs, uniforms, etc. After the user places his iPhone on the kiosk surface, a circle appears around it displaying -- among other things -artists and albums similar to the MP3 tunes loaded on the iPhone.
Click to continue
Thursday, 18 December 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Zvetco Biometrics has announced that its Verifi M5000 USB Fingerprint Reader is now available.
According to a news release, the Verifi M5000 is a heavy duty fingerprint reader, designed to be deployed in harsh environments. The fingerprint reader's case design is waterproof and can be mounted in kiosk, Nema enclosures, police cars and door jams.
Like the P5000, an earlier model on which it is based, the M5000 can handle the largest one-to-many (1:N) identification schemes, in government, enterprise or Web transactions. It features a high-resolution UPEK large area silicon sensor that captures larger and more detailed fingerprint images, making them suitable for large-scale searches.
"Zvetco's M5000 provides a perfect biometric tool for military, police and government agencies where identifying unique individuals from within extremely large databases is the requirement, often in harsh environments," said Zavi Cohen, chief executive of Zvetco Biometrics. "It uses significantly larger sensors that capture more minutia points from the fingerprint image, ensuring the highest accuracy match for every user. This technology introduces a cost-effective solution for one-to-many authentication and complements FIPS-201 deployments with quick and accurate identification of an individual fingerprint from within even the largest government or enterprise database."
The M5000 features solid aluminum construction and protection against dust and fluids, along with commercial grade powder coat finishing and ESD immunity. According to the release, it is ideal for many government, police and private sector applications.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
ComputerWeekly.com: HMV, the popular music and movie retailer, is continuing to roll out its "next generation" store, complete with self-service kiosks that allows consumers to download music onto USB sticks. The kiosks also enable users to search for product information, including trailers, album-track listings and in-stock availability of a product. HMV is testing the kiosks at a few stores and is tracking customer usage through Christmas. HMV is counting on the kiosks to help it compete with online retailers such as Amazon.com and Play.com.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- CO-OP Financial Services, one of the nation's largest credit union-owned EFT networks and a member of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, has announced enhancements to its Falcon Fraud Manager product.
Falcon Fraud Manager assists credit card issuers in combatting identity theft by identifying suspicious transaction patterns.
According to a news release, CO-OP Financial services has added Falcon Real-time Decisioning, an optional service that evaluates high-risk transactions prior to determining whether or not to authorize the transaction, as opposed to after authorization has already taken place. The enhanced Falcon Real-time Decisioning detects potential fraud earlier in the transaction process, helping credit unions reduce loss.
Michael Ver Schuur, executive vice-president of United Heritage Credit Union, said he was pleased with Falcon Real-time Decisioning.
"Falcon Real-time Decisioning exceeded our expectations," said Ver Schuur. "It saves us time and money by preventing the riskiest fraudulent spending before authorization was completed. The product has already paid for itself."
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
TORONTO -- Macy's Convenience Stores Inc., Ontario's largest c-store operator, has partnered with Signifi Solutions Inc. to launch a pilot program in which Signifi's Movie Spot kiosks will be deployed in selected Macy's c-stores in Ontario.
Movie Spot is a new network of DVD rental kiosks in Canada that focuses on deployment locations such as convenience stores, grocers and other popular retail destinations. Movie Spot kiosks can hold up to 1,000 DVDs and typically feature about 300 different movie titles. The cost of a Movie Spot DVD rental is CAN $1.99 a night (U.S. $1.65).
"We are excited to work with Signifi's Movie Spot to offer our customers even greater value and convenience," said George Kioussis, director of merchandising and marketing at Macy's Convenience Stores Inc. "Today's time-starved consumer demands convenience above all else. We believe this proposition not only offers tremendous value to our current loyal customer base, but it can also become a differentiator in our channel, increase foot traffic and attract new customers."
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Montgomery (Alabama) Advertiser: Alabama's top election official is looking for a better system for military members stationed overseas to vote, and she may have just found one. Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman recently heard a presentation by Pat Hollarn, supervisor of elections for Okaloosa County in Florida, on an Internet voting pilot program she ran earlier this year. The program involved the use of secure Internet voting kiosks deployed in England, Germany and Japan. Chapman says she's eyeing the results of that program closely and may adopt something similar for her state.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Home Media Magazine: C-store chain 7-Eleven has quietly launched a program to deploy redbox DVD rental kiosks in 2,600 stores throughout the U.S., according to a reporter for Home Media Magazine. "7-Eleven is testing the redbox program in a couple of markets, but has made no announcement about an expansion," said a 7-Eleven spokesperson, who later confirmed that the rollout was to continue through 2009. Redbox DVD kiosks have also been cropping up in select airports and gas stations of late, a new tactic for a company that has traditionally focused on retail and fast food locations.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Bernama.com: EON Bank Bhd has plans to spend roughly RM30 million (U.S. $8.5 million) to upgrade its self-service offerings over the next 2-3 years. That's in addition to RM16.2 million (U.S. $4.6 million) spent to purchase 216 ATMs and 91 cash-deposit terminals from Wincor Nixdorf. "The bank is investing in the machines and terminals to improve our services to customers by making things a little bit simpler and convenient for them," said Michael Lor, head of group consumer banking for EON Bank.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
(Devon, England) Herald Express: Brixham Library, located in Devon, England, is prepping for a two-week shutdown. During the downtime, the library will not only be getting more books, more computers and a new inquiry counter, but also brand-new self-service kiosks. The library will be the first in its area to enable its patrons to issue and return their own books and DVDs, as well as make reservations and pay overdue charges.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
The (Riverside, Calif.) Press-Enterprise: Recently, Candice Brown of Hemet, Calif., was waiting painfully in line at the local post office, when her eyes fell upon one of the U.S. Postal Service's blue Automated Postal Center kiosks. "I just had major surgery. Waiting in line while holding that box was killing me," said Candice Brown. She tried it. She liked it. Now she says she'll never wait in line again.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
The (Lakeland, Fla.) Ledger: Polk County, Fla., has been invaded by a slew of red boxes that crop up in or around big-box retail locations. Not to fear — these invaders don't fire ray guns. Instead, these redbox kiosks dispense DVDs of the latest motion-picture releases. Redbox introduced its self-service DVD rental kiosks in the Tampa market in November 2007 and the Polk County market last month. A search of redbox locations in Polk County on the company's Web site shows 17 locations at Wal-Mart and Walgreens stores in the county. A handful of redboxes are located inside the stores.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
The Denver Post: As Dec. 25 nears, so does the mailing deadline to guarantee that Christmas presents will arrive on time. Lines are backing up at the Montclair Post Office in Denver. One person waiting in the queue was Mary Anne Sine, a teacher at nearby Bishop Machebeuf Catholic High School. Find out how Sine felt about using one of the USPS's Automated Postal Center kiosks.
Click to continue
Monday, 15 December 2008
Beaver County (Beaver, Pa.) Times: As the recession continues, many cash-strapped airline companies are looking for new sources of revenue. That means travelers could face some kind of convenience fee the next time they try to check in with a self-service check-in kiosk. Jay Sorenson of IdeaWorks, a Wisconsin-based consulting firm for the airline industry, says some airlines are giving the fee careful consideration, just as FlyBe, a British airline, did earlier this year.
Click to continue
Monday, 15 December 2008
The (Lakehurst, N.J.) Brick Times: Brick Memorial High School in Brick, N.J., will soon be powered completely by the sun, as the school district has voted to install solar panels on the roof of the building. The move is expected to reduce fossil fuel consumption and lower gas emissions — something the public has asked for. The school also will install an interactive kiosk to educate students about solar power and renewable energy.
Click to continue
Monday, 15 December 2008
SAN BRUNO, Calif. — NEXXO Financial Corp., a company that provides self-service remittance services to the Hispanic demographic, has announced an extended partnership with TIO Networks Corp., a multiretailer network of financial services kiosks for the cash-preferred consumer marketplace in North America. The partnership will enable NEXXO to offer its patent-pending self-service remittance technology on TIO's network of bill-payment kiosks at Circle K and other participating retail stores.
Currently, the NEXXO solution is available in several U.S. cities across California and Texas. The partnership will bring remittance services to an additional 427 locations in Texas as well as in Arizona. The expansion is the result of several successful market tests of the remittance program in Phoenix.
"There remains a strong need in the Hispanic community for sending funds to loved ones back home in a safe, easy and cost-effective manner," said David Alvarez, NEXXO's chief executive. "Our continued relationship with TIO will allow more individuals in these communities who want to transfer money the control and access 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
This is the latest in expansion for NEXXO, which offers its service directly to consumers through its own NEXXO kiosks as well as via partnerships in locations that meet the needs of the Hispanic community.
"The TIO Networks self-serve money-transfer program powered by NEXXO is a strong product category for the consumer demographics of our retail partners," said Hamed Shahbazi, chairman and chief executive of TIO Networks. "Given recent economic conditions, now more than ever, it is important for consumers to have a lower-priced competent alternative as we have done with our partnership with NEXXO."
Monday, 15 December 2008
CINCINNATI — Electronic Art, an agency that focuses on customized hardware and software for interactive kiosks, digital signage and integrated Web sites, has deployed digital signage for Gardner Publications in Newtown, Ohio.
Founded in Cincinnati in 1928, Gardner Publications specializes in magazine publication and Web site construction for industrial clients. The company's focus on the manufacturing industry has led to its production of publications including "Modern Machine Shop," "Production Machining," "Plastics Technology," "Products Finishing," "Moldmaking Technology," "Automotive Design & Production," "Composites Technology and High Performance Composites" and "Time Compression."
"Gardner's new visuals will really impact how they are seen by everyone who visits their facility," said Tim Burke, president of Electronic Art. "We provided a state-of-the-art look and feel that is flexible and will provide the information visitors need. We also created a content management tool to allow the receptionist to change the messaging on-screen as often as needed."
Friday, 12 December 2008
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Laufer Film, distributor of the motion picture "Christmas at Maxwell's," has found a way for holiday travelers to enjoy the film on the go.
According to a news release, the distributor has signed a deal with LightSpeed Cinema, deployer of Movie Booth video-on-demand movie kiosks, to offer the film at airport kiosks throughout the country.
"We have been looking for a partner to bring Christmas at Maxwell's to travelers at major U.S. airports and we love the Movie Booth kiosks concept," said Bill Laufer, president of Laufer Film. "With today's air travel concerns, people most often rush to get to their gate to confirm travel details, but once there, they have time and are looking for a productive way to spend it. The Movie Booth concept is a perfect complement to help make air travel a pleasant experience."
The kiosks enable travelers to download DVD quality movies, TV shows and multigigabyte games in minutes
Friday, 12 December 2008
PARIS -- SITA, provider of IT solutions for the air-travel industry, has released a new global survey of consumer trends that indicates Paris Charles de Gaulle airport leads the pack in getting travelers to adopt self-service check-in.
Of all the passengers who fly in and out of the airport, those flying Air France are most likely to use the technology, a release from SITA says.
At the same time, only 29.9 percent of travelers used the service on the day of the survey, desipte the fact that 69 percent of Paris Charles de Gaulle travelers expressed a preference for self-service check in.
The low usage rate is explained by the fact that 82.3 percent of the non-Air France passengers declared that self-service check-in was not available to them on the day of the survey and only 7.3 of these non-Air France passengers used it.
On the other hand, 58.2 percent of Air France passengers used self-service check-in. This was higher than the 56.2 percent usage rate which was recorded at the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta.
A closer look at the results for CDG shows that passengers had a three-to-one preference for using kiosks (22.7 percent) compared to the Web (7.2 percent) for check-in.
Passenger willingness to use self-service kiosks for flight transfers at CDG was the highest across all six airports surveyed, at 65 percent, compared to a global average of 54 percent.
The SITA/Air Transport World Passenger Self-Service Survey takes an in-depth look at the attitudes and habits of a representative sample of the 232 million passengers who use six of the world's busiest airports across five continents: Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta; Mumbai International; Charles de Gaulle, Paris; Moscow Domodedovo; Sao Paulo Guarulhos, Brazil; and OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg.
Friday, 12 December 2008
PADERBORN, Germany -- Wincor Nixdorf AG will provide 500 reverse-vending machines for NETTO Marken-Discount, a subsidiary of Germany-based EDEKA Handelsgesellschaft, according to a news release.
Wincor also will provide service for the machines for two years. The machines are scheduled to be installed throughout 2009.
The contract comes as a win for Wincor Nixdorf, which is attempting to strengthen its position as a vendor of self-service and automation solutions for retail chains. The systems are suitable for all types of empties and will be used at NETTO for the return of bottles and beverage crates.
NETTO has ordered Revendo 9000 systems, which can identify both individual containers and crates. The machines are touted for being flexible and having customizable background technology, which ensures smoother operation and high availability.
Netto Marken-Discount GmbH & Co. oHG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Edeka Handelsgesellschaft. NETTO operates solely in Germany and, following its merger with PLUS Warenhandelsgesellschaft mbH, has a network of approximately 3,800 stores, more than 50,000 employees, and generates total sales of 10 billion euros (U.S. $13.4 billion).
Thursday, 11 December 2008
TUCSON, Ariz. -- DIY Technologies, a custom software development company that actively targets the do-it-yourself home-construction/home-maintenance industry, has announced the release of 3-D Visualizer, its latest Web-based 3-D deck designer and visualization tool.
According to a news release, the 3-D deck visualization tool allows users on the Internet, in the store and at a kiosk to create complex deck designs in 3-D, while in real time change decking and railing materials to view the impact of different materials, styles, colors and textures on the look of their custom deck design. Adding features such as walls, windows, doors and deck accessories further allows users to visualize completed deck projects.
"The release of the 3-D deck visualization tool is a major milestone in true intra- and Internet-based tools," said Michael Heisler, president of DIY Technologies. "The user can immediately see the impact of selecting different materials and colors, as well as still provide them with a customized specification kit."
The kit includes material and cut lists, instructions and building permit information, which provides everything that is required based on the deck type or the residential zip code. The kit can even provide a list of contractors.
DIY Technologies has already begun deploying the 3-D Visualizer to home centers, composite decking manufacturers, railing manufacturers and providers of outdoor deck accessories.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Contactmusic.com: In an effort to curb its losses to DVD kiosk operators like redbox, Blockbuster is cutting prices on some DVD rentals. According to Contactmusic.com, the brick-and-mortar DVD retailer will soon be renting older movies for 99 cents a day, compared with $1 redbox charges for new releases. "The 99-cents plan is targeted at the value-conscious consumer in this challenging economy," said Jim Keyes, chairman and chief executive of Blockbuster.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
The Associated Press: Self-service-wagering kiosks may soon begin cropping up in various locations throughout North Dakota, if the state's racing commission has any say. The North Dakota Racing Commission may install walk-up wagering kiosks to increase the number of off-track betting locations in the state to 100 within a couple of years. The kiosks are being developed by Lien Games Racing of Fargo and Bam Software and Services of Walnut Creek, Calif.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 09 December 2008
MELBOURNE, Australia -- Consumers in Australia will soon have another option for printing their digital images.
According to a news release, Kodak has signed a strategic alliance with Officeworks to install Kodak's Adaptive Picture Exchange dry photo labs in stores nationwide.
Kodak's APEX lab and associated Picture Kiosk order stations are expected to be installed in up to 118 Officeworks stores by April 2009. The national rollout will enable every store to offer quality Kodak digital prints using the latest cutting-edge imaging technology.
"Kodak was selected by Officeworks as its preferred photo print partner due to the superior features and benefits of the APEX photo-lab, to both their business and to their customers," said Grant Smith, business general manager of Kodak Australia's Consumer Digital Group. "Officeworks will be able to offer its customers a fast, reliable, environmentally friendly and cost effective print service which will help them drive their bottom line, while growing their photo printing business."
The Kodak APEX system is a modular, behind-the-counter thermal dry lab system that allows consumers to print high quality Kodak digital prints, enlargements, calendars and collages — as well as to burn Picture Movie DVDs — using the optimum printing technology for each application.
Tuesday, 09 December 2008
Cnet Australia: Art afficionados now have a new means of obtaining classic artwork reproductions on canvas or silk. Canon and Foto Riesel, a photographic retailer, have opened their first "digital darkroom" concept store in Sydney, Australia. The store, which is located next to Foto Riesel's main outlet on Kent Street, allows consumers and professionals to print high quality images on a range of Canon printers and plotters. An art-on-demand touchscreen kiosk is one of the key features of the new store. The kiosk allows users to select from an image bank of more 7,000 artworks by artists such as Claude Monet and Gustav Klimt.
Click to continue
Monday, 08 December 2008
SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. -- MediaTile, provider of cellular digital signage solutions, has announced that Heather Whalen has joined as vice president of North American sales in support of the company's continued growth and demand for its popular and unique "Digital Sign in a Box" and "Kiosk in a Box" solutions.
"I'm delighted to be part of the MediaTile team and to help drive the accelerated adoption of cellular digital signage and media services in key market segments and enterprises," said Whalen.
Whalen is responsible for MediaTile's North American sales strategy, distribution network and segment-based sales teams.
"Heather is a digital signage veteran with a rich background in both the industry and in building award-winning national sales teams," said Simon Wilson, chief executive of MediaTile. "Her past experience in management with cellular carriers and digital signage providers is a perfect fit with MediaTile's product offering and business value proposition."
Before joining MediaTile, Whalen held a variety of leadership positions at Symon Communications, Cingular Wireless, AT&T Wireless and Xerox Corp. Her 17 years of sales, operations and management experience has enabled her to build winning sales teams and accelerated product adoption.
Monday, 08 December 2008
SmartCompany.com.au: Heathrow airport in London now has a kiosk in the international terminal that allows travellers to create their own magazines. Banking giant HSBC has set up a kiosk that allows travellers to select magazine articles that staff bind into a hardback format.
Click to continue
Monday, 08 December 2008
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. -- Redbox, the fully automated DVD rental system featuring new release rentals for $1 per night, is choosing to defy attempts by Universal Studios to limit its ability to stock new releases at its kiosks. According to a news release, redbox is now offering more than 100,000 copies of the hit film "Wanted," and the title is on pace to become the company's top weekly rental in the week following its DVD release.
"Redbox is working to uphold our cornerstone principles, providing customers with all major new release DVDs - when they are released -- for just $1 per night," said Gregg Kaplan, chief executive of redbox. "Redbox is committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service and value, and we will continue to acquire DVD titles despite attempts to limit consumer access to titles at our kiosks."
To uphold consumer commitment, redbox developed new distribution arrangements and incurred additional costs that allowed the company to circulate more than 100,000 copies of "Wanted" within three days of release date and in time for the weekend movie rush. Redbox did not pass added costs on to customers, preserving the company's unique value proposition and $1 per night price point. Redbox will continue to streamline the distribution process of Universal Studios titles to limit customer impact despite pending litigation.
On Oct. 10, redbox Automated Retail filed suit in Delaware Federal Court against Universal Studios Home Entertainment LLC and three of its affiliates. Redbox filed the action because the company believes that new distribution terms proposed by USHE would prohibit redbox from renting Universal Studios DVDs for 45 days after their public release, would limit how many Universal Studios DVDs each redbox kiosk could carry, and would require redbox to destroy, rather than sell at a discount, previously viewed DVDs from its kiosks. Redbox took action against the studio to protect its business model and continue to offer consumers the latest new releases for $1 per night.
Friday, 05 December 2008
DRAPER, Utah — AVinci Media Corp. recently launched the myMovieMaker Gold Plus product line on photo kiosks across the United States. MyMovieMaker Gold Plus offers fully licensed music, new themes with Hollywood-style special effects and beautifully designed DVD cover packaging. Themes for the photo movies include Christmas, "The Polar Express" Christmas, general occasions, vacations, weddings, baby arrivals, achievements and more.
According to a news release, a new feature allows customers to order matching photo books and posters with a single click. Customers simply choose a theme and add the photos, and myMovieMaker does the rest. Once the order is submitted, the finished product is available for pickup at the retail store within days.
AVinci's Gold Plus products are now available on photo kiosks in approximately 3,300 Wal-Mart stores across the United States.
Friday, 05 December 2008
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Ingram Micro's Data Capture and Point-of-Sale Division has announced an expansion of its mobile data capture portfolio, adding Baracoda's comprehensive range of Bluetooth barcode devices and adapters that enable multiple applications with PCs, Mac, POS, PDAs, terminals, mobile phones, robot and LAN networks.
"Demand for mobile workforce solutions is on the rise — especially in vertical markets such as retail, healthcare, manufacturing and transportation where precision and service levels are top priorities," said Justin Scopaz, vice president and general manager of Ingram Micro's Data Capture and POS Division. "By leveraging mobile wireless technologies such as Baracoda's scanners and adapters, IT service providers can help companies achieve operational experience and clearly demonstrate ROI by increasing workforce productivity and introducing more efficiency."
Baracoda's entire line of Bluetooth barcode scanners and adapters, which includes D-flys, Pencils, Roadrunners, Scanwear, Tagrunners and Toughrunners, is now available to Ingram Micro solution providers in the United States. No certifications are necessary. Training and solution-focused technical support services are available from Ingram Micro.
Thursday, 04 December 2008
iTWire: NEC Australia has announced the winning of a contract to provide the technology, nationwide network and management for the Australian government's national "Broadband for Seniors" initiative. NEC will deliver Internet kiosks to support the Broadband for Seniors initiative and increase the confidence and skills of older Australians in using computers and the Internet.
Click to continue
Thursday, 04 December 2008
DesignTaxi.com: Self-service deployers have an opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of their latest innovations. The 15th Annual Communication Arts Interactive Design Competition is accepting entries. Any interactive project created for digital distribution on the Web, CD-ROM, interactive kiosk or handheld device is eligible. Winning entries will be published in the print and online editions of the 2009 Interactive Annual of Communication Arts. More than 70,000 copies are expected to be distributed.
Click to continue
Thursday, 04 December 2008
New Hampshire Public Radio: Most people would be surprised to learn that more men use self-service checkout aisles than women. People might also be intrigued to hear representatives of NCR Corp., one of the largest providers of self-service solutions in the world, say that no cashier ever lost his job to a self-service device. Those are just some of the claims to come out of an NHPR report on the state of the self-service checkout industry. A transcript and audio recording of that report are available online.
Click to continue
Thursday, 04 December 2008
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. — Opinionmeter International Ltd., developer of survey and user feedback systems, has signed with Elo Systems for Elo's line of touchcomputers, which will be used by Opinionmeter to capture real-time, in-store customer feedback.
According to a news release, the company's devices use Elo TouchSystems touchcomputers and touchmonitors to deliver state-of-the-art electronic customer satisfaction feedback surveys.
Opinionmeter is transforming traditional market research methods with interactive, Web-enabled survey devices called Opinionmeters that capture customer feedback at the "point of experience." Traditional methods for collecting this data have included using interviews, focus groups, paper-based surveys and mystery shoppers, all of which can be cost-prohibitive for companies and time-intensive for customers.
"We get the pulse of the customer before they leave the store, the clinic or the museum," explained Morgan Strickland, chief executive of Opinionmeter. "Our solution delivers fresh, real-time feedback to organizations, allowing them to improve their customers' experiences, sometimes immediately. We are thrilled to be working with Elo TouchSystems on improving the product experience for our customers."
Elo's touchcomputers and touchmonitors can be mounted in numerous ways and now constitute all of Opinionmeter's tabletop, wall-mounted and kiosk solutions. Many currently use IntelliTouch surface-wave technology, although Opinionmeter is migrating to acoustic pulse recognition technology to take advantage of the ability to detect stylus and finger touches.
"What I value most is Elo TouchSystems' rock-solid products," said Strickland. "They're intuitive, durable and reliable. Elo is a great fit for our business model because it is a watertight solution. We haven't had a single touchmonitor or touch technology issue. That frees us to focus on our core competency, which is delivering great customer feedback technology tools."
The devices have many practical features, including ports that are hidden from public view, adjustable-height stands and lockable controls to prevent unit tampering. When the systems are not in use, digital signage displays, including multimedia presentations, are often used to catch the public's eye and to provide an additional marketing venue.
Wednesday, 03 December 2008
The Daily Gleaner: Air Canada has installed two self-service kiosks at the Fredericton International Airport. The kiosks also can be used to change seat selections, request earlier departures or get upgrades.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 02 December 2008
CHICAGO — TEKchand LLC, a supplier of server-side, Web-based software applications for ATM management, has launched its new ATM content-management application, ATMContentPro.
According to a news release, the new application provides remote management of screen and receipt marketing on ATMs and kiosks from multiple vendors, and TEKchand says ATMContentPro is the first in a series of appliance-based products specifically designed for ATM deployers with fewer than 50 terminals.
The appliance model means that support for the entire solution, hardware, software and application is consolidated within a single company for simplified maintenance, TEKchand says. The appliance comprises hardware, operating software, application software, firewalls and database functionality, all pre-loaded and locked down to create a secure architecture that’s ready to implement on a client's network.
“We’ve taken the pain out of a complex integration process by delivering a secure server appliance preconfigured with our core application and accepted ATM industry security standards,” said Rajeev Bahri, managing director of TEKchand. "This makes our appliance model easy to purchase, implement, use and, most of all, afford, for organizations with even the smallest ATM deployment base."
ATMContentPro is a pre-configured appliance delivering TEKchand’s flagship application, ATMContent Manager, which allows users to design, schedule, modify, implement and dynamically control screen graphics, receipt and marketing messaging on ATMs, regardless of the manufacturer or operating software.
“Since our core benefit of an agnostic solution that can manage multivendor ATM hardware remains intact with ATMContentPro, clients can choose what they feel is the best hardware or terminal software, both now and in the future, and still have a common marketing and management solution for this important customer touchpoint,” Bahri said. “This is the first introduction of TEKchand’s new appliance-based approach, which will expand in 2009 to include our entire product suite, especially PCI-compliant cardholder preferences.”
TEKchand says it has been able to reduce the cost of delivery for ATMContentPro by using open standards to deliver ATM-management capabilities that many smaller organizations want, but thought too expensive.
Tuesday, 02 December 2008
Penki kontinentai: Self-Service Exhibition 2008 (SSE-2008), reportedly one of the largest self-service shows in Eastern Europe, opens tomorrow in Moscow. Lithuanian companies will present the newest solutions in ATM-network optimization, cash management, self-service devices, and show organizers say 70 percent of Russian billpay terminal and kiosks manufacturers are expected to attend. Exhibitors are expected from Great Britain, USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, South Korea, France, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine and China.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 02 December 2008
Travel Daily News: SITA, the aviation IT specialist, and Malaysia Airlines have announced plans to replace in-house reservations system as part of a $130 million IT-driven turnaround program that has helped bring the Asian carrier back to profitability, with annual expenses cut by more than $140 million. Over the last 10 years, SITA has launched an e-ticketing and self-service check-in option for passengers of Malaysia Airlines. “SITA delivered a new passenger-services system for the airline in record time, including one of the fastest e-ticketing implementations ever seen by IATA," said managing director and chief executive of the airlines, Idris Jala. "It was done in 11 months, resulting in $6 savings for each ticket sold."
Click to continue
Monday, 01 December 2008
Computerworld: Kiosks running Linux are more secure than those running Windows, says Mac Jones of Whangarei-based Netstop after Computerworld’s report on attack-code targeting Windows kiosks. The Windows operating system was designed for people at home and in offices, who, naturally, wouldn’t try to hack their own computers. But now, most 15-year-olds can pull up information on the Internet and hack a Windows computer, he said. To Jones, it proved too hard to make kiosks safe using Windows and he switched to the Linux OS. Last week, Computerworld reported that an attack tool, targeting Internet kiosks and terminals running Windows, had been released by a New Zealand security researcher, Paul Craig, who works for consultancy Security-Assessment.com. Craig released his findings at the world’s largest hacking conference, DEF CON, in Las Vegas in August.
Click to continue
Monday, 01 December 2008
Business Weekly (England): Barclays branches at High Street Colchester and Princes Street, Ipswich were officially relaunched last week after major refurbishment. The renovated branches have contemporary layouts, with self-service areas containing new cash and check-deposit machines, account-manager kiosks (which allow customers to obtain statements and view their online banking accounts) and new open tills. Twelve personal bankers also will be situated in each branch's banking hall.
Click to continue
Monday, 01 December 2008
BURNABY, British Columbia — TIO Networks Corp., provider of a self-service and multichannel expedited bill-payment network, reports respective revenue gains and net losses of 12 percent each for the fourth quarter of the year. Revenue for the quarter totaled CAN $4,064,442 (U.S. $3,271,895), compared to the CAN $3,636,153 (U.S. $2,926,948) recorded during the same period last year. Net loss totaled CAN $1,686,898 (U.S. $1,357,791), compared to the CAN $1,507,344 (U.S. $1,212,612) net loss reported in 4Q 2007.
According to a news release, a non-cash write-down of property and equipment totaling CAN $600,000 against the carrying value of the company's kiosk assets impacted net income and EBITDA. But revenue was positively affected during the quarter by an increased number of activated network endpoints — now totaling 11,815 locations, including 1,380 kiosks in retail locations, 2,381 non-kiosk clerk-assisted locations and 8,128 OEM Express locations driven by TIO's application programming interface. The increases represent a 403 percent uptick in activated locations and a 159 percent uptick in the number of transacting locations.
Revenue for the fiscal year, which ended July 31, was up 6 percent while net losses almost doubled from last year — going from CAN $3,834,078 (U.S. $3,079,317) in 2007 to CAN $6,251,231 (U.S. $5,021,903) this year.
"Fiscal 2008 represented a period of substantial network growth, expense reduction and transformation from an owner/operator of self-service kiosk infrastructure to a financial-services processor," said Hamed Shahbazi, TIO's chairman and chief executive. "TIO is leveraging its core strength in self-service to acquire more relationships with biller clients and process expedited payments on a much broader range of self-service and clerk assisted systems."
Friday, 21 November 2008
GRAFTON, Wis. — Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc. has won five Design of the Times awards presented at the In-Store Marketing Expo in Las Vegas, according to a news release. The Design of the Times Awards Competition recognizes the in-store marketing industry's best displays and retail promotions. Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc. was honored to receive these achievement awards for the Cervélo SA Bicycle display, Magellan Triton GPS Counter unit, HELIO Interactive Demonstrator and the Ford SYNC Interactive kiosk which received awards in two categories.
Frank Mayer & Associates is one of the country's oldest and largest independently held merchandising and visual marketing companies. Founded in 1931, the company's headquarters are located in the Milwaukee area with additional sales offices in the U.S.
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
PORTLAND, Ore. - TRM Copy Centers LLC, a nationwide provider of self-service retail copy centers, today announced the acquisition of Solvport LLC, a nationwide ATM and kiosk services provider based in Portland, Ore., according to a news release.
Founded in 2004 by a tenured group of ATM industry professionals, provides field technical service, installation, help desk services, real-time monitoring, project management, and parts and supplies for the ATM and self-service kiosk industries.
"After starting TRM Copy Centers LLC in January of 2007 we developed a very sophisticated field service infrastructure that we use to manage our existing lines of business," said Gary Cosmer, president and chief executive of TRM Copy Centers. "It is a natural next step to leverage that infrastructure combined with our nationwide base of uniformed, talented and trained service engineers to expand our service offering to other industries. Our acquisition of Solvport, one of the leading providers of off-premise ATM services, allows us to expedite that activity and makes for an unbeatable combination."
Solvport will move its operations, including its management team and help desk staff to TRM Copy Centers' headquarters in Portland, Ore.
"This is the natural next step in Solvport's progression," said Wayne Vandekraak, co-founder of Solvport. "The acquisition of Solvport by TRM Copy Centers provides our customers, employees, and business partners the benefits of TRM Copy Centers' extensive merchandising and servicing capabilities."
Monday, 17 November 2008
PARK RIDGE, N.J. - The Hertz Corp. has expanded Simply Wheelz by Hertz, which according to a news release, puts travelers in the driver's seat with faster, easier and more affordable access to today's most popular rental cars. The program will be expanded to Los Angeles and San Diego Airports in California and Miami International and West Palm Beach Airports in Florida. In addition Simply Wheelz will be available at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.
First launched in September 2007, the expansion is based upon the success of Simply Wheelz in Orlando. With low, competitive rates starting as low as $99 a week through December 15, 2008, Simply Wheelz offers an easy-to-use Web site for reservations (www.SimplyWheelz.com), and a self-service rental kiosk to rent vehicles. Simply Wheelz accepts third party reservations, via travel agents and online booking channels, and reservations via its Web site.
"Following the consumer popularity of our pilot program in Orlando, it's only natural we expand Simply Wheelz into additional leisure destinations," said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and chief executive of The Hertz Corp. "While there are numerous economic headwinds facing the American public, people continue to travel. Trip dynamics are evolving, and Simply Wheelz targets the 60 percent of leisure travelers who now book their car rentals online, as well as those primarily focused on price."
Designed for online customers looking for a low price from recognized companies, Simply Wheelz makes car rental economical and hassle-free. Customers reserve one of the six vehicle types (from economy to fullsize plus SUVs and convertibles) offered and, when arriving at the Hertz airport location, rent cars using a self-service rental kiosk. The kiosk scans a bar code from a printed online reservation or the renter's driver's license, the customer selects a few additional options, such as child seats or GPS and insurance/waiver options, and then a vehicle is assigned and the kiosk prints the rental agreement. Once the rental transaction is completed, customers go can to their car and proceed off the lot.
Monday, 17 November 2008
(Springfield, Mo.) News-Leader: "If only I would have had this service 30 years ago," said a retired patron as he watched manager Jim Miller show a young job-seeker how to navigate JobView, a new touchscreen kiosk housed in the reading room on the main floor of the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library. Certainly there are plenty of area men and women who will make good use of JobView now, said Kathy Shatto of the Missouri Career Center. This project, the first JobView kiosk in a Missouri library, was funded through a Community Block Development grant using federal, state and local money.
Click to continue
Monday, 17 November 2008
Engadgethd.com: Despite the color bias in the company's name, Redbox may have decided to give the Blu-ray home entertainment format a chance. According to a blogger from Engadgethd.com, the company has added a dedicated (albeit currently empty) Blu-ray section on its Web site. That's leading some to believe that soon Redbox customers will be able to rent Blu-ray discs from the machines.
Click to continue
Friday, 14 November 2008
The Canadian Press: Reg Varney, a comic actor who played a cheery Cockney bus driver in the British sitcom "On the Buses," died Sunday, his daughter said. He was 92. In addition to his television career, Varney also secured his place in history by making the world's first withdrawal from an ATM, at a branch of Barclays Bank in Enfield, north London in 1967.
Click to continue
Friday, 14 November 2008
The Salt Lake (City) Tribune: Although Salt Lake City motorists can easily miss the subtle "Wine Store" lettering on the front of the new state store, shoppers are anxious for the store to open. The new store boasts an inventory of more than 5,000 wines in a 12,000-square-foot location that doubles the size of the state's only other major wine outlet. And the new store offers a state first: a kiosk equipped with computers programmed to help shoppers choose the right wines.
Click to continue
Friday, 14 November 2008
(New Zealand) Scoop Independent News: Security consultant Paul Craig from Security-Assessment.com in August released some break-through research at the world’s largest hacking conference, DEF CON 16, in Las Vegas. The research highlights potential insecurities associated with Internet kiosks that yielded a first-of-a-kind attack methodology. The toolset developed as part of Paul’s research, dubbed iKAT (interactive Kiosk Attack Tool), highlights the potential for a "would be" hacker to compromise any Windows kiosk in sub 10 seconds.
Click to continue
Friday, 14 November 2008
WALTHAM, Mass. — Bit9, provider of enterprise application white-listing, is making PCI compliance easier for retailers.
According to news release, Bit9 Parity and Bit9 Parity for point-of-sale use whitelisting to help retail merchants secure payment devices, servers and self-serve kiosks in a continued focus on payment data protection in accordance with the new PCI Data Security Standard version 1.2
In the new PCI DSS, Requirement 5 remains focused on maintaining a vulnerability management program, including using and regularly updating antivirus software. But the 20-year-old antivirus technology is struggling to keep up with the exploding universe of malware variants and targeted attacks. Retailers and enterprises that manage sensitive payment data continue to look for easier, more cost-effective and secure ways to protect their systems and meet PCI DSS Requirement 5.
"White-listing is becoming an attractive and cost effective way for retailers to protect both customer data and their own infrastructure. Certain retailers deploy white-listing technology and take a lockdown approach to endpoint security," said Glenn Williamson, corporate security officer for Cyberklix Inc., an approved QSA and ASV firm in North America. "Protection against known malware is currently provided, but at all times there are unknown variants that signature-based protection cannot account for. We must further protect our and our client's information and this is where we have begun to see a new market presence for whitelisting."
U.K. retailer Marks and Spencer selected Bit9 Parity to protect more than 16,000 POS systems and help the company enforce the PCIDSS. Other leading retailers using Bit9 application whitelisting to protect their systems include 7-Eleven, Ahold, Petsmart, and Ritz Camera.
POS, self-checkout, kiosks and other retail systems pose security challenges, as they are often targeted by malicious hackers for their role in handling sensitive and valuable cardholder data. Most companies, however, are unable to easily control what applications can and cannot run on these machines. Blacklisting technologies such as antivirus software cannot always protect against targeted, low profile malware making its way onto a system. Many retail systems also are unable to easily receive updates and patches, or control portable storage devices.
Thursday, 13 November 2008
The West Australian: Internet kiosk company pieNetworks expects to raise about $3.4 million for a planned New Zealand kiosk rollout. To raise the money, the company will offer each of its shares for 1 cent. The funds will be used for production and network development for the Webphone kiosks. PieNetworks plans to install 50 of the kiosks in shopping centers around New Zealand, beginning during the first quarter of 2009. The issue will be partially underwritten to a minimum amount of $1.3 million by company chairman Peter Gunzburg and other shareholders.
Click to continue
Thursday, 13 November 2008
(Zambia, Africa) ITWeb.com: The Sandton Central Management District in Sandton, Zambia, plans to install electronic touchscreen directory systems throughout the city. The Scout Project, developed by outdoor advertising company Smile Media, comprises a wireless network of public information kiosks that are expected to be rolled out early next year. The prototype will be placed outside the Sandton Convention Centre. The devices will feature an 18-inch screen with an electronic map and will provide information about Sandton central hotels, shops, restaurants, banks and places of interest, as well as community news. In addition, each kiosk will be programmed with a list of emergency contact numbers, as well as a panic button.
Click to continue
Thursday, 13 November 2008
(Zambia, Africa) ITWeb.com: The Sandton Central Management District in Sandton, Zambia, plans to install electronic touchscreen directory systems throughout the city. The Scout Project, developed by outdoor advertising company Smile Media, comprises a wireless network of public information kiosks that are expected to be rolled out early next year. The prototype will be placed outside the Sandton Convention Centre. The devices will feature an 18-inch screen with an electronic map and will provide information about Sandton central hotels, shops, restaurants, banks and places of interest, as well as community news. In addition, each kiosk will be programmed with a list of emergency contact numbers, as well as a panic button.
Click to continue
Thursday, 13 November 2008
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy has enhanced its KODAK Picture Kiosks and Online Photo Center as a part of CVS/pharmacy's ongoing commitment to providing customers with the best possible retail photo experience.
According to a news release, customers can, for the first time, create photo gifts using KODAK touchscreen picture kiosks at all CVS/pharmacy One Hour Photo Centers. The gifts include one-of-a-kind photo cookies, photo playing cards, and photo plates featuring the Disney "High School Musical" cast, Barbie and Hannah Montana.
The enhanced KODAK Picture Kiosks include a sleek on-screen menu designed to help customers quickly start a project. The new software automatically detects digital media (USB drives, memory cards, CDs, etc.) and organizes by date and folders.
For customers who prefer to manage their photos online, CVS/pharmacy also provides free online photo storage. Here, customers can upload their images, order photo gifts and share photo galleries with friends and family.
KODAK Picture Kiosks are found at all 5,600 CVS/pharmacy one-hour photo locations nationwide.
Thursday, 13 November 2008
MUNICH, Germany — The new STARCOS 3.3 Passport Edition operating system from Giesecke & Devrient has received two certificates from the German Federal Office for Information Security, confirming that the OS complies with international security standards for passports (Common Criteria EAL 4+).
Specially designed security mechanisms ensure that passports and identity cards can remain in use for many years. Benefits include the speed and flexibility with which the chip can be personalized and its interoperability with a wide range of card-reader systems. These features make STARCOS 3.3 Passport Edition one of the world's most powerful and stable operating systems for biometric passports.
According to a news release, STARCOS 3.3 Passport Edition offers "the ultimate in flexibility." The category of passport and the corresponding security standards do not need to be defined until the time at which the personal data is incorporated. Many countries have chosen to introduce biometric features in their electronic travel documents in gradual stages. The type of data to be stored on the embedded chip is left to the discretion of the passport-issuing authority.
In the first instance, a digital photo is stored in the chip alongside the personal data used to identify the holder of the passport. If the need arises to issue passports and identity cards offering a higher level of security, additional biometric data such as fingerprint images can be added to the chip. No further modifications are required to the actual document or the OS.
It enables passport authorities to simplify their inventory processes and reduce costs, while at the same time guaranteeing a high output of personalized security documents.
STARCOS 3.3 Passport Edition supports all categories of passports envisaged by the European Union and the ICAO. The biometric data are protected against attempted forgery and identity theft by a number of special mechanisms. The system makes a distinction between passports that don't contain fingerprint images — protected by Basic Access Control — and passports containing more sensitive data — protected by Extended Access Control. A supplementary Active Authentication function can provide an additional safeguard by identifying forged copies of passports.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
DENVER — Catholic Health Initiatives, the second largest Catholic health system in the United States, has signed a vendor agreement with NCR Corp. for self-service kiosks. The NCR MediKiosk technology is designed to eliminate the need for staff to re-enter patient demographic and insurance information into hospital information systems, resulting in fewer claim denials and improved cash flow.
"By simplifying and streamlining patient encounters like the check-in process, NCR MediKiosk can help us reduce administrative paperwork and enable us to create more meaningful interactions between patients and staff," said David Peterson, regional chief information officer for the Catholic Health Initiatives. "We hope to see that this faster, easier approach will lead to increased patient satisfaction. We expect it will allow us to decrease the overhead costs associated with patient registration, increase co-payment collection and improve forms management."
NCR MediKiosk offers services in English or Spanish. A patients swipes a credit card, driver's license or enters a name directly on the kiosk, along with an additional identifier, such as a birth date. The kiosk engages the patient to view and confirm appointment information, enter insurance information, electronically sign forms and pay outstanding payments or copayments prior to service.
"CHI's selection of NCR reinforces its commitment to providing exceptional patient care," said Chakri Toleti, vice president of healthcare industry marketing at NCR. "Automating the check-in process can benefit patients through shorter wait-times and reduced paperwork."
NCR MediKiosk is part of a comprehensive suite of products that allows hospitals and clinics to provide patient self-service capabilities such as preregistration via the Web, Online BillPay, eSignature for digital capture of patient signatures and eClipboard, NCR's wireless patient check-in solution.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
China Hospitality News: As part of the International Air Transport Association's "Simplifying the Business" project, IATA will promote its "Fast Travel" program in China. Fast Travel will offer full service to passengers through common use self-service kiosks, barcoded boarding passes and 100 percent e-ticketing to meet increasing passenger demands for self-service. IATA is focusing on six key areas including: check-in using the Internet and mobile phones; bags ready-to-go; document scanning; flight re-booking; self-boarding; and luggage recovery. IATA's aim is to establish two pilots per project by the end of 2008.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Fiserv has announced the launch of Fiserv Logix, the newest module of the Fiserv cash and logistics integrated management suite.
According to a news release, Logix provides a comprehensive array of powerful decision support, performance measurement and asset management tools to help organizations analyze where operating costs can be reduced to improve profitability and efficiency in a self-service network.
The Fiserv Logix module is designed to capture business intelligence to assist users in measuring and managing the profitability of individual or groups of ATMs and other self-service devices, as well as collect data necessary to understand the number and types of transactions that are occurring at those devices.
The features of the Fiserv Logix module are engineered to give users the capacity to create meaningful reports containing actionable information. With the Fiserv Logix module, clients have the ability to analyze their entire network, or drill down to specific groups, bank identification number codes or individual devices. Using this information, clients may produce standard or customized real-time reports via the Internet. Authorized users can access the information giving clients the ability to achieve and maintain higher levels of performance, customer satisfaction and profitability throughout the network.
Additionally, the Fiserv Logix module can help organizations to track the assets associated with each device and device location including hardware, software and consumables as well as surrounds and signage, security products, and communication lines and equipment. The system is designed to maintain warranty and contract information to ensure that ATM and device owners are receiving service levels as agreed.
"The Fiserv Logix module is designed to help organizations understand the costs and revenues associated with the self-service channel and assist with decisions such as whether their devices are in the right locations based on transaction volumes, revenues and customer satisfaction," said Brian Jorgenson, director of product management, Fiserv Cash and Logistics. "Using that knowledge, organizations will be able to plan more strategically across the ATM self-service channel, and improve cost management through better tracking and reporting of actual costs versus revenues."
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. - MacPractice, Inc., a Macintosh practice-management and clinical-applications developer, has announced the release of the MacPractice Kiosk Interface with signature pad for users of MacPractice MD, MacPractice DDS, MacPractice DC and MacPractice 20/20.
According to a news release, MacPractice Kiosk is a simple yet powerful, easily customizable solution for a paperless practice that makes registration, health history, HIPAA, consent, treatment acceptance and all other patient forms available for completion and signature electronically in a doctor's office.
After the patient electronically signs his forms on a Mac computer designated to operate as a kiosk, the forms are automatically incorporated into his Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or Electronic Dental Record (EMR/EDR) in MacPractice. Virtually any paper form may be recreated in electronic format in MacPractice EMR/EDR and made available for completion by the patient on the kiosk computer.
"MacPractice Kiosk Interface is another terrific tool to improve efficiency, enhance productivity, and eliminate paper in a doctor’s office", states Mark Hollis, MacPractice's president.
Physicians, dentists, chiropractors and eye doctors are encouraged to view QuickTime demonstration movies of MacPractice software including the Kiosk Interface after registering at MacPractice.com. MacPractice also supports users of DentalMac, MediMac and ChiroMac.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Chicago Tribune: For $100 and a copy of their fingerprints, U.S. citizens flying from abroad into O'Hare International Airport can skip passport-checking lines and proceed almost directly to baggage claim with the help of automated kiosks. The Global Entry program, unveiled at O'Hare last month by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is designed to let travelers get through the airport faster but also affords a key benefit for the Department of Homeland Security: It makes tracking who is coming into the country much easier.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - In the aftermath of the Wall Street meltdown and global economic crisis, the nation's universities are facing the new realities of donor belt tightening and are ratcheting up efforts to maintain fundraising rates. To help educational institutions appeal to benefactors during these uncertain times, Vital-Signz, a solutions provider in the interactive-touchscreen-kiosk industry, has introduced a high-tech approach to memorializing major gifts with the Virtual Visitor Center, a flat-panel monitor installed permanently at universities to provide campus maps and points of interest, along with photo and biographical information about major donors.
The first installation of the system is now in operation at Point Loma Nazarene University, a Christian school with 3,500 students located on San Diego Bay Point. Housed in a custom granite kiosk at the entrance of newly constructed Smee Hall, the Vital-Signz Virtual Visitor Center(TM) features a photo and video history of the university, an interactive map highlighting the campus's principle buildings and profiles of the donors that contributed to the development fund.
Founder and chief executive of Vital-Signz, Richard Corwin, an Emmy Award-winning supervising sound editor, said the system's PC-based controller and video-streaming technologies were developed entirely in-house and are among the most advanced in the industry. Currently in use at half a dozen museums and other attractions in the Santa Barbara, Calif., area, Vital-Signz has set its sights on the massive but often overlooked educational market.
"We view universities and colleges as ideally suited to benefit from our system's ability to present interesting and update-able information with touchscreen ease of use," Corwin commented. "The installation at Point Loma Nazarene University is the culmination of our years of experience creating dynamic and crowd-pleasing information kiosks at museums and cultural attractions."
According to Eric Groves, director of Development, PLNU, the idea of using the Vital-Signz system grew out of the school's desire to recognize the efforts and contributions of the benefactors that made construction of the facility possible.
"We were thrilled when it was suggested to us that we could profile each Smee Hall honoree with a photo and biography, complete with scrolling names and rotating photos," Groves recalled. "The dynamic screen and layout draws the attention of students and visitors and invites them to interact and discover what the university offers."
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
DRAPER, Utah - While getting a card or gift with a stamp from across the country or overseas is always nice, actually seeing family members and loved ones on TV can make the holidays much more special. Imagine a technology that takes your treasured family photographs and sets them in motion, instantly weaving them together with cinematic effects to create a Hollywood-style photo movie production, all without hours online learning complicated software tools.
"A personalized photo DVD makes the ideal holiday greeting or gift," says Chett B. Paulsen, President and chief executive of aVinci Media Corporation, a company based in Draper, Utah, that is revolutionizing the way life events and memories are shared and preserved. "Family DVDs bring home the holiday spirit, especially when family, friends and loved ones can't physically be together."
For the 40 million U.S. photo consumers, aVinci's creative solutions are as close as one can get to actually being there. Available online at www.avincistudio.com and at photo center kiosks at some of the nation's largest retailers, aVinci's aim is to develop engaging, expansive, all-encompassing ways for everyone to tell their story using personal digital expressions, according to a news release.
"Our motto is: any platform, any product," says Paulsen. "Our suite of products are available online, as desktop software and in stores, and the end product can be shared as DVDs, photo books, posters and more."
In addition to aVinci's life-event themed packages (including achievement, baby, wedding and vacation), the company is introducing The Polar Express Christmas theme just in time for the holiday season. Based on the 2004 film version of Chris Van Allsburg's award-winning children's book, aVinci's The Polar Express Christmas photo DVD allows children to hop aboard their favorite family film, incorporating their personal photos into scenes from the movie and allowing them to interact with Tom Hanks's conductor character as he makes his way to the North Pole. In addition to the DVD, customers can order a matching photo book and poster.
"Imagine the excitement and sense of magic children will feel when they pop in a DVD to watch their favorite holiday film and see themselves on the big screen!" says Mr. Paulsen. "And, with a DVD priced under $25, a 21st-century holiday greeting is within anyone's reach."
Monday, 10 November 2008
The (New York City) Ticker: The Talking Kiosk, a device designed to aid the visually impaired, was unveiled in the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan. The kiosk is the second of its kind and Karen Gourney, head of Baruch College's Computer Center for Visually Impaired People, was instrumental in its development. Gourney described the Talking Kiosk as "basically a talking tactile map with some buttons that give the user access to various menus that allow him or her to glean particular types of information. The user explores the map with his hands, and when he presses a particular point, the system speaks and announces what has been touched."
Click to continue
Monday, 10 November 2008
CXOtoday.com: Improving customer service and satisfaction emerges as the high priority investment driver for 80 percent of the world's airport operators in the 5th annual "Airport IT Trends" survey carried out by SITA, a specialist provider of airport IT and communications, in conjunction with Airline Business and the Airports Council International. Airports want to meet the demands of travelers by expanding self-service to include the introduction of passenger self-boarding (35 percent), off-airport passenger/baggage processing (32 percent) and common bag drop locations (33 percent).
Click to continue
Monday, 10 November 2008
MALVERN, Pa. — USA Technologies Inc., and Merit Entertainment announced an agreement where Merit will install USA Technologies' ePort software in thousands of its new Megatouch touchscreen entertainment systems.
Merit, provider of Megatouch countertop entertainment systems for 30 years, selected the ePort software and ePort Connect Services to help give Megatouch players the ability to pay with their debit or credit cards. Merit will install the ePort cashless transaction software in all new domestic Megatouch products manufactured over the next three years. USA Technologies will act as the exclusive provider to Merit of card processing and credit/debit card data services.
"Our mission is to give customers the most enjoyable playing experience by delivering the best games, software, hardware, service and support," said Colin Higbie, director of marketing for Merit Entertainment. "With ePort Connect, Merit will give players the added ease and convenience of being able to use their credit or debit card to purchase credits on the Megatouch. For operators, the ePort Connect cashless payment system means greater efficiency, improved reliability over coin and bill-only systems, and the preferred means of payment among our younger generation of consumers, all of which work together to increase revenue, lower service costs and increase overall ROI."
Merit is the first company to bring the ePort cashless payment solution to the multi-billion dollar countertop touchscreen entertainment market. Merit has the lion's share of the touchscreen amusement market, with an estimated 250,000 Megatouch games in use, delivering more than four billion game play experiences for customers a year.
Monday, 10 November 2008
Business Wire: MoneyGram International, a global payment services company, and ATM provider Cardtronics have announced that MoneyGram money transfer and ExpressPayment urgent bill payment services will be offered through 2,250 advanced-function ATMs located at 7-Eleven, Inc. convenience stores in the U.S. beginning in late 2008. As part of a multi-year agreement, the financial self-service kiosks will facilitate money transfer and ExpressPayment urgent bill payment for walk-up customers without the aid of store personnel.
Click to continue
Friday, 07 November 2008
GENEVA — Diebold Inc. has been awarded a two-year branch-transformation project by European retail banking group Dexia.
According to a news release, the deal includes 1,000 Opteva 328 EF/D recycling units and an accompanying services package. Equipped with Agilis Power software, the Opteva 328 EF/D recycling units have been customized to meet Dexia's requirements for cash recycling and dispenser functionality. The units will be placed in Dexia's branches in Belgium and will replace the bank's existing Diebold 9x series ATMs.
The consultation process for this new contract started when Dexia embarked on a project to examine the profitability and security of the branch. The new Diebold installation meets the challenge of collecting and recycling commonly used banknotes, while also allowing consumers to withdraw any kind of euros, including €5,100 and €500 banknotes. The machines can be configured for cash-in, cash-out, recycling or any combination of the three.
"Banks are increasingly looking for better automation for their ATMs, and Dexia is no exception," said Dave Wetzel, vice president and general manager of Diebold for Western Europe. "The new generation of Opteva models is leading the way in bank transformation and releasing staff for more value-added tasks."
Diebold's Opteva 328 EF/D is complies with European Central Bank Article 6 requirements and allows a user to make a bulk cash deposit of up to 200 notes without an envelope. The ATM also has a secure escrow area where the deposited notes remain until the customer accepts the transaction, allowing the user to cancel the transaction and have the notes returned, if necessary.
The ATM can easily validate note deposits, which can then be sorted by denomination, added to the existing recycler supply and re-dispensed according to demand. The deposit mechanism from the ATM is equipped with many sensors for fraud detection. The algorithms for counterfeit detection are updated on regular basis to optimize discrimination of new versions from counterfeit banknotes.
Friday, 07 November 2008
PADERBORN, Germany — Wincor Nixdorf AG says the 2007/2008 fiscal year was a financially record-setting year, despite the economic challenges affecting companies throughout the world.
According to a news release, Wincor Nixdorf on Sept. 30 closed the year with an 8 percent increase in net sales, hitting the corporate forecast for the year.
Wincor Nixdorf reported annual net sales of €2.3 billion (U.S. $3 billion), up from €2.1 billion (U.S. $2.8 billion) in 2007/2008. Profit for the period was up 17 percent year over year.
"This growth line still applies to us in the medium term, even if our business performance may become bleaker in the short term, due to the global impact of the financial market crisis," said Wincor Nixdorf chief executive Eckard Heidloff today during a press conference in Düsseldorf, Germany. "Retail banking has proven to be the business segment in the banking arena that reacts with the least volatility to market circumstance. That will tend to stimulate its renaissance further."
Wincor Nixdorf has expanded business activities with retail banks and retailers over the last 12 months. Global expansion continued systematically, reducing dependence on individual customers or singular economies. The company says it was able to enlarge its solutions portfolio by adding innovations that enable banks and retail companies to achieve cost advantages and additional customer service in their business processes.
Wincor Nixdorf also expanded its activities in the areas of consulting, software integration, managed services and outsourcing in the year under review. Expertise in branch/store and self-service business is now expected to be applied to adjacent sectors to achieve additional growth potential.
"As far as we can see now, we assume that we will be able to follow up the very good previous year's performance and maintain approximately the same level of business," Heidloff said.
Despite a forecast that tends to be positive, management at Wincor Nixdorf agrees that it is not possible to tell definitively whether and when the financial market crisis can be contained or what impact it will have on the world economy. That applies to both established countries and newly industrializing countries. Depending on the intensity of the negative effects, short-term reductions in retail banks' and retailers' capital spending budgets cannot be excluded. Wincor Nixdorf is preparing to respond flexibly to the challenges that may arise.
"Our main priority is to make our cost structures more flexible in order to secure our margins," said chief financial officer Dr. Jürgen Wunram. "We are therefore taking suitable steps in production, sales and service to make Wincor Nixdorf 'weatherproof.'"
Friday, 07 November 2008
The Muskegon (Mich.) Chronicle: Two years after a lawsuit was filed after a child was taken from a school by a noncustodial parent, a local charter school has clamped down on security. LobbyGuard, a computerized visitor management system, was implemented at Timberland Charter Academy in Muskegon Township last spring. Prior to the system, visitors were required to sign in, which is the routine in many schools. With LobbyGuard, parents and visitors are not allowed access beyond the main office without visiting the security kiosk.
Click to continue
Thursday, 06 November 2008
(Lubbock, Texas) Avalanche-Journal: A proposal to position kiosks around Lubbock, Texas, instead of constructing a visitor center will be tested by the City Council today. Councilman Todd Klein will ask for $40,000 for an automated machine at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, where visitors could get information about the city, tickets to entertainment venues or bus passes. It's the first time Klein has brought his kiosk idea to a vote.
Click to continue
Thursday, 06 November 2008
TAIPEI, China — Lanner Electronics Inc., a manufacturer of industrial and embedded computer platforms and technologies, has announced the launch of a new embedded computer based on the Intel Atom Processor N270 and the Mobile Intel 945GSE Express Chipset, according to a news release.
The Lanner LUGE EM-F345 embedded computer is designed for flexible deployment in any scenario. Its robust fanless design makes the EM-F345 an ideal solution for video applications such as digital signs, outdoor advertising and kiosk systems. The onboard 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor N270 provides outstanding performance with very low power consumption and minimal cooling requirements, resulting in improved stability and longevity and providing a higher return on investment.
"We're very excited about the family of Intel Atom processors and the advantages they bring to our products," said Vincent Leu, product planner, Embedded Business Group, Lanner Electronics. "As a member of the Intel Embedded and Communications Alliance, Lanner is able to utilize the latest Intel technologies to develop cutting-edge embedded products like the new Lanner LUGE EM-F345. The EM-F345 is a versatile network-ready computer with all the interfaces needed for a wide variety of end-use applications, and with the new N270 1.6GHz CPU and 945GSE chipset from Intel, we've developed a powerful solution that improves on all aspects of the fanless design, including performance, stability, power consumption and price."
"The Intel Atom processor N270 operates on ground-breaking 45nm Hi-K metal gate silicon technology, which provides robust performance per watt for cost-effective embedded solutions," said Jonathan Luse, director of marketing, Low Power Embedded Products Division, Intel. "Embedded platforms built on the N270 and the 945GSE chipset, such as the Lanner EM-F345, introduce a new combination of performance, graphics and low power advantages for a wide range of entry-level embedded applications."
The LUGE EM-F345 includes multiple audio and video interfaces, two gigabit LAN network ports, 256GB onboard DDR2 memory, and two storage interfaces and CompactFlash Type I/II and SATA HDD. By providing both VGA and DVI-D video ports, the EM-F345 provides increased flexibility for dual display applications such as digital signage, point of sales, kiosk and jackpot displays.
Thursday, 06 November 2008
PARIS — VeriFone Holdings, Inc., has introduced a contactless version of its popular PINpad 1000SE, further expanding the industry's broadest line of contactless payment solutions, according to a news release.
VeriFone today also unveiled SingleCI (Single Contactless Interface), a unifying programming interface with development tools that allows acquirers and developers to leverage existing contactless investments, adapt to future needs, and take advantage of the company's entire contactless portfolio. SingleCI is compatible with today's industry-leading contactless interfaces.
The contactless PINpad 1000SE combines two payment peripherals — PIN entry and contactless — into one space-saving device that reduces costs and support burdens. Suitable for use worldwide, the PCI PED approved PINpad1000SE contactless version is backward-compatible with earlier versions, and features USB or serial connectivity for easy connection to electronic cash registers and POS devices.
"We are unleashing contactless by making it effortlessly available in the best-selling PIN entry device on the market today," said Paul Rasori, VeriFone senior vice president, marketing. "Acquirers can literally swap out an older PINpad 1000SE for this new solution. That makes it easy for them to deploy contactless applications to merchants for acceptance of contactless payments from the widest range of card brands, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express."
The PINpad 1000SE contactless version also supports non-payment applications, such as MiFare, and will be commercially available in the first half of 2009.
Fully compatible with common industry interfaces, SingleCI enables acquirers to leverage their existing investments in contactless platforms. In addition, it future-proofs new investments by providing development tools that enable acquirers to easily add new features and applications, and adapt to changing specifications such as the NFC (Near-Field Communications) standard.
Thursday, 06 November 2008
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — As the only credit union service provider to offer a full complement of electronic deposit capabilities geared to consumers, Co-Op Financial Services is seeing credit unions' adoption of its Check Imaging solutions steadily climb, mirroring the growth in image-capture services industry wide, according to a news release.
"By providing a wide range of imaging solutions that appeal to members on the go, we're helping credit unions compete with much larger institutions," said Stan Hollen, president and chief executive of Co-Op Financial Services. "Providing a variety of channels for making deposits essentially brings the credit union right to its members, wherever they are."
In March, Co-Op introduced the first three services in its check imaging suite: Co-Op My Deposit, Co-Op Fast Branch and Co-Op ATM Check Imaging. The company will soon add two more services: Retail Deposit and Branch Deposit.
Co-Op Fast Branch service, which provides credit union members with "do-it-yourself" shared branch kiosks, has added Anheuser-Busch Employees' Credit Union in St. Louis; Delta Community Credit Union in Atlanta, Ga.; First Financial Credit Union in Albuquerque, N.M.; NASA Federal Credit Union in Bowie, Md.; and Red Rocks Credit Union in Highlands Ranch, Colo.
New users of Co-Op Check Imaging ATM service, which allows members to scan and deposit checks without using deposit slips or envelopes, include Alliant Credit Union in Chicago, Ill.; California Center Credit Union in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Provident Credit Union in Redwood City, Calif.; Star One Credit Union in Sunnyvale, Calif.; Antelope Valley Federal Credit Union in Lancaster, Calif.; Rogue Federal Credit Union in Medford, Ore.; and USA Federal Credit Union, San Diego, Calif.
Co-Op My Deposit check imaging service for consumers has added Addison Avenue Federal Credit Union in Palo Alto, Calif; America First Federal Credit Union in Ogden, Utah; California Center Credit Union; Constellation Federal Credit Union in Falls Church, Va.; Meadows Credit Union in Arlington Heights, Ill.; Michigan First Credit Union in Lathrup Village, Mich. (branded as EZ Scan&Deposit by Michigan First CU); and Star One Credit Union.
According to CheckImage Collaborative, a group of trade associations and financial institutions working to raise awareness and promote the benefits of Check 21, more than 14 billion annual check payments totaling $17.5 trillion per year have shifted from traditional paper-based to image-based clearing. On a typical day in March 2008, the group reports, nearly 9,800 financial institutions received more than 42 million check images for posting.
"The use of imaging technology is only going to grow, with the Federal Reserve stepping up the timing for closure of several check-processing facilities," said Hollen. "And as member demand grows for convenient access to their accounts, Co-Op is committed to providing credit unions with the tools to compete and succeed in the Check 21 world."
Thursday, 06 November 2008
DALLAS — TableTop Media LLC announced the national availability of Ziosk, the company's next-generation interactive tabletop device, according to a news release.
Increased labor and food costs, lower check averages, reduced traffic and expensive paper promotions with low success rates are starving the restaurant industry economically, according to some. Ziosk delivers a dynamic, pay-on-demand experience with a menu of financially benefiting capabilities. In addition to Ziosk's core features (split check, touch tip, email or print receipt capabilities, real-time surveys, movie trailers and ticket purchase), the new product offers increased battery life, order entry, sound, dynamic content scheduling and a 3D graphics capable interface.
The technology was tested at the Cozymel's Mexican Grill chain in Texas and immediately demonstrated the consumer fascination with media-rich, touchscreen technology and convenience at the table. Leveraging the "pay on-demand" and digital promotional capabilities, Cozymel's has increased the average check at lunch by seven percent and 14 percent at dinner. Following the successful six-month pilot with more than 20,000 successful check outs, Cozymel's will begin deploying Ziosk to its other restaurant locations before the holiday season.
By shaving, on average, 10 minutes off the check presenting, processing and closing out process, a casual restaurant like Cozymel's is also able to increase its lunch and dinner capacity. Additionally, the "pay on-demand" feature has armed servers with the ability to field more tables, reducing labor costs by 16 percent. Those same servers are experiencing a 15 percent lift in tips per shift with the potential of a 30 percent lift thanks to the increase in tables.
Enhanced Product Features include:
- Increased Battery Life: Ziosk operates with 18-plus hours of battery power, enabling restaurants to operate the complete day without service interruptions.
- PCI Compliant: Ziosk is fully compliant with all Payment Card Industry Payment Application Data Security Standards (PCI PA-DSS) requirements.
- Ruggedized and Spill Resistant: Ziosk was designed for the restaurant environment, and is both spill resistant and drop tested for hard surfaces.
- Customizable Table Configurations: Ziosk offers multiple mounting options, vertical or horizontal in custom designed condiment holders or wall mounts.
- Dynamic Content Scheduling: This patent-pending feature enables Ziosk to display relevant content at specific periods of the dining cycle by day part. Therefore, lunch specific promotions will be shown just during lunch prior to placing the order or just during the meal.
- Training and HR: Ziosk offers restaurant employees the opportunity to login to view vacation and paycheck information, training programs, videos from management and other servers, enter internal blog information or participate in internal programs and competitions.
"Cozymel's proved the model across a number of fronts — higher check averages, increased customer frequency and table turns, positive customer feedback, menu up selling and financial comfort in transacting independent of a server," said Shawn Gentry, chief operating officer and president of TableTop Media. "Despite the current economic environment, we are very pleased with the level of interest among national chains to explore the technology across all category segments. The fact is, Ziosk goes way beyond security and convenience for guests, and it adds dollars to the pockets of restaurateurs and their employees. It's a win-win."
Thursday, 06 November 2008
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Pan-Oston, a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of retail checkout products, including lanes, counters and self-checkout solutions, as well as other retail display products, is teaming with National Grocers Association, the national trade association representing the independent sector of the retail and wholesale grocery industry, to deliver products and services which increase efficiency, reduce costs and allow the independent sector to maintain its competitive position.
"We are thrilled to be working with Pan-Oston. This agreement represents a great opportunity to create value and efficiency for our members and achieve the necessary economies of scale to compete," said Frank DiPasquale, senior vice president and executive director, National Grocers Association. "Pan-Oston's Utopia self-checkout is a proven self-checkout solution for independent grocers, and their new Ergolane checkout is the first major check lane design innovation in over four decades."
The agreement establishes an exclusive partnership program whereby N.G.A. members are pre-approved to receive member benefits such as economy pricing, unique programs, technology and support services on all Pan-Oston retail checkout and display products inclusive of the patent-pending Utopia self-checkout solution.
"The National Grocers Association values the existence of independent retailers as a central requirement of a competitive grocery market and pursues strategic initiatives to support their member opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce costs and maintain their competitive position," said Jim Vance, Pan-Oston's president. "N.G.A. members now have an affordable
self-checkout solution with Utopia and access to our broad array of front-end and other grocery display products at Tier One prices."
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
Fermanagh (Ireland) Herald: Fermanagh shoppers got a little more than they bargained for when they were offered the chance to learn how to use the Internet, as well as a range of interactive services, while doing the weekly shopping. As part of the nationwide campaign, "Get Online Day," Tesco Enniskillen and digital inclusion initiative, EverybodyOnline, joined forces to help people step into the virtual world and discover what the Internet has to offer. Members of the EverybodyOnline team were on hand in Tesco Enniskillen to show shoppers how to use the free public touchscreen Internet kiosk.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
TRUMBULL, Conn. — Following the successful debut of the co-located spring event in Las Vegas, organizers for The Digital Signage Show and KioskCom Self Service Expo celebrated equally impressive results for their joint fall offering, which took place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on October 15 and 16.
According to a news release, the shows enjoyed their highest attendance to date, with a 34 percent overall increase in pre-qualified attendees, as well as 50 percent growth in the exhibit hall compared to that of the New York 2007 event. In total, 2,490 professionals attended the New York shows in 2008.
"The team behind these conferences have maintained excellent momentum throughout the year and delivered an event that went beyond our expectations," said Peggy Stalhut, marketing communications manager for Harris Corp. "Harris is already planning to attend again in 2009!"
KioskCom Self Service Expo has been named by Tradeshow Week as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Trade Shows in North America three separate times.
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
(San Jose, Calif.) Business Journal: Atari Corp. founder and Silicon Valley legend Nolan Bushnell has launched a venture that's like a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant for grown-ups. UWink Inc. has three restaurants with self-service ordering at the tabletop and games that encourage social interaction. According to the National Restaurant Association, 44 percent of consumers say they would be likely to use an electronic ordering system at their table if offered, while 53 percent would utilize electronic payment systems at the table. Those trends are expected to increase in popularity.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — NetWorld Alliance, the publisher of ATM Marketplace, has launched "The Future of Cash: Survey Predicts Changes in Consumer Habits," an exclusive white paper that contains the results of a new survey of more than 500 financial-industry professionals.
"With credit markets tightening and consumers rethinking their established habits for dealing with their money, the world of payments is on the precipice of some major changes," said Tracy Kitten, senior editor of ATM Marketplace. "For this white paper, we've tapped the collective expertise of professionals who are out on the front lines every day and distilled their wisdom down to some useful numbers."
Topics addressed in the white paper include:
- Which payment methods will experience the most increase in usage in the coming months
- Changing consumer attitudes about the security and safety of personal funds on deposit
- The evolving role of cash, relative to other paymsent methods
The paper also includes expert commentary from Mike Lee, chief executive of the ATM Industry Association.
The white paper is part of a larger project, "ATM Future Trends 2009," which ATM Marketplace and ATMIA are putting together for a report-release in early March. ATM Marketplace will preview the full report during the annual ATMIA Conference & Expo being held Feb. 10-12 in Nashville. The report will take a look at the future of the ATM industry with even more in-depth survey results, as well as expert commentaries.
Download the white paper.
Tuesday, 04 November 2008
DULUTH, Ga. — SoloHealth, an association member, has been named one of five finalists in Forbes magazine's "Boost Your Business" competition. Now the self-service startup is calling for association members to vote online to increase the company's chances of winning.
"Thanks to everyone's efforts, what started with over 1,600 companies is now down to five, and SoloHealth is a finalist," said Bob Ventresca, director of marketing for Netkey.
SoloHealth is widely recognized for its flagship solution, the EyeSite kiosk, which it developed with the help of both Netkey and KIOSK Information Systems. The EyeSite kiosk enables users to take an impromptu eye exam, though SoloHealth's chief executive, Bart Foster, cautions that it doesn't take the place of seeing a specialist.
In October, Forbes flew Foster to New York City where he made a presentation to a panel of four judges. The winner of the competition will be chosen on a weighted grading scale made up of judges' opinions (50 percent) and online votes (50 percent).
"SoloHealth needs your help," said Ventresca. "Please vote and try to get your friends and colleagues to do the same. It only takes 30 seconds."
To vote, click here.
Monday, 03 November 2008
PARIS — ViVOtech, a provider of near field communication (NFC) mobile phone and contactless payment systems, has launched a flexible contactless payment reader for the kiosk, transit turnstile, bus validator and ticketing markets.
According to a news release, the new ViVOpay Kiosk II is a two-piece modular reader that enables ease of installation in new self-service systems and is certified to work with all major contactless payment programs without requiring the systems to go through a rigorous and costly compliance re-certification process with card associations and network providers.
The ViVOpay Kiosk II is a flexible contactless reader that is comprised of a compact controller module and a customer-facing contactless antenna module for easy integration into a new customer-facing self-service system. Each module in the ViVOpay solution is packaged individually, giving equipment manufacturers complete flexibility in integrating contactless payment functionality with their systems. This flexible design approach allows the controller module to be securely installed within the cabinetry of the system while the small footprint antenna is installed in a customer-facing location with minimal effort.
"Self-service markets are experiencing rapid growth worldwide and manufacturers of self-service systems are demanding a flexible pre-certified contactless reader that can be quickly and easily installed in new systems," said Mohammad Khan, ViVOtech president and founder. "The modular design of our new ViVOpay Kiosk II and pre-certification with card associations and network providers enables solution providers in transportation, retail, parking and other industries to deliver contactless and NFC mobile-enabled devices to market fast and efficiently."
The ViVOpay Kiosk II features a weather-proof customer-facing antenna that allows it to be used in self-ordering kiosk systems across a wide variety of applications such as parking meters, ticket validation/payment machines, transit turnstile systems, airport self-check-in systems, bus ticket acceptance machines, and many more. ViVOpay Kiosk II also enables self-service systems to accept transactions from NFC mobile phone for payments, ticketing, promotions and coupon redemption applications.
Monday, 03 November 2008
ITProPortal.com: It seems that Microsoft is taking its "I am PC" campaign directly before the Mac user, if reports of a new Microsoft kiosk popping up before an Apple store in the United Kingdom are to be believed. Recently, an AppleInsider reader reportedly saw a video kiosk promoting Microsoft in close proximity to an Apple store in Birmingham, where employees from Microsoft were asking passsers-by to come in and express their PC experiences and thereby record their very own "I'm a PC" video.
Click to continue
Monday, 03 November 2008
The Financial Express: Indian Bank's chairman and managing director M. S. Sundara Rajan has inaugurated an e-ticketing kiosk at the railway station in Vijayawada. Indian Railways has allowed the Indian Bank to install 34 ATM/e-ticketing kiosks and 17 standard ATMs at railway stations across the country. The bank has already installed 27 ATM/e-ticketing kiosks and 9 standard ATMs at various railway stations.
Click to continue
Monday, 03 November 2008
DUBLIN, Ireland — Research and Markets, an international market research and market data firm, has released "Mobile Ticketing: Transport, Sport Entertainment & Events 2008-2013/"
According to Research and Markets, a mobile ticketing user is "someone who stores a ticket on their mobile phone for later redemption" at the point of travel, the music venue, the cinema etc. The purchase of the ticket does not need to have been initiated on the mobile phone and, more than likely, the main point of purchase for mobile tickets is currently either online at an eCommerce Web site, via a telephone call center or alternatively at a physical ticket outlet or kiosk. This definition therefore includes mobile boarding passes for air travel, even if the ticket has been purchased through a non-mobile channel. This is not to say that there will be occasions when the full end-to-end transaction — the purchase, storage and redemption — will all occur on the mobile device.
This full end-to-end transaction is the ultimate mobile ticketing solution. In terms of definition of "mobile device," the report makes the distinction that the primary function must be mobile telephony. This excludes other mobile devices that have a different primary function such as entertainment, e.g. digital music player or portable games console, or travel, e.g. a GPS enabled mapping device.
Organizations that control the issuance and redemption of tickets are seeing the advantages that mobile phones have over other ticketing options, namely paper-based and electronic tickets stored on a smart card. Those organizations, including Ticketmaster and Tickets.com, Major League Baseball and the International Air Travel Association, are promoting and developing mobile-ticketing applications, trials and services.
Monday, 03 November 2008
The Cullman (Ala.) Times: Post office customers in Cullman, Ala., have noticed a change at the main branch. The convenience kiosk, where customers could use credit cards to purchase stamps and mail packages, has been removed. Lynn Rives, postmaster, said the kiosk was not producing enough money.
"It just wasn’t utilized enough and didn't draw in enough revenue," Rives said. "The company came and took it."
Click to continue
Monday, 03 November 2008
(Miami) NewsRadio WIOD, AM-610: Customs and Border Protection Global Entry kiosks are popping up at Miami International Airport. The kiosks are expected to make passport check-ins automatic for U.S. citizens and other lawful residents. The kiosks also will help frequent fliers avoid long lines at Customs. Newsradio 610 WIOD reporter Wayne Roustan's full interview with Jose Castelano of Customs and Border Protection can be accessed by clicking the link below.
Click to continue
Monday, 03 November 2008
RICHARDSON, Texas — Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. has partnered with Ready Theatre Systems of Hartford, Mich., to provide Fujitsu's U-Serv 100 and U-Serv 150 self-service kiosks to movie theater companies across North America.
According to a news release, RTS will integrate its RTS Ticketing Software with the Fujitsu kiosks and Fujitsu will provide ongoing hardware services and maintenance for the systems. RTS software is installed in more than 1,000 theaters across the United States.
Fujitsu's U-Serv systems are self-ordering kiosks designed for a variety of food-service and entertainment venues, such as quick-service and family casual restaurants, casinos and theatres. The kiosks integrate with existing point-of-sale systems, helping companies improve service and lower costs by reducing peak-time traffic and redeploying labor to more productive activities.
"We've had significant demand from our client base for Fujitsu's quality U-Serv solutions, and this partnership will benefit those customers and attract new business," said Mary Snyder, director of operations at RTS.
Monday, 03 November 2008
COLUMBUS, Ga. — Total System Services Inc. has announced plans to acquire Infonox, a private California-based technology firm that specializes in payments technology. The acquisition is expected to be completed this week.
According to a news release, the deal is expected to help TSYS expand its payment offerings, enabling it to move any payment form, through any payment device, anywhere in the world over any network.
After the acquisition, the bought company is expected to be known as Infonox, a TSYS company.
"This is much more than just an acquisition," said Dr. Safwan Shah, president and chief executive of Infonox. "The synergy Infonox has achieved through the partnership with TSYS presents us with a tremendous opportunity to grow our business and take our products and services to new levels of penetration."
Shah will remain with Infonox as president, reporting to Robert J. Philbin, president of TSYS Acquiring Solutions.
Infonox "plug-and-play" platforms simplify payment forms to include debit, credit, prepaid, money transfer and checks. Infonox also offers new connectivity interfaces to multiple payment devices and new channels of service delivery such as mobile phones, ATMs and bill-payment kiosks. Infonox provides a proprietary end-to-end tool to manage the lifecycle of a merchant.
"TSYS's acquisition of Infonox will add a Silicon-valley innovation team to our arsenal," said Philip W. Tomlinson, chief executive of TSYS. "It provides a host of tools and services that will be very attractive to clients of TSYS Acquiring Solutions and technologies we believe will add increased value to our clients across the TSYS enterprise."
Infonox offers an array of payment products on self-service and full-service transaction touchpoints in the gaming, banking and retail markets. The company delivers, manages, operates and supports services for several large publicly traded companies.
Established in 1999, Infonox is based in Sunnyvale, Calif., with an additional office in Pune, India.
"Infonox provides a comprehensive suite of services to manage the lifecycle of a merchant, the lifecycle of a transaction and the lifecycle of a customer. Together we will deliver solutions-on-demand that include a full-range of POS product offerings and payment acceptance forms, more efficient sales and merchant activation tools, enhanced portfolio management, reporting tools and an integrated suite of workflow tools to drive greater back-office efficiency," Philbin said.
Friday, 31 October 2008
Sheffield Telegraph: A Sheffield developer of bespoke software is breaking boundaries in modern technology to revolutionize commercial activity. GWD Media has expanded into three key sectors and increased staff numbers to more than 20 after receiving investments totalling £500,000 (U.S. $810,700) from South Yorkshire Investment Fund. GWD Media, which won the Creative and Digital Industries Innovation accolade at the 2007 Sheffield Business Awards, is advancing from its origins in the development of Internet kiosks to the creation of management software for public-orientated technology.
Click to continue
Friday, 31 October 2008
(Bismark, N.D.) KFYR-TV, Channel 5: The Library of Congress is shipping more than 600,000 documents about Theodore Roosevelt to Dickinson State University in North Dakota, and soon users of a self-service kiosk will be able to search through every one of them. With this new kiosk, users will be able to enter a search term and call up every document in which Roosevelt referred to or used the searched phrase.
Click to continue
Friday, 31 October 2008
Phoenix Business Journal: The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is launching a new business center at its headquarters in Phoenix, where the business center, a resource for potential entrepreneurs, includes an informational kiosk. The interactive kiosk is designed to virtually walk a person through the process of starting a business.
Click to continue
Friday, 31 October 2008
(Los Angeles) KABC-TV, Channel 7: Los Angeles International Airport has a new program to get U.S. travelers through customs quickly and efficiently. LAX and three other international airports are now participating in the Global Entry program. Global Entry gives frequent travelers the ability to speed up their arrival into the U.S. by using a kiosk to assist in their clearance. Program members first swipe their passports or resident cards at the kiosk. They will then be instructed to scan their fingerprints and answer some declaration questions to compare with data on file.
Click to continue
Friday, 31 October 2008
The (Malaysia) Star Online: Information in Internet kiosks can be hacked in just 10 seconds, warns Paul Craig, principal security consultant of Security-assessment.com, a New Zealand-based company. Such kiosks are common in airports, train stations, libraries, hotels, corporate lobbies, and on street corners, but they’re not as hack-proof as one might assume. "Internet kiosks are designed to not trust users but they trust commands from a remote Web site, which a hacker can simply surf to and access the tools he needs (to access user data)," Craig said a recent security conference.
Click to continue
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Network World: A Miami woman has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison and ordered to pay $18.2 million in restitution for a scheme to sell Internet kiosks that were promised to generate substantial income for buyers. Lillian Glaubman, who served as administrator for Pantheon Holdings, also known as Internet Machine Company, was sentenced in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on Wednesday. She pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and one count of mail fraud in July.
Click to continue
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Video Business: NCR Corp. says it is plans to roll out hybrid machines that both dispense pre-recorded DVDs and provide digital-movie downloads in retail locations. NCR has partnered with MOD Systems to deliver kiosks that will allow consumers to download content onto SD memory cards for playback on various compatible devices. The companies expect to start installing these kiosks at unspecified retailers during the first quarter of 2009. Neither NCR nor MOD has said what films and TV content will be available.
Click to continue
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Irish Examiner: Ryanair is refusing to install self-service check-in kiosks at Dublin Airport in Ireland after Ryanair lost a High Court bid to stop the Dublin Airport Authority from requiring the airline to sign a licensing and fee agreement. The airline says it is now going to bring forward plans to have all of its Dublin passengers use Web check-in, but will push ahead with plans to install the kiosks in Shannon.
Click to continue
Thursday, 30 October 2008
SYDNEY, Australia — Kodak and Myer have announced a new partnership that makes Kodak the official supplier of photo-lab service for Myer customers.
According to a news release, the service will be rolled out nationally to all Myer stores and will be called "Kodak at Myer."
The partnership, which was finalized on Oct. 16, will see an initial nine Myer stores fitted with Kodak digital picture labs and kiosks.
"Kodak is delighted to be announcing this new partnership with Myer," said Grant Smith, general manager of Kodak Australasia's Consumer Digital Group. "We were selected as the preferred partner for Myer after careful consideration and evaluation of all the available options. Both companies felt strongly about the synergies in our respective brands, including the onus that we both place on quality in terms of the products and services we offer and the values on which we run our businesses."
Kodak at Myer will offer Myer customers both in-store and online services with dedicated photo labs or at Kodak kiosks located throughout the store, or through a dedicated online portal on the Myer Web site.
Available services include: specific print styles including varying sizes, colors and the addition of borders; monthly and annual calendars; collages; greeting cards; picture CDs and Kodak's new Picture Movie DVD, which was launched earlier this year.
In addition to the traditional photo printing services, a complete collection of memorable photo gift ideas such as coffee cups, key rings, beer coolers, t-shirts, fridge magnets, puzzles, photo books and even canvas prints are also available. Customers will be able to choose to have the products delivered to their home or to pick up in store.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
|
 It Just Works Software Corporation (IJWS) has specialized in the development of hospitality systems since 1996. It is a leader in the self service check-in/check-out kiosk market and has partnered with large resellers to build an international install base. IJWS' new products are being built and deployed using Java technologies and Sun software.
|
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
EAST HAVEN, Conn. — Netkey, provider of solutions for self-service kiosks and digital signage, has received validation from IBM for its Netkey Software Platform for the Ready for IBM Retail Integration Framework program.
The IBM Retail Integration Framework leverages open standards, including Association for Retail Technology Standards, Open Application Group Integration standards and global GS1 System standards, to unlock communications between services, information sources and business processes, making the store and the enterprise one landscape.
The IBM Retail Integration Framework initiative brings together platform-independent software vendors that deliver proven solutions designed and built for the retail industry. Through this initiative, IBM works with select business partners to validate solutions that meet the requirements of next-generation, open-standards-based store environments.
The Netkey Software Platform is a scalable suite of applications and management software modules designed to help retailers quickly develop and operate media-rich kiosk and digital-signage systems. As a long-standing IBM business partner and independent software vendor, Netkey has several solutions that have been validated by IBM for use with the IBM Anyplace Kiosk.
"In today's challenging economy, retailers are increasingly turning to self-service kiosks and digital signage as valuable tools to enhance the customer experience, improve employee performance, and generate sustainable returns," said V. Miller Newton, chief executive of Netkey. "Achieving Ready for IBM Retail Integration Framework status reflects the power of the Netkey platform as the software foundation for highly scalable digital-media systems that create brand differentiation and deliver real business value."
To achieve validation, Netkey developed tight integration with IBM WebSphere and IBM Tivoli middleware. Retailers now have the option of using IBM WebSphere middleware as the application server for the Netkey-powered kiosk or digital signage network. The Netkey Platform will pass kiosk or digital-signage media-player alerts to the IBM Tivoli Enterprise Console for simplified monitoring and management of store devices.
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Houston Business Journal: DVD kiosk operator TNR Entertainment Corp. has hired a law firm to support its review of a recent policy change by Universal Studios that delays the distribution of Universal movies to kiosk operators. Universal’s policy change, which will take effect on Dec. 1, denies kiosk operators access to new releases until 45 days after the movies are available to the general public.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
(New Zealand) One News: Queues at airport check-in gates could be a thing of the past, now that Air New Zealand has announced a $30 million revamp of its domestic terminals. Beginning next week, Air New Zealand will do away with the old check-in counters and introduce do-it-yourself kiosks, where passengers can print off their own bag tags and take their luggage to the bag drop themselves. Travellers' boarding passes can be sent to them via mobile in order to get people through the airport faster.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
The (Fort Wayne, Ind.) News-Sentinel: Since 1952, the Memorial Coliseum has been the capital of Fort Wayne sports, and now it's become a showcase of sports history. A kiosk displaying the Fort Wayne Sports Corp.'s Sports Heritage Project was installed in the coliseum lobby last week. Co-sponsored by The News-Sentinel and funded by a donation from the Waterfield Foundation, the project is a DVD with 33 vignettes reflecting the city's sports history that can be played on the interactive kiosk. Viewers can choose which vignette to watch.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Electric Frontier Foundation: Self-service proponents, beware. Fred von Lohmann, legal analyst for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, says Hollywood has launched a major offensive against DVD rental kiosks. Universal Studios recently announced a policy change that will severly limit the types of movies that can be offered at DVD kiosks and the revenue kiosk deployers can make from them. Earlier this month, Redbox brought a lawsuit against the studio giant, and TNR Entertainment Corp., another DVD kiosk operator, has hired a legal team in the wake of the announcement.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Self-Service & Kiosk Association announced that 19 new self-service deployers have elected to join the association during the recent KioskCom Self Service Expo in New York City. This brings the total to 71 new deployer members that have joined in the past two months.
The Association's Advisory Board has elected to offer free one-year memberships to qualified organizations, offers that are valued at $250 each. Organizations that qualify are those who have deployed, or are considering deploying, self-service technology. Deployers are organizations in vertical industries such as retail, travel, banking, hospitality, government and healthcare.
The 19 new members announced today include:
- Art Flowers
- Bank of Bermuda
- CoolNerd Media Inc.
- Delta Air Lines Inc.
- Fifth Third Bank
- George Weston Bakeries
- Heritage Revenue Systems
- K & G Enterprises LLC
- Kaufman Surplus
- Lackmann Culinary Services
- Lighthouse International
- Macon County Greyhound Park
- Metropolitan National Bank
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Prontodvd
- Qpay
- The Marlin Company
- Tiffany & Company
- U.S. Navy
"KioskCom Self Service Expo was a great opportunity for us to sit down face-to-face with deployers and really discover how they’re using self-service to enrich the customer experience," said David Drain, executive director of the association. "As the leading advocacy group for the self-service industry, we can help them take the next step into this exciting new technology."
Monday, 27 October 2008
Air Force Times: About 400 military and other overseas voters who are registered in Okaloosa County, Fla., can now vote at electronic kiosks in Mildenhall, England, and Ramstein, Germany, in a pilot project. The kiosks opened Friday, said Carol Paquette, project manager for the Okaloosa Distance Balloting Pilot Project.
Click to continue
Monday, 27 October 2008
ComputerWorld: As the 2008 Presidential Election looms ever closer, voters are casting a wary eye toward the electronic voting machine kiosks that have caused so much division in the past. ComputerWorld has compiled a list of bloggers who have weighed in on the possibility of malfunction or voter fraud this election.
Click to continue
Monday, 27 October 2008
(United Arab Emirates) Business 24/7: After paperless tickets, the future of air travel could involve bar-coded boarding passes on mobile phones as the airline industry continues its quest to tap cost-effective technological innovations. Dominique El Bez, portfolio marketing director of Sita, an IT business solutions provider to the air transport industry, says the introduction of the mobile phone barcoded boarding pass (m-BCBP) could not only help airlines save millions of dollars on flight delay costs, but could ensure passengers a hassle-free journey.
Click to continue
Monday, 27 October 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Digital Signage Today, the leading daily news and information portal covering the digital signage industry, announced the availability of its Digital Signage Software Comparison Wizard, a publication and interactive software tool that helps businesses select the right software for their digital signage product.
"Some business software decisions are very simple — like which word processor or Web browser to use," said James Bickers, senior editor of Digital Signage Today. "Usually, you don't have to decide — you just use the one that's already on your computer. But choosing software for digital signage is a very complicated affair, one that hasn't had a comprehensive tool until now."
With several hundred digital signage software products on the market, deployers have to wade through an unwieldy amount of information to make informed decisions about which software product is right for their deployment. To make it easier for companies to find the perfect software solution for them, the editors of Digital Signage Today have identified more than 65 attributes — operating system, deployment platform, media types supported, integration with advertising plans, etc. — and created a comprehensive grid that spells out the exact capabilities of more than 130 digital signage software products.
In addition, the guide includes an interactive desktop application that allows users to place checkmarks next to the attributes they need. After all the necessary attributes have been selected, users can click the "Generate Report" button to view a complete list of all software products that meet their needs.
"This tool makes a very complex purchasing decision considerably easier," said Bickers. "It's a tool that needs to be on the desktop of every digital signage installer, every pro A/V professional, and anyone who consults with companies on digital signage technology."
Friday, 24 October 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The exhibitor slideshow for KioskCom Self Service Expo 2008 in New York is now available on SelfService.org.
Click here to view the slideshow.
Thursday, 23 October 2008
VANCOUVER, Canada — The current global economic crisis may actually be good news for some businesses. According to a news release issued by DVDNowKiosks Inc., deployers of DVD rental kiosks may find themselves on good footing as the economy sours.
The state of the economy has society realizing that the times are changing, and DVD rental kiosks are offering a way for people to adapt to these changes.
In order to overcome financial strains, the general public will have to cut down on unnecessary forms of entertainment that can be costly for the average family. DVD-rental kiosks allow consumers to movies at home for a low fee. With soaring gas prices, DVD-rental kiosks are extremely accessible, as most of them are located within grocery and convenience stores, allowing for a one-stop shopping trip.
Robert MacIntosh is a regular customer at one of the DVDNow Kiosks in Las Vegas and has been able to rent movies more frequently because of the low rental cost.
"The kiosk I use is located in a corner store, so while I'm there picking up dinner, I can grab a movie on the way out," MacIntosh said. "It saves me a lot of time."
The rental of movies appears to be at one of its strongest periods in history because of the country's economic downturn. Even consumers who used to be inclined to purchase films are now renting instead, and as the winter approaches, this increase in rentals will be even more evident as people will want to stay indoors with their families.
As the rental industry continues to prosper, many savvy investors are making a relatively small investment in DVD rental kiosks in anticipation of large returns.
"We can't control the economy, but we can control the way we react to it, and, whether we prosper or lose," said Scott McInnes, chief executive of DVDNow Kiosks. "No one hopes for a recession, but I am pleased that our DVDNow kiosk owners are in a position to do very well regardless of the state of the economy."
Thursday, 23 October 2008
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. has reported financial results for the third quarter of the year, with revenue of $1.38 billion, up eight percent from 3Q 2007, and net income of $80 million, up 51 percent from the same period last year.
But year-to-date, the numbers aren't so positive. Revenue for the year is up approximately 13 percent, hittting $3.89 billion from $3.45 billion last year, but net income was down seven percent, falling from $185 million to $172 million.
"NCR delivered strong third quarter results, showing solid revenue growth across our core solutions and geographies," said Bill Nuti, chairman and chief executive of NCR. "We demonstrated resiliency in a weakened economic environment because we are executing well against our strategic priorities, managing for profitable revenue growth, building a sustainable and leading cost structure, and improving our working capital position."
Thursday, 23 October 2008
T3 Online: U.K. entertainment retailer HMV has announced plans for one of its "next-generation" stores to be opened in London. HMV's next-generation stores will be focusing on digital music, providing customers with interactive digital kiosks that allow them to preview, purchase and download MP3s that can then be stored on any USB stick or memory card. These kiosks, although not likely to make CDs redundant, could affect CD sales, as lack of packaging should in theory means lower prices for customers. If HMV wants its music-download kiosks to compete with the likes of iTunes, however, a pricing war with the download giants might be necessary.
Click to continue
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Furniture World: Showroom Technology announced that Jerome's Furniture, one of its Top 100 home furnishings retail customers, saw a 20 percent increase in average sales tickets using the SHOW/PRO kiosk system. Having installed SHOW/PRO kiosks in each of its five San Diego stores, Jerome's Furniture incorporated the consumer self-service kiosk system into its sales process, pre-approving consumers for in-store credit and registering customers for incentives. The result was a significant increase in average tickets for customers who first used the kiosk system to gain credit approval. When consumers know their own purchasing power, and the retailer's sales associates do as well, sales tickets tend to be larger.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
(United Arab Emirates) itp.net: Total IT Solutions, based in the United Arab Emirates, is actively marketing its suite of touchscreen-equipped, custom-built kiosks for both indoor and outdoor use and other interactive software products for various industry segments at GITEX Technology Week this year. The company developed a new type of kiosk for extreme weather conditions about three months ago, and although tight delivery schedules have meant that no model is available for viewing at GITEX, Saleem Fancy, chief executive of Total IT Solutions, is looking forward to demonstrating one in the UAE in the near future.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
(Johnstown, Pa.) WJAC-TV, Channel 6: After coming home from war many members of our armed forces experience post-traumatic stress. A local research team is reaching out to the community and health care professionals to make sure they know how to treat the illness. Memorial Medical Center announced they are installing kiosks in the Johnstown area. They give advice to family and community members with loved ones who are having a rough time dealing with stress.
Click to continue (video included).
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Data Collection Online: TransAct Technologies Inc., a provider of market-specific printers for transaction-based industries, will demonstrate a number of its highly robust printers at the upcoming Scan Scource, IMPACT NOW Conference and Trade Show taking place November 10 – 11, 2008 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla. TransAct's Epic 430 kiosk printer is designed specifically for self-service, kiosk applications and features a small modular design that can be easily configured to fit any space.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Electronic component distributor Fujitsu Components America has added a high-speed printer unit to its thermal printer line. The small-footprint, all-in-one unit combines a 2-inch thermal printer mechanism, an ultra-low profile integrated cutter, a mini interface board with embedded barcodes for receipt output in mini-kiosks, POS terminals and ATMs, as well as scientific and medical equipment.
According to a news release, the 24-volt, FTP-627USL631/635-R unit measures a compact 145mm (H) x 105mm (W) x 120mm (D) and weighs 600g. The thermal print mechanism quietly outputs 58mm-wide paper receipts at speeds up to 150mm per second using Fujitsu's unique head-drive control.
The fully programmable printer prints a variety of characters and graphics as well as standard, extended and 2-D barcode symbols at a crisp, 8dots/mm resolution. It has a head life of 100 million pulses or 100km of paper.
For long-term cutting reliability, Fujitsu uses a dedicated stepper motor for the cutter rated at 1,000,000 cuts. The unit handles paper rolls up to 83mm in diameter. For easy paper loading, the paper roll can be inserted by drop-in method using the platen release lever.
The unit is encased in a rugged metal frame, which provides easy installation, stability and static electricity discharge absorption. It has an operating temperature range of 0 to 50 degrees C.
It is supported by Windows 2K/XP/Vista/CE5.0 and Linux drivers.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Fiserv Inc., a provider of information technology services to the financial industry, announced that it has partnered with PayScan America Inc., obtaining exclusive rights to license PayScan's patented barcode bill payment process. By utilizing the PayScan barcode bill payment process and the Fiserv CheckFreePay Link platform, CheckFreePay will be able to offer an enhanced retail payment solution that will enable walk-in consumers to pay their household bills quickly and easily at retail checkout lanes and self-service kiosks.
This enhanced retail payment solution will use a "smart barcode" on the bill to record processing rules, including relevant payment data from a customer bill such as the account number. By scanning the bill at an existing retail point-of-sale terminal, a cashier or consumer can easily submit a payment without manual data entry.
"We believe in-lane bill payment services will transform the walk-in bill payment landscape," said Paul Harrison, senior vice president and general manager of Fiserv's CheckFreePay business. "For retailers, it will provide a more efficient walk-in bill payment process that leverages point-of-sale barcoding to reduce the chance for error. Billers could realize reduced processing costs, while their customers will enjoy a more convenient payment experience."
"Retail locations provide a convenient and cost-effective option for the 40 million consumer households that prefer to pay their bills in cash and in person," said Jennifer Roth, research director, global payments, TowerGroup. "Offering in-person, in-lane bill payments at retail point-of-sale registers will serve traditional walk-in bill payment customers, but will also appeal to consumers who typically pay by mail. This represents the next step in delivering automated efficiency and convenience in the walk-in bill payment market."
Today, retailers that offer walk-in bill payment services generally do so at customer service counters or other, separate locations within the store, because they cannot effectively handle bill payment in-lane. CheckFreePay Link with the in-lane bill payment option will offer retailers a solution that will allow consumers to pay their household bills while purchasing groceries and other household items in the checkout lane, creating a better customer service experience for consumers.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
ADDISON, Texas — MEDHOST, provider of the Emergency Department Information System (EDIS), announced that it has extended its product offering to include a patient self-check-in kiosk called Emergency Department Patient Access Self Service (ED PASS).
Upon arrival, patients can check in with the easy-to-use touchscreen kiosk. After patients check in, their information instantly becomes visible in the MEDHOST EDIS which gives clinicians a real-time view of the waiting room and immediately alerts them to any high-risk patients.
Northridge Hospital Medical Center, MEDHOST's first ED PASS customer and Catholic Healthcare West's flagship hospital located in Northridge, Calif., is implementing three ED PASS kiosks to speed patient check in, assist nurses in managing triage and streamline patient registration.
"The MEDHOST EDIS has greatly benefited our ED, and we're excited that those benefits will now impact our waiting room," said Dr. Stephen Jones, medical director of emergency services at Northridge Hospital Medical Center. "ED PASS fits into our workflow perfectly. Data can be entered by the patient as they arrive, which speeds processes, keeps nurses focused on caring for patients and gives us rich information about which patients might have ailments that require immediate attention."
Like MEDHOST EDIS, ED PASS features a touchscreen interface for simple data entry. With the swipe of a driver's license, patient demographics are immediately captured, and details such as reason for visit, location and intensity of pain or injury, and complaint-specific risk factors empower clinicians with rich information about patient background and acuity. Intuitive desktop alerts notify clinicians when a high-risk patient checks in so care can begin without delay.
MEDHOST currently serves more than 160 facilities, including the Baylor Healthcare System in Texas, Catholic Healthcare West in California, Catholic Health System in New York and Tenet Healthcare Corporation.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Dee Newnan peers at the screen of a kiosk in the middle of a hallway at Discover Mills Mall near Lawrenceville, Ga. She covers one eye, then the other while reading progressively smaller blocks of text. In a few minutes, Newnan has tested her vision for the first time in years. Such is the business model behind former Ciba Vision executive Bart Foster's new company, SoloHealth, which Forbes.com readers have chosen as one of five to participate in the final round of the online magazine’s Boost Your Business competition for $100,000 in funding.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
ST. DENIS, France — Pitney Bowes announced that it has signed a contract to provide 50 stand-alone postal kiosks to La Poste, France's national postal operator, so that La Poste can enhance its retail network in large urban areas.
According to a news release, the contract is one of the largest Pitney Bowes has ever signed for postal kiosks, and includes the design, installation and servicing of postal kiosks that will be located in post offices in some of France's largest cities, beginning in 2009.
"We are extremely pleased with the vote of confidence that La Poste has made with this contract," said Yves Coué, vice president of Southern Europe, and managing director of Pitney Bowes in France. "We believe that this technology will help La Poste achieve its goals of superior service for a wide variety of customers and locations."
The value of the transaction was not disclosed, but Coué said he hopes that the number of kiosks will expand over time.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
(Springfield, Mo.) News-Leader: AT&T Inc. has announced the opening of the recently remodeled retail store in Springfield, Mo. The store, which is more than 4,800 square feet, represents the company's new design concept. The company invested more than $400,000 in updating the store. One of the new store features is the Guided Selling Kiosk. The kiosk includes a rate plan recommendation tool that customers can use independently or with the assistance of an AT&T representative.
Click to continue
Monday, 20 October 2008
NEW YORK — Dakota Audio, a provider of full range directional audio devices, has announced its newest product designed specifically for digital signage and kiosk applications. The new focused speaker designated the MA-5, was released at KioskCom Self Service Expo in New York.
"The MA-5 is the successor to the MA-4, which has been widely deployed with flat screen technology around the world," said Dakota Audio's founder and chief executive Lynn Mader. "Prior to the release of the MA-5 we had been integrating some of these features in MA-4s only on a special order basis, but due to the popularity of that configuration, we have decided to roll out an all-new directional speaker aimed squarely at Digital Signage and Kiosk Applications."
The new MA-5 is slightly larger than the MA-4 at 2.5 inches high, 2 inches deep and will be stocked from 22 to 38 inches wide (custom sizes also available by special order) and features a richer, fuller range sound, ambient noise level compensation and proximity detection. The amplifier included with the MA-5, like the MA-4, is remote to the speaker and includes additional configuration options to assist installers in controlling the directionality and sound quality of the MA-5.
Prior to digital signage's retail advertising application for flat panel displays, the most common need for controlling high quality sound electronically was in the museum market. Museums were very quick to appreciate that greater control of audio between exhibits would increase the museum's overall exhibit density capabilities. Over the past 10 years, Dakota Audio has been able to realize over three quarters of the museum industry as their clients.
"Our decision to formally enter the digital signage and kiosk markets was brought about by the requests from our customers," said Mader. "Their vocalizing a need for a high quality directional audio solution that, according to them, didn't exist in the digital signage or kiosk markets was a big factor in our decision. So far the response has been overwhelming and manufacturing is struggling to keep up with demand."
Monday, 20 October 2008
itp.net: The Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department has unveiled a series of automated services for its customers. DNRD will now be able to receive inquiries and requests through new media platforms, including chatting online through the amer.ae website and video calling through 3G-enabled mobile phones. Customers can also follow up on their transactions through self-service kiosks that will be set in various locations to simplify procedures. The kiosks allow customers to perform different operations such as applying for and inquiring about visa status, and printing residence visas without having to visit DNRD offices.
Click to continue
Monday, 20 October 2008
nst online: Passengers of Hong Kong International Airport can now complete their airline check-in process in as little as one minute by using one of the 42 self check-in kiosks available at Terminal 1, the Airport Authority Hong Kong announced. The self check-in system is part of the authority's ongoing efforts to enhance passenger flow and to accommodate the worldwide trend of increasing passenger demand for self-help service, China's XINHUA news agency quoted the authority as saying in a statement.
Click to continue
Friday, 17 October 2008
TMCnet.com: Qwest Communications, a telecommunications carrier providing wireless and wireline services, has launched 11 interactive retail kiosks to provide customers a virtual playground to test-drive different communications services, including wireless, video and fiber optic Internet services, under one umbrella. The kiosks are available in various shopping centers in Colorado, Iowa, North Dakota, Washington and Arizona. Qwest says it has plans to place the kiosks in 31 additional locations across the 14 states where it offers communications services.
Click to continue
Friday, 17 October 2008
TMCnet.com: The Philippines' Government Service Insurance System has included pension loans among the services that can be applied for via the eCard Plus on the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System kiosks installed in all GSIS offices and select government offices nationwide. The loan offer at the kiosks is among other programs the Arroyo administration is putting forth to aid the needs of government pensioners.
Click to continue
Friday, 17 October 2008
Brand Republic: Retailer Debenhams has announced plans to trial a new touchscreen service in stores that is expected to grow sales of electrical goods by converting shoppers from browsers to buyers. Debenhams' flagship new Westfield London store, which opens Oct. 30, will trial the touchscreen kiosks that provide customers with advice and recommendations on electrical products. The shopper selects the category of electrical products and specifies price, feature/functionality and brand preferences. A selection is then presented to the customer so she can print out the products recommended.
Click to continue
Thursday, 16 October 2008
NEW YORK — When the Self-Service & Kiosk Association's advisory board met at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on the eve of KioskCom Self Service Expo, our cameras were there. Check out a slideshow of the meeting.
Click to continue
Thursday, 16 October 2008
NEW YORK CITY — Fifteen years and some 5,000 custom solutions later, Louisville, Colo.-based KIOSK Information Systems has unveiled its first standard-model outdoor kiosk.
Dubbed the KIOSK Element, the NEMA-rated self-service device made its first public outing yesterday at the New York City edition of the KioskCom Self Service Expo, co-located again with The Digital Signage Show.
The turnkey kiosk can work as a stand-alone or a through-the-wall, and can accommodate any feature mix with peripheral options, including an outdoor credit-card reader, keyboard, receipt printer and barcode scanner. Two high-brite LCDs (one 17-inch and one 19-inch) allow for second-screen advertising and attract-loops for branding, quick consumer adoption and faster ROI. An overhead customer shelter also is available.
“The benefit the KIOSK Element introduces is a new economy of standardized design in outdoor self-service, eliminating the key barrier of entry for many viable deployments,” said Tom Weaver, chief marketing officer for KIOSK, in a release.
“While the major ticketing and entertainment companies have paved the way for outdoor self-service, there are also a number of hospitality, rental, check-in and parking applications that are nicely positioned to reap the benefits of a much improved price point.”
Thursday, 16 October 2008
NEW YORK — One of the newest kiosks on hand at the KioskCom Self-Service Expo Wednesday was Curiosk Marketing Solutions’ wine kiosk. The kiosk is being piloted in in Florida, New Jersey, Toronto, and Ontario, Canada.
The wine kiosk allows a retail customer to scan a bottle of wine to get additional information about the wine, ensuring a wise purchase. Using a touchscreen, in less than a minute, users can select wines, get tasting notes and food pairing information, and create a preset or typed personal greeting to attach to the bottle of wine if given as a gift.
“The initial response from consumers using it is the wow factor,” said David Weinberg, president of Curiosk. “When they see the information and how easy it is to get, they’re excited. Then when they realize they can print a card, they’re ecstatic because it’s one-stop shopping. If they’re going to a dinner party, they can buy the wine, get the card.”
Thursday, 16 October 2008
NEW YORK — The KioskCom Self Service Expo opened in the heart of Midtown, Manhattan, with two significant announcements from NCR Corp.
NCR pulled the sheet off its new point-of-decision kiosk — the NCR SelfServ 60, which is designed to provide an interactive experience for the consumer in order to buoy them along through the purchasing process.
According to a news release distributed at the show, the NCR SelfServ 60 is customizable to help enhance a business’s brand. Deployers can choose from a number of configuration and design options, such as brand color and logos. Multiple mounting options also are available.
|
|
|
Photograph by Travis Kircher
The NCR SelfServe 60 integrates Intel vPro technology, has a slim, sleek form-factor, and represents a leap forward from its predecessor, the EasyPoint 42.
|
The NCR SelfServ 60 integrates Intel vPro technology, including the next-generation Intel Core 2 Duo processor and Mobile Intel GM45 Express chipset. With these technologies, the kiosk can run more advanced, engaging self-service applications, NCR says, creating an enhanced experience for consumers and the opportunity for companies to offer increasingly complex transactions.
Intel vPro technology maximizes system availability for businesses with “out-of-band” manageability and serviceability — meaning diagnostics can be accomplished remotely.
Donna Stevens, product manager for kiosk infrastructure at NCR, says the new SelfServ 60 is a substantial improvement over its predecessor, the EasyPoint 42.
“Nowadays, people want kiosks to have a slim, sleek form-factor to really show off that modern iPod look, and really capture the aesthetics and the marketing and the branding that (our) customers want to portray to their self-service customers – to the consumers,” Stevens said.
“The EasyPoint 42, while an all-in-one integrated footprint, didn’t have the feature functionality and the slim form-factor that this new unit has, because of the new technology and our ability to integrate that.”
During the show, Peter R. Charpentier used a SelfServ 60 kiosk to demo a retail application that lets users speak live, one-on-one, with customer-service representatives in remote locations. The customer-service representative, who just so happened to be on the West Coast, appeared on the screen during a demo at the show to greet show goers in New York.
That application is the result of a reseller agreement between NCR and Experticity. The agreement, also announced during the expo, allows NCR to resell the Experticity multichannel technology platform worldwide.
Attendance numbers for KioskCom are not yet available, though Lawrence Dvorchik, general manager of the show, says he expects a 32 percent increase in pre-qualified, pre-registered attendants from last year. KioskCom runs Oct. 15-16 in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.
Thursday, 16 October 2008
NEW YORK — Sagem Denmark has announced the rollout of the INT1215-5210 OEM encrypting PIN pad for ATMs and kiosks. Featuring a keyboard made with polymer, the product boasts a lifetime of 2 million cycles and customization options that include embossing and customer-specific software development.
“These PIN pads are in high demand in the industry, because the materials are more affordable than the traditional metallic PIN-pad surface,” said Brian Schleisner, marketing manager for Sagem Denmark.
ROHS-compliant and PCI-approved, the PIN pad is an option for unattended-payment solutions, such as ticket-vending machines and parking venues.
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
NEW YORK — Several of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association's advisory board members met yesterday to discuss the challenging economic climate that is affecting businesses throughout the world.
SLIDESHOW: SSKA Advisory Board meeting
The meeting took place on the eve of the biannual KioskCom Self-Service Expo, this time in New York. The expo runs from Oct. 15 until Oct. 16.
|
|
|
Photograph by Travis Kircher
Dick Good, chairman of the SSKA, speaks to the advisory board about self-service in the face of a challenging and changing economy.
|
V. Miller Newton, president of SSKA, opened the meeting by pointing out that retailers, regardless of their specialty, should feel a need to become engaged in self-service.
"We're on the eve of probably the greatest financial crisis of our time," Newton told SelfService.org after the meeting. "Companies are definitely hunkering down. They're going to cut costs. They're going to be budget conscious."
Yet in the midst of the belt-tightening, Newton says there is significant opportunity for retailers to get a leg up on their competition by utilizing self-service to cut labor costs and increase consumer engagement.
"I think it's interesting that the KioskCom attendance is up 33 percent," he said. "I believe that self-service is a critical component and a must-have in this economic downturn."
Additionally, Newton urged the board members to take part in the association’s new-deployer member drive, which provides a free year of SSKA membership to select deployers.
SSKA vendor members are asked to provide the association with a list of potential deployers that might be candidates for membership.
Executive director David Drain provided an overview of the association's activities, including a look at publicity the association received in the Atlanta Journal Constitution as well as a glance at the site statistics of SelfService.org.
During the meeting, Francie Mendelsohn of Summit Research Associates also provided statistics about the self-service industry and tips for deployers to keeping their self-service interfaces easy to use. Those tips included using large button icons, keeping text short and simple, and limiting the amount of sound included in the application.
Dick Good, chairman of the association, led a round table discussion focused on how the industry should adapt to an uncertain future.
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
(Arlington, Va.) WJLA-TV, Channel 7: Washington, D.C., building permit officials announced Tuesday that the city is allowing permit-seekers to skip the DCRA office and apply online or at the Virtual Permit Center, located at The Home Depot on Rhode Island Avenue NE. The two self-service kiosks, located inside the store, offer permit applicants a chance to pick up DCRA's "Postcard Permit" for home improvements. Applicants enter information on the kiosks, pay the associated fees with a credit card, and print out a paper permit.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
NEW YORK — Kiosk Industries Inc. is premiering a full line of kiosks from Eport Systems and Kiosk Entertainment, both divisions of Kiosk Industries Inc., this week at the KioskCom Self Service Expo in booth No. 465.
"We have five spectacular attractions to stimulate the U.S. economy," said Robert A. Klayman, chief executive of Canada’s Kiosk Industries.
During the expo, Kiosk Industries will demonstrate how its event-specific kiosks can easily adapt to changing environments, such as changing the logo and art on the kiosk’s façade as well as offering video e-postcard features to support a company or group event.
And according to a news release, The Walter Mercado Psychic Network Kiosk is linked to a global call-center network, with bases in Puerto Rico and Mexico City, and is supported by a multimillion dollar advertising campaign. Soon the kiosk is expected to be found in bi-lingual communities, in shopping malls, airport waiting rooms, supermarkets and mega-retailers. Under an exclusive agreement with international celebrity psychic Walter Mercado, a large staff of bi-lingual psychics offer readings in astrology and other psychic entertainment services.
Christian Dion, Kiosk Entertainment's "Psychic to the Stars," will offer free psychic readings during the expo.
Beyond Kiosk Industries’ psychic kiosk are the Glass Panel Kiosk, Sports Franchise Kiosk and the E-Gift Kiosk.
The Glass Panel Kiosk is designed for display in a department store window or as a floating glass image for indoor or outdoor applications.
The Sports Franchise Kiosk from Eport Systems will be on display during the expo, offering fans e-postcards from the game and a menu of gift items.
The E-Gift Kiosk offers live email consultation about gift purchases direct from the store.
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — NetWorld Alliance, publisher of Retail Customer Experience magazine and RetailCustomerExperience.com, and the National Retail Federation have announced a partnership to design and launch the Customer Experience Pavilion at NRF's 98th Annual Convention & Expo, to be held Jan. 11�?14, 2009, at Jacob Javits Center in New York. (Convention: Jan. 11�?14; Expo: Jan. 12�?13)
This pavilion will showcase solutions retailers can employ to better connect with today’s consumers to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. The central feature of the Customer Experience Pavilion will be a concept store that uses cutting�?edge technologies and community�?building activities to give retailers ideas on how to enhance the customer experience and extend a more effective brand.
"We’re going to be taking the most interesting technologies and other retail factors that enhance the customer experience and showcasing them in a real�?world and effective retail environment," said Susan Newman, vice president of conferences for NRF. "This year it will be an environment where we can feature gaming technologies, social networking, digital signage, interactive kiosks — really, anything that captures the customers’ attention while they’re in the store and keeps them coming back."
Working with Virginia�?based design firm Hybridia Design as well as the editorial staff of Retail Customer Experience magazine and RetailCustomerExperience.com, NRF is developing a concept store that offers new insights and ideas to retailers of all types and sizes.
"We want retailers to be able to take what they see in the store and envision how they can implement those strategies themselves," Newman said. "It’s about how to attract the customer no matter what the environment is — music, clothing, etc."
Tom Harper, publisher of Retail Customer Experience magazine and RetailCustomerExperience.com, believes the pavilion comes at the right time.
"Today’s shoppers are more demanding and have more choices of where to spend their time and money than ever before," he said. "For a retailer to be successful now and in the future, they must create an effective and differentiated multi�?channel shopping experience that keeps customers happy and loyal."
The Customer Experience Pavilion will include more than 48 exhibitors. Companies interested in exhibiting in the pavilion should contact Tami Sakell at 202�?661�?3044 for more information.
Companies interested in sponsoring a technology in the Customer Experience Concept Store should contact Susan Newman at 202�?626�?8154.
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Home Media: Redbox has filed a federal suit against Universal Studios Home Entertainment that alleges Universal’s new revenue-sharing terms for DVD-vending operators violates antitrust laws and misuses copyrights. The suit claims Universal’s new terms would eliminate low-cost rental alternatives for consumers by prohibiting redbox from renting or selling Universal DVDs until 45 days after they hit the street, limiting the number of Universal DVDs the kiosk operator can stock, and requiring redbox to destroy Universal DVDs after they leave the kiosks, instead of being sold as used to consumers. Redbox is seeking an injunction that would prohibit Universal from limiting the number of its DVDs in redbox kiosks, fiscal damages, and declarations of copyright misuse.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Travelers at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are increasingly booking tickets online and using kiosks to check in, at a rate higher than some other large airports around the world. A survey of passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson, Mumbai International, Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Moscow Domodedovo, Sao Paulo Guarulhos and Johannesburg released by SITA, an air-transport IT company, found that in Atlanta, 18 percent of travelers check in online and 38 percent use kiosks for checking in. That’s compared with 19 percent and 20 percent a year earlier. Across the six airports, an average of 36 percent of passengers checked in online or with kiosks, compared with the combined 56 percent in Atlanta. Mumbai had a 19 percent rate of online check in, the only airport in the survey with a higher rate than Atlanta. North America in general is “one of the early adopter markets” for self-service technologies, says SITA director of portfolio marketing Dominique El Bez.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold Inc. says United Technologies Corp. has withdrawn its unsolicited bid for Diebold. UTC originally made an offer for the company Feb. 29, 2008.
Diebold’s John Lauer, the non-executive chairman of the board, says Diebold’s financial improvement has shed new light on the company’s outlook and strategic initiatives.
"This gives the board confidence that Diebold is on-course for creating substantial shareholder value for its investors, despite current global financial market conditions," he said.
Diebold on Sept. 30 increased its 2008 earnings expectations when it released its financial reports for 2007 and the first two quarters of 2008. The company’s earnings expectations are the result of earlier-than-expected progress from its cost-reduction initiatives, improved profitability from the company's Brazilian voting and lottery businesses, continued demand for the company's solutions in the global financial markets and a lower anticipated effective tax rate.
"Since 2006, we have focused on putting the right leadership in place, improving the key drivers of profitability and positioning the company for future growth," said Thomas W. Swidarski, Diebold’s president and chief executive. "We are now seeing the tangible results of these efforts. Recognizing there's much more for us to accomplish, I am increasingly confident in our strategies and our ability to execute on those strategies."
Monday, 13 October 2008
WORCESTER, Mass. — Two Worcester Polytechnic Institute students have invented a whole new campus perspective — a 3-D one, in fact — with the "WPImap Kiosk."
The technology stems from a required-for-graduation student research project and has been adopted by the university's admissions office in the Bartlett Center as a means to help prospective students, parents and current students better explore and learn more about WPI's campus. The kiosk, which is located in the university's Campus Center, houses a 3-D virtual map of the campus and allows the user to "walk around" campus in a virtual setting.
But if walking seems too "last century," users also have the option to "hop on" a Segway human transport vehicle — invented by one of WPI's most famous alums, Dean Kamen.
This invention started as an Interactive Qualifying Project — one of three projects WPI students must undertake before graduation — and was completed last spring by students Alexander Schwartz of New Fairfield, Conn., and Elisabeth Beinke of Norwalk, Conn.
"Not only is the kiosk a great tool for visitors to explore WPI's campus in a virtual environment, but it is also a great example of the innovative work our students are doing," said Edward J. Connor, WPI's director of admissions. "I enjoyed working with the team of students throughout the year, and their final product exceeded my expectations. The attention to detail and the accurate depiction of the campus in the virtual environment is amazing."
Akin to a 1980s arcade game, the kiosk features a joystick and trackball, and users can navigate around the 3D environment in real time, viewing all of the buildings and campus landmarks in photorealistic detail. Outside the virtual Bartlett Center, home of WPI's admissions and financial aid offices, players will notice a Segway. Upon stepping onto it, a full campus tour starts, complete with a virtual tour guide and a scripted path through all of the academic and residential buildings. The map will be continually developed and updated as the WPI campus evolves.
Monday, 13 October 2008
CIOL.com: Soon there will be more reasons to walk into a public call office in Bangalore, India, than just to make a phone call. Hundreds of PCOs in the city and elsewhere in Karnataka are now set to be upgraded into e-kiosks that provide multiple utility services, including the ability to book travel tickets, pay a variety of taxes, chat, browse and much more. The state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. has partnered with Intel and the Karnataka PCO Owners Association to enable PCO operators to upgrade into electronic information and transaction kiosks.
Click to continue
Monday, 13 October 2008
(Alpharetta, Ga.) Gwinnett Herald: A new Johns Creek, Ga., company has rolled out a product it is hoping can take the market by storm to help people get a better understanding of their eye health. SoloHealth recently unveiled its EyeSite Kiosk, which gives consumers a free eye-health screening with recommendations based on the findings. Now, SoloHealth could receive a Forbes award for its innovation, which was accomplished via a partnership with manufacturer KIOSK Information Systems and software vendor Netkey — both association members.
Click to continue
Monday, 13 October 2008
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — Unicomp Corp. of America will showcase automated registration processing Oct. 19–22 at the MGMA Annual Conference in San Diego.
Using the IMPOWER core platform and automated registration engine, Unicomp developers have created a touchscreen interface and established the POWERstation Kiosk to enable self-service patient registration.
The POWERstation Kiosk integrates and shares data with any practice management and electronic medical record system through HL7 messaging protocol and ODBC connectivity, without requiring a custom interface. Authorization and consent-form signatures are electronically captured and sealed in a HIPAA-compliant digital-document format. Optical character recognition technology converts insurance card and driver's license information into digital patient data and stores images of the documents in patient-centric folders for accessibility locally or from remote offices. Insurance eligibility is verified in real-time over the Internet, allowing co-pay and deductible requirements to be determined. Credit-card payments are collected, and immediately processed electronically, before medical services are rendered.
Unicomp selected SeePoint Technology's secure kiosk systems, which include fully integrated duplex card scanners, electronic signature pads, magnetic card readers, HIPAA privacy filters and AEGIS Antimicrobial treatments proven to be effective against MRSA and a wide range of bacteria, fungi and harmful microbes.
"SeePoint's integrated hardware is a great fit to display and drive our POWERstation Patient Registration Kiosk application. The units contain all the devices needed to drive our software solutions, and they protect all cables, ports and wires from the public," said Andy Kaplan, president of Unicomp Corp. of America. "They are a great partner to work with as they are responsive and their units are manufactured specifically for healthcare facilities."
Friday, 10 October 2008
TMCnet.com: Good news for travelers going through the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport: They can now stop by and enjoy valuable services at the Boingo Kiosk. The kiosk enables travelers to recharge computers, cell phones and iPods, and print color documents and get free Wi-Fi access passes.
Click to continue
Friday, 10 October 2008
USA TODAY: NEXTEP Systems' self-order dining kiosks are getting recognition from a leading mainstream newspaper. An article in USA Today highlights the efforts JFK airport is making to improve the traveling experience, including adding "civilized dining" services. To help facilitate the dining experience, the airport has deployed NEXTEP's self-order touchscreens, allowing travelers to order their food quickly and easily.
Click to continue
Friday, 10 October 2008
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — The board of directors of Diebold Inc. have declared a fourth-quarter cash dividend of 25 cents per share on all common shares, according to a news release. The dividend is payable on Friday, Dec. 5, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Monday, Nov. 17.
Friday, 10 October 2008
GRAFTON, Wis. — Merchandising and visual marketing company Frank Mayer & Associates Inc. is introducing its SlideBuy Shopper Information System Oct. 15-16 at the KioskCom Self Service Expo in New York.
According to a news release, the universal system combines a touchscreen monitor with customized software to create a powerful presence on the retail shelf. The SlideBuy System allows for customizable frames, software and can accommodate various monitor sizes. Placed on existing store shelving, the SlideBuy glides back and forth allowing easy product access.
"The innovative design takes product information directly to the shelf without displacing existing product," said Allen Buchholz, executive vice president of sales for Frank Mayer & Associates.
Thursday, 09 October 2008
PictureBusiness: Jessops has recently announced that it has signed a deal with Lucidiom to install and deliver over 1,000 kiosks at the leading photographic retailer's 233 stores across the U.K. The new kiosks and related software will complement the recent launch of Jessops Jpics, "allowing consumers to enjoy the wider range of photographic products available from the service in-store," the company said in a released statement. The companies explained that Jessops' partnership with Lucidiom is the first of its kind in the U.K. and marks a step in a new direction for photo kiosks nationwide.
Click to continue
Thursday, 09 October 2008
Nazret.com: The Ethiopia Commodity Exchange is soliciting to raise U.S. $26 million to create information affluence and enable prosperity by establishing an information kiosk for the inhabitants of every Ethiopian village, as part of its Commitment to Action. Over the next five years, ECX commits to establishing 5,000 information kiosks, networked into a national system, where farmers can receive up-to-date information on ECX market prices, national market and production trends, global commodity outlook and weather forecasts, as well as cropping technologies, fertilizer and seed prices and other key information.
Click to continue
Thursday, 09 October 2008
Luxury Travel Magazine: From Oct. 13, 2008, Lufthansa passengers flying from London Heathrow will be able to use mobile boarding passes on all Lufthansa non-stop flights to Germany, as well as to most onward destinations in Europe. The service will be gradually introduced from additional U.K. and European departure points over the coming months. The U.K. launch follows the successful introduction of mobile boarding passes on all domestic German routes in the summer and last month on about 1,000 daily flights out of Germany to almost 400 European destinations.
Click to continue
Thursday, 09 October 2008
OAKLAND, Calif. — Earlier this year, a select group of San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District riders took part in a first-in-the-nation trial to pay for their fares and food, receive discounts and check account balances using just their new mobile phone containing a contactless chip that enables transactions without a traditional plastic card.
BART, First Data and ViVOtech have since released the results of the trial conducted in the San Francisco area from Jan. 28 to May 30, 2008, which demonstrates high use when both transit fare and retail payments are combined in the same phone.
The results show that BART riders who took part in the trial extensively used their contactless, Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled phones to pay for their BART fares and meals at participating Jack in the Box restaurants.
The results also show that participants at BART stations frequently tapped smart advertisements in BART stations with their NFC phones. These posters contained directions to nearby Jack in the Box restaurants.
The data shows that trial participants took close to 9,000 trips on BART during the trial. To pay at BART stations, they simply tapped their NFC-equipped mobile phones, provided by Sprint, on top of the BART fare gates. This represents an average of 50 trips per participant during the four-month trial. Participants also topped-up their BART card balances more than 800 times using the over-the-air (OTA) feature of their NFC-equipped phones averaging five BART top-ups per mobile phone during the trial. More than 80 percent of trial participants indicated that the mobile wallet application was easy to use.
"We're very excited that our trial was so successful," BART's longest serving board member, James Fang, said. "NFC devices are all the rage in Asia, and if all goes well, millions of Americans will have access to these NFC-enabled phones starting in two years. With so many people turning to transit to avoid the ever-skyrocketing price of gas, we must do everything we can to break down the barriers that stand in the way of them using BART. The NFC-enabled phone simplifies their lives because they never need to dig for a BART ticket again, and they can bypass those fumbling for change at the ticket machine, and instead, go directly through the faregates — knowing they always have the correct fare on their phones."
Another value of this trial was to test the combination of transit and Jack in the Box meal purchases using the mobile phones as well as to drive traffic to merchants using NFC-enabled smart posters. During the trial, participants tapped their phones several hundred times on smart posters located throughout the BART terminal to obtain directions to the nearest Jack in the Box restaurant from the BART station.
ViVOtech developed the wallet software for the NFC mobile phones and the OTA card provisioning servers that Sprint used for the trial. This enabled participants to remotely download their BART fare and Jack Ca$h gift cards onto their mobile phones, check their card balances, review previous transactions, automatically top up their cards and use their phones to pay for BART fares and Jack in the Box food. ViVOtech also provided the contactless payment devices that read the NFC-enabled chips at Jack in the Box restaurants.
Thursday, 09 October 2008
WESTON, Fla. — Esprida Corp., a provider of remote management technology, has announced that it has teamed up with key industry partners to showcase branch optimization at KioskCom in New York, October 15-16.
The multi-partner solution makes it possible for government agencies and financial services organizations to monitor and control a customer visit throughout its lifecycle for improved services, greater efficiencies and enhanced customer experience.
"Esprida and its partners provide branches with a combination of best-in-class solutions in a process that uses self-service kiosks, queue management software and front-office applications to create a seamless workflow with people in the branch," said Anila Jobanputra, president of Esprida Corp. "Our software, Esprida LiveControl, is the service oriented architecture platform that makes all of this possible by enabling communication between hardware, software, customers and staff."
The Esprida-engineered solution leverages hardware, customer flow technology, configuration control software, an application solution platform, and secure connectivity products.
The solution accepts selections in its queuing process and offers visitors recommendations on the most appropriate channel to complete their task(s) quickly and easily.
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
Newsday.com: A talking kiosk resembling an ATM will help blind or low-vision passengers get around a ferry terminal in lower Manhattan. The kiosk is scheduled to be unveiled Wednesday at Whitehall Ferry terminal by a host of city and small business agencies. A similar kiosk was installed last year at Staten Island's St. George Ferry terminal.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
Mediacaster Magazine: Petro-Canada will deploy customer self-service food ordering technology and drive-through point-of-sale kiosk solutions in its c-stores. Working with Radiant Systems, the new platform will provide consumers with high-quality food and coffee as well as traditional fuel and convenience offerings.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
The Franchise Magazine: G&D (UK) Ltd., the London franchisee of Advanced Media Information, has placed its second touchscreen guest information kiosk at the prestigious Millennium Gloucester Hotel and Conference Centre in Kensington. This follows the success of its first kiosk at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
AMonline: The possibility of economic recession may not necessarily be bad news for everyone, according to Paul Schlossberg, president of D/FW Consulting. As Schlossberg points out, vending and onsite foodservice operators will be rethinking their service options, perhaps deploying more self-service food ordering kiosks to free up labor.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
MALVERN, Pa. — USA Technologies Inc. and AIR-serv, a provider of coin-operated tire inflation and vacuuming services, have announced an agreement where Air-serv will enable its kiosks, over the next two years, to accept credit cards with USA Technologies' ePort and ePort Connect Service. Motorists who pull into gas stations or convenience stores will soon be able to use their debit or credit cards to operate kiosks that will allow them to inflate their tires or vacuum the interior of their cars.
Air-Serv is currently presenting the companies' combined solution at the NACS Show in Chicago, October 4-7. The NACS Show is the most comprehensive annual gathering of retailers and suppliers in the global convenience and petroleum retailing industry.
"Motorists will no longer need to carry coins, or go into the gas station or convenience store to convert bills into change to operate the air compressor or vacuum," said Tom Bauer, president of AIR-serv. "We are installing the USA Technologies e-Port cashless transaction solution on our tire inflation compressors and vacuum machines to give motorists the ease, convenience and speed of being able to use credit or debit cards. The $140 billion convenience and gas industry has proven that consumers are comfortable using debit and credit cards at the pump and in stores to make small purchases. We are confident that these buying habits will be replicated when a consumer needs to inflate tires or vacuum their cars."
Under the agreement with USA Technologies, AIR-serv will install 10,000 e-Port cashless transaction terminals over the next two years. Installations are expected to begin before the end of the year.
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
Honolulu Advertiser: DeWayne McKinney, who made millions of dollars in Hawaii after spending nearly two decades in a California prison for a murder he didn't commit, died early yesterday in Kaimuki in a moped accident. McKinney's prison-to-paradise story drew national attention. He arrived in Hawaii in 2001 and started his Island ATM business with his $1.7 million settlement from the Orange County Police Department. At the time of his death he owned 42 ATMs on three islands and had a net worth of more than $6 million, said Carl Stein, whose company processed transactions for McKinney.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 07 October 2008
MyCustomer.com: Self-service can deliver significant assistance to the customer, and financial benefits to the business. Yet many organizations continue to struggle with the right role for self-service in their portfolio of support offerings and its use has plateaued. Allen Bonde examines the reasons for this — and explores what the right role for self-service really is.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 07 October 2008
AME Info: SITA, the specialist provider of IT solutions to airlines and airports, today said there is overwhelming evidence from passengers surveyed at six of the world's busiest airports across five continents, that self-service is fast becoming the norm for passengers from Atlanta to Moscow and that the main challenge to even broader adoption of DIY travel management is baggage.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 07 October 2008
MESA, Ariz. — According to a news release, Better ATM Services has reached agreements with Automated Cash Management Systems and APTUS Financial to dispense Amazon.com gift cards at ATMs across the nation.
The two ISOs will be part of a special pilot program in which Amazon.com gift cards will be distributed with a free $25 Restaurant.com promotional card. Dallas–based Columbus Data Services will provide transaction processing services for the program.
Better ATM Services also has become a reseller of Amazon.com gift cards, allowing Amazon.com gift cards to be distributed through ATM networks owned and operated by ISOs throughout the United States. The Amazon.com gift card is immediately valid for use toward purchase of any of the millions of items offered for sale at Amazon.com.
"Tough economic times mean consumers will increasingly demand more value," said Better ATM Services chief executive Todd Nuttall. "Gift cards with coupons and incentives distributed through ATMs provide just that."
Gift cards make up the largest segment of prepaid cards. Boston-based TowerGroup estimates that approximately $80 billion was spent on gift cards in 2006. Based on Mercator Advisory Group research, that total included approximately 600 million cards that were sold in-store.
Monday, 06 October 2008
FRESNO, Calif. — Continental Prison Systems Inc., provider of technology that streamlines the inmate release process and reduces the cost of loading funds to an inmate's account over the Internet or through a kiosk, has signed a new deal with a 485-bed Colorado prison.
"Two booking-room kiosks and two visiting-room kiosks have been installed at this facility," said said Ron Hodge, president and chief executive of Continental Prison Systems. "These kiosks have experienced significantly greater-than-expected volumes in the first two weeks. The money loaded onto the inmates' accounts and the bail/fines being paid by both cash and credit card have far exceeded all previous projections. We continue to work with the facility on a daily basis and we will soon bring on our proprietary 'remote' Internet-based money-transfer service. These services include loading funds onto an inmate's trust account and also the ability to pay fines and bail through CPSZ's online site."
The EZ exit debit card will follow these services in early November. The facility has expressed the desire to be 100 percent cashless by the end of this year.
Monday, 06 October 2008
The (Sunbury, Pa.) Daily Item: New technology in place at the Monroe Marketplace Giant Food Stores location in Pennsylvania allows customers to find products and get special offers by using the interactive Shopping Solutions kiosks. The kiosks can be used to locate an item and print a map, or place a deli order or access a shopping list made from home. Customers can even find meal ideas with more than 2,500 recipes that can be printed from the kiosks.
Click to continue
Friday, 03 October 2008
The Sydney (Australia) Morning Herald: A generation of children is growing up that will not remember paper airline tickets — and it's possible the next generation will not remember boarding passes, either. It is now possible to book a flight, check in, get a boarding pass and board a plane without a single piece of paper other than your photo identification. Airlines, including KLM, Air France, Lufthansa and Air Canada, have introduced mobile-phone boarding passes.
Click to continue
Friday, 03 October 2008
Supermarket News: Schnuck Markets, which runs 103 supermarkets, has rolled out ShoptoCook Recipe Solutions Center kiosks to 27 stores following a pilot in one store last year. Each store features three kiosks, including one each in the meat and wine departments. Schnucks plans on rolling out the kiosks to additional stores in October. The kiosks provide printed recipes, wine pairings and information on a variety of health conditions.
Click to continue
Friday, 03 October 2008
POSEN, Ill. — Corporate Safe Specialists, an association member, and The Pinnacle Corp. have announced that interface and certification efforts are nearly complete between the CSS line of Advanced Cash Control Systems and Pinnacle's Palm POS.
According to a news release, Palm POS will provide direct integrated functionality to CSS' suite of Advanced Cash Control Systems, providing a single point-of-control for cash flow and enabling a clerk's ability to accept, validate and secure cash directly into a business-rated safe. This integration will enable increased productivity with authenticated and traceable employee deposits, while reducing clerk training efforts by consolidating separate systems. The integration will provide increased visibility through consolidated loss prevention reporting that includes cashier details and safe events to support accountability audits. Integration will also eliminate the need for a stand-alone terminal for the safe, which frees precious space in the retail location and lowers overall equipment expense.
"The integration of Advanced Cash Control Systems into the Pinnacle Palm POS provides retailers the flexibility and single point for cash transactions that they are looking for," said James Currey, national sales manager for CSS. "CSS is always looking for innovative technology advancements that will increase the productivity of our customers' staff, in the most cost effective means possible. This solution will provide an integrated cash management capability increasing visibility to the retailer, while allowing for easier training for clerks to learn a single system for accepting payment and securing the cash, keeping the proper balance of funds in the till while reducing the exposure of the business."
Friday, 03 October 2008
HILLSBORO, Ore. — MTI, a provider of interactive merchandising technology and an association member, continues to innovate handheld electronics display solutions with the release of Freedom Universal 2.0.
According to a news release, Universal 2.0 is the latest addition to MTI's Freedom platform, which provides shoppers the ability to handle and demonstrate live, fully-powered electronic devices while providing unmatched security and merchandising flexibility to retailers. Building on the real-world intelligence gathered from thousands of existing Freedom deployments, MTI designed Universal 2.0 with both modern retail environments and unparalleled consumer experience in mind.
Like MTI's other Freedom platforms, Universal 2.0 continues to provide power and security to a broad range of handheld products such as digital cameras, camcorders, GPS products and mobile phones. However, Universal 2.0's new design provides a significantly reduced footprint, never distracting from or diminishing the "hero" effect of today's ever-smaller, must-have products. The new design also includes a host of new features such as: an integrated rotating 360-degree swivel to prevent cable twist and greatly increase retractor life; 270-degree viewable LED light ring to spotlight product and provide visual security; and enhanced security modules that feature advanced battery back-up capabilities.
Universal 2.0's programmable multi-color light rings not only enhance the look of the display, but can seamlessly connect with MTI's SKU activated merchandising system (Intuition Lift) for interactive content and color-guided product selection based on user engagement.
This system triggers sku-specific information based on customer interaction. Depending on the product displayed, messaging can drive sales through simulated ownership experiences, explanation of hidden features and benefits, product comparisons or suggestive selling of accessories. This interactive experience has been shown to both increase sales and decrease product returns, as an educated shopper becomes a more confident owner.
Freedom Universal 2.0 is also backwards compatible, allowing it to work seamlessly with Freedom 1.0 components, including smart cables, making it a more enhanced, low-cost upgrade option for retailers already using MTI's Freedom Universal line of displays.
Friday, 03 October 2008
Gizmodo: Conspiracy theorists who believe Elvis Presley is still alive and well might be excited to learn that an e-passport containing his photograph and vital statistics was verified and accepted by a self-service terminal at an Amsterdam Airport. The problem is, the passenger was not the king of rock and roll, but a hacker who was making the case that some e-passport verification platforms still lack the basic software infrastructure necessary to spot fraudulent documentation.
Click to continue
Friday, 03 October 2008
PC World: This week, California became the second state to pass a law making it illegal to steal data from radio frequency identification cards. The law sets a penalty that includes a maximum fine of U.S. $1,500 and up to a year in prison for someone convicted of surreptitiously reading information from an RFID card. RFID chips, used in a growing variety of applications worldwide, store small amounts of information that a nearby device can read. Among other things, the chips can be used to store customer data on a credit card or allow authorized people to open locked office doors or car doors in "keyless" entry systems.
Click to continue
Friday, 03 October 2008
ATMmarketplace.com: Industry executives, solution deployers and law enforcement met in Houston last month during the ATM Industry Association's Payments Fraud in the Americas conference. A handful of them sat down for one-on-one video interviews with ATM Marketplace. Click below to watch what they had to say about ATM ram raids and debit-card fraud.
Click to continue
Friday, 03 October 2008
Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle): Coinstar Inc., deployer of coin-counting kiosks, is morning the loss of its chairman. Keith Grinstein, a Seattle venture capitalist, has died at the age of 48. "He could have easily been the funniest man in Seattle," said Nick Hanauer, a close friend of Grinstein. "He had a remarkable wit … and a big heart." The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Click to continue
Thursday, 02 October 2008
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Health care providers now have a new self-service option when it comes to patient registration.
Unicomp Corp. of America, a provider of process automation products for the business side of medicine, will showcase its comprehensive POWERstation Patient Registration Kiosk during the MGMA 2008 Annual Conference, October 19-22, in San Diego at exhibitor booth #1015.
POWERstation is a part of Unicomp's IMPOWER family of workflow optimization solutions that are specifically developed for the office-based medical practice.
According to the news release, POWERstation is a feature-rich 'elegantly simple' application that includes an innovative suite of productivity tools to improve patient registration efficiency and accuracy. Patient registration is also the beginning of the revenue cycle. Improving patient demographic and insurance information accuracy will reduce insurance claim denials and increase cash-flow. Patient registration errors account for approximately 60 percent of all insurance claim denials, and subsequently result in unnecessary revenue write-offs and labor-intensive claim rework. For example, it is estimated that by incorporating the POWERstation solution, a moderate-size group practice could realize a bottom line benefit of several hundred thousand dollars, and thus yield a significant return on investment.
POWERstation's technology platform includes a combination of clerk-assisted workstations and/or self-service kiosks that can be used individually, or can coexist as complementary components, to enhance the patient check-in process. POWERstation integrates and shares data with any Practice Management and Electronic Medical Record system through the use of the widely-supported HL7 messaging protocol and ODBC connectivity, without requiring a custom interface.
Patient-completed forms are automatically translated into text records using handwriting recognition technology. Authorization and consent form signatures are electronically captured and sealed in a legally-binding, HIPAA-compliant, digital document format. Insurance cards, driver licenses, referrals, and other patient-provided documents are scanned along with the patient-completed forms and stored in paperless patient charts and folders, which are accessible locally or from remote offices. Optical Character Recognition technology converts insurance card and driver license information into digital patient data. Insurance eligibility is verified in real-time over the Internet, allowing co-pay and deductible requirements to be determined. Payments are collected by check or credit card, and immediately processed electronically, before medical services are rendered.
"As a long time user of Unicomp's IMPOWER solutions, I know the benefits they bring to the patient registration process," said Ron Welty, executive director of Amarillo Heart Group. "Our clinic sees over 300 patients a day and the efficiencies we've gained from using IMPOWER products at our check-in desks have helped our organization immensely."
Thursday, 02 October 2008
GLOUCESTERSHIRE, England — As a result of a record-breaking reception to an automated DVD rental kiosk in a Spar store in Formby, Liverpool, a second Movie Booth kiosk has recently launched in a Southport store to kick-start the surge of DVD rental kiosks in the Northwest.
According to a news release, the DVD rental kiosk concept has so far received an excellent response from the people of Formby since launching in May, with initial month rental levels surpassing all figures previously seen by The Movie Booth. As a result, The Movie Booth decided to deploy another kiosk on Merseyside to serve consumer demand.
DVD rental machines have experienced steady growth in the U.K. in recent months, with the credit crunch being given as the reason why people are staying at home and renting more movies. The Movie Booth kiosks operate using advanced robotics, making the rental of movies a fully automated experience for the customer. The kiosks placed in the Spar stores in Merseyside are expected to form the basis of the rollout of multiple kiosks across the Northwest.
As part of the Merseyside kiosk launches, Britain's Next Top Model finalist, Charlotte Denton, has assisted in giving demonstrations on how to use the kiosk during their first weeks of deployment.
"The Formby kiosk has started extremely well, as I knew it would, so we decided not to waste any time in getting the next one set up," said John Youssef, who is overseeing the deployment of the DVD rental machines at Merseyside. "We hope to launch two more by the end of 2008."
Every year in the U.K., 2.4 million adults rent four or more DVDs each month, according to the release. A further 7.6 million adults rent between one and three DVDs every month, and these figures suggest that recent news sounding the death-knell for DVD rental are unfounded.
Thursday, 02 October 2008
Florida Today: Nothing grabs attention like a space-suited astronaut in a hotel lobby. Advertising entrepreneur Tim Hock is using 6-foot-tall astronaut statues to draw users to interactive computer kiosks that have started to appear in Cocoa Beach hotels and will be installed in full starting next week. The touchscreen business directories, which cost $3,000 to $5,000, include printers so visitors can create brochures.
Click to continue
Thursday, 02 October 2008
Government Technology: In April, the Library of Congress unveiled the "Library of Congress Experience," computer kiosks in selected locations that let users virtually flip through and examine artifacts that are too delicate for handling, such as Jefferson's Declaration of Independence draft, George Washington's copy of the U.S. Constitution, John Beckley's Bill of Rights, the Gutenberg Bible, the Giant Bible of Mainz, Martin Waldeseemüller's 16th-century world maps and more.
Click to continue
Thursday, 02 October 2008
The (Villanova University) Villanovan: When the official student newspaper of Villanova University ranked new technologies available at the university, No. 2 on the list was the "Dorm Competition Kiosks" that have been deployed in four residence halls on campus. The devices are equipped with touchscreen technology and display energy monitoring statistics in categories such as hot water, cold water, hot water energy and electricity. Students are encouraged to do their part to conserve energy and "beat" the other dorms.
Click to continue
Thursday, 02 October 2008
LONDON — Now in its third year, KioskCom Self Service Expo Europe opened yesterday at Olympia and offered attendees a look into the European display market with the inclusion of the Digital Signage Show Europe.
Many of the kiosk exhibitors had already jumped on board early on, using digital screens as part of total kiosk solutions.
One such company was Cammax, which showed a patient check-in kiosk used in health clinics. The unit issues numbered tickets for those in the waiting room and those numbers are automatically fed to a digital sign, so patients know their place in the queue.
The kiosk also allows users to purchase personal items such as pregnancy tests, etc. through the kiosk without having to see a doctor or health consultant.
"It's saving the nurses time, helping speed up the processes and does this discreetly," said Adrian Hamor, production manager for Cammax.
On the digital signage front, Samsung's booth proved to be a popular destination for those interested in display technology.
The Samsung ID video wall was launched in recent months and is being shown in the U.K. for the first time at this show, said Ami Randhana, commercial manager for Samsung. The unit comes with a base that anchors the screens, which can then be stacked up to five-high using interlocking posts.
Randhana said that the video wall at the show, a three-by-three matrix, took only about 20 minutes to set up, while other video walls can take several hours to assemble. Using the posts, screens can pivot, allowing the wall to be convex or concave as well as flat.
The screens themselves were thin-bezel digital information displays (DIDs) that are manufactured to commercial standards. The screens are intended to be left on 24/7, so they are equipped with temperature controls to minimize heat which causes considerable wear over time.
Content was driven to the video wall using Samsung's MagicNet software for digital signage, which allows users to stretch the content across the entire matrix or control each screen individually.
Also in Samsung's booth was a 70-inch fully-integrated touchscreen powered by infrared touch, the 460CXn screen networked with Samsung MagicInfo and the customizable 400MNx display.
Thursday, 02 October 2008
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold Inc.'s share price went up 3.6 percent yesterday after the company filed its delinquent earnings results for 2007 and the first and second quarters of 2008. The company raised its earnings expectations for 2008 and reported 2007 year-end revenue of $2.97 billion and net income of $40 million.
Earnings per share guidance for the rest of 2008 has increased from $1.47-$1.37 per share to $1.62-$1.52 per share.
In a news release, Diebold said the upward revision in earnings expectations are the result of earlier-than-expected progress from cost-reduction initiatives, improved profitability from the Brazilian voting and lottery businesses, continued demand for the solutions in the global financial markets, and a lower-than-anticipated effective tax rate.
"We are very pleased that we have become current with our financial reporting, which has been a top priority for the company for more than a year," said Thomas W. Swidarski, Diebold president and chief executive. "The significant progress we've made in our cost-reduction initiatives has resulted in some of our anticipated savings coming in earlier than planned. This continued progress in reducing costs positions us well as we work toward achieving our profitability goals for 2009 and beyond. In addition, our global sales environment remains solid despite the well-publicized challenges facing the financial industry in the United States."
Revenue for 2007 was up .8 percent when compared with restated revenue of $2.94 billion for 2006, while net income was down 62 percent from the $105 million reported in '06.
Diebold says its future performance hinges on timing of a self-service upgrade and/or replacement cycle in mature markets, such as the Unites States; high levels of deployment growth for new self-service products in emerging markets, such as Asia-Pacific; demand for new service offerings, including outsourcing or operating a network of ATMs; demand beyond expectations for security products and services for the financial, retail and government sectors; implementation and timeline for new election systems in the United States, the company's strong financial position; and the company's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions.
"Since 2006, we have focused on putting the right leadership in place, improving the key drivers of profitability and positioning the company for future growth," Swidarski said. "We are now seeing the tangible results of these efforts. Recognizing there's much more for us to accomplish, I am increasingly confident in our strategies and our ability to execute on those strategies."
Additionally, in its annual report, which it filed yesterday, Diebold says it expects to successfully cut $100 million from its expenses by the end of the year — a goal defined by its Smart Business 100 program to reduce expenses. Diebold also expects to cut its global workforce by 800 full-time positions, which account for about 5 percent of its overall employment. The majority of those cuts are expected to occur in North America, Brazil and parts of Western Europe.
Thursday, 02 October 2008
 Saitech is one of the few firms in the kiosk solutions arena who is fully turn-key. Saitech, based in Toronto, operates a full spectrum team to create a unified kiosk solution from concept to hardware to User Interface to execution in the field. With a single point of contact, our clients achieve tremendous efficiency and focus. Our specialty is in the niche of "Creating Trust at the Point of Decision". We generate bright, crisp graphics-driven animations to show customers how systems and products work within seconds. Well informed customers make larger and more comfortable purchase decisions.
Saitech creates the kiosk's hardware look and feel, controls fabrication, develops the User Interface and rolls out your project to the field. One firm, one call.
Wednesday, 01 October 2008
Video Business: DVDPlay is dropping the price of its DVD rentals to match its larger rivals. Closely held DVDPlay, the No. 3 U.S. movie-rental kiosk operator, this week will drop the price of its daily rentals for both standard DVDs and Blu-ray discs to $1, the company said in a statement. DVDPlay, which also said it would expand its title selection, had been charging $1.49.
"In an economy of rising prices, our customers are looking for value for their entertainment dollars," DVDPlay president Charlie Piper said in the statement. DVDPlay's price reduction brings its fees even with the $1 daily rental rate charged by both Redbox and TNR/Moviecube for standard DVDs. Neither of DVDPlay's larger competitors offer Blu-ray.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 01 October 2008
NEW YORK — Innovative Office Products, Inc., will feature its space-saving 9190 and 9189 model LCD mounting arms at the 2008 KioskCom Self Services Expo, October 15-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Innovative will display its products at Booth 238.
Both mounting arm models "float" flat-screen monitors to offer flexible, space-saving solutions for point-of-sale systems. Many kiosks use space inefficiently by locking a screen in one position, making it more an obstacle or uncomfortable experience than a convenient service. Innovative's 9190 model and 9189 model LCD arms reduce a kiosk's footprint and provide a great range of motion for consumers.
"These POS solutions provide necessary functionality without consuming excess space," said Bud Oddsen, president of Innovative Office Products. "These mounts float POS devices in the air, allowing the user to effortlessly raise and lower the screen and enabling users of all sizes to achieve an optimal viewing angle."
The 9190 is an ergonomic, compact countertop mount for kiosks, signature capture screens and other POS devices. Securing a monitor safely to a counter, the mount is durable enough for retail environments, yet users can effortlessly pivot and turn it for easier viewing. The 9190 model also features:
- Quick set-up.
- Cable management system that allows cables to pass through the counter or behind the mount.
- Lock-in option.
- Support for monitors up to 25 pounds.
- Compatibility with VESA monitors.
Like the 9190 model, the 9189 is an ergonomic, compact countertop solution that reduces a kiosk or monitor's footprint. However, it also allows users to adjust the height of a monitor. It is available in three different ranges of height: 7-12 inches, 7-24 inches and 7-36 inches. This mount is secured by passing through a hole in the counter, allowing a retailer to bundle cables beneath the surface and out of view. The 9189 model also features:
- Quick set-up.
- Support for monitors up to 25 pounds.
- Smooth pivoting and turning.
- Lock-in option.
- Durable, retail-ready construction.
- Compatibility with VESA monitors
At KioskCom, Innovative will also be displaying its 7500 model flat panel radial arm and its EVO line of ergonomic LCD arms.
The 7500 Radial Arm weightlessly suspends a flat screen monitor about a desk or counter, freeing up valuable space and reducing clutter. Its range and flexibility features:
- 27-inch horizontal reach, and 18 inches of vertical range.
- Folds back to occupy just three inches of space.
- Can tilt a monitor up to 200 degrees.
- Manages cables and keeps them out of sight.
- Includes, FLEXmount, a mounting kit that provides users with six different mounting options.
- Compatible with VESA monitors.
The EVO line of ergonomic LCD arms are available in a variety of lengths, heights and mounting solutions, including slat-rail designs and desktop options. EVO's combination of attractive and intuitive design has made it an award-winning product. Like the 7500, EVO floats a monitor or laptop above a desk for an ergonomic set-up that can reduce workplace injuries. With EVO, you can adjust a screen with one hand and tuck it out of the way while not in use. These arms are also available in Any Color You Like to match a variety of color schemes.
Wednesday, 01 October 2008
NEW YORK — Innovative Office Products, Inc., will feature its space-saving 9190 and 9189 model LCD mounting arms at the 2008 KioskCom Self Services Expo, October 15-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Innovative will display its products at Booth 238.
Both mounting arm models "float" flat-screen monitors to offer flexible, space-saving solutions for point-of-sale systems. Many kiosks use space inefficiently by locking a screen in one position, making it more an obstacle or uncomfortable experience than a convenient service. Innovative's 9190 model and 9189 model LCD arms reduce a kiosk's footprint and provide a great range of motion for consumers.
"These POS solutions provide necessary functionality without consuming excess space," said Bud Oddsen, president of Innovative Office Products. "These mounts float POS devices in the air, allowing the user to effortlessly raise and lower the screen and enabling users of all sizes to achieve an optimal viewing angle."
The 9190 is an ergonomic, compact countertop mount for kiosks, signature capture screens and other POS devices. Securing a monitor safely to a counter, the mount is durable enough for retail environments, yet users can effortlessly pivot and turn it for easier viewing. The 9190 model also features:
- Quick set-up.
- Cable management system that allows cables to pass through the counter or behind the mount.
- Lock-in option.
- Support for monitors up to 25 pounds.
- Compatibility with VESA monitors.
Like the 9190 model, the 9189 is an ergonomic, compact countertop solution that reduces a kiosk or monitor's footprint. However, it also allows users to adjust the height of a monitor. It is available in three different ranges of height: 7-12 inches, 7-24 inches and 7-36 inches. This mount is secured by passing through a hole in the counter, allowing a retailer to bundle cables beneath the surface and out of view. The 9189 model also features:
- Quick set-up.
- Support for monitors up to 25 pounds.
- Smooth pivoting and turning.
- Lock-in option.
- Durable, retail-ready construction.
- Compatibility with VESA monitors
At KioskCom, Innovative will also be displaying its 7500 model flat panel radial arm and its EVO line of ergonomic LCD arms.
The 7500 Radial Arm weightlessly suspends a flat screen monitor about a desk or counter, freeing up valuable space and reducing clutter. Its range and flexibility features:
- 27-inch horizontal reach, and 18 inches of vertical range.
- Folds back to occupy just three inches of space.
- Can tilt a monitor up to 200 degrees.
- Manages cables and keeps them out of sight.
- Includes, FLEXmount, a mounting kit that provides users with six different mounting options.
- Compatible with VESA monitors.
The EVO line of ergonomic LCD arms are available in a variety of lengths, heights and mounting solutions, including slat-rail designs and desktop options. EVO's combination of attractive and intuitive design has made it an award-winning product. Like the 7500, EVO floats a monitor or laptop above a desk for an ergonomic set-up that can reduce workplace injuries. With EVO, you can adjust a screen with one hand and tuck it out of the way while not in use. These arms are also available in Any Color You Like to match a variety of color schemes.
Wednesday, 01 October 2008
PARMA, Italy — Custom Engineering has announced the debut of the VKP80II ETH, the latest in the company's VKP kiosk printer range, according to a news release.
With its ARM processor, the VKP80II ETH is twice as powerful as the standard version, offering unique performance as a kiosk and ATM printer.
One significant new feature is the Ethernet interface with integrated Web server and IP address that assures the remote monitoring of the device, for full diagnostics of the printer conditions in real time.
A further advantage of the VKP80II ETH Ethernet interface is the possibility to eliminate the PC card installed on the self-service kiosk, with savings in terms of both costs and maintenance: everything can be controlled by the central server via Ethernet.
Thanks to its integrated client mailing, the VKP80II ETH automatically sends an e-mail to inform the deployer of any problem, or let him know that his kiosk is running out of paper.
The integrated server also allows for remote planning: it is possible to install applications, updates and configurations in real time, via the Web.
The ARM processor memorizes logos and fonts in files like a normal PC: simply "drag & drop" to update the graphics and styles of the printed tickets, without needing any dedicated software.
The new Full Driver and Status Monitor software is also available on the Ethernet port: software that allows the deployer to adjust the printer settings directly and easily, accessing tools to create logos, fonts, updates and accessing a complete diagnostic service on the printer status log.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
(Phoenix) KPNX-TV, Channel 12: From its place in the Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Ariz., it looks like a new mini bank set-up shop. "It's a 10-by-10, state-of-the-art, stand-alone, self-contained audio and video recording studio," says Anna Madrid, vice president of business and development for MyStudio.net. At $300,000, the MyStudio kiosk is a million dollar idea that could turn into a goldmine for the developers, performers or the next reality TV star. "The technology behind this is just amazing," Madrid said at the unveiling of the company's first kiosk. "You don't look like you're in front of a green screen. It has a three-dimensional quality to where you really look like you're in the video your capturing."
Click to continue
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
ScienceDaily: Much like a dashboard gives a good read on how a car is doing, researchers hope they'll soon give physicians a better idea of how they are doing with patients. Researchers working at the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine have developed a touchscreen kiosk that lets patients quickly answer questions about their physician encounter. Their input instantly becomes a colorful measure displayed on a 24-inch monitor at the back of the clinic: red abstract orbs for below average, yellow for average and green for above-average.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
GlobeSt.com: Self-service is good service. That's the conclusion from Bruce Kopp, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc., a Richardson, Texas-based subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited. Fujitsu is one of several manufacturers that recently launched a cashier assisted self-service checkout option. It says its Hypermarket U-Scan Genesis Payment Station "combines the best features of self and full-service checkout" options. And just last summer, IBM announced first-of-a-kind self-checkout technology that allows consumers to shop for and check out purchases practically anywhere in a store. It also announced a new release of software to help speed the self-checkout process, a new entry-level kiosk and an expanded global self-service alliance program to reach new markets and industries.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
EAST HAVEN, Conn. — Netkey, provider of solutions for self-service kiosks and digital signage, has won the Fiondella Milone LaSaracina "Deal of the Year" Award. The award was presented during the second annual Innovation Pipeline Awards and Technology Showcase in Norwalk, Conn.
Netkey also was named by the Connecticut Technology Council as one of 100 technology "companies to watch" for 2008.
According to a news release, the award was presented in recognition of Netkey's acquisition of Alpharetta, Ga.-based Webpavement, which develops software to manage networks of digital displays. The transaction has propelled Netkey to a leadership position in the fast-growing digital signage market, which is expected to exceed $2.5 billion by 2011.
Netkey digital signage software is used by hundreds of organizations worldwide including Clear Channel, Kellogg's, Pfizer, the University of Houston and the United Nations.
"This is a great honor and we appreciate being recognized for the hard work and success we have achieved," said V. Miller Newton, chief executive officer of Netkey.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
PADERBORN, Germany — Wincor Nixdorf has expanded its software-solutions portfolio for postal-services providers. The PC/E Postal Solution Suite covers primary postal processes, ensuring effective processing of classic postal services and financial services, as well as those of sales processes that resemble retail sales.
According to a news release, PC/E Postal Solution Suite's four modules — Channel Delivery, Security, Management & Optimization and Banking Business Enabling — may be used to create customized solutions. PC/E Postal Solution Suite makes use of all relevant customer delivery channels, from the counter to the self-service system, as well as to mobile devices and the Internet. The solution enables postal-service providers to map their service offers with a single software.
The Product Management module represents the development of a rule-based, service-oriented software component for the universal administration of postal products and services. It maps all the information pertinent to a postal service and makes it centrally available.
The software bundles typical sales and service functionalities for all types of branches and POS systems. And automated teller safes or self-service systems also can be integrated. Classic postal services, such as parcel and letter-acceptance and distribution, are optimally supported.
This software suite is expected to be available during the fourth quarter of 2008 and will be presented for the first time at PostExpo2.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
PENNINGTON, N.J. — Kooltronic Inc., of Pennington, N.J., has announced the introduction of the Advantage Sentry Series Outdoor Filter Fans, according to a news release. The fans can be used to help cool the components of outdoor kiosks.
The newest members of the Advantage Filter Fan line, the Sentry Series Fans, are a cost-effective cooling solution where filtered, ambient air can be used to cool components that can tolerate temperatures slightly higher than ambient. The Sentry Series is suitable for outdoor installations and rated for NEMA 3R. These units are constructed of durable painted steel, offer integral finger protection and have synthetic filter media. The entire Advantage Filter Fan Series consists of eight models ranging from 32 to 988 CFM. Standard voltages available are 115 and 230 VAC, with models also available in optional DC voltages.
"We feel these products meet a real need for our customers," remarked Bruce Kreeley, Kooltronic director of sales and engineering. "The application flexibility offered in the Advantage Filter Fan Series for both indoor and outdoor use helps our customers solve their cooling problems in different environments."
With over 50 years of service to its customers, Kooltronic is a leading manufacturer of air conditioners, heat exchangers, fans and blowers designed specifically to cool the interior of enclosures containing heat sensitive electrical/electronic components. The company has a complete manufacturing facility and sales office at its headquarters in Pennington, N.J. and a regional sales office in Ventura, Calif.
Monday, 29 September 2008
SHENZHEN, China — Universal Travel Group Inc., a growing travel-services provider in the People's Republic of China, has unveiled the TRIPEASY Travel Service Kiosk.
According to a news release, the kiosk is an interactive terminal placed in a targeted public area. Universal Travel Group says the kiosks offer real-time air ticketing inquiries, reservations and purchases, as well as hotel and tour reservations. The kiosks will provide full 360-degree views of hotels and travel destinations and accept payment via bank cards, debit cards and Visa.
Credit Suisse Research says the number of domestic Chinese travelers that use online travel services continues to rise, accounting for 16 percent of users in 2007, up from 12 percent in 2005. The company plans to introduce the kiosks in select parts of China, with approximately 600 kiosks to be rolled out this year after a one-month trial period, which ends in October.
The China Internet Network Information Center says China is the world's largest market for Internet users, yet 95 percent of Internet users still do not make purchases over the Internet.
Universal Travel Group's kiosk interface will feature the same look, feel and functionality as its Web site.
Monday, 29 September 2008
THonline.com: The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium has placed one of six Ocean Today kiosks, which were unveiled Sept. 27. The six kiosks were simultaneously released at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History's Ocean Hall and at five Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers across the country.
Click to continue
Monday, 29 September 2008
BBC: Tesco shoppers will now be able to use self-service checkouts in Welsh following recent demand from customers. Tesco says a program initiated over the summer to convert its self-checkout systems to include a Welsh option is now complete.
Click to continue
Friday, 26 September 2008
BERWYN, Pa. — Tyco Electronics' Elo TouchSystems has extended the range of all-in-one touchcomputers designed for public environments. Ideal for use in retail and hospitality applications, the fanfree and silent Elo touchcomputers integrate powerful computing capabilities with full connectivity in the footprint of a monitor that can fit virtually anywhere. The new 17A2 17 inch and 15A2 15 inch models have a compact, flexible design, a comprehensive range of field-installable peripherals and a host of additional features to help customers gain an even firmer foothold in the point-of-service marketplace.
Many diverse applications can benefit from the capabilities of these all-in-one touchcomputers including point-of-sale, loyalty systems, kiosk information systems, domestic control, casino management and Internet access points such as those for Web surfing and hotel reservations.
The touchcomputers with dual-video display capability includes a choice of the industry-leading Elo TouchSystems touch technologies: AccuTouch Five Wire Resistive, IntelliTouch Surface Wave, CarrollTouch Infrared and the company's innovative Acoustic Pulse Recognition (APR) that blends the benefits of all three. Elo's touch technologies provide stable, durable touch options that are resistant to scratches and liquids and can be activated in a variety of ways.
The space saving, compact design of the 17A2 and 15A2 touchcomputers offer increased flexibility for easy integration of a variety of optional field-replaceable peripherals including three-track magnetic stripe reader (MSR) for credit, ID and loyalty card transactions; customer-facing display to verify those transactions; biometric fingerprint recognition for increased security; 3W speaker bar with optional single line or omni-directional barcode scanner; and DVD drive. Elo's unique cable management design conceals cables from view providing additional security from tampering and robust tie downs for strain relief. The multi-adjustable stand offers flexibility to accommodate a variety of installation configurations and the base is easily removed for secure mounting to countertops and walls. Serviceability is enhanced with easy access to the hard drive and compact flash through a slide out drawer.
Enhanced System Performance
In order to provide the higher computing power necessary for today's point-of-service applications, Elo placed a 1GHz Intel Celeron M processor at the heart of the new range of all-in-one touchcomputers. DDR2 system memory capacity can be expanded to 2GB and an integrated mini PCI slot enables optional high speed wireless LAN connectivity via 802.11g standards. Two serial, four USB 2.0 and one Ethernet port provide ample expansion capability to accommodate both legacy and future peripheral add ons. Elo has also added a cash drawer port, powered USB and VGA out ports and support for Windows Embedded for Point of Service and Windows XP Professional.
Ready for Public Access
"The 17A2 and 15A2 are designed for touch from the ground up and include all of the functionality expected from an Elo public access product, with features such as reliable, silent, fanless operation and cables hidden from the user's view," said Elo TouchSystems' product manager Kristof Heyndrickx. Heyndrickx confirms that the optional peripherals are seamlessly integrated into the touchcomputer's compact design and the all-in-ones offer a new adjustable base that can function as a tall or short stand. "The controls, placed on the side and not on the front, include a lockout function and multilingual on-screen display. We not only manufacture the 17A2 and 15A2 touchcomputers but also provide a single point of contact for service and support."
"After all," Heyndrickx said, "Elo invented touch technology over 35 years ago and we’ve been consistently innovating and improving our designs ever since."
The silent, fanless, spill and tamper-resistant design of the 17A2 and 15A2 touchcomputers and their compact, integrated peripherals makes them the ideal choice in a wide range of applications including point-of-sale, point-of-service, loyalty systems, kiosk information systems, medical and light industrial, airport security, domestic control and public Internet access points.
Friday, 26 September 2008
MELBOURNE, Australia — The Board of Symstream Technology Groups Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Terry Rhodes as a director of the company, according to a news release.
Terry has over 25 years' experience in the telecoms industry in developed and developing countries. He was one of the pioneers of the mobile industry, as part of the senior management team in the mid-1980s at what is now a company called 02 in the U.K. He then joined Cable & Wireless, where his role included work on international mobile startups such as MTN in South Africa and Optus in Australia.
In 1998 Terry co-founded Dutch-based Celtel International BV, the Pan African cellular operator with 30 million customers across 15 countries, which was sold to MTC Kuwait, now Zain, for U.S. $3.4 billion in 2005.
Terry is now an investor and advisor to several companies operating in developing countries. He is also an occasional lecturer at London Business School, where he was entrepreneur in residence in 2007. Terry is a British citizen living in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
"We are extremely excited to have attracted to our board a person of the caliber and skill of Terry Rhodes," said chairman Michael Neistat. "Terry brings extensive telecoms experience to our board, which complements the skill sets of our other board members in the areas of information technology, financial services and general management."
Friday, 26 September 2008
MEQUON, Wis. — D2 Sales LLC has announced that the Dean Health Systems of Madison, Wis., has chosen the My Patient Passport Express kiosk for its patient check-in program.
The My Patient Passport Express kiosk allows patients to check-in, make future appointments and update their medical history, all using a simple to navigate touchscreen. Patients can use their credit card to make co-pay payments, and sign documents using the integrated electronic signature pad.
"The kiosk allows our clients to provide outstanding patient care and service while at the same time improving efficiency for the medical facility," said Sandra Nix, D2's chief executive.
The D2 My Patient Passport Express kiosk provides patients with the convenience of easy check-in, records updating, co-pay payment acceptance and wayfinding and mapping features.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
SEATTLE — MOD Systems, a provider of digital media delivery systems for retailers, has announced that Toshiba Corp., NCR Corp. and others, have agreed to invest $35 million, giving the companies minority stakes in MOD Systems.
The investment is part of an initiative to leverage breakthrough portable digital storage technology that offers the potential to revolutionize how consumers download movies, TV shows, music and other digital content at a wide variety of locations, and then replay it on multiple devices, according to a news release. The initiative will combine technologies developed by the companies, and is aimed at meeting the explosive demand for easier access to high-quality digital entertainment and other content.
Under the initiative, consumers will download digital content to Secure Digital cards and portable devices such as mobile phones through kiosks and other self-service devices deployed, integrated and maintained by NCR at retail stores, airports, quick-service restaurants and other outlets. Toshiba will develop dedicated set-top boxes for the service, and develop and market high-capacity SD cards for the system, improving the speed of downloads in the future.
The kiosks and other self-service devices will use the MOD Retail Enterprise System for "multichannel" digital media delivery, which enables digital content to be managed and distributed securely using portable devices and portable storage media, including SD memory cards.
"This technology and initiative have tremendous potential," said Bill Nuti, chairman and chief executive of NCR. "We continue to see opportunities to extend our experience in self-service to promising new industries like entertainment. Our initiative with MOD Systems is designed to offer consumers one of the fastest, most convenient ways to access high-quality digital entertainment."
MOD Systems provides retailers with a complete digital media system for consumers to load entertainment to portable devices and storage media, or burn content to an optical format (CD/DVD). The MOD Retail Enterprise System, deployed with leading global retailers, supports all content types and distribution scenarios including manufacturing-on-demand, delivery in optical or digital format, and hybrid online and in-store systems. Video entertainment content will be provided by major and independent studios, which will provide approximately 4,000 titles at the launch of the service. Initial content downloads will be in standard definition, and the service may also be applied to downloads of high definition content in the future.
"Digital media has not been able to truly impact sales at retail and therefore has not become truly pervasive and accessible to all consumers," said Mark E. Phillips, chief executive of MOD Systems. "Our goal of creating richer retail destinations for digital entertainment will be furthered with Toshiba and NCR as strategic partners. We are humbled and excited to have leaders in consumer electronics and self-service accelerate our vision for entertainment in retail."
Thursday, 25 September 2008
The Chronicle of Higher Education: Soon students will be able to buy electronic textbooks at the college bookstore, using kiosks that will download files and burn them to CDs. The kiosks will also offer the latest Hollywood movies, which the machines will be able to burn onto DVDs on demand. The National Association of College Stores announced today that it has formed a spinoff company, NACS Media Solutions, to broker the deals with publishers to support the new, on-demand service.
Click to continue
Thursday, 25 September 2008
The Denver Post: Fair warning: What looks like an ATM might not be an ATM at all. It could be one of the Denver Scholarship Foundation's "giving kiosks," and instead of spitting out Benjamins, it will accept your donation toward a child's college education. The kiosks, brainchild of DSF development director Myles Mendoza, were introduced when 150 Friends of Ed gathered for a sunset "friend-raiser," planned by Kasia Iwaniczko, in the rooftop garden at the Museum Residences.
Click to continue
Thursday, 25 September 2008
BURNABY, B.C. — TIO Networks Corp., a North American multi-channel expedited bill payment processor, continues to experience substantial increases in transactions, payment volumes and transactional revenues, according to a news release. In August the company processed a record 558,000 transactions worth more than U.S. $45 million.
According to the news release, in the fourth quarter of TIO's fiscal year ended July 31, 2008, management undertook an in-depth review of its operations and reduced G&A expenses to reflect its new "processing-centric" business model. Strong growth in transactional revenue, gross margins, reduced G&A and reduced capital expenditures have positioned TIO to deliver positive EBITDA results in its current quarter of operations, Q1, 2009 and the best annual financial performance as a bill payment processor in the history of the company.
The company has identified a behavioral change in the bill paying habits of U.S. consumers in the face of the ailing U.S. economy. A growing demographic is paying at the last minute and using expedited payments as a tool to manage cash flow and steer clear of costly late fees. This behavioral change is leading to increasing consumer awareness and interest in TIO's premium priced expedited bill payment services. This growing interest has enabled the company to increase a number of its transaction rates, which has improved gross margins.
This consumer demand for expedited payments is creating business momentum for TIO's services within the payment industry and helping drive the rapid growth of The TIO Network. From April 30th to June 20th, the number location endpoints in TIO's processing network had grown 150 percent from approximately 4,000 to over 10,000 location end-points. Subsequent to June 20, 2008, the company added another 600 endpoints to its network.
The company continues to develop new opportunities to grow the network through third-party self-service and clerk-assisted networks. It is also working on further unlocking the value of its expedited bill payment relationships by processing to online and bank-based consumers.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
COLOGNE, Germany — KODAK has released the upgrade for version 2.0 of its Picture Kiosk software.
The new upgrade encourages consumers to make premium products easily through dedicated attract loops and premium product visualization with customer images – right at the order summary.
According to a news release, the software delivers improved workflows that make it easier for consumers do what they want, from finding their important pictures to stunning premium product items, quickly and easily. The software also enables direct G3 and G4 series kiosk connectivity to the KODAK DL2100 Duplex Printer, allowing retailers to leverage their existing KODAK Picture Kiosk hardware investment as the basis for expansion into fast-growth double-sided photobooks, greeting cards and calendars right in the store. In addition, the new software also enables ordering of exciting off-site photo-merchandise that delivers even more profitable retailer opportunities while delivering on the promise of consumer digital photography.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
nstonline (Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia): Malaysia Airlines customers in Malaysia will be able to check-in via the Web and self-service kiosks for all international travel by year-end. In a statement, senior general manager of transition management, Dr Amin Khan, said international customers would be able to do Web check-in by next year. "They can also select their preferred seats online 24 hours before flight departure and print their boarding passes," he said.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
The (St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia) Hawk: PrintPODs, kiosks for high-quality printing on the go, have arrived on Saint Joseph's University's campus in Philadelphia. Global Print Systems Inc., the maker of the PrintPOD, is running a landmark trial program for its remote printers at Saint Joseph's. Three PrintPOD machines are currently installed, one on the second floor of Campion Student Center and one at each of the two Lancaster Court Apartment buildings.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Bangkok Post: The Betagro Group plans to offer a smarter point-of-purchase electronic traceability system that not only enables consumers to verify the quality of the group's pork products, but also prints cooking tips and recipes. Since the beginning of this year, the group has successfully installed 11 ''Spy on Me'' kiosks, part of the innovative point-of-purchase e-traceability system at supermarkets under The Mall Group, Emporium and Siam Paragon.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Video Business: Polar Frog Digital will begin rolling out digital download kiosks to seven college campuses next month through a deal with the National Association of College Stores, the two announced. NACS, a collegiate retail trade organization with 3,100 member stores, will add kiosks to campus bookstores at NYU, UCLA, San Diego State University, University of Colorado —Boulder, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Bowling Green State University. Students at those schools will be able to use the touch-screen kiosks to download movies and TV shows and burn them to DVD or transfer them to a Flash or USB drive. They also will be able to buy downloads online or via mobile phone with the ability to download to a PC or burn to DVD for pickup at the bookstore.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
ContactlessNews.com: Motorola has been chosen to supply the enrollment kiosks to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Police Computing and Material Service for Norway's biometric passport and visa program, according to The Financial. The kiosks from Motorola, called Bio-Enrol Stations, will enable Norway's agencies to enroll the 500,000 passport applicants and 150,000 visa applicants they receive annually.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Current.com.au: Since 1996, Fujifilm Australia has been rolling out its Frontier Digital Minilab kiosks. The company now has just installed its 800th kiosk at Dick Smith Powerhouse in Elizabeth, South Australia. Fujifilm says it now expects to exceed the 1,000 mark within two years.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
The Canadian Press: Montreal on Sunday unveiled its new self-service bicycle system. The program, named Bixi, allows residents to borrow bicycles from one station and drop them off at another. "You grab it, you ride it, you bring it back," said Montreal's mayor Gerald Tremblay. "It will become an emblem for Montreal."
An expected 2,400 bikes will be available at 300 stations in six Montreal boroughs.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Delaware North Companies has partnered with uWink to bring uWink's unique self-service and entertainment technology to the Chili's Too Margarita Bar at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.
According to a news release, the global hospitality, food-service and retail provider this week completed the installation of four of its uWink's touchscreen terminals at the restaurant and bar. It is the first location to use the unique technology in the airport-hospitality sector.
The Fort Lauderdale Airport was an ideal location for Delaware North to provide travelers with the uWink technology because of its selection in April to be one of 18 "Model Ports of Entry" airports. The initiative seeks to improve the experience of international visitors.
The uWink terminals will help the initiative by offering menus and games in Spanish and English. In the near future, the technology will be available in German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and French.
"We're pushing very hard to bring cutting-edge brands to travelers across the country, so our partnership with uWink represents an incredible opportunity," said Matt King, president of Delaware North Travel Hospitality Services. "I think people are going to be blown away by how much fun they have at the uWink terminals and how convenient they are for international visitors."
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
BROOKINGS, S.D. — The ATM Industry Association is calling for nominations and applications for its three industry awards for 2008.
The deadline for all nominations this year has been extended until Sept. 30.
The three award categories are as follows:
1) Lifetime Achievement Award — awarded by the ATMIA executive board.
2) Best Contributor to ATM Security — awarded by the Global ATM Security Alliance executive committee.
3) ATM Industry Award for Excellence (Joint award with ATMmarketplace) — awarded by majority vote among ATMIA members.
To be considered for the award, at least one criterion must be met:
- Long-term positive influence on the industry
- Excellence in technology or levels of service
- Leadership in applying best practices
- Specific and measurable achievements
To nominate a person or company, please contact . Include the contact details of the person or company, the award, and a 500-word persuasive document about why this person or company should be chosen.
Nomination forms are available online: ATM Global Industry Awards Information & Nomination Forms.
Monday, 22 September 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pennsylvania Commission for Women and the Highmark Foundation have unveiled a Women's Wellness Guide kiosk at the Allegheny County Jail. The two organizations say the kiosk will be a critical health-information resource for women who tend to be underserved by health agencies. The first of its kind in Pennsylvania, the kiosk has an ATM-sized touchscreen portal that provides women with answers to questions about a wide range of health topics, ranging from heart disease to obesity. It will also provide information about health-insurance options.
Click to continue
Friday, 19 September 2008
(Australia) PC Authority: The Espresso Book Machine has made its worldwide book chain debut, and can print, glue and bind cheap paperbacks on demand in seven to 14 minutes while you wait. Developed by former Random House editorial director Jason Epstein, the Espresso Book Machine was launched in the U.S. in 2006, and in 2007 was named by Time Magazine as one of the "Best Inventions of the Year."
Click to continue
Friday, 19 September 2008
AFP: Ceviche is the first self-service wine bar in Washington and believed to be one of very few in the entire United States. It features wines and food from Latin America or with a Spanish accent. Before Lana Shekim does the week's shopping, she likes to stop off at the self-service place in her Washington neighborhood for a top-up. "The primary thing for me is, it's in the neighborhood, across the street from the supermarket, and it's easy," she told AFP as she inserted a green card with a microchip into a slot above one of three self-service units, each of which contains eight bottles of wine.
Click to continue
Friday, 19 September 2008
Film Journal International: As today's consumer becomes increasingly independent and more apt to choose self-service solutions, ticket companies are moving quickly to deploy new ticketing kiosks. Find out what companies like Clarity Commerce Solutions, Fandango, Mobiqa, MovieTickets.com, National Ticket, Omniterm, Radiant Systems, Retriever Software, Splyce, Ticketsoft and Vista are doing.
Click to continue
Thursday, 18 September 2008
ZDNet Asia: Nokia has introduced automated kiosks across the central Klang Valley in a bid to encourage people to recycle their mobile phones. In a recent study conducted by the mobile phone maker, only 3 percent of respondents recycled their cell phones and 50 percent were unaware that their devices could be reused. Nokia is hoping to improve the statistics with the introduction of kiosks specially designed to ease the recycling process.
Click to continue
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Times West Virginian: The newest addition to Pricketts Fort, a historical and recreational park located just north of Fairmont, W.Va., is an interactive kiosk that concentrates on three different aspects of life in the 18th century. The kiosk, set up in the upstairs portion of the visitors’ center that is known as the Orientation Gallery, allows the fort’s patrons to see how people worked on different trades, such as blacksmithing and pottery. The kiosk illustrates how those living in the 18th century spent their leisure time as well. It also concentrates on the domestic arts, such as spinning, weaving and making baskets.
Click to continue
Thursday, 18 September 2008
DENVER — Nevada drivers can now pay for vehicle registrations and other fees at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles using debit cards.
According to a news release, payment through the STAR Network is now featured on the DMV's self-service kiosks as well as at DMV counters. Twenty-six kiosks are available for drivers who use their debit cards to pay registration fees, driver history records and other fees. And the addition of PIN pads at counter POS terminals is making it possible for DMV customers to pay at more than 300 DMV payment windows across the state.
According to a recent study by First Data on consumer payments, nearly 87 percent of survey respondents used a debit card in the last 30 days, indicating a trend toward more debit card use.
"The addition of the online bill payment option in 2006 and now the ability to accept debit cards at the payment counters and in the self-service kiosks gives drivers more convenience and more choices in how they pay," said Dennis Colling, chief of administration at the DMV.
Thursday, 18 September 2008
James Bickers is the editor of Retail Customer Experience, a sister site of SelfService. To submit a comment about this article, please e-mail .
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — New research from global payment security consultancy Trustwave analyzes the most common methods and targets of recent card breach incidents, and the results may surprise merchants.
Methods of card data compromise - the top 10
1. SQL injection
2. Backdoor/trojan
3. Remote access issues
4. Perimeter security issues
5. Weak passwords
6. Remote exploit
7. Keystroke loggers
8. Internal attacks
9. Physical security issues
10. Wireless
|
The data was presented at the 2008 MICROS Users Conference, held Sept. 14-16 in Annapolis.
In a joint presentation between MICROS and Trustwave, the companies announced they had partnered to offer a comprehensive suite of merchant data protection tools and services, from hardware and software to PCI auditing.
Mark Shelhart, manager of operations engineering for Trustwave, explained that his company has collected hard data from 400 recent cardholder data compromise incidents, and analyzed them to find the latest attack trends and techniques.
Among the findings presented:
- The vast majority of all of the incidents - 9 out of 10 - were aimed at small merchants. Shelhart said this is a big change from just a few years ago, when big merchants were the primary target. Now that those larger entities are paying closer attention to payment security, attackers are moving on to easier targets. "Hackers are picking on the small guys," he said.
- Despite the emphasis often placed on payment security in the online channel, 69 percent of the attacks were card-present. "The attack today is in your space," Shelhart said.
- Most of the attacks (52 percent) were in foodservice, with retail a distant second (27 percent). Once again, Shelhart noted that many attackers will aim for the low-hanging fruit, and foodservice IT often "doesn't get the TLC that it needs."
- The most commonly attacked target (67 percent) is POS software, with online shopping far behind (25 percent). In a test conducted with Visa last year, Trustwave spent four hours doing a basic Internet scan, looking for ripe targets. Within four hours, the test identified the IP addresses of 1,600 POS systems - easily spotted due to improperly configured firewalls or other critical issues.
The vast majority of all of the incidents - 9 out of 10 - were aimed at small merchants. Shelhart said this is a big change from just a few years ago, when big merchants were the primary target. Now that those larger entities are paying closer attention to payment security, attackers are moving on to easier targets. "Hackers are picking on the small guys," he said.
Just who is to blame for those improperly configured systems? Sixty-three percent of the time it's a third party — a POS developer, an integrator or a local IT firm. Shelhart pointed out an alarming finding that many local IT integrators will use the same passwords for all of their clients that run a particular piece of software. "So the attacker knows, 'If I can get into one of them, I can get into all of them,'" he said. "It's a cookie-cutter approach."
One of the requirements of the PCI data standard is that merchants must not improperly store detailed card data — "track data," the magnetically encoded information that, if placed in malicious hands, can be used to make any number of duplicate cards. Distressingly, 95 percent of brick-and-mortar merchants surveyed are running non-compliant software and are storing track data. Online merchants aren't doing much better — 60 percent of them are improperly storing CVC (card validation code) data, those extra digits on the front or back of a card that aim to provide one extra layer of security
Thursday, 18 September 2008
The Virginian-Pilot: It used to be much harder to keep track of visitors who came into and out of B.M. Williams Primary School. No more. Now, every visitor who walks into B.M. Williams must produce identification for a machine that will record the information, compare it with the national sex-offender registry, then record how long the visitor is in the building. A small camera mounted on the kiosk snaps a photo of the person's face.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Retail Week: Outdoor specialist Blacks is testing an in-store kiosk that gives customers travel and healthcare advice, as well as product recommendations for foreign travel. The kiosk, which is located at the retailer's High Street Kensington store, is branded with the logo of its supplier, Lifesystems, and displays a version of the content available on Lifesystems' Big Planet Web site.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
James Bickers is the editor of Retail Customer Experience, a sister site of SelfService.org. To submit a comment about this story, e-mail .
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Fliers departing John F. Kennedy International Airport in October will experience a re-opened terminal featuring 250 touchscreen kiosks and 26 arrival and departure gates.
The kiosks from Nextep allow gate-bound travelers to choose food and drink items from multiple vendors and combine them into one order. The buyer swipes a payment card — with an option to add gratuity — and delivery to the gate is scheduled, along with estimated arrival time.
The program is part of Terminal 5's "T5 Experience," which aims to make dining at the airport something travelers will look forward to.
"The initiative also includes a focus on improved food quality, with local ingredients and a 'farmer's market'-type ambiance," said Nextep's Tommy Wojick.
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Thomas Swidarski, president and chief executive of Diebold Inc., reiterated his company's focus on providing ATM and security-related services during a conference call with investors on Sept. 10.
"What's our mission as a company?" Swidarski asked. "It's pretty crystal clear that we're transforming our focus to value-added services. That's what we're moving toward."
"Most of the competitors that we deal with are heavily influenced on the product side — it might be 60/40 on the product, services," he said, adding that Diebold's emphasis is split 50/50 between the two offerings.
Swidarski said that, in the future, Diebold expects to provide services in a vast array of verticals, including healthcare and government. He cited a recent contract to implement a nationwide security upgrade at 40,000 U.S. Postal Service locations as evidence that Diebold has made inroads in the government sector.
"It amounts to what could potentially be a 12-year contract — a very enormous contract," Swidarski said. "Why was Diebold uniquely qualified to do it? Two reasons. One: nationwide service infrastructure, second to none. Two: security expertise. That's a wonderful opportunity for us and it leverages the investments we've made in various security operations in the last three or four years."
Charles E. Ducey, Jr., senior vice president of global development and services at Diebold, offered an optimistic view of the future of the ATM industry, saying he expects the global ATM market to grow six to eight percent over the next three years, due to increased interest in deposit automation, promulgation of ATM-based services and increases in the number of ATMs deployed.
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold, Inc. has announced that it has been granted an additional period for continued listing and trading on the New York Stock Exchange from Sept. 17, 2008 through Oct. 31, 2008, subject to reassessment on an ongoing basis. During this extension period, trading of the company's shares on the NYSE will remain unaffected. If Diebold does not become current with its Securities and Exchange Commission filings during this extension period, the NYSE could either grant an additional extension period or move to initiate suspension and delisting procedures.
As previously disclosed on Aug. 11, 2008, Diebold still expects to file its delinquent financial statements in September 2008, upon completion of its internal review of other accounting items. These statements include the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2007, Sept. 30, 2007, March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008.
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
New York Post: For those who can't be bothered with blending their own grapes, the new high-tech wine bar Clo offers a novel approach to sipping and swirling. Located on the fourth floor of the Time Warner Center, the walled-in kiosk features a 32-seat communal table with a digital wine list projected onto it. With the touch of a finger — or in the case of one writer, repeated stabs — you can search some 100 wines by color, grape, region and price (half-glass pours start at $3 and quickly go up from there).
Click to continue
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
The (Pittsfield, Mass.) Berkshire Eagle: The visitor's bureau in Berkshire County in Massachusetts has unveiled the first of five interactive kiosks that will provide visitors with an interactive portal to goods and services available on the bureau's Web site. The Visitors' Bureau unveiled the first kiosk at the Prime Outlets of Lee on Friday. The kiosk is in the food court of the outlet mall. The kiosks, which feature touchscreen technology, are powered by the Berkshire Visitors' Bureau Web site. According to Ray Smith, vice president of marketing and operations at the Visitors' Bureau, the kiosk gives a visitor access to all 800 of the businesses and organizations that are members of the Visitors' Bureau.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Central Penn Business Journal: York Hospital has added a self-checkout kiosk — called ScriptCenter — at its WellSpan Pharmacy. ScriptCenter allows patients and hospital staff to pick up prescription refills any time, without waiting in line, according to the hospital, which is operated by York-based WellSpan Health. Customers enroll for ScriptCenter and order prescriptions as usual. To pick them up, they log into ScriptCenter with a user identification and PIN, and follow prompts on the touchscreen.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
(Florence, S.C.) Morning News Reporter: A new kiosk at the Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation Library features snapshots and video that detail the genesis of the Florence Veterans Park, which will open in two months. "We just believe (the kiosk) will serve to let the patrons who visit the library become more aware of the park and the beauty of the park," said Florence County library system director Ray McBride, a U.S. Army veteran.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
New Media Age: As head of Woolworths-owned Entertainment UK Digital, Matthew Porter explains the concept behind the company's retail digital media kiosks — self-service devices that enable the user to download music, movies and television shows. "The aim was to make the kiosk as simple as possible to use," says Porter. "Customers have access to a selected range of content, not the full Digital Vault database, because we wanted to ensure a shorter dwell time at the kiosk and so increase the number of people accessing it." The kiosks are being rolled out in the Middle East following a deal with the Al-Fozan Group's consumer electronics retail brand Zonik.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
NEWS.scotsman.com: Thousands of passengers at Edinburgh Airport are set to speed up their journey through check-in with the delivery of new self-service kiosks. Airport bosses have installed 10 of the terminals in a bid to tackle the queues. British Airways and BMI already have check-in machines for their own customers, but the £300,000 terminals installed by airport operator BAA will be open to all airlines.
Click to continue
Monday, 15 September 2008
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. — Opinionmeter International has released a major upgrade to their Web-based SurveyManager application, enabling customers to include multimedia content within their survey's questions and responses. The SurveyManager remotely manages a wide-range of Web-enabled touchscreen survey devices, providing real-time point-of-experience customer feedback.
This enhancement provides clients the option of including video, sound and image content within their survey questionnaire. Additionally, clients can run multimedia presentations and digital signage on their touchscreen Opinionmeters during idle time between surveys.
This multimedia enhancement is available with most TouchPoint Opinionmeters, including the TouchPoint kiosk, tablet and handheld models.
Opinionmeter's touchscreen survey devices collect real-time point-of-experience survey data, and transmit that data across the Internet to its Web-based reporting tool known as The SurveyManager. The SurveyManager automates the entire real-time survey process, — formulating the questions, deploying the survey, aggregating the data and reporting analyzed results.
The Opinionmeter System gathers large amounts of customer feedback instantly from the point-of-experience, analyzes it, and transforms that data into information it delivers to any authorized person anywhere in the world for meaningful actions. The system is quickly implemented, easy, convenient and economical to use. The result is immediate, providing spontaneous data that is not aged or dated — it is ripe for meaningful business action, or for timely response to a just occurring negative action, such as poor service.
Friday, 12 September 2008
The Greenville (S.C.) News: Pak It N Self Storage announces the installation of an Insomniac self-service rental kiosk at their facility behind Burger King on Fairview Road in Simpsonville, S.C. Pak It N is the only self-storage facility in the upstate with an Insomniac kiosk. Now Pak It N is open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you decide to empty your garage in the wee hours of the night, or late on a weekend or holiday, you can rent a unit at Pak It N Self Storage and move your stuff in immediately, without waiting on the staff to arrive the next business day. The Insomniac is an ATM-type machine that allows turn-key rentals of storage units, sells and dispenses locks and accepts payments from current customers.
Click to continue
Friday, 12 September 2008
The (Singapore) Straits Times: From check-in to document scanning, baggage tagging and even boarding, more do-it-yourself options will be available to air travellers in three to five years. The airline industry, which expects to lose $5.2 billion this year, is pushing for more automation and self-service options to reduce costs, said Philippe Bruyere, a director at the International Air Transport Association. In addition to helping the airlines save money, self-service will also offer passengers more choices and flexibility he told The Straits Times yesterday.
Click to continue
Thursday, 11 September 2008
The Houston Chronicle: Tucked along the front wall of some grocery stores, right there with the coin counters and carpet cleaners, is another machine — one designed to draw business from Blockbuster and Netflix, but also to keep DVDs viable as more consumers get movies over the Internet. Depending on the brand of grocery store and the part of the country, shoppers are increasingly likely to see a $1-a-night DVD rental kiosk, including those installed by a Houston-based company, The New Release, as they push their carts toward the exit.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Progressive Grocer: Giant Eagle Inc. has deployed more than 30 intelligent self-service ordering systems in more than 30 of its GetGo c-stores that are expected reduce lines and wait times by allowing customers to place orders directly at the sandwich counter. The IBM-powered AnyPlace Kiosk that Giant Eagle is now using relies on NextChoice's NextWave self-service software suite, which unifies customer ordering and payment with the collection and management of transaction data and preferences.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
WalesOnline: Libraries owned by Cardiff, the capital of Wales, are to become self-service in the biggest revolution in their 150-year history. The project, which will cost up to £1 million (U.S. 1.76 million) and see all branch libraries close for a week at a time over the coming months, is designed to free up staff and improve the service to library users. Council officials today confirmed that it would not lead to any job cuts.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
The (Wellington, New Zealand) Dominion Post: New Zealand Internal Affairs representatives say the exploits of a group of academics who "cracked" a British electronic passport and created a fake electronic travel document in the name of Osama bin Laden will not derail plans to introduce automated immigration checks using biometric passports and self-service kiosks. The first of these will be installed at Auckland airport by Australian Customs next month. Microchips have been embedded in passports issued in many countries, including New Zealand, which introduced them in 2006, at the behest of the U.S. Government. The chips contain the details and photographs of the passport holder in an electronic form.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
The (Allentown, Pa.) Morning Call: Less than two minutes. That's all the time it took for Adrienne LeCause to check in for a routine ultrasound, verify her insurance records and take care of her co-pay. She did it all from a self-service kiosk at her obstetrician's office in Allentown. ''It's convenient,'' said LeCause, trying the machine for the first time. Catering to an increasingly tech-savvy population, self-service kiosks are everywhere: at malls, airports and grocery stores. And they could be coming to a hospital or doctor's office near you.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — The U.S. Postal Service has awarded Diebold Inc. a contract to implement a multi-site, technologically-advanced, video security program, according to a news release. With more than 40,000 sites across the country, the USPS has selected Diebold Security to manage this nationwide implementation under a three-year agreement. The contract has the potential to span more than 12 years.
According to the agreement, Diebold Security will install IPv6-compliant cameras, encoders, software and networking equipment, as well as provide education and training along with maintenance and support services at targeted USPS sites. The IPv6 platform is the next-generation Internet protocol set to replace the current IPv4 platform. USPS specifications also call for Diebold to build the new security system on an open architecture to allow for streamlined future expansion or reconfiguration.
"Our comprehensive infrastructure and technical expertise make us well-suited to efficiently execute and oversee a government project of this size and scope," said John Stroia, vice president of government solutions for Diebold's Global Security Division. "Our presence in the government security sector continues to steadily grow as we demonstrate the depth and breadth of our capabilities."
Adding an advanced level of complexity to this project is the federal government mandate for all federal agencies to migrate their network systems to IPv6. To comply, the new systems Diebold will install must be compatible with both protocols. The architecture of the new surveillance system will offer the USPS unprecedented access to high-quality video and enhanced mobility, security and network management features.
"Diebold is one of only a few security integrators with the infrastructure and technological expertise to undertake such an extensive project and deliver an integrated video security solution. The government sector is paving the way for IPv6-based networks, and Diebold is excited about the opportunity to be a participant in this cutting-edge movement," said Thomas W. Swidarski, Diebold president and chief executive officer. "We can offer large agencies like the USPS comprehensive capabilities to ensure a smooth migration from the older platform, as well as the security know-how to ensure they are deploying the most effective video security systems available."
The USPS relies on video security to combat robberies, burglaries and other security breaches around the clock, indoors and out, making an IP-based system the ideal technology. IP-based security systems are superior to traditional analog CCTV systems because IP surveillance can be viewed remotely from any location with an Internet connection. This allows massive organizations like the USPS to centralize security operations, with the ability to view and record activity from multiple locations. And, with digital technology, storage and management of surveillance footage is more accessible, allowing for more efficient search techniques to quickly target specific incidents and identify suspects.
Tuesday, 09 September 2008
VideoBusiness.com: Mel Walter might work for a company that has been in business for 124 years, but he's still a big fan of spontaneity, especially when it comes to renting movies. "Seventy percent of people who enter movie-rental stores had no idea they were going there one hour before they arrived," said Walter, vice president of corporate development at NCR, the world's largest ATM manufacturer. "The options you have at home are minute compared to what you have in a 10,000-square-foot store or at kiosks with 4,000 DVDs connected to a server attached to a long-tail catalog." In the next 18 months or so, NCR will put more than 11,000 DVD kiosks into production, and the manufacturer has taken minority-ownership positions in two kiosk companies.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 09 September 2008
LONDON — KioskCom Self Service Expo Europe and The Digital Signage Show Europe opens its doors at London’s Olympia on October 1, according to a news release, and attendance projections are high, with a 27 percent increase year on year. Additionally, many of these companies say digital signage is attracting them to the show.
Alongside the increase in registered visitors, the pre-registration statistics show there is an increasing overlap between digital signage and self-service technology, said event director Phil Hunter.
"As part of our registration process, our visitors are asked about the components and applications they are investing in and there's certainly a call to see both self-service and digital signage technologies," Hunter said. "In fact, there's an even split between those visiting the show to source information on display software and hardware and either POS or information kiosks. It stands to reason, be it in a railway station, bank or shopping mall, the two technologies combine to ensure a smooth and effective operation. Self Service Expo Europe has always included a digital signage element and it made sense, with the technological advancements on the horizon, to offer the comprehensive package to our visitors — two events under one roof."
Those technological advancements have made self-service applications an ever more viable and attractive option for a range of companies and, flying in the face of the current economic gloom, the future is bright for self-service and digital signage technology. As pressure on profit margins increases across the board, the combination of self-service technology and effective digital display marketing helps retailers and service providers maximize revenue streams and cut costs, at the same time as improving customer service levels.
The rising interest in the sector is reflected in the corporate visitor list for the show, which includes the U.K.'s leading supermarkets and department stores, as well as representatives from the banking, leisure and public transport industries.
Exhibitors at the event include 3M, Next Window, allpay.net, Netkey, MediaTile, Box Technologies, Dicoll, Ingenico, Camax, Microsoft, Protouch, Rittal, Samsung, Star Micronics, Roku and many more.
Tuesday, 09 September 2008
MarketWatch: Eastman Kodak Company, the world's foremost imaging innovator, has formed a partnership with Paige Davis and "Trading Spaces," TLC's popular home design show. The dynamic integration, which continues through March 2009, will encourage consumers to explore their creativity and do more with their photos. As Kodak's brand ambassador, Paige Davis, through inspiring, affordable design tips, will demonstrate how KODAK products, including KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Cameras, KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Picture Frames, KODAK EASYSHARE All-in-One Inkjet Printers, and the KODAK Picture Kiosk, offer true solutions for sharing and displaying photos.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 09 September 2008
The (London) Register: Cybercrooks are targeting self-service checkout systems in U.K. supermarkets to cash-out compromised U.S. credit and debit card accounts. Discussions on underground forums suggest that store chains including Asda and Tesco are being targeted. Rather than buying groceries, which would be hard to sell, the scam relies on getting "cash back" payments or buying high-value items, according to a BBC investigation. However, a spokeswoman for Tesco told El Reg that cash-back transactions are not authorized from self-service terminals.
Click to continue
Monday, 08 September 2008
NEWARK, Calif. — Tranax Technologies Inc. has announced its sale to Eltna, a Korean holding corporation.
According to a news release, Eltna holds companies involved with ATM systems and components, as well as companies in the imaging, design and manufacturing space.
In the past, Eltna has worked with Tranax as an original equipment manufacturer for Tranax ATMs. As a result, the two companies have a history of working together, with compatible corporate cultures and a shared vision for the market.
"We are very pleased to announce the merge of Tranax into the Eltna group of companies," said Dr. Hansup Kwon, president and chief executive of Tranax. "Joining forces with Eltna enables us to form a strong, new, vertically integrated company with direct manufacturing and best-in-class ATM components and systems. The new entity will continue under the Tranax name, in order to leverage the company's strong brand and reputation. The new enterprise provides the financial base from which to be more efficient and build competitive advantage for the long term."
Tranax will become part of Eltna Corp.
Eltna's CEO, Won-Gee Lee, will assume the role of CEO of the new entity after a period of transition, along with a new chief financial officer provided by the holding company. Dr. Kwon will remain to help in the transition and stay as a member of the board of Tranax. Heemock Kwon, co-founder and vice president of Tranax' corporate development, will remain a member of the executive team as well as a member of the board.
All products, personnel and distribution channels are expected to remain the same.
"The only way to win in a highly competitive market is to build efficient organization and processes that will enable it to make high-quality, competitive systems on schedule and in time," said Won-Gee Lee. "The degree of integration of those elements, plant location, critical processes, specialized components and quality control, will determine who succeeds. We believe the new vertically integrated company will direct manufacturing, product know-how and the depth of market experience that Tranax brings will create a strong new Tranax. We are looking forward to the challenge."
Monday, 08 September 2008
ATLANTA — It's a crucial part of church services for the congregation to provide its church with offerings as the offering tray is passed. But a Decatur church is giving its members a couple of high tech ways to donate. "You go online. You set up an account to give. You select a four digit pin and you're able give to the ministry through your mobile phone," said Raymond Steib, first assistant pastor at Changing Generation Church. Instead of cash or check, at Changing Generation church, members can text message their offerings. The program by Ministry Kiosks, "Giving on Mobile," launched a month ago at the church.
Click to continue
Monday, 08 September 2008
PHOENIX, Ariz. — OpenTech Alliance, Inc. has announced in a news release that it has exceeded the $11 million mark in rental fees collected by its INSOMNIAC kiosks at their client's self-storage facilities across North America, with the most recent $1 million dollars in revenue being collected in June.
In an ongoing effort to become a transparent company, OpenTech released detailed kiosk usage numbers for the first six months of 2008, giving the self-storage industry the opportunity to see for themselves how much consumers utilize and benefit from the use of self-service kiosks.
Self-storage owners have already purchased over 400 INSOMNIAC kiosks to date. OpenTech reported 206 kiosks were online as of January 1, 2008, and another 56 came online during the period ending June 30, 2008. For the first half of 2008, consumers used INSOMNIAC kiosks to rent 3,925 storage units, make 31,984 payments, and purchase 1,456 locks, representing a total of $3,719,772 in self service transactions.
"The data clearly shows a high percentage of kiosk use during operating hours, which affirms my contention that while the human touch is great, many renters will use technology to execute a transaction, both from a rental and payment processing perspective," said R.K. Kliebenstein, leader of Coast-To-Coast Storage. "The reduced costs associated with a machine versus an employee are significant; a kiosk does not take a day off, very rarely calls in sick, and never presents a life safety issue when dealing with cash."
Monday, 08 September 2008
RFID Journal: Summertime and air travel is anything but easy. Instead, it's more likely to be marked by numerous delays and queues at airports — that is, unless you're heading to Portugal with an electronic passport in hand. The country is leveraging the use of e-passports, which have embedded RFID chips, to speed travelers through border-control lines.
Click to continue
Monday, 08 September 2008
(Baku, Azerbaijan) APA: Azerbaijan's electronics maker Kur will begin production of Internet kiosks in the country for the first time. The company's office in Baku said the introduction of Internet kiosks in public places is the most promising step in providing information services.
Click to continue
Monday, 08 September 2008
PADERBORN, Germany — Wincor Nixdorf has been awarded a comprehensive order by Nordea to install and operate 500 transaction terminals in Finland, according to a news release.
For a period of five years, Wincor Nixdorf will provide services ranging from system monitoring and software management to network operation, all as part of its Managed Services offering. All the systems will be run with the network-centric software ProClassic Enterprise, which will be provided on a central Wincor Nixdorf server. As part of the project, Nordea will delegate a large part of its processes, such as running the terminals, to Wincor Nixdorf in order to focus fully on its operational business.
In summer 2009 Wincor Nixdorf will begin to roll out the systems, which enable functions such as funds transfers, bill payment and account statement printing. Complete installation of all the terminals is scheduled for the end of 2009.
The network-centric software ProClassic Enterprise will be used to minimize the cost and effort involved in administering and distributing software. It will be located on a central server run by Wincor Nixdorf, and the transaction terminals will be connected to this server via Internet technology.
Wincor Nixdorf's eServices Platform will ensure continual monitoring of system operation and coordinate both software management and maintenance by the Customer Care Center. Wincor Nixdorf will also assume responsibility for other services, such as replenishing printer paper in the systems. As a result, the high availability of all the systems is guaranteed.
Friday, 05 September 2008
YORK, Pa. — Livewire Kiosk Inc. has announced the addition of Karla Guarino to its management staff. As a vice president within the organization, Guarino will oversee the sales, new-business development and marketing efforts for the company.
Guarino comes to Livewire from Kiosk Information Systems Inc. During her 15-year tenure there, she served in a variety of customer-service, sales and marketing roles, and was instrumental in the company's growth from start-up to establishment as one of the world's leading providers of self-service kiosk enclosures.
"I was taught by some of the best leaders in the industry, and Livewire provides me with the opportunity to share my expertise in expanding kiosk market opportunities both nationwide and internationally," Guarino said.
David McCracken, Livewire's president and chief executive, said he's pleased with the appointment.
"Our company has experienced incredible growth in the last year and Karla's contribution to our company will allow me to focus on other opportunities I have envisioned for further company expansion and product development," he said.
Thursday, 04 September 2008
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — The 2005 lawsuit filed against Diebold Inc. by five shareholders has been dismissed.
The suit had alleged that Diebold violated U.S. securities laws and was unable to assure the quality and working order of its voting-machine products.
According to a news release, the cases, which also named certain current and former Diebold officers and directors, alleged violations of federal securities laws. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio dismissed the cases Aug. 22 and entered a judgment in favor of Diebold and the other defendants.
A separate class action suit against Diebold and certain current and former officers and directors filed by participants in the company's 401(k) plan — alleging breaches of duties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 — remains open.
Thursday, 04 September 2008
Travis K. Kircher, editor of SelfService.org, contributed to this article.
Executives from Nautilus Hyosung Inc. visited Long Beach, Miss., last week to meet with employees at Triton Systems of Delaware Inc. — the ATM manufacturer that's known for its entry-level, retail ATMs that Nautilus Hyosung in late July announced plans to acquire.
The two companies say the visit was organized by management to put to rest "rumors" and concerns that the acquisition might in some way adversely affect Triton's operations in Mississippi.
"Nautilus Hyosung is very interested in growing the two businesses, independently, to three to four times the size that they are right now," said Alicia Blanda, spokeswoman for Triton. "Nautilus Hyosung wants to grow the combined businesses to a $1 billion company, and they have told us they plan to invest in people, facilities and products."
But a number of new concerns have emerged, not just from the industry but also from the community where Triton is based. Located along the Gulf Coast, the community of Long Beach, which was physically and economically devastated by Hurricane Katrina three years ago, relies heavily on Triton for employment and tax dollars.
Shortly after Triton's parent, New York-based Dover Corp., announced its plans to sell the business, school administrators in Long Beach voiced concern about losing hundreds of thousands of tax dollars the school system annually receives from Triton. And some industry analysts and independent sales organizations — Triton's and Nautilus Hyosung's best U.S. customers — began talking of market domination, less competitive ATM pricing and an overall consolidated market where only a few of the strong could survive.
Triton and Nautilus Hyosung say those fears are unfounded, and they both argue that the acquisition will have a positive effect on the industry.
A market of a few
The question of whether this deal creates a monopoly is one the government is likely to watch closely, says Sam Ditzion, chief executive of Boston-based Tremont Capital Group, a strategic-planning and merger and acquisition consultancy that advises ATM companies.
"Regulators historically have been particularly focused on blocking deals that will lead to increased prices for consumers, which this deal does not appear to do," he said. "Furthermore, it's important to keep in mind that antitrust laws aren't violated solely when a company's intense competition and lower prices take business away from less efficient competitors, as regulators typically view that as the markets working effectively."
If the deal does increase prices, that could benefit the market. The so-called price wars, which over the last few years have driven pricing down for off-premises ATMs, have taken their toll, most industry experts agree. Manufacturers that cater to the ISO market have been operating at a loss for far too long.
"Price is probably going to go up, and it's not because of a lack of competition. I think it's just time," said Phil Suitt, a long-time Triton distributor. Suitt said, "The retail-market-equipment pricing has been depressed far longer than I thought it would be."
Some say the deal could actually benefit companies like Tranax, which is focusing its business on higher-end multifunctional kiosks and ATMs, not just cash dispensers — which remain Triton's specialty.
"Bottom line, I don't think anybody knows if this is good for the industry or not," said Bill Dunn, vice president of sales for Newark, Calif.-based Tranax Technologies Inc., Nautilus Hyosung's former U.S. ATM distributor. "I do think it's safe to assume that there will be some sort of price increase. Will it be on the ATMs or on the parts? We will just have to wait and see."
Nicole Sturgill, a research director for Boston-based financial-industry consultancy TowerGroup, says future market demand will not be so focused on price but, rather, functions, features and service.
"Going forward, the question will not be who can sell the least expensive cash dispenser. It's going to be who can provide the new features and functionality that can drive customers to the ATM, who can use the ATM as a sales opportunity, and who can make the ATM profitable," she said.
The days of $1,500 to $3,000 cash dispensers are likely over.
Sturgill says market consolidation could lead to the birth of a new ATM player — one that falls into the mid-level, a section left open in the Triton-Nautilus Hyosung deal. (Nautilus Hyosung says it's aiming for U.S. growth from the financial-institution side of business.)
"There has been a lot of consolidation over the last few years, but banks and retailers still have numerous vendors from which to choose," she said. "There's also no reason to say that a new vendor couldn't emerge. Competition will continue."
Carlos Siewczynski, vice president of retail self-service sales for Nautilus Hyosung America Inc., which is owned by Seoul, Korea-based Nautilus Hyosung, says the retail ATM market in the United States is already more competitive than most industry observers realize.
"Contrary to popular perception, the retail market is large, especially considering the mid-range market, such as bank-branded retail/off-premise machines sold by Diebold, NCR and Wincor Nixdorf in supermarkets and national c-store chains," Siewczynski said. "In addition to the big three, Tranax, Trantech, Greenlink, Moneytree, WRG and GRG also are all competitors in the retail market."
Sealing the deal
Tremont’s Ditzion says Siewczynski’s more open definition of market competition is likely the one the Department of Justice will consider when making its decision about approval of the Triton-Nautilus Hyosung union.
"The first task regulators will undertake is defining whether the relevant market is the entire ATM-manufacturing industry or just the industry of ATM manufacturers that focus on selling equipment to ISOs," Ditzion said. "Their second priority will be to evaluate whether the combined company creates a monopolistic or anti-competitive environment in that relevant market. If the Department of Justice were to file an antitrust suit — and it's important to emphasize 'if' — the case would either go to trial or require a negotiated settlement that addresses regulators' concerns, both of which could kill the deal or delay it until well into 2009. Otherwise, if it's not opposed, the deal will probably close within the next month."
How the union of Triton and Nautilus Hyosung will impact the retail ATM market in the United States remains to be seen. But most industry observers agree the deal will benefit both of the companies.
"Certainly the acquisition will increase Nautilus Hyosung's market share in the countries in which both Triton and Nautilus Hyosung operate — the U.S., U.K. and Australia," Sturgill said. "In these countries, Nautilus Hyosung will have a tremendous presence, particularly among the ISOs, community banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. As we have seen in the U.S., Nautilus Hyosung wants to increase their presence in banking, and Triton is an ideal complement to augment their experience in that market."
The sharing of resources will benefit both companies, says Suitt, and the reduced costs of manufacturing some parts and equipment overseas will benefit Triton's line.
"Triton was the only manufacturer that I know of besides WRG that makes anything in the U.S.," he said. "Triton waited far too long to go offshore for manufacturing."
James Phillips, Triton's director of North American sales, says economic pressures are pushing manufacturers to consider offshore options.
"It's simply due to the costs associated with manufacturing these days," he said. "Freight costs have been up because of fuel costs. Steel has gone up, and so everybody is really looking at ways to control costs — especially with certain markets like the U.S., where price dictates whether you're going to sell a machine or not."
But Phillips is quick to point out that he doesn't expect the use of offshore manufacturing to adversely impact Triton's operations in Mississippi and Tennessee. In fact, he says Triton and Nautilus Hyosung spent last week talking about expanding facilities in the two states.
"We're looking at sharing and expanding our R and D department – the manufacturing and service capabilities of Triton, specifically," he said.
Thursday, 04 September 2008
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — PhotoChannel Networks Inc., provider of digital media solutions for retailers, has announced terms to acquire WorksMedia Ltd., dba Works Imaging.
Works, which is based in the United Kingdom, provides retailers with kiosk and desktop software to create and order photo products such as PhotoBooks, calendars and other photo gift products.
According to a news release, terms of the deal will be announced after the deal officially closes, which is expected to happen during the first quarter of fiscal year 2009.
"PhotoChannel has identified desktop photo product creation software as an area of growth for the company and as such has been searching for a product to complete our digital image ordering solution for retailers," says Peter Fitzgerald, chairman and chief executive of PhotoChannel. "We believe the Works software fits very well with our online platform and furthermore the Works team understands what retailers need. Combining our online platform's Web site front-end and back-end routing tier capabilities with Works' kiosk and desktop software capabilities makes for an outstanding opportunity to drive more revenue for our retailers and in turn PNI. The Works technology compliments our existing software very well."
Thursday, 04 September 2008
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — RealTime Shredding Inc. has named Scott Spangenberg vice president of sales and marketing.
Spangenberg will lead RealTime Shredding's national and international work in marketing and selling the company's self-service kiosks.
Developed to help consumers and businesses prevent identity theft, The Self-Service Shredder cross-cut shreds paper, cardboard, credit cards, paper clips, staples, and even CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. The industrial-strength shredder, featuring multiple control points for maximum safety, can shred up to 200 sheets of paper a minute.
Before joining RealTime Shredding, Spangenberg was a regional sales manager for Dahle North America (Peterborough, N.H.) and HSM of America (West Chester, Pa.). He also held management positions with Zebra Technologies Corp. (Vernon Hills, Ill.) and was vice president of electronics for O'Neil Product Development Inc. (Irvine, Calif.), launching the international rollout of specialty portable printers.
Spangenberg holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Redlands in San Diego.
Thursday, 04 September 2008
ROCKVILLE, Md. — Summit Research Associates Inc., the only consulting firm devoted to the kiosk industry, has announced the publication of two new reports: Kiosks and Interactive Technology — Global Statistics and Trends (KIT-GS) and the latest edition of the Kiosk Industry Directory.
Together, these reports comprise the new Seventh Edition of Summit's popular flagship report, Kiosks and Interactive Technology (KIT), published in February 2008. Because some customers prefer only the trends, statistical information and charts, while others want only the company profile information, Summit has divided the report into two separate pieces, each available for sale independently.
Kiosks and Interactive Technology – Global Statistics and Trends (KIT-GS):
KIT-GS — the most comprehensive ever produced on the kiosk industry — examines recent trends, provides projections for the kiosk installed base, CAGR and revenues from the present time through 2010.
The report also includes 53 charts and tables on the leading kiosk issues and examines the industry from many perspectives, including the average number of users per day, average revenue per day, average length of time spent at the kiosk, leading design issues, leading types of peripherals used, most popular kiosk applications and lessons learned. Statistics were compiled from an extensive survey sent to hundreds of deployers and total solution providers around the world. Where appropriate, the results are presented as worldwide totals and are also grouped into the four major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. It is available for $1,595.00.
The KIT-GS report provides detailed information on the fast-growing kiosk industry, discussing the market segments and world regions that are showing the most growth today and what areas will offer the most promise in the years ahead. It includes statistics of interest to kiosk, financial, entertainment, government and telecommunications industry professionals.
The KIT-GS report includes the following charts and tables:
Figure 1 Interactive Kiosk Current and Projected Installed Base
Figure 2. Worldwide Kiosk Installed Base & Projections 2007-2010
Figure 3 Kiosk Installed Base 2008
Figure 4 Kiosk Installed Base Percentage Growth 2007-2010
Figure 5 Interactive Kiosk Current and Projected Revenues 2007-2010
Figure 6 Worldwide Kiosk CAGR, 2007-2010
Figure 7 Worldwide Kiosk Market Sector Breakdown
Figure 8. 2008 Worldwide Kiosk Industry Market Sectors
Figure 9. Number of Kiosks Installed – Worldwide
Figure 10. Number of Kiosks Installed – North America
Figure 11. Number of Kiosks Installed – Europe
Figure 12. Number of Kiosks Installed – Asia-Pacific
Figure 13. Number of Kiosks Installed – ROW
Figure 14. Number of Users per Day – Worldwide
Figure 15. Number of Users per Day – North America
Figure 16. Number of Users per Day – Europe
Figure 17. Number of Users per Day – Asia-Pacific
Figure 18. Number of Users per Day – ROW
Figure 19. Hours of Heaviest Kiosk Use – Worldwide
Figure 20. Hours of Heaviest Kiosk Use – North America
Figure 21. Hours of Heaviest Kiosk Use – Europe
Figure 22. Hours of Heaviest Kiosk Use – Asia-Pacific
Figure 23. Hours of Heaviest Kiosk Use – ROW
Figure 24. Average Time Spent at the Kiosk – Worldwide
Figure 25. Average Time Spent at the Kiosk – North America
Figure 26. Average Time Spent at the Kiosk – Europe
Figure 27. Average Time Spent at the Kiosk – Asia-Pacific
Figure 28. Average Time Spent at the Kiosk – ROW
Figure 29. Cost per Unit – Worldwide
Figure 30. Cost per Unit – North America
Figure 31. Cost per Unit – Europe
Figure 32. Cost per Unit – Asia-Pacific
Figure 33. Cost per Unit – ROW
Figure 34. Leading Peripherals Used in Kiosks
Figure 35. Printers Used in Kiosks
Figure 36. Additional Peripherals Used in Kiosks
Figure 37. Kiosk Storage Media
Figure 38. Kiosk Pointing Devices
Figure 39. Kiosk Payment Acceptors – Worldwide
Figure 40. Kiosk Payment Acceptors – North America
Figure 41. Kiosk Payment Acceptors – Europe
Figure 42. Kiosk Payment Acceptors – Asia-Pacific
Figure 43. Kiosk Payment Acceptors – ROW
Figure 44. Per Minute Internet Access Charges
Figure 45. Internet-Related Usage Patterns
Figure 46. Industries Served by Interactive Kiosks
Figure 47. Use of Remote Monitoring Software
Figure 48. Kiosk Maintenance Providers
Figure 49. Providers of Consumables Replenishment
Figure 50. Type of Kiosk Application Software Used
Figure 51. Leading Kiosk Development Issues
Figure 52. Leading Kiosk Design Issues
Figure 53. Leading Types of Kiosk Applications
Kiosk Industry Directory (KID)
The KID features profiles of nearly 700 companies in the kiosk industry, representing 44 countries around the world.
For further information, please visit Summit's Web site.
Wednesday, 03 September 2008
iTnews: Telstra BigPond has opened a customer-support kiosk in Second Life that is populated by avatars who can answer queries by text and voice. Going against the trend toward in-world closures, Telstra said the Second-life initiative was driven by the popularity of Second Life among BigPond customers. The kiosk will be available every Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 03 September 2008
BOSTON — For C-level and operational leadership of financial institutions and operators of financial services for underserved markets, this new report reviews the self-service kiosk market, its role in bill payments and the operational considerations when employing these devices.
Highlights from the report:
- Self-service kiosks have captured the imagination of retailers and non-bank financial services providers with flexible development platforms, reliable components and providers of 24/7 network monitoring, and system maintenance.
- Capital-expenditure constraints will slow development of billpay kiosks from previous levels.
- To avoid the CAPEX concern, kiosks deployers are shifting their business model toward large direct billers who take on the initial hardware cost.
To expand their footprint, kiosk deployers are using software interfaces to develop clerk-assisted transaction volume.
- Bill payment and other financial transactions at self-service kiosks offer "underbanked" consumers an economically rational, if not efficient, alternative to banking relationships.
"Self-service kiosks have become a creative and effective means of reaching a range of consumers with a cost effective set of financial services," comments George Peabody, director of Mercator Advisory Group's Emerging Technologies Advisory Service. "Tools like these extend the capabilities of those selling financial services. Now the race is to see who really picks them up."
Companies mentioned in the report include Pay-Ease, Vcom, IPP, Cardronics, 7-Eleven, Verizon Wireless, Infonox, TIO Networks, Metro PCS, Cricket Communications, NCR, Diebold, Wincor, Nixdorf, Nautilus Hyosung, MEI, UIC USA, VIVOtech, Hypercom, Source Technologies, Siemens, ArcaTech Systems, Interac, On the Run, Tigermarket, ExxonMobile and Circle K Stores.
Members of Mercator Advisory Group have access to this report as well as the upcoming research for the year ahead, presentations, analyst access and other membership benefits.
Tuesday, 02 September 2008
Worcester (Mass.) Business Journal: Several creditors are trying to force the liquidation of Cyphermint Inc., a Marlborough-based mobile payment system maker, according to documents filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts. And a trustee appointed by the court, Joseph Baldiga, a partner at the Worcester-based law firm of Mirick O'Connell, is in the process of putting together a management agreement to run the company until it or its assets are sold.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 02 September 2008
Worcester (Mass.) Business Journal: Cyphermint Inc., a Marlborough, Mass.-based provider of software that lets users pay bills through cell phones and self-service kiosks, has several creditors trying to force its liquidation, according to documents filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts. A trustee appointed by the court is in the process of putting an agreement to run the company until it or its assets are sold. Paperwork has been recovered that allegedly shows a number of Cyphermint's directors and executives took substantial amounts of money from the firm in March and April, weeks before the company’s local operations shut down.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 02 September 2008
AUSTIN, Texas — Wincor Nixdorf International has named Patrick Wright its new chief executive officer for the U.S. division.
Wright, a former senior executive with JPMorgan Chase & Co., has been brought in to direct the company’s continued push for aggressive growth in banking, retail and service throughout the United States.
According to a news release, Wright’s appointment is part of the Paderborn, Germany-based company’s long-term plan to remain committed to the U.S. market. Less than two years ago, Wincor Nixdorf was doing business with one of the top 25 U.S. financial institutions. Today, Wincor Nixdorf has contracts or is in trials with nine of the top 25 U.S. banks.
As Europe’s No. 1 provider of programmable POS systems for retail, the company is striving to extend its customer base in the U.S. retail industry with emphasis on checkout systems, cash management and software solutions for leading retailers. This week, Wincor Nixdorf is hosting a retail forum in New York that is expected to highlight the company’s ongoing mission to grow its U.S. retail presence.
“Among Wincor Nixdorf’s primary objectives is our continued acquisition of market share in the vital U.S. market,” said Javier López-Bartolomé, senior vice president of the Americas for Wincor Nixdorf. “Given Patrick’s direct industry expertise and proven business acumen, we are confident that his appointment to this key leadership position will accelerate our success.”
Wright, 41, is a native of Midland, Texas, who holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at Arlington.
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Coolfer.com: Borders issued its Q2 2008 earnings release today. For the quarter ended Aug. 2, the company had a loss of $2.6 million on revenue of $758.5 million. In a conference call, Borders chief executive George Jones disclosed his company's plan to roll out interactive kiosks to all Borders Superstores later this year.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
(Green Point, South Africa) News24.com: Open source software costs nothing to own, and now costs nothing to obtain thanks to a group of entrepreneurs determined to get around the problem of expensive bandwidth in South Africa. The Freedom Toaster originally started in 2005 as a project by the Shuttleworth Foundation as a software kiosk where anyone can burn — or "toast" in Linux jargon — open source software such as Linux and other information onto CDs and DVDs.
Click to continue
Friday, 22 August 2008
The Times of India: Vansh Infotech Ltd., an India-based kiosk deployer, will receive a special award from the Indian state of Maharashtra. Nearly 65 CFC kiosks operate in the city, where citizens can pay property tax bills, electricity and telephone bills. Nearly 200 citizens visit the kiosks every day.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
DUBLIN, Ireland — Research and Markets, an Ireland-based research firm, has released "Self-Service Strategies in South Africa 2007," a look at the current state and growth of the self-service industry in the area of South Africa.
The survey, conducted by Arthur Goldstuck, is based on in-depth interviews with major South African companies that represent an aggregate base of nearly 50 million customers. Respondents to the research include many of the country's largest banks, insurers, retailers and telecommunications firms.
"This report shows South African companies have realized that self-service is an imperative in a market where customers are looking for convenience and where customer support costs are spiralling out of control," said John Ziniades, chief executive of Consology, a South African self-service vendor. "Those businesses that embrace an integrated self-service strategy will outperform those that don't."
The report may be accessed by clicking here.
Friday, 15 August 2008
SINGAPORE — Wincor Nixdorf International has secured a deal to provide ATMs to Banktech, an independent ATM provider in Australia.
According to a news release, the Sydney-based Banktech has agreed to purchase and deploy 100 ProCash 1500xe's as part of its 'CashConnect' ATM network via Wincor Nixdorf's local partner ITS, a subsidiary of Australia's Armaguard. Banktech's wholly owned subsidiary, EFTEX, will drive and process the ATMs with deployment commencing in October.
"We are pleased to be working with Wincor Nixdorf," said David Glen, Banktech's managing director. "They understand that helping Banktech grow its business will also grow their business in Australia. This long-term view is reflected in the high quality of their products and their significant on-going investment in R&D. We are confident they are excellent global partners."
The ATMs will run on an open-architecture-software platform allowing multivendor implementation with an existing infrastructure. Additionallly, 100 units will be protected by Wincor Nixdorf’s latest IT security solution.
"What we bring to the table is additional value to our customers in order to excite them and create fresh business ideas together," said David Yip, Australia business development manager for Wincor Nixdorf.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Wired Blog Network: When it comes to strange kiosks with bizarre applications, the self-service industry has seen some doozies. Charlie Sorrel, a blogger with Wired.com, has come up with five of them. Check out which kiosks never quite made the cut. Umbrellas, anyone?
Click to continue
Got any kiosks you'd like to add to the list? Let us know about the strangest kiosk you've ever seen
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: In a move to encourage more passengers to check in for flights electronically, Delta Air Lines will roll out an upgraded check-in system on some of its kiosks in Atlanta and in several other airports Aug. 14. Travis K. Kircher, editor of SelfService.org, the official site of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, explained how important having a user-friendly interface can be when attempting to get consumer buy-in to a self-service deployment. "If consumers who are nervous already about using the technology actually walk up to a kiosk and find it's too difficult to operate ... that can discourage adoption," Kircher said.
Click to continue
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Inquirer.net: Consumers are increasingly going "digital" but companies are not putting enough money on advertising and may be missing out on a lucrative market, according to marketing firm OgilvyOne. "Based on studies, people are spending 30 percent of their time on digital but only about 10 percent of advertising spend is devoted to this emerging medium," said Damien Cummings, digital marketing lead for OgilvyOne Singapore.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Digital Signage Association recently signed its 100th member when Ingram Micro joined the association.
Based in Santa Ana, Calif., Ingram Micro is one of the world's largest distributors of technology solutions as well as a technology sales, marketing and logistics company.
It was a milestone for the association, which launched in Nov. 2007 and held its first meeting in Feb. 2008.
"We are pleased to welcome Ingram Micro into the Digital Signage Association," said David Drain, DSA executive director. "The fact that we were able to reach the 100-member milestone so quickly demonstrates the sheer amount of interest there is in an association dedicated to digital signage for all market segments."
Other companies to join in recent weeks include Cables To Go, KenCast, John Ryan, MosChip Semiconductor, netFaze, NEXCOM, PRN and X2O Media.
Monday, 11 August 2008
The Dallas Morning News: On any given Sunday, about 5,000 kids come into the children's ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. Families form lines and check in at 32 kiosks spread among the church's six entrances, swiping "Quick Passes" at the self-service machines. Parents register the kids for classes, then a kiosk spits out sticky name badges for both parent and child with identifying information: child's and parent's names, classroom and any food allergies.
Click to continue
Monday, 11 August 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A spokeswoman for Transport Canada, Canada's ministry of transportation, has told SelfService.org that an investigation into alleged card fraud originating at check-in kiosks in Toronto's Pearson Airport has turned up no evidence of a data breach.
Late in July, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority announced that VISA had flagged what were believed to be suspicious patterns of credit card kiosks at the airport. Shortly thereafter, an investigation was launched to determine whether the patterns indicated criminal activity.
The Canwest News Service is reporting that VISA's investigation will continue, despite the finding.
Friday, 08 August 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Alex Richardson, president of the Digital Technology Alliance, reacted late Friday afternoon to the indictments of 11 suspects allegedly involved in the infamous TJX card breach.
On Aug. 5, 2008, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted the suspects for the alleged theft and sale of more than 40 million credit and debit card numbers. Officials called the hack the largest card-compromise scheme ever prosecuted in U.S. history.
"It's good news and it's bad news," Richardson said of the indictments. "The good news is that it appears that we've got the bad guys and we have techniques to do research — technology research — to find the bad guys. It was a challenge, given the technology and given the international nature of the group."
"The bad news is I'm shocked to see how many faulty security procedures were in place in blue chip retailers," Richardson said. "They're not following standard PCI, they're not following computer standards and they're certainly not following our new S3 Storefront Security Standards. So I'm surprised how many other stores were still doing that. I guess the question is, now, who else is vulnerable?"
Friday, 08 August 2008
OLYMPIA, London — Industry giants Samsung and Microsoft both have announced that they will have booths at KioskCom Self Service Expo Europe and the Digital Signage Show Europe in London Oct. 1-2, according to a news release issued by KioskCom Ltd.
"With the announcement that both Microsoft and Samsung are exhibiting at Self Service Expo, we can safely say that both the way we shop and the way the advertisers want us to shop is set for a revolution," the release states.
3M, Cammax, Protouch, Dicoll, Box Technologies, Ritall, Verifone, GWD Media, YesPay, Rafi and Star Micronics are just some of the other vendors that will be exhibiting at the show.
Friday, 08 August 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Stretching resources is a concern for business owners in this turbulent economic climate — especially in the retail sector as consumers are doing more to preserve their disposable income.
Friday, in a poll on NBC's Today show Web site, 56 percent of respondents said they are cutting back by driving less (e.g. buying less gas), and 25 percent said they are cutting shopping trips in half to save money.
Such consumer efforts to pinch pennies mean the time for retailers to seriously explore money-saving solutions is now. In an effort to help guide them, KioskMarketplace.com has released a special report, sponsored by ArcaTech Systems, that details how cash-recycling devices can be just that. Reduce Retail Labor Costs: The Business Case for Cash Recyclers takes a look at these machines and the ways in which they can help business owners cut costs.
"Retailers are suddenly realizing that the thing that’s costing them the most is handling money," said Phil Garvis, retail-cash-management solutions expert for Wincor Nixdorf International, a manufacturer of cash recyclers. "It costs them more labor to handle money. Times are tough and competition is tough, and retailers have to squeeze every dollar out they can."
According to the report, cash recyclers help reduce spending overall by eliminating the need for an employee to handle a store's money supply — freeing that employee up for other duties and saving valuable time. Furthermore, the machines offer more security than traditional cash-management methods and are easy for employees to operate.
Click here to download the guide.
Friday, 08 August 2008
ATLANTA — SoloHealth, the deployer of the award-winning EyeSite eye-testing kiosk and an SSKA member, has been selected as a top 20 semifinalist in the 2008 Forbes.com "Boost Your Business" $100,000 entrepreneurial contest.
SoloHealth, along with 19 other companies throughout the U.S., is now in the second round of the contest. To advance, online voters will determine the "top five" by going to the Forbes Web site, watching the companies' 30-second videos and voting for their favorite entrepreneur now through Sept. 30. The top five winners will then go to New York later in the fall to compete in the finals.
SoloHealth caught the judges' attention with its EyeSite kiosk, developed in partnership with KIOSK Information Systems and Netkey Inc. for use in high-traffic retail and commercial locations. EyeSite uses sophisticated optical software and an interactive video interface to give users a quick, easy and accurate way to test their vision.
EyeSite is currently in a test market phase in the Atlanta area, with 15 units planned for placement at major retail and commercial locations.
"To be a top 20 finalist in the Forbes.com Boost Your Business contest is an incredible honor and opportunity for SoloHealth," said Bart Foster, chief executive and founder of SoloHealth. "Should we win the contest's top prize, we'll use the capital to invest and grow our business in 2009. With more EyeSite kiosks in place we'll be able to reach more people about the importance of vision exams and eye health."
According to Foster, people go to the dentist three to four times more often than they get an eye examination — every 36-48 months, about half as often as recommended.
Earlier this year, SoloHealth's EyeSite kiosk won three Awards of Excellence, including "Best in Show" at the Kiosk.Com Self Service Expo and The Digital Signage Show in Las Vegas.
Friday, 08 August 2008
ShareCast: ATM operator Payzone has confirmed that it is considering offers from a number of parties interested in buying Payzone's Spanish, Italian and French businesses. The Dublin-based electronic payments group responded to speculations that it could net €50m by disposing of its European divisions.
Click to continue
Thursday, 07 August 2008
DAYTON, Ohio — TNR Entertainment Corp., the second-largest operator of DVD kiosks in North America under the New Release and MovieCube brands, has named NCR Corp. as its exclusive supplier of self-service technologies and services.
TNR has approximately 2,200 DVD-rental kiosks deployed in the grocery channel.
TNR says it intends to place volume orders for NCR Xpress Entertainment DVD vending kiosks this year and in 2009.
In addition, TNR signed a multiyear Managed Services agreement with NCR, focused on kiosk high availability, which is critical in the consumer self-service market. With its suite of Managed Services, NCR is able to offer a turnkey solution that allows enterprises to deploy quickly and focus on growing their businesses.
NCR also announced it has made a minority equity investment in TNR. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
"NCR's technology, combined with its development resources and global services capabilities, will help provide TNR the resources we need to continue our success going forward," said TNR president and chief executive Tim Belton. "This agreement will help unify our fleet of kiosks onto a single software platform, improve our quality of service to consumers and enable TNR to meet growing demand from our channel and distribution partners."
The NCR Xpress Entertainment portfolio includes a multichannel software platform and a high-capacity DVD-vending kiosk that enables rentals, sales of shrink-wrapped media or a combination – with a capacity of nearly twice that of competing units on the market today. Other NCR Xpress Entertainment options include digital download kiosks, as well as bare-disk handling capabilities and support for other types of digital media such as music and video games.
NCR also offers the ability for consumers to interact via the Internet or their mobile devices.
Thursday, 07 August 2008
FRESNO, Calif. — Continental Prison Systems Inc., a provider of prison kiosk technology, has reported that its exhibit at the Texas Sheriff Association Conference show in San Antonio, July 19-21, received strong interest from show attendants.
Sheriffs visiting CPSI's booth showed enormous interest in its prison financial products and services, according to a news release. The Sheriffs were primarily impressed with the booking kiosk that takes all the cash handling away from the facility when an inmate is booked, as well as the EZ Exit Card program that gives the inmate a debit card upon release instead of a check.
The work release kiosk, which allows inmates to pay their work release fees, either through CPSI's kiosk or from the online Web site, also raised eyebrows, according to the release.
"The Texas Sheriff's Conference was a huge success for us," said Ron Hodge, president and chief executive of CPSI. "Word of mouth advertising of both the EZ Card system and the EZ Kiosk system caused a real buzz around the floor of the show.''
Thursday, 07 August 2008
Valley Morning Star (Harlingen, Texas): Officials at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College are hoping to reach a tech-savvy generation with the university's first interactive kiosk, which was unveiled Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008, at Sunrise Mall. Equipped with a webcam, microphone, speakers and even a printer, the UTB-TSC Virtual Info Shop allows potential and current students to videoconference live with university staff in admissions, financial aid, registration, enrollment, testing and other areas. Officials and students called it a "technological breakthrough."
Click to continue
Thursday, 07 August 2008
Gizmodo: Tests conducted for the U.K.'s Times Online have concluded that the new high-tech e-passports being distributed around the world can be hacked and cloned within minutes. A computer researcher proved it by cloning the chips in two British passports and then implanting digital images of Osama bin Laden and a suicide bomber. Both passports passed as genuine by U.N.-approved passport reader software. The entire process took less than an hour.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 06 August 2008
Shreveport (La.) Times: A proposed amendment to city and parish law in Shreveport, La., could limit the hours one ATM can be open. Currently, the Ouachita Independent Bank operates a 24-hour ATM, but the proposed zoning amendment would limit the ATM's hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The bank's management says the amendment unfairly targets the bank's business.
Click to continue
Wednesday, 06 August 2008
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Web site created by NSA, provider of field-marketing and image-presentation services for large-scale ATM deployments, is supplying ATM deployers with access to the new universal ATM pictogram recently released by the ATM Industry Association.
"We anticipate 85,000 ATMs will be signed using the pictogram in the first year, with some 20,000 in the U.S. alone," said Chuck West, NSA's chief executive. "The usage will increase exponentially as more ATM sites realize its value."
According to a news release, NSA is helping ATMIA market the new pictogram and is allowing users from the across the world to order pictogram signage from its site.
"Partnering with an organization that delivers swift, dependable service and cost advantages in image solutions is a natural fit with our aligned visions of increasing foot traffic to ATMs and improving transaction volumes," said Lana Harmelink, ATMIA's international director.
Customers can place pictogram orders by accessing the NSA Web site.
"This will really help travelers and merchants alike," said Kirk Huddleston, former chairman and current commissioner of Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. "It's a simple and effective public service to travelers who need cash. Strange airports or travel destinations can be confusing places. The pictogram makes it easy to find an ATM — and even eliminates language barriers. Also important is that airport merchants should see more purchases made with cash from increased ATM usage."Add/Edit Blog Categories
Tuesday, 05 August 2008
VideoBusiness.com: Don't expect to find many kiosks burning DVDs on demand in stores this fall. Despite expectations of large-scale pilot tests and a commercial rollout this year of kiosks that would save retailers aisles of shelf space while offering thousands of movies and TV shows on demand, technical and economic challenges have led to a shakeup among DVD manufacturing-on-demand players that is likely to push most retail launches back into 2009.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 05 August 2008
The Indianapolis Star: ATA Airlines closed its doors in April. But remnants of the business didn't leave the company's Westside headquarters until Tuesday. Hundreds of office items were auctioned as part of the airline's bankruptcy case. Assets included items you would find in any office setting: 350 file cabinets and bookcases, 500 chairs and 127 desks. And aviation-specialty equipment that included 67 touchscreen kiosks once used by passengers for check-in.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 05 August 2008
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Visitor management solutions provider STOPware Inc. has selected North Carolina-based Meridian Kiosks to produce security kiosks for its PassagePoint global visitor management solutions.
According to a press release, PassagePoint is used worldwide by the U.S. government, many Fortune 500 companies and smaller organizations to provide a visitor self-registration solution. The kiosk guides visitors through the sign-in process by scanning a driver's license, business card, visitor e-pass or after a user enters his name and the name of his company. Seconds later the kiosk generates a visitor badge.
"PassagePoint's power and convenience lets users tailor the registration process to meet their needs," said Terschuren, STOPware vice president of sales and marketing. "Using the PassagePoint Kiosk can help ensure that only the right visitors are allowed into a facility, improving guard productivity and service, enhancing company image and making a facility more secure."
Tuesday, 05 August 2008
AUBURN, ME — KICTeam, manufacturer of cleaning cards, has developed the Waffletechnology Cleaning Card for Epson's CaptureOne Check Scanner.
According to a news release, the cleaning card provides CaptureOne customers with a way to clean all of the scanner's parts, including the transport, track, MICR head and scanner glass.
The CaptureOne desktop scanner is a check-capture device for back-office capture and remote-deposit capture applications for financial services and retail applications.
Tuesday, 05 August 2008
Fox News: The Department of Justice has indicted 11 people allegedly involved in the hacking of nine major U.S. retailers and the theft and sale of more than 40 million credit and debit card numbers. Officials are calling the hack the largest card-compromise scheme ever prosecuted in U.S. history. Those charged include three U.S. citizens, one Estonian, three Ukrainians, two citizens from the Peoples Republic of China, and one from Belarus. One individual is just identified with an online alias. The 11 charged allegedly targeted retailers TJX Companies, BJs Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, Boston Market, Barnes & Noble, Sports Authority, Forever 21 and DSW. An informant, who also has been charged in the indictment, was allegedly able to tap into computer networks using a technique called "war driving," where he would drive around looking for open computer networks.
Click to continue
Friday, 01 August 2008
NEW YORK — PSI Corp. has announced that several of its E-Banking Kiosks now are working in the field.
The locations are in New York City and New Jersey and include both supermarket and credit union locations, according to a news release.
"I am personally very satisfied with the initial launch of the E-Banking Kiosks," said David Foni, chief executive of PSI Corp. "PSI is having customers using the various services such as ATM, bill pay, check cashing, purchase of phone cards and gift cards among the kiosk's many services. Although we are in the beginning of a 90-day beta field trial, the results have been excellent and, as such, additional potential customers are viewing the kiosk and are excited by consumers' rapid utilization of the kiosk. By the end of August, PSI anticipates a total of six kiosks being deployed. PSI will be attending significant supermarket and credit union tradeshows in September. Further, PSI believes it will begin accepting orders at those tradeshows."
Additionally, Foni said PSI will have approximately 100 digital signs in various New York City hospitals by the end of August. He said this signage will be used to promote the kiosks, which are in close proximity to the hospitals.
"PSI will heavily promote the E-Banking Kiosks to the hospital workers and patients as their urban demographic are the same as the users of the kiosks," Foni said.
Friday, 01 August 2008
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold Inc. will release preliminary financial results, including earnings estimates for the second quarter and a full-year outlook for 2008, on Monday, Aug. 11, before trading begins on the New York Stock Exchange, according to a news release.
Thomas W. Swidarski, president and chief executive, and Kevin J. Krakora, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will discuss the results during a conference call scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. (ET) that day.
The conference call will last approximately one hour. Participants should plan to dial in 15 minutes prior to the session. Details on the call are as follows:
Call-in number: (913) 905-1086
Passcode: 2498086
Live access, as well as a replay of the call, will be available on Diebold's Web site.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
CHATSWORTH, Calif. — Provision Interactive Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Provision Holding Inc., has announced that it has signed an agreement with LocalVision Digital Advertising to bring the company's advertising portfolio to Provision's 3DEO Media Center, according to a news release.
The partnership will bring LocalVision's advertising to Provision's 84 screens, including Fred Meyer Stores, in the greater-Portland area, adding more than 5 million new impressions per month to Provision's screens. LocalVision's top-tier brand advertisers now will be able to feature their messaging on Provision's fast-growing network of 3DEO Media Centers located in retail locations. The advertisements can be in a variety of forms, including 3D holographic videos and digital coupons.
"The collaboration between Provision and LocalVision is a great partnership in the rapidly expanding out-of-home digital advertising market," said Curt Thornton, president and chief executive of Provision. "National advertisers can now place their brands' messaging on 3DEO Media Centers and reach consumers at a time and place where they are most likely to be receptive and take action."
Consumers report that advertising on digital signage catches their attention more than any other media, including television, according to a 2007 OTX Digital Out-of-Home Media Attitude and Awareness study.
Provision's 3DEO Media Centers in Fred Meyer Stores use Provision's patented Holo 3D technology which projects full-color, high resolution videos into space detached from the screen, without the need for any special glasses. The kiosks will be a destination for shoppers looking for promotions, sweepstakes or coupons for products and services.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. reported net income of $44 million for the second quarter of the year, down 55 percent from the $98 million it netted during the same period last year.
In spite of the decline, NCR reported that 2Q 2008 marked one its best product-rollout periods. Revenue for the quarter totaled $1.3 billion, an 8.3 percent increase from the $1.2 billion reported during 2Q 2007.
That growth was fueled, the company says, by orders for its new SelfServ ATM line. To date, more than 4,000 SelfServ ATMs have been ordered by more than 120 global customers. SelfServ ATMs have been installed in Australia, Canada, China, Spain and the United States.
Revenue in the Americas was up 11 percent, and revenue from Europe, the Middle East and Africa was up 16 percent, while revenue from Asia-Pacific was up 10 percent.
"NCR's strong second-quarter results were broad-based geographically and speak to continued solid demand for self-service solutions," said Bill Nuti, NCR's president and chief executive. "Even in a challenging global economy, consumers want to connect, interact and transact with businesses in new ways."
Second-quarter income from continuing operations was $45 million, a nearly 12 percent dip from last year. NCR attributes the lower income to a nonrecurring $32 million after-tax charge related to organizational realignment.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
LOS ANGELES — Nexxo Financial Corp. has announced that its relationship with HSBC has expanded. Nexxo now has deployed its self-service remittance kiosks to 19 HSBC Credit Center branches in California and Texas.
"Nexxo is thrilled to be partnering with HSBC — providing them with a turnkey solution that allows them to offer their customers a world-class remittance service," said Dave Alvarez, chief executive of Nexxo. "We have invested millions of dollars over the last few years developing this innovative patent-pending technology and user experience. We are excited to be working with such an important partner in international financial services."
Nexxo will handle the programming, installation, servicing and management of the kiosks. Among the benefits customers will receive are: no standing in line and no forms to fill out; text message notification of pick up; a free call to notify the recipient that money is on its way; easy retrieval of money at pick-up points and bank branches in Mexico, Central and South America; and the option to transfer money directly to the recipient's bank account.
As part of the partnership, for a limited time only, clients will receive their first remittance free up to $1,000.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
EDITOR'S NOTE: Read user comments on this story and feel free to post your own by CLICKING HERE.
SEOUL, Korea — Nautilus Hyosung Inc., which is based in Seoul, Korea, has announced plans to buy ATM competitor Triton Systems of Delaware Inc., based in Long Beach, Miss.
The acquisition is expected to close by the third quarter of 2008, pending regulatory approval.
News of Triton's imminent sale came out last week, when its parent company, Dover Corp., announced that it had already been in talks with a serious buyer. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but sources say Dover sold the Triton business at a loss.
"Dover ultimately wrote-down an estimated $51 million off of what was previously its book value for Triton," said Sam Ditzion, chief executive of Boston-based Tremont Capital Group, a strategic-planning and merger and acquisition consultancy that advises ATM companies.
Since the sale announcement, the industry, suspecting the buyer to be Nautilus Hyosung, has speculated about what the future holds for the Triton business and brand.
Ditzion says the deal, overall, is great for Nautilus Hyosung and the industry. But it's one more step toward market consolidation. And he expects all manufacturing to ultimately be moved overseas, since continuing to manufacture in the United States doesn’t make financial sense.
"I suspect that most of the manufacturing-related functions of the business will be shifted overseas within a few years," he said. "It's a great deal — one that will end up raising the price of ATMs, since there is less market competition. That will ultimately be good for the industry, though," since manufacturers in the off-premises retail ATM space for years have been in a price war, selling ATMs for far less than they cost to produce.
The deal between Nautilus Hyosung and Triton brings back memories of NCR Corp.'s January 2006 acquisition of Tidel Engineering — a deal that ultimately led to the dissolution of the Tidel ATM brand, a once powerhouse in the off-premises ATM market.
"I don't expect this deal to be like the NCR acquisition of Tidel," Ditzion said. "I think the difference here is that by the time NCR acquired Tidel there had been so much damage, there wasn't much NCR could do to revive it. The Tidel brand name had diminished, especially because of the Credit Card Center scandal. With Triton, the brand has been hurt a little, because of the price war, but the product is still strong."
Nautilus Hyosung's swift move to close the deal was smart. Over the last 12 months, Triton has worked toward returned profitability, and Nautilus Hyosung has taken advantage, without waiting for market conditions to eat away at the Triton reputation.
Now only one of the three T's — Tranax Technologies Inc. — remains on its own, and even its future, since its split from former partner Nautilus Hyosung, has been questioned by independent sales organizations.
Tranax Technologies could not be reached for comment as of press time.
As for the future of the Triton brand, both Triton and Nautilus Hyosung say they expect to continue building it.
"Triton offers an ideal fit with Nautilus Hyosung as we expand our global footprint, not only in the U.S. but worldwide," said P.K. Ryou, chief executive and president of Nautilus Hyosung. "We look forward to adding Triton's strong brand and service chains with Nautilus Hyosung's expertise in ATMs, to provide our customers with the most comprehensive ATM offering in the marketplace."
Alicia Blanda, spokeswoman for Triton, says nothing at this point is expected to change with the Triton brand or its manufacturing facility. She said the two companies expect to continue operating autonomously.
“Nautilus Hyosung wants to grow the combined businesses to a $1 billion company, and they have told us they plan to invest in people, facilities and products," Blanda said.
Ditzion says some co-branding between the two companies will likely take place, since the Triton brand has such a strong presence and reputation among U.S. ISOs.
"Triton has a lot of strong people, in Long Beach and elsewhere, and to be successful, Nautilus Hyosung will need a longer-term plan to integrate the two plants and the brands," he said. "What Nautilus Hyosung is really buying here is the brand name and the customer list, and they will ultimately need to merge that into the Hyosung line."
What remains to be seen, however, is how successful the two brands will and can be in the U.S. financial-institution space. Both companies have focused on breaking into that market without much success.
"Nautilus Hyosung has had success on the FI side overseas, and Triton has tried for years to break into the FI market here," Ditzion said. "Now we'll have to see if they can accomplish more together."
Monday, 28 July 2008
Manufacturing Business Technology: RedPrairie Corp., a supplier technology for optimizing the management of warehouses and product distribution operations, has created a new employee self-service application. This new browser-independent application will allow employers to more effectively communicate with their employees. As part of the RedPrairie Workforce Management solution, the enhanced employee self-service capability provides employees with the ability to confirm their work schedules, check hours worked, submit time-off requests and receive other job-related information with a secure, easy-to-use Web portal interface.
Click to continue
Friday, 25 July 2008
GLENVIEW, Ill. — Vision Point of Sale Inc., a provider of products and services that support the point-of-sale marketplace, is proud to announce its partnership with NCR Corp. as a member of the NCR RealPartner program, according to a news release.
As an NCR RealPartner, Vision is a preferred reseller of NCR POS products to the markets and customers it serves.
"I am pleased that we have taken this important step in growing our relationship with NCR. We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with NCR over the years and we look forward to continued success with this important business partner," said Jeff Nixon, president and chief operating officer of Vision. "With NCR, we are well-positioned to create additional value for our current customers through the continued availability of high quality NCR POS products supported by Vision's extensive service network."
Vision will work closely with NCR to market its NCR POS equipment and technology throughout the United States, as well as to work collaboratively on the development of specific solutions for Vision's customers.
Friday, 25 July 2008
CBSNEWS: Blockbuster, which recently abandoned its foolish quest to buy Circuit City, is now on to the next thing, which it has been talking about for the last year: its digital reinvention. The company has a strong presence at Comic-Con going on this week in San Diego, and also is demonstrating its digital kiosks, reports Home Media magazine. It has talked about these kiosks before. They're being tested in select Blockbuster stores in the Dallas area, and plans are to roll it out countrywide in the next three years. These kiosks allow consumers to download movies to portable devices in less than two minutes, though for now, it only works on Archos portable media devices.
Click to continue
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Source Technologies, a provider of integrated solutions for secure print transactions and self-service kiosks, has opened an international sales office in the United Kingdom and appointed John Durnford as vice president of international sales.
According to a news release, the sales office will support the company's international sales efforts.
"Having representation in Europe, the Middle East and Asia allows Source Technologies to gain a closer view of how the rest of the world is doing business," said William Bouverie, chief executive. "As well as expanding our sales efforts, this global resource will give us a fresh perspective and make us a more dynamic company overall."
Source Technologies' product lines include specialized magnetic ink character recognition printers, consumables and software for printing checks and other paper disbursements, secure document printers and software for printing time- and information-sensitive documents, and transactional and interactive families of kiosks and software for self-service and retail applications.
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
CHICAGO — ADFLOW Networks, provider of Web-hosted digital-signage and interactive-kiosk solutions, has partnered with Shopguard, a manufacturer of electronic surveillance systems, to develop trigger technology for tethering products.
According to a news release, the two companies are working to standardizing the interface, for any application that connects to tethers, through all vertical markets, eliminating the need to customize applications.
Continuous enhancements are being made to the trigger technology, the companies say, which will enable connectivity not only to phones, but other devices such as cameras and camcorders, from in-store kiosks.
The technology is expected to enable consumers to experience video-playback samplings, detailed information about specific features, as well as information comparisons for displayed items.
"With our combined expertise, we are developing a streamlined process of bringing trigger technology to the tether," said Dan Kozyra, director of technology solutions for ADFLOW. "We are working together to enhance this technology for interactive kiosks."
Wednesday, 02 July 2008
Video Business: Redbox, the largest U.S. operator of movie-rental kiosks, delayed filing its prospectus for a planned public offering after the stock markets had their worst second quarter in six years. The company, whose investors also include McDonald’s, looked to take advantage of its leadership position in a kiosk industry predicted to surge as movie-rental chain stores cut units.
Read more
Tuesday, 01 July 2008
Huliq News: TIO Networks, a self-service bill payment and financial services network, has released its financial results for the period ending April 2008. According to a release, the number of revenue generating transactions increased 27 percent to 1,415,220, compared to 1,114,860 for the same period last year, and improved by 36,817 transactions, or 3 percent, over the previous quarter. Total recurring revenue for the quarter, including transaction services and maintenance/licensing services revenue, increased 3 percent and accounted for $3,441,953, or 98 percent, of total revenue, compared to $3,355,835, or 92 percent, for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.
Read more
Monday, 30 June 2008
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. has announced a partnership with Integrated Technology Group to offer a library self-checkout solution in North America.
ITG, an NCR RealPartner, will offer its Apex XpressCheck library self-checkout software on NCR EasyPoint kiosk hardware equipped with an integrated barcode scanner and printer. ITG selected NCR EasyPoint kiosk hardware for its reliability, serviceability and versatile mounting options.
The solution will be demonstrated at ITG’s booth #1872 at the 2008 American Library Association show, being held June 26 through July 2 in Anaheim, Calif.
"Ever expanding their services to include Internet access, DVDs and other interactive options, libraries are increasingly looking toward technology solutions to help make simpler tasks — like checking out books and other materials — an automated process," said Shai Robkin, president and chief executive of Integrated Technology Group. "By offering a self-checkout experience to help accomplish basic transactions, library employees can be readily available to assist visitors with more personalized customer service."
In a typical transaction using the library self-checkout solution, patrons first scan their library card to pull up account information on the kiosk screen. Patrons then scan the items for check out using the kiosk barcode scanner. A receipt prints from the kiosk to complete the transaction.
Future plans include integrating the NCR EasyPoint kiosks with ITG's radio frequency identification-enabled self-checkout software.
"NCR is pleased to partner with ITG to offer this best-in-class library self-checkout solution," said Richard Arnold, NCR vice president, Retail Industry Marketing. "As a company driven toward self-service innovation and growth, we look forward to working together to explore how technology can empower librarians to improve operational efficiencies and better serve their patrons."
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Centre Daily Times: Kaiser Permanente deployed its first "KP Self-Service Kiosk" to optimize the patient check-in and payment experience in a project that will include more than 60 medical clinics in Southern California. This is one of the largest pilot kiosk projects undertaken by any U.S. healthcare organization. During the kick-off event at Kaiser Permanente's Rancho Cucamonga Medical Office Building, officials demonstrated how the easy-to-navigate touchscreen kiosks will improve service to customers.
Read more
Friday, 20 June 2008
BURNABY, B.C. — TIO Networks Corp., an automated bill payment and financial services network, announced that it has surpassed its 10,000th location activation milestone, according to a news release.
The Company is pleased to report that it has recently activated its 6,000th OEM Express location and has commenced to process payments. This growth has more than tripled the size of TIO's bill payment network to 10,000 locations over the past 6 months. The growth was primarily achieved through the implementation of TIO's new transactional application programming interface (API). The API integrates large networks into the TIO network to market the company's portfolio of products on a host of third party devices including kiosks, PCs and point of sale systems.
Additionally, the company has successfully launched its money transfer program with NEXXO Financial in four U.S. markets, including Phoenix, Tucson, Ariz., Houston and San Antonio, on over 80 kiosks. Money transfer is an important component of TIO's financial services growth strategy based on bill payment, money transfer, prepaid services and the myTIO consumer strategy.
"The new bill payment and money transfer locations are contributing to greater transaction volumes and revenue growth with the month of May being our best month of transactional performance ever," stated Hamed Shahbazi, chairman and chief executive officer of TIO Networks Corp. "With over 10,000 active locations six months ahead of forecast we are well on our way to achieving greater growth and will continue to aggressively expand our network to unlock the value of our biller and service relationships."
Friday, 20 June 2008
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Consumer fraud and identity theft numbers have risen steadily over the past few years, and, whether you realize it or not, your customers are taking notice.
In fact, according to "Data Security and Privacy: Best Practices for Protecting Customer Information through PCI," a report published by the Digital Technology Alliance (DTA), almost half of the consumers polled in a Gemalto survey said they worry about identity theft when shopping online.
The report also highlights in-depth research on where and how security breaches most often occur, as well as what operators in every industry can do to safeguard their customers' personal information. Focusing its attention on the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), the report is packed with expert commentary on the challenges of PCI compliance.
"Rising reports of identity theft will continue to remind consumers that they need to pay careful attention to where, when and how they use their cards," said James Bickers, editor of RetailCustomerExperience.com, in his introduction to the report. And, as the report proves, retailers must learn how to catch up to industry standards if they want to keep their customers’ trust.
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Transactions at self-service kiosks will surpass $607 billion this year in North America as consumers continue to embrace self-service technology, according to a new research study conducted by the IHL Group, an analyst firm and consultancy that serves retailers and retail technology vendors.
That amount will more than triple by 2012 to over $1.7 trillion, the study predicts.
"We expect continued double-digit growth in the revenue generated by self-service transactions for the foreseeable future," said Lee Holman, lead retail analyst of the IHL Group. "The results of this study confirm what we’ve been seeing for the past several years — namely, that consumers are showing a preference for self-service kiosk activity of all kinds."
The new research study, 2008 North American Self-Service Kiosks, examines the increasing use of six types of self-service kiosks where payment is accepted: self-checkout systems, ticketing kiosks, check-in kiosks, food ordering, postal systems and other retail kiosks.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. — Nanonation has announced a partnership with Impact Mobile to deliver a variety of mobile media solutions to the hospitality and retail markets.
The partnership enables Nanonation to integrate a variety of mobile applications into digital signage and kiosk networks. The applications enable consumers to interact with digital screens via standard text messaging to create new and engaging customer experiences.
The solution leverages Nanonation’s award-winning enterprise software platform for the content delivery, management and measurement of the screens with Impact Mobile’s mobile media technology and applications.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
DAYTON, Ohio — Unified Grocers Inc., a U.S. cooperative grocery wholesaler, has teamed with NCR Corp. to support and promote the NCR Advanced Checkout Solution (ACS) POS software solution to its approximately 3,000 independently owned retail grocery customers in the western United States.
"This relationship provides Unified with a consistent and reliable POS solution that can be extended to all of its retail customers," said John Saccomanno, director, NCR Food, Drug and Petroleum Industry Marketing. "By using ACS, Unified’s customers will benefit from a POS software solution that helps drive maximum operational efficiencies and enhances consumers’ shopping experiences."
Joining Unified and NCR in the strategic relationship are NCR RealPartners SNCR and Team Business. These NCR resellers will facilitate the execution of the program, as well as the delivery and support of the ACS solution to Unified’s retail customers.
ACS is designed to enhance customer service and help retailers improve labor productivity, retain profitable customers and quickly adapt to changing business environments. Offering superior promotional flexibility, ACS can be customized for larger retailers or packaged for smaller retail formats, such as independent merchants, making the software a strategic choice for Unified and its customers.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times Free Press: David Drain, executive director of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association (SSKA), when interviewed by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, argued that many self-service technologies are more user friendly than some computers. "We are looking for ways to save time and take control," Drain said. "If I can avoid a long line by buying tickets at a movie theater kiosk or scanning my own groceries, I'm going to do it."
Read more
Friday, 06 June 2008
LONDON — KioskCom Self Service Expo Europe has launched its 2008 show Web site and, with an added interactive element, manufacturers can play a part in demonstrating the future of retail technology.
The innovation gallery, a new feature for Self Service Expo 2008, offers a platform for exhibitors to showcase their most cutting-edge products – those that aim to change the face of self-service.
"At the show this year, we want to demonstrate the evolution of the self-service market and show our visitors – the people that are investing in the technology – exactly where the next big thing is coming from," said Phil Hunter, event director. "It’s about more than just showing the existing products that make life easier for the consumer. We want manufacturers who have taken things to the next level to shout about their innovations. Perhaps a previously functional kiosk application that has been made totally secure or something none of us have seen before."
Exhibitors – and those who intend to exhibit – can log on to www.selfserviceexpo.co.uk and enter their product via the call for innovation section. Details are submitted online and successful entries will form part of the Self Service Expo Gallery at London’s Olympia on Oct. 1-2.
As well as helping gather information on the latest in kiosk technology design and display solutions, the show Web site is a comprehensive resource for visitors and exhibitors alike, providing a wealth of event information and the latest news from Self Service Expo. Potential exhibitors can download facts and figures on the show and visitors can register for their free show passes.
Tuesday, 03 June 2008
TROY, Mich. — NEXTEP SYSTEMS, a provider of automated ordering solutions, has announced record sales growth for its self-order kiosk and online ordering solutions. First quarter 2008 results were up 300 percent when compared to first quarter 2007. With a month yet to go, 2008 second quarter results have already doubled second quarter results for 2007.
NEXTEP also recently announced self-order projects with Little River Casino Resort, Silver Diner, Randazzo's Fresh Markets, Citizens Bank Park, and Berry Chill.
"After years of successful pilots, we are now seeing the start of full-scale adoption of self-order kiosks for high volume food and beverage operations." NEXTEP president Tommy Woycik said.
Tuesday, 03 June 2008
Aruba.com: The Aruba Airport Authority has announced that KLM and Martinair passengers can use newly installed Common Use Self Service (CUSS) check-in kiosks to check in and print their own boarding passes. The airport claims it is the first Caribbean airport to offer the service.
Read more
Monday, 02 June 2008
CAMPBELL, Calif. — DVDPlay has announced that Charles "Charlie" T. Piper has been appointed as president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. Most recently, Piper served as senior vice president of operations for Blackhawk Network, a market leader in prepaid and payments network and card-based financial solutions. At Blackhawk, Piper established operational support for Blackhawk’s 80,000 retail partners and was also responsible for Safeway’s front-end revenue programs.
Before joining Blackhawk, Piper was vice president of corporate retail operations for Safeway Inc., where he developed key strategies for retail application and implementation. Piper’s retail career started in southern California in 1986, and he has held progressive store and division level positions across Western and Midwestern States before moving to a corporate leadership position. Piper’s experience includes 11 years with Albertsons prior to joining Safeway’s Denver division in 2000.
Thursday, 29 May 2008
LISBON, Portugal — Paderborn, Germany-based Wincor Nixdorf International welcomed guests of its International Management Seminar, this year in Lisbon, with dinner and entertainment at the Páteo Alfacinha, a venue that offers visitors a taste of 20th-century Portugal.
Wincor Nixdorf’s 200 or so guests, representing 34 countries, were entertained by local students, who sang and performed in traditional Portuguese style.
|
|
|
Attendees spent the evening at Lisbon's Pateo Alfacinha, an establishment known for its Portuguese flare.
|
But today it was all business, with a morning announcement that the once-third-ranked global ATM deployer has now assumed the No. 2 position, trailing only Dayton, Ohio’s NCR Corp., according to 2007 shipment figures tracked by England’s Retail Banking Research Ltd.
RBR reports that Wincor Nixdorf increased its global ATM deliveries from 18 percent in 2006 to 21 percent in 2007.
“Moving up to the No. 2 slot is yet another milestone in our success story,” said Stefan Auerbach, Wincor Nixdorf’s executive vice president of banking as well as a member of the company’s board of directors. “Our portfolio, as a provider of integrated hardware, software, and services, strengthens our position as a leading IT-solution supplier in the international retail-banking business.”
Auerbach opened the day’s events with a presentation outlining Wincor Nixdorf’s growth. In 1994, Wincor Nixdorf was No. 12 in global ATM shipments. By 2000, the company had moved to the No. 3 slot.
Auerbach attributes Wincor Nixdorf’s growth to specific strategies in key markets, including the United States and Asia — two markets where Wincor Nixdorf has focused much attention over the last three years.
And the proof is in numbers.
Wincor Nixdorf’s first-half results for the 2007/2008 fiscal year are coming in higher than forecasted. From the first half of FY 2006/2007, the company’s business in the Americas is up 29 percent; in Asia-Pacific and Africa, it’s up 32 percent; and in Europe, it’s up 9 percent.
Only the company’s business in Germany saw a decrease, falling 7 percent from the same period last year.
“Despite the sub prime crisis, which is being felt in Germany and throughout the world, we continue to see growth in banking,” Auerbach said. “The good news is that the banking business worldwide is expected to grow by a multiple of four over the next 15 years, and we are positioning ourselves for the growth.”
Acting global, thinking local has contributed to the company’s growth, Auerbach says, and likely led to the 11 additional international participants Wincor Nixdorf welcomed to its event this year.
“Branch and ATM channels in every big, established market remain the strongest banking touchpoints,” he said. “And we developed a global strategy to meet those needs, because we understood that we had to be more global. So we have developed strong partnerships and service relationships in all of our markets.”
|
|
|
The view from the Pateo Alfacinha.
|
Organic growth is expected to remain the company’s strategy, said one Wincor Nixdorf spokesman, despite some rumors that Wincor Nixdorf could be in the running for an acquisition of the cash-systems business operated by England-based De La Rue.
Growth through acquisition has not been a method Wincor Nixdorf has had success with in the past. Internal growth, on the other hand, is working.
Since FY 1999/2000, when 51 percent of Wincor Nixdorf’s business was based in Germany, the company has increased its international penetration across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.
In FY ’99/’00, only 38 percent of Wincor Nixdorf’s business came from European countries beyond Germany. Today the percentage is 52.
In Asia/Pacific, the business percentage in ’99/’00 was 7 — today it is 13 percent. And in the Americas, only 4 percent of the company’s business could be attributed to the region in ’99/’00 — today the breakdown is 8 percent.
In fact, over the next few months, Wincor Nixdorf has announced plans to install some 7,000 ATMs in Asia, namely because of a strong partnership with First Data Corp. in Australia.
All three regions represent key markets, but so does Africa, where Nigeria is quickly becoming one of Wincor Nixdorf’s most-prized markets, Auerbach said.
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
NEW YORK — On the heels of a successful two-year pilot of personal electronic automated retail shops with ZoomSystems, Macy’s announced the rollout of this technology to more than half of its full-line department stores around the country. The new e-Spot automated shops offer the latest consumer electronics at a customer’s fingertips with touchscreen technology that processes the transaction and completes the sale in a matter of minutes. The machines will offer widely demanded brands including Apple, Sony, Canon and MyVu.
"Personal electronics are a massive business in today’s texting, downloading, photo ‘tagging,’ YouTubing world," said Chris Mizer, senior vice president of Macy’s Customer Operations. "And arguably more so than ever before, people’s tech taste is as much an extension of their personal style as their choice of shoe or apparel brands. As we continue to expand the Macy’s brand as the premiere shopping and lifestyle destination, it became increasingly obvious that our customer was looking to us for this caliber of electronic product. They wanted one-stop, no-fuss shopping, and we are responding."
The products available from e-Spot include iPods (Touch, Classic, Nano and Shuffle); Canon 7MP and 8MP digital cameras; Samsung 7MP digital camera and 1GB Camcorder; MyVu Personal Media Viewers; Sony, V-MODA, Bang and Olufsen and Harman Kardon headphones; and mobile accessories by Belkin. Products range from $14.99 to $349.99.
Providing instant gratification faster than online purchasing, e-Spot automated shops can complete a transaction in less than two minutes for knowledgeable, decided customers. The machines also have extensive product information and comparisons that allow customers with less-certain needs to be as thorough as necessary to feel comfortable.
"Customers tell us they love the no-pressure environment e-Spot provides," said Mizer. "Getting product information easily without pressure, and not waiting for someone with a key to unlock a cabinet or get the product from a back room — this is the type of comfortable shopping environment that today’s technology buyer appreciates."
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
TORONTO, Ontario — ADFLOW Networks Inc., a provider of digital signage and interactive kiosk technology in the self-service vertical, has announced it has achieved "ready for IBM" AnyPlace Kiosk status with ADFLOW’s Dynamic Messaging System software.
"Ready for" status means a business partner has earned the right to display specifically designed IBM marks in packaging and marketing materials of qualified offerings that have met compatibility and integration requirements established by IBM.
"We are very pleased to be working with IBM to help support digital signage and interactive kiosk initiatives," said Steve Kartonchik, vice president of sales and marketing for ADFLOW Networks. "We look forward to collaborating with IBM to provide our mutual clients digital signage offerings based on IBM AnyPlace Kiosks running ADFLOW’s Dynamic Messaging System software."
Designed to optimize the consumer experience across a broad range of market segments, including retail, travel, financial, government, healthcare and entertainment, IBM’s AnyPlace Kiosk line includes powerful self-service kiosks in 15-, 17- and 19-inch touchscreen performance models with dual video display capability, and integrated expansion for wireless capability.
IBM’s Anyplace Kiosk products support ADFLOW Networks’ innovative single Web-hosted applications designed to deliver dynamic marketing messages to digital and interactive displays, from a single control panel that controls both digital signage and interactive kiosks. ADFLOW’s patented security and proven implementation methodology means the users are ensured a completely controlled customer experience.
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Video Business: Redbox, the largest U.S. movie-rental kiosk maker, has announced that it named former JetBlue Airways chief financial officer John Harvey as its financial chief as the company prepares for an initial public offering. Harvey, a one-time Ernst & Young accountant, also held finance positions with America West Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
Read more
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
The Retail Bulletin: Tesco's Fresh & Easy chain has uniquely adopted an all-self-checkout model that was initially questioned but is gaining increasing customer acceptance, according to the grocer's internal research. As many as 90 percent of its customers indicated that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the checkout experience, and in a separate independent survey some 60 percent of shoppers found the arrangement favorable while another 27 percent stated that it doesn't matter what format the checkouts take.
Read more
Monday, 19 May 2008
The (Everett, Wash.) HeraldNet: He's accused of stealing around $450,000 from grocery store coin-counting machines in three states. Local police believe Michael Burns, 39, ripped off the machines while working for Coinstar Inc. They allege Burns, of Maple Valley in King County, wore a company uniform when he walked into stores and used inside knowledge to break into the kiosks, according to court documents. When police arrested Burns on Friday, they confiscated around $130,000 in cash along with high-priced electronics and a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the documents said. Detectives still haven't accounted for thousands of dollars more that are missing. Police were alerted after loss prevention officers at Bellevue-based Coinstar discovered thefts at several of their kiosks.
Read more
Friday, 16 May 2008
BUDAPEST, Hungary — Increasing numbers of European consumers use self-service in their everyday lives, and the latest research from NCR Corp. shows an increasing percentage of individuals actually favor businesses that offer "do-it-myself" options.
The 2008 NCR Self-Service Consumer survey, conducted by BuzzBack Market Research, reveals that 67 percent, or nearly 7 out of 10, consumers across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K. are more likely to do business with a company that offers the flexibility to interact using self-service — whether via the Internet, on a mobile device or at a kiosk or ATM.
Moreover, 56 percent say their likelihood to use self-service has increased over the past year.
"The bottom line is that we are truly at an inflection point," said Bill Nuti, NCR’s chairman and chief executive officer. "Technology innovation, coupled with changes in consumer behavior, is forcing businesses to adapt to a consumer who is changing the way they connect, interact and transact with your business.
"The self-service revolution is real because consumers see how they personally gain from it. Self-service is convenient and efficient, gives them time back and puts them in control — all of which are highly valued. Consumers require anytime, anywhere convenience. They have gotten a taste of what is possible and they want more. In fact, they are demanding it."
In addition to being more likely to do business with enterprises offering self-service, 58 percent of the survey respondents say the availability of self-service technologies creates a more positive perception of the deployer’s brand.
The survey also shows that European consumers clearly value the ability to use a combination of self-service channels — their PDA or cell phone, the Internet and touch points such as ATMs or kiosks — to improve their overall experience. Ninety-eight percent would use a combination of such self-service channels to handle a transaction or service in the retail or hotel industries. The findings are similar for consumer transactions in the travel (97 percent), banking (96 percent) and healthcare (95 percent) industries.
Thursday, 08 May 2008
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. has released the financial results of the first quarter of 2008, ending March 31.
The company reported net income of $48 million, 27 cents per share, up 41 percent from the $34 million, 19 per share, in net income it reported for 1Q 2007.
NCR attributes some of the increase to the sale of its Canadian manufacturing facility, which created a $16 million pre-tax gain recorded as income.
NCR reported revenue of $1.18 billion, up 19 percent from 1Q '07.
Revenue growth in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa was the strongest, coming in 30 percent higher than the same period last year. In the Americas, revenue was up 15 percent; in Asia-Pacific, it was up 7 percent.
NCR did not release net-income breakdowns for those regions.
"The new NCR has started 2008 on a positive note, delivering strong revenue growth, margin expansion and much-improved cash flow," said Bill Nuti, chairman and chief executive of NCR. "Our vision for the new NCR is to lead how the world connects, interacts and transacts with business; and early in 2008 we're seeing increased traction for our newer self-service offerings as well as continued solid demand for core solutions and services across our geographic regions. Throughout the year and going forward, we are focused on implementing our strategies of generating profitable revenue growth, building a leading cost structure, and improving our working capital. We have significant work ahead on each of these initiatives, but the progress exhibited by our first-quarter results indicates we are on the right path."
Tuesday, 06 May 2008
DUBAI, United Arab Emirites — MxN Middle East FZ-LLC, a Dubai-based digital signage and digital media company, has been appointed as distributor by KIOSK Information Systems. MxN is pleased to add the Self Service Kiosk products of KIOSK to the impressive list of products it distributes for the Digital Signage and Digital Media industry. KIOSK manufactures information kiosk solutions with functions such as touchscreens, ticket printers, card readers, card dispensing solutions, bill payment, money accepting, money dispensing, order entry, photo kiosk solutions, music download, public Internet access terminals, gaming kiosks as well as biometric solutions such as fingerprint readers.
"In today's digital world, solutions like the ones MxN provides will increasingly become the norm. MxN provides a full turnkey solution including the hardware, software, content and technical support," said Raad Raad, managing director of MxN.
Dan Stewart, director of international sales for KIOSK said, “I strongly support the fact that we are learning and growing together in a business where sharing our knowledge with the right partner is critical. Our partnership with MxN enables us not only to support our customers with a complete solution, but most importantly, brings their attention to cost effective and world leading products with partners they can trust.”
Preliminary research indicates that the out of home media industry is growing at a very fast rate. There are many underutilized opportunities for the integration of digital signage and information kiosks. More and more customers are requesting overhead LCD screens to be integrated into their service kiosks to promote their products or to generate extra revenue. MxN has developed innovative solutions for integrating digital signage into kiosk solutions. The main benefits of this are to leverage the kiosk placement and use an overhead screen for media sales or information distribution.
MxN is one of the only companies in the region to be able to provide a full turnkey solution for its customers. MxN is an example of a company committed to maintaining its dominant leadership position in the area of digital media.
"In choosing MxN, one of the determining factors was their ability to deliver on all aspects of a project from hardware, software and technology to content," continued Stewart.
"We are very excited about adding KIOSK as a product that MxN distributes. We are constantly looking for solutions and products that take our integration and installation abilities above those of our competitors. KIOSK is a very real example of a product that helps us achieve that goal," said MxN's Raad.
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Source Technologies, a provider of integrated solutions for managing financial transactions and other secure business processes, has announced it received its ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001 certification, a global standard for quality management practices. ISO, a network of the national standards bodies of 157 countries, is the world's largest developer and publisher of international standards for business, government and society.
The certification is given to organizations of all kinds that meet or exceed the ISO 9001 requirements for planning systems and process controls necessary to continuously provide improved customer satisfaction. With more than 17,000 international standards on a variety of subjects, ISO assesses companies' processes, training and the tools used to ensure the best methods for ongoing customer satisfaction.
Thursday, 17 April 2008
LAS VEGAS—It was triple vision for SoloHealth at KioskCom’s Self Service Excellence awards ceremony as its innovative EyeSite kiosk won two of three categories where it had been entered and snagged the day’s grand prize, the Best of the Best, for receiving the most votes of entries in all categories.
|
|
David Drain (left), executive director of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, congratulates IBM's Cortlandt Johnson, who was inducted into the association's hall of fame.
|
Users of the EyeSite kiosk enter sight-related information on a touchscreen, such as the person’s age, the date of his last eye exam and whether he wears contacts or glasses. The kiosk then presents a series of stimuli for both near and distance vision. A printout of the results and a video analysis help the user determine the next steps for eye care.
In addition to overall best, the application was voted best healthcare application and best new innovation in a kiosk deployment. Manufacturer KIOSK Information Systems and software vendor Netkey submitted the kiosk for the Self Service Excellence awards, which were presented on the first day of KioskCom Self Service Expo.
For the first time, the Self-Service and Kiosk Association announced its Hall of Fame inductees as part of the awards ceremony. They were Cortlandt Johnson and Janet Webster. Johnson’s background includes helping Eastman Kodak develop the first photo kiosk and being a leader of self-service technology at IBM. He also helped found the association. Webster, who manages self-service for the United States Postal Service, is responsible for the deployment of 2,500 Automated Postal Center kiosks. For 2005, she was the recipient of the 2005 Kiosk Industry Leader of the Year Award in the Deployer category.
Below are all entries and winners of the KioskCom Self Service Excellence Awards.
Best Retail Deployment
• Cabelas - Best Retail Deployment, submitted by KIOSK Information Systems
• Self-Service Networks: Electronic Gift Card Dispenser, submitted by Self-Service Networks
• WINNER: Self-Service Networks: Thule Interactive Point-of-Purchase, submitted by Self-Service Networks
Best Financial Services Deployment
• Alltel BillPay Kiosk, submitted by Source Technologies
• Automated Commerce Machine (ACM), submitted by Pay-Ease LLC
• WINNER: Multi-Function Financial Services Kiosk, submitted by INFONOX
Best Goverment/Education/Non-Profit Agency Deployment
• WINNER: Automated Commerce Machine (ACM), submitted by Pay-Ease LLC
• Barcelona City Council Service Kiosk, submitted by FOCUS ON EMOTIONS
• SWANSON SERVICES CORPORATION COBRA KIOSK, submitted by Source Technologies
Best Travel/Hospitality Deployment
• Northwest Airlines Mobile Website, submitted by Northwest Airlines
• WINNER: PDC Smart Kiosk, submitted by MEI
• SITA S2 AirportConnect Kiosk, submitted by SITA
Best Entertainment/Gaming Deployment
• Dave & Buster's Loyalty Kiosk, submitted by KIOSK Information Systems
• WINNER: Foxwoods Resort Casino Promotions Kiosk, submitted by Livewire International
• SanDisk Digital Media Download Kiosk, submitted by Nanonation
Best Healthcare Deployment
• WINNER: EyeSite Kiosk by SoloHealth, submitted by Netkey and KIOSK Information Systems
• Patient Passport Express, submitted by D2 Sales
• Phreesia - The Patient Check-in Company, submitted by Phreesia, Inc.
• RemoteNurse Patient Monitor, submitted by Elo TouchSystems
Best Food Service Deployment
• Mandalay Bay - Bayside Buffet, submitted by NCR Corporation and MGM
• WINNER: Prepayment Kiosk by School-Link Technologies, submitted by MEI
Best Other Industry Deployment
• BMW ICS (Indoor Communication System), submitted by Reality Interactive
• EyeSite Kiosk by SoloHealth, submitted by Netkey, KIOSK Information Systems
• WINNER: Ford SYNC Kiosk, submitted by Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc., Wireless Ronin Inc.
Best Overall Software Solution
• BMW ICS (Indoor Communication System), submitted by Reality Interactive
• WINNER: Dave & Buster's Loyalty Kiosk, submitted by KIOSK Information Systems, St. Clair Interactive
• Showroom Technology SHOW/PRO V3 Kiosk, submitted by Netkey
Best Hardware/Enclosure Design
• Automated Commerce Machine (ACM), submitted by Pay-Ease, LLC
• BMW ICS (Indoor Communication System), submitted by Reality Interactive
• WINNER: CVD's, submitted by CVD, Inc.
Best New Innovation in a Kiosk Deployment
• WINNER: EyeSite Kiosk by SoloHealth, submitted by KIOSK Information Systems & Netkey
• Live Nation - Interactive Mobile Phone Digital Signage, submitted by Nanonation
• Phreesia - The Patient Check-in Company, submitted by Phreesia
• Qflix, submitted by Sonic Solutions
Best of the Best
EyeSite Kiosk by SoloHealth, Netkey & KIOSK Information Systems
Industry Deployer of the Year
David Forbes, exec director, IT, AT&T, for his work using kiosks and digital signage to enhance the customer experience for mobile customers.
Monday, 14 April 2008
BURNABY, British Columbia — TIO Networks Corp., an automated, non-bank, financial services network, and Cash AdvantEdge, the financial services business unit of Rent-A-Center, announced an agreement to test-market TIO's bill payment products and services in 18 Cash AdvantEdge stores in the United States.
Cash AdvantEdge will test TIO's touchscreen, cash-accepting kiosk terminals. Cash-preferred customers can use these terminals to securely pay their wireless, utility and cable bills as well as to purchase prepaid products and reload stored value cards. The terminals will be deployed to Cash AdvantEdge stores in Denver, Colo., and Memphis, Tenn.
Wednesday, 09 April 2008
ROCKVILLE, Md. — Summit Research Associates Inc., the only consulting firm devoted to the kiosk industry, is proud to announce the publication of the completely new Seventh Edition of its popular flagship report, Kiosks and Interactive Technology. This report — the most comprehensive ever produced on the kiosk industry — examines recent trends, provides projections for the kiosk installed base, CAGR and revenues from the present time through 2010.
The news remains good: Kiosk deployments are rapidly expanding and the future continues to look bright. The report also includes 53 charts and tables on the leading kiosk issues and examines the industry from many perspectives, including the average cost of a kiosk, average number of users per day, average length of time spent at the kiosk, leading design issues, leading types of peripherals used, most popular kiosk applications and leading development issues. The statistics were compiled from an extensive survey sent to hundreds of deployers, end-users and total solution providers around the world. Where appropriate, the results are presented as worldwide totals and also are grouped into the four major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World.
More than 680 companies are profiled in the report, including 3M Microtouch, Appleton, Apunix, Blackstone, Coinstar, Compushop Services, Cyphermint, Diebold Inc., DynaTouch Corp., EAO, ELO Touchsystems Inc., Epson America Inc., Frank Mayer & Associates Inc., Fujitsu, Hand Held Products, Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM, Itautec, JCM American Corp., King Products, Netkey, Pitney-Bowes, PhotoChannel, Planar Systems Inc., Provisio GmbH, Resolute TAP Services, St. Clair Interactive Communications Inc., Seiko Instruments, Storefront.com, The Kiosk Factory, TIO Networks Corp., Whitech, Wincor Nixdorf GmbH Co. & KG and Zebra Technologies Corp.
The report provides detailed information on these and other companies — representing 44 countries — in the kiosk industry, discussing the market segments they target (including key customers), their featured applications, key design and development issues they face, what sets them apart from the competition and other valuable statistics of interest to kiosk industry professionals targeting the leading market sectors such as retail, entertainment, government, financial and transportation.
The report — available as a PDF sent electronically or on CD-ROM — sells for $2,195.00 (USD) and includes shipping and handling. Purchasors also will receive an Excel spreadsheet containing all of the Kiosk Industry Directory information at no additional cost, enabling them to organize the data to meet their particular needs. For example, purchasors who want to find all the U.S.-based enclosure manufacturers or the turnkey solution providers in India, can sort the data and quickly find them.
For order information, visit Summit's Web site at www.summit-res.com.
Tuesday, 08 April 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. — A growing legion of North American consumers use self-service in their everyday lives, and the latest research from NCR Corp. shows an increasing percentage of individuals actually favor businesses that offer "do-it-myself" options.
The third annual NCR Self-Service Consumer survey, conducted by BuzzBack Market Research, reveals that 86 percent of U.S. and Canadian consumers say they are more likely to do business with a company that offers the flexibility to interact using self-service — whether via the Internet, on a mobile device or at a kiosk or ATM. That’s an increase of 11 percent over those who gave the same response in last year’s study. Moreover, 56 percent say their likelihood to use self-service has increased over the past year.
"These survey results are symbolic of what lies ahead for self-service," said NCR chairman and chief executive officer Bill Nuti, who announced the survey results at the NCR Self-Service Universe executive conference in Orlando. "The self-service revolution is real: consumers demand it, businesses depend on it."
In addition to being more likely to do business with enterprises offering self-service, 66 percent of the survey respondents say the availability of self-service technologies creates a more positive perception of the deployer’s brand.
Monday, 07 April 2008
SYDNEY, Australia — SPOS, an Australian point of purchase provider, and St. Clair Interactive have announced a partnership agreement. SPOS will distribute and support a broad range of transactional kiosk software based on application software templates and Remote Management packages from St. Clair, one of the world’s leading developers of touchscreen self-service.
St. Clair software has been installed in 11 countries and many languages for retail, financial services, leisure industries, healthcare and ticketing.
Monday, 07 April 2008
LONDON — Ryanair has said it will submit a High Court appeal against the Irish aviation regulator's recent decision to allow a Dublin airport to increase charges to airlines.
The low-cost carrier claims the Dublin Airport Authority has allowed a 50-percent hike in check-in desk charges and a doubling of charges for check-in kiosks at Dublin airport.
“Airport costs at most UK and European airports are falling thanks to lower cost facilities and competition. But in Ireland this regulator is allowing ... price increases at the DAA monopoly,” said Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's chief executive.
For more coverage, click here.
Friday, 04 April 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. — “We are truly at an inflection point,” said Bill Nuti, NCR Corp.’s chairman and chief executive. “Businesses are forced to interact with a consumer that is changing.”
Long story short, like the ever-changing and evolving technology paradigm, consumers are changing, and they want to interact with businesses at an ever-accelerating pace. Businesses, in their quest to keep up, are looking to self-service and multichannel strategies more than ever before.
At least that’s the way the head of the Dayton, Ohio-based self-service giant sees it, and it’s a message he and the rest of the NCR team are touting to customers and journalists from various industries and markets during NCR’s third-annual Self-Service Universe Executive Conference.
‘The revolution is real’
During his opening address Thursday, Nuti quoted 10 ideas recently published by Time Magazine that are changing the world.
Of the ideas, which range from the so-called “Post-Movie-Star Era” to “Reverse Radicalism,” is a section dedicated to “The End of Customer Service.” And guess what spurred the notion to be pinged by Time as one of the top-10? Answer: An overwhelming shift among retailers, the hospitality industry, banking institutions and more to increased use of self-service.
|
|
|
Bill Nuti, NCR Corp.’s chairman and chief executive, speaks at NCR’s third-annual Self-Service Universe Executive Conference.
|
In fact, among Time’s top-10, this move to more self-service listed as the No. 2 “big idea.”
So, is that movement or migration a good thing? Yes, not surprisingly, says Nuti, whose company is betting on the self-service shift.
But does the shift represent, as Time would lead readers to believe, an end to customer service? Quite the contrary, Nuti says.
Quoting statistics from its most-recent annual consumer survey, which polls users in North America, Europe, China, Japan and Australia, Nuti says NCR found that consumers are increasingly demanding and using self-service.
Looking specifically at the United States and Canada, the 500 North America consumers who participated in the March 2008 survey, 86 percent said they were more likely to do business with companies that offer self-service. That’s a 12 percent increase from just last year. And, even more striking, Nuti says, is that no respondents said they would be less likely to do business with a company that offers self-service – a minority category that accounted for 2 percent of last year’s results.
Additionally, around 56 percent said their likelihood to use self-service has increased over the last 12 months. (Click here to download the full survey.)
Respondents also said the use of self-service positively impacted, in their minds, brand image. In fact, 66 percent said they positively viewed brands that use or offer self-service technologies.
“The ‘Self-Service Revolution’ is driven by the desire for something better,” Nuti said.
It’s a revolution that’s being driven by technology enhancements, technology affordability and a desire on the part of the consumer to do more for himself. One merely needs to look to the speed at which consumers have embraced the Internet and wireless technology, Nuti says, to see that the adoption of self-service is only going to become more widespread, crossing every socio-economic, ethnic and generational sphere.
Ultimately, Nuti says, self-service will enhance, not harm, customer service.
“One of the true values of customer service is personalization,” he said. “By offering consumers more choices, you improve personalization. You must have networks and self-service options that meet the needs of customers in order to survive. The age of the multichannel consumer has finally arrived.”
Thursday, 03 April 2008
Baseline: The major data breach affecting Hannaford Brothers grocery chain isn’t record-setting in terms of the volume of records exposed — the 4.2 million records breached is dwarfed by the 94 million records exposed during the TJX breach. But the Hannaford breach is groundbreaking in its own way, because this massive security incident is the first publicly-reported exposure to hit a retailer that claims to have been certified as compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI).
Read more
Thursday, 03 April 2008
The success of KIOSK EUROPE magazine, launched in 2004, prompted publisher hf media & events to launch KIOSK EUROPE EXPO in 2007. Preparing for its second opening, hf media intends to build on last year’s achievement.
“The 2007 event was a great success and showed the huge growth potential for self-service across Europe,” said Nilima Patwardhan, IBM’s marketing manager, on KIOSK EUROPE’s Web site.
Show operators hope this year will be another success after grabbing companies such as Fujitsu, Hughes, IBM, Panasonic, Sony and Wincor Nixdorf to participate in the 2008 show. This year’s event will be held May 6-8 at Messe Essen near Dusseldorf, Germany.
Visitors to KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2008 will have a unique opportunity to see, experience and discuss the very latest advances in interactive customer self-service solutions by suppliers and innovators from across the globe, organizers say.
The show’s Self-Service Solutions Forum will feature a range of individual presentations from leading self-service solutions providers, and a Panel Workshop, where industry experts and self-service professionals will provide hands-on information on how to successfully implement self-service, offering examples from various markets. The experts will be available to discuss and offer advice on attendees’ self-service questions and challenges.
The forum primarily is aimed at those who are in the planning or early stages of a self-service deployment, and will provide engaging and relevant information about the theory and practical implementation of kiosk technology. The program alternates between topic-focused and application-focused presentations illustrated with real-life examples and case studies.
hf media & events also launched Digital Signage Expo this year. The event, which will cover topics such as in-store TV, digital media, ad screens, content and solutions, will be held in tandem with KIOSK EUROPE.
Tuesday, 01 April 2008
EXTON, Pa. — Scala, a provider of end-to-end solutions for the digital signage market, has announced DDS Poland, a Scala Certified Partner, has won the prestigious POPAI Bronze Statue Award for its implementation of their Beeblue Bluetooth-activated kiosk for Samsung.
DDS Poland’s award entry was a self-service kiosk for Samsung. The kiosk employs the BeeBlue Integrated Bluetooth Marketing Solution for Bluetooth proximity, creating a 100 meter hot spot for Class 2.0 Bluetooth devices. Driven by Scala InfoChannel, the kiosk displays two channels of brand advertising and interactive product information. The kiosk presents two screens, a 22-inch LCD displaying brand advertising and product information, the lower screen is an interactive 17-inch or 19-inch LCD screen allowing customers to interact with the kiosk. The kiosk features directional sound systems or headphones, distance sensors and RFID sensors. The kiosk provides customers with music, videos, wallpaper images, coupons and promotions all ready for download directly from the kiosk.
Samsung’s goal was to show the features of their new mobile handsets. Interested customers are attracted to the kiosk with the promise of free content, using DDS’s Beeblue Bluetooth proximity solution, while learning more about Samsung’s products and services. Kiosks are deployed in mobile phone stores and other locations where the public would be likely to be attracted.
The first kiosks were deployed in December 2007 and Samsung has 12 kiosks in service while they prepare for their next deployment.
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — The PC-based electronic point-of-sale market in Europe/Middle East/Africa experienced a 4 percent shipment increase in 2007 and continues to show strong growth potential in 2008, according to a new study released by IHL Group. Taking advantage of normal cyclical upgrades in Western Europe and enjoying strong oil revenues in Russia and the Middle East, the region is poised to remain strong even while shipments slow in North America.
The largest boost in 2008 will come from replacement of systems installed in the late 1990's (just before the Euro conversion and Y2K) in the Large Format Food & Drug sectors and Hypermarkets. Also helping will be shipments to Russia and the Middle East, which have seen tremendous growth in their retail infrastructures as oil reached and surpassed $100 per barrel. These trends will continue for several years in the more technically mature EPOS markets (for example, Germany, France and the UK), and long-term for the other EMEA countries, according to the 2008 Europe/Middle East/Africa Retail POS Terminal Study from IHL Group, a global research and advisory firm that serves retailers and retail technology vendors.
"Retailers continue to see the EPOS as more than just a method for accurately recording sales," said Greg Buzek, president of IHL. "Added functionality at the till, whether in the form of capabilities such as customer returns, inventory look-up, or workforce management, helps retailers see EPOS as THE central system in the store, and they are willing to invest in it accordingly."
According to the study, retailers in the Food & Drug and Mass Merchant segments are experiencing heavy consolidation, while those in the Convenience and Hospitality segments are seeing rapid expansion. Security is also weighing heavily on retailers' POS purchase decision-making process. Retailers want POS systems that are PCI-compliant, in order to avoid data breaches such as those experienced recently by TJ Maxx, Hannaford Brothers and other retailers in North America.
Friday, 21 March 2008
The Associated Press: State lawmakers killed a proposal on Thursday that would have forced counties to conduct paper ballot elections this year, freeing them to use their controversial electronic voting kiosks. Colorado was one of five states considering moving to paper because of questions about electronic equipment. The reversal essentially puts the state back to where it was in December, before Coffman decertified most of the computerized voting equipment and optical scanners used in the state because of security and accuracy concerns. U.S. Election Assistance Commission Chairwoman Rosemary Rodriguez of Denver said the measure lets states use money to equip electronic machines with paper receipt printers and doesn't endorse any voting system over another.
Read more
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Thaindian News: City-based Technology Frontiers has announced it is targeting growing malls and retail chains for its digital kiosks. The touchscreen digital kiosk allows users to book airline and cinema tickets and also does online banking, mobile phone recharge and gaming.
Read more
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
KNOXVILLE, Md. — KMYAmerica’s Mike James has announced an expansion in kiosk production capabilities. KMY’s previously separate metalworking plant and systems integration facility have moved into a single larger shared space.
The new plant has a production area of about 15,000 square meters (161,500 square feet), which doubles the size of its previous factories combined.
“Our initial target is to produce about 1,000 kiosks per month,” said KMY spokeswoman Zhou Jing. “The new space will accommodate over 500 employees with offices, dining rooms and sports facilities.”
For more information, contact Mike James at and visit www.kmyamerica.com.
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
BURNABY, British Columbia — TIO Networks Corp., a bill payment and financial services network, has announced that it has surpassed the one billion dollar milestone in the total value of payments processed through the TIO Network. Since the spring of 2002, TIO has processed approximately 14.5 million transactions and the network has grown to more than 3,600 retail locations primarily in the United States.
The vast majority of the bill payments occurred on TIO's automated kiosk network where customers use self-service Web-enabled kiosks and hybrid ATM devices to safely and securely pay bills, purchase prepaid products and conduct other services. TIO has a model where a number of bill payment options in categories such as wireless, utilities and cable are offered on the same terminal.
TIO also has announced that it has activated its first 600 OEM Express locations and started generating revenue as of February 2008. OEM Express, which leverages TIO's new transactional application programming interface, was designed to integrate large networks into the TIO network to market the company's portfolio of products on a host of third party devices including kiosks, PCs and point of sale systems.
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch: When Jennifer Brunner cast her vote last fall, she is certain she saw something so odd on her touchscreen voting machine that it prompted a state criminal investigation into the Franklin County Board of Elections. Brunner isn't the average voter. As secretary of state, she is in charge of making sure Ohio's elections are properly conducted. At least 15 of the county's electronic machines are under double-lock at a warehouse. It is being treated as a crime scene. County elections officials asked the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to seize the machines during the investigation by Attorney General Marc Dann and forensics consultants. Investigators already have found that many of the county's voting machines weren't tested before the November election, and a function that tracked changes to the machines was purposely turned off.
Friday, 14 March 2008
YORK, Pa. — Livewire International Inc. has announced the relocation of its corporate offices as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
Livewire’s new facilities more than double the amount of office space occupied by the company’s corporate officers and development staff. The relocation, fueled by Livewire’s continued growth, also provides expanded showcase areas for demonstration of the many custom software and self-service solutions developed over the past 10 years.
The new offices are located in a complex known as the Industrial Plaza of York, one of numerous renovation projects completed within the last few years by the York County Economic Development Corp.
“We are excited to relocate to this great property located near the center of historic York with its nearby wealth of downtown activities and retail locations,” said David McCracken, Livewire’s president. “While most of our work is more at a national or international level, this is one means for us to help give back to the local community and support the growth of technology in Central Pennsylvania.”
Friday, 07 March 2008
PADERBORN, Germany — SKF, one of the world’s leading suppliers of products, solutions and services in the area of rolling bearings, seals, mechatronics, services and lubrication systems, has awarded Wincor Nixdorf a contract to install 50 kiosk terminals at company locations across Germany. Via the terminal solution, commercial employees without PCs will be able to access information and other corporate processes.
The terminals will be used for the first time this month when the annual employee survey is conducted online for the first time at SKF sites in Germany. The necessary infrastructure was implemented within a relatively short six-month period at the following locations: SKF GmbH in Schweinfurt, Lüchow and Mühlheim; SKF Sealing Solutions GmbH in Leverkusen; SKF Linearsysteme GmbH in Schweinfurt and Meckesheim; and Willy Vogel AG in Berlin and Hockenheim.
Access to information and knowledge for all employees underscores SKF’s commitment as a knowledge engineering company to deploy innovative and modern systems across the company.
In a further step, the SKF service portal will be developed into a full-fledged employee self-services system. In the future, employees will be able to use a number of services directly at the kiosk terminal, including access to both generally available and password-protected information from the human resources department. They will be able to manage a number of routine processes themselves, such as changing master data and bank account data, printing forms and processing vacation requests. The employee self-service solution will help SKF optimize its HR processes and reduce administration.
Initially, all 6,500 employees at SKF locations in Germany will receive access to the information terminals. Worldwide, SKF employs around 43,000 people at sites in more than 130 countries.
SKF selected the Wincor Nixdorf system because of its ergonomic, easy-to-use design. An additional feature of the system is the printer with an integrated blackening unit that makes confidential information visible. Furthermore, the Wincor Nixdorf solution is specially designed to operate in a manufacturing environment; it is robust and offers a high level of protection against environmental influences.
As part of the tender process, Wincor Nixdorf was also able to show a number of reference manufacturing customers and decades of experience in international rollouts in the banking and retails sectors.
Wincor Nixdorf is a global market leader for the setting of complete solutions in the area of employee self-service.
Tuesday, 04 March 2008
Peanuts! Online: Ryanair has published its submission to the Aviation Regulator, opposing the latest increases in airport charges at Dublin Airport. The charges includes a 50 percent increase for check-in desk rentals and a new double charge for the floor space for self-service kiosks in the terminal at Dublin Airport.
Read more
Tuesday, 04 March 2008
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold Inc. announced this afternoon that its board of directors has unanimously rejected United Technologies Corp.’s unsolicited proposal to acquire Diebold.
According to a statement released by Diebold, the company’s board of directors has recommended that shareholders take no action at this time with respect to the proposal.
Diebold’s board recently completed a detailed strategic review of the company and its prospects. At least three times in the last month, including this morning, the board met to discuss UTC's interest in a potential business combination with the company.
Given that Diebold has not filed financial statements since its quarter ending March 31, 2007, and since the company is working to become current in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the board believes that now is not the right time to pursue discussions with UTC.
“The board strongly believes that UTC's proposal significantly undervalues the company and fails to reflect Diebold's strengths and significant upside potential," said John N. Lauer, non-executive chairman of the board for Diebold. "UTC's proposal is an opportunistic attempt to buy Diebold at a time when shareholders do not have sufficient data to evaluate the offer, and as such the board believes that it would be irresponsible to engage in discussions with UTC at this time.”
Goldman, Sachs & Co. is financial advisor to Diebold, Jones Day is legal advisor, and Sard Verbinnen & Co. is media and investor-relations counsel.
Thursday, 28 February 2008
The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post: This time, Smithsonian curators and eBay bidders weren't interested in Palm Beach County's election artifacts. Instead, most of the county's controversial paperless electronic touchscreen voting machines will be hauled away next week by a Tampa recycling firm to be stripped for parts. Florida Secretary of State Kurt Browning announced the ignominious end for the 6-year-old voting devices recently in Tallahassee. Gov. Charlie Crist and state lawmakers agreed last year to ban paperless voting in Florida and require that most votes be cast on paper ballots that can be read by optical scanners. The paper-ballot law takes effect this fall.
Thursday, 28 February 2008
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — Redbox, a DVD rental kiosk featuring new release rentals for $1 per night, has announced an agreement with Walgreens to expand the presence of redbox to approximately 2,000 Walgreens stores nationwide. Currently available at nearly 250 Walgreens locations, redbox will install kiosks at approximately 1,800 additional Walgreens stores during 2008 and 2009.
The expansion of redbox to Walgreens locations nationwide follows the successful test of DVD-rental service in Chicago, Houston, Phoenix and Columbus, Ohio-area Walgreens.
Redbox recently announced plans to feature redbox kiosks at the majority of Wal-Mart locations nationwide. Redbox kiosks currently are available at more than 6,800 locations nationwide, including leading grocery stores, select McDonald’s restaurants and Walgreens and Wal-Mart locations in select markets.
Monday, 18 February 2008
CAMBRIDGE, U.K. — KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2008 and DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO 2008 have announced a large list of new exhibitors for both shows, including Epson, friendlyway, Hantarex, Hughes, JVC, Mitsubishi, Publicis, Sagem, Scala, Sharp, Sony, T-Systems and Verifone. Many major companies such as 3M, IBM, Panasonic and Wincor Nixdorf have also reconfirmed their participation in the world’s largest joint self-service and digital signage events.
The two shows will offer 30 percent more exhibitors and 50 percent more exhibit space than last year’s event. The accelerated growth of both events stems from the realization of the existing synergies between self-service and digital signage solutions, already evident in many vertical markets. This new concept enables trade visitors to attend the two leading trade shows exclusively focused on the two strongest current purchase intentions among retailers, in one place and at one time.
Each event will stage four major attractions: the exhibitions themselves; free-to-attend forums, where the focus will be on education and information; interactive workshop sessions with independent panels of experts, and finally, two separate demonstration areas. At KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2008, the Futures Parlour will showcase new and innovative interactive technologies and solutions, while DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO 2008 will host the Content Centre, where visitors can view some of the latest developments in digital media, from advertising campaigns to best practices.
The events will be held on May 6 – 8, 2008, in Essen, Germany.
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
MSNBC: It is cavernous enough to hold 50 soccer fields, it cost $8.6 billion to build and it is designed to handle 30 million people a year. It is the nearly completed Terminal 5 at Heathrow International Airport, the largest of London’s five major airports. Passengers at the terminal are greeted by 96 metallic blue check-in kiosks.
Read more
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
(Durham, N.C.) NBC17: Durham residents can pay their taxes at a payment kiosk that opened recently. The Durham County tax payment kiosk is the first of its kind in North Carolina, officials said.
Read more
Monday, 11 February 2008
Russia-InfoCentre: Self-service check-in kiosks are expected to appear in all Moscow airports this year, according to a new report. With the help of the new system, passengers will be able to get boarding passes on their own, which will considerably reduce queues and the time check-in normally takes. At the moment these universal kiosks are working in a limited regime and for passengers of a few airlines only. However, in March 2008 such kiosks will become available to all passengers.
Read more
Wednesday, 06 February 2008
TULSA, Okla. — Alamo Rent A Car is nearing a remarkable milestone: its one millionth kiosk rental. Alamo is hundreds of thousands of kiosk rentals ahead of its competitors, who have adopted Alamo’s strategy to save customers time and make travel more convenient.
“Almost one million customers have skipped the rental counter because self-service eliminates one more hassle from the travel experience — and they’re getting to where they’re going quicker,” said Greg Stubblefield, president of Alamo Rent A Car. “Customers already are comfortable using kiosks to check in for flights, so we created the Alamo kiosk for car rental as a natural progression.”
After successful testing in Dallas, Las Vegas, and Jacksonville, Alamo began installing kiosks throughout its network of rental locations in November 2006. Today, Alamo operates 159 kiosks at 65 U.S. locations in 28 states and the District of Columbia, and it continues to refine the technology and expand the number of kiosk locations. Alamo expects to reach its one millionth kiosk rental within the next few weeks.
Last year, the success and popularity of the kiosks earned Alamo the “Extra Mile Award” from Budget Travel magazine.
Alamo’s touchscreen kiosk allows customers with a valid driver’s license and a major credit card to skip lines at the rental counter and check in directly. After a customer agrees to terms and conditions, a receipt-sized rental agreement is printed at the kiosk, and the customer is directed to their rental car on the lot. At the exit booth, the customer shows the booth agent the rental agreement, driver’s license and credit card — and simply drives away.
The kiosk also allows the customer to review rental information, upgrade to a larger class car, add drivers and purchase optional items such as a GPS unit and prepaid gasoline.
Wednesday, 06 February 2008
Helicopter Association International: ARINC Inc. has announced a new technology agreement with the Montego Bay, Jamaica, airport to deliver passenger technologies including common-use passenger kiosks for Sangster International Airport. In a first for any major Caribbean airport, MBJA will deploy twenty ARINC SelfServ passenger check-in kiosks for common use by passengers of all participating airlines. The complete installation will include 150 new check-in kiosks.
Read more
Tuesday, 05 February 2008
WEST CHESTER, Pa. — MEI, a developer of unattended payment systems, has appointed Ian McCormick to the newly-created position of executive vice president of retail. McCormick will lead the retail channel with responsibility for overall P&L, product development, marketing, sales and service worldwide. He will be based at the company’s headquarters in West Chester, Pa., and report directly to chief executive officer Mike Hayes.
Ian McCormick’s appointment is part of MEI’s initiative to continue its success in retail and extend its payment technologies into new banking and financial service applications.
"Retail and banking are exciting areas of growth for us and we are committed to developing new products and services for these sectors,” said Mike Hayes, CEO of MEI. “Ian brings to MEI a wealth of experience and a track record of success. We are excited to add his leadership skills to our senior management team."
Ian McCormick comes to MEI with over 17 years of international leadership in the payment management marketplace. Previous roles include six years with De La Rue, one of the world’s foremost payment solution providers, where he was responsible for the company’s retail payments business. Prior to De La Rue, McCormick spent eight years with Money Controls.
MEI’s retail channel provides cash payment solution systems to OEMs, developers and integrators for retail cash safes, kiosks, self-service checkout systems and other automated payment terminals.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corp. has announced revenue of $1.52 billion for fourth-quarter 2007 from continuing operations which increased 13 percent over the fourth quarter of 2006 and included five percentage points of benefit from foreign currency translation.
Due to the spin-off of the Teradata data warehousing business to shareholders at the end of the third quarter of 2007, NCR's results from continuing operations for all periods exclude the results of Teradata, which is presented as discontinued operations.
NCR fourth-quarter income fell to $86 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, compared to $95 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2006. Earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2007 included $9 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, of costs from items related to NCR's manufacturing realignment, the Fox River environmental matter and a realignment in Japan. Excluding these items, non-GAAP earnings from continuing operations were $0.52 per diluted share, which compares to $0.52 per diluted share in the prior-year period.
“NCR delivered a strong performance in its first quarter following the Teradata spin off,” said Bill Nuti, chairman and chief executive officer of NCR. “More balanced execution in the quarter helped us maintain progress in each of our strategic focus areas: driving profitable revenue growth, increasing our productivity and using our strong balance sheet for the benefit of long-term shareholder return. Looking ahead, NCR enjoys an outstanding opportunity to claim leadership in an expanding addressable market for self-service solutions. To that end, we expect our product development investments in 2007 will make 2008 the biggest new product launch year since the company's spin off from AT&T.”
NCR's financial self-service segment generated fourth-quarter revenue of $537 million, an increase of 14 percent from the fourth quarter of 2006, driven by strong growth in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region as well as in the Americas. The fourth-quarter year-over-year revenue comparison included 5 percentage points of benefit from currency translation.
Operating income of $79 million was impacted by an adverse geographic and deal mix of revenue in the quarter and compared to $84 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. Expenses increased from the previous year due to higher revenues, foreign currency impact, and an increase in investment in research and development and sales in targeted high-growth areas.
The retail segment reported revenue of $331 million, up 28 percent from the fourth quarter of 2006. The year-over-year revenue comparison included four percentage points of benefit from currency translation. Revenue growth was driven by traditional point-of-sale rollouts in the quarter with continued momentum in self-service solutions.
Operating income of $22 million was flat when compared with the prior-year period. The operating income increase relating to higher revenues was offset by $5 million for the write off of radio frequency identification assets in the quarter. The higher percentage of assisted point-of-sale business in the quarter impacted the profit margin; and expenses increased due to higher revenue, foreign currency impact, and increased investment in sales and research and development related to our self-service initiatives.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
The Economic Times: Mobile driven remittances may quickly become the norm in India. Soon, customers will be able to transfer funds from their mobile phone to friends or relatives, bypassing other remittance routes like net-banking and money orders. In fact, the recipient need not even have a bank account or ATM card.
Read more
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Centredaily.com: Consumers across the U.S. are ready to accept a broad set of mobile commerce applications, according to new research from Dove Consulting, a division of Hitachi Consulting. The research, sponsored by PSCU Financial Services, was conducted using focus groups in multiple cities and gauged consumer interest in and predicted future use of three major mobile applications: mobile banking, mobile payment at the point-of-sale and mobile person-to-person payments.
Read more
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Ciol.com: A report by Juniper Research finds that the rush by banks and mobile operators to deliver financial services to the mobile phone will result in just over 612 million mobile phone users generating over $587 billion worth of financial transactions by 2011.
Read more
Monday, 28 January 2008
MELBOURNE, Australia — Symstream Technology Group Ltd. has named Mike Hudson vice president and managing director of Symstream Americas.
Hudson most recently served as general manager of NCR EasyPoint LLC, formerly Tidel Engineering Inc. Hudson also served as the chief executive of Money Quik, a 1,000-unit independent ATM network in California, and was division manager for 7-Eleven Inc. convenience stores in New York and Washington, D.C.
Hudson serves on the board and executive committees of the ATM Industry Association and the Electronic Funds Transfer Association.
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Manchester Evening News: Andy Egan has quit as Felix Corp.'s chief executive after differences over strategy emerged between Egan and chairman, Richard Rose. The future of the company Egan founded back in the late 1990s hangs in the balance, after Rose told investors that he is reviewing the viability of the group's business model.
Read more
Read also, Felix Group revisits business model
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. · M2M Magazine has named Esprida to its M2M 100, a directory of the most influential providers of machine-to-machine technology.
"Esprida is one of the clear leaders in condition-based maintenance using M2M technology," said Peggy Smedley, editorial director, M2M magazine. "Esprida may not be one of the best-known companies in this sector of the market, but it is certainly one of the best-established with excellent customer references. We believe Esprida will play a key role in advancing smart-service applications through machine-to-machine communication."
Technology providers named to the directory were chosen from more than 300 submissions. Selections are based an extensive list of criteria that includes factors such as strength of business model, product/service portfolio, activity in the last 12 months and growth.
"Inclusion in the M2M 100 is recognition of our product's capabilities and further validation of our work with leading-edge projects,"� said Anila Jobanputra, president of Esprida Corp.
Now in its fourth year and published annually in the M2M Sourcebook, the M2M 100 is widely regarded as the definitive record of companies comprising the rapidly emerging machine-to-machine technology market.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Let's Go Digital: MOD Systems has announced the MOD Systems Consumer Kiosk, or MOD POD, has been selected as an honoree at the CES Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Awards in the Computer Hardware category. The MOD POD is the first honoree product to be used in retail by consumers who want to search, sample and download digital media content.
Read more
Friday, 16 November 2007
POSEN, Ill. · Corporate Safe Specialists has announced two additions to its Research and Development organization. The Company has hired Randy Biela, a software engineer, and David Murch, a mechanical engineer.
"We now have an R&D department of five full-time employees led by myself," Ed McGunn, president and chief executive. "I believe this to be the largest R&D team in the industry and rivals the R&D investment of most self-service companies. Next year will be an exciting one from a product development perspective."
Murch joins CSS with more than six years of experience in mechanical engineering. Most recently, Murch was employed by Baldor Electric Co., where he served as a field-sales engineer.
Biela joins CSS with more than three years of experience in software engineering. Most recently, Biela was employed by Argonne National Laboratories, where he served as a government researcher and programmer.
Thursday, 08 November 2007
LONDON · KioskCom Europe Expo opened yesterday at the Olympia Convention Center in London. Some 80 companies were on hand to exhibit at the show, displaying products that covered a range of self-service and interactive digital-signage offerings.
|
|
|
Seven media, photo and POS kiosk deployments were deemed SuperStars by KioskCom Europe.
|
Phil Hunter, event director of KioskCom Europe, said attendance was up about 35 percent this year. KioskCom Europe is now in its second year.
"Right away, the stands became busy and people were engaged," Hunter said, noting that most attendees were engaged in conversations at the booths.
Hunter said a lot of attention has been paid by attendees to payment companies and payments at kiosks.
The booth garnering the most attention on Day 1 was the Superstar Deployments feature area, which show organizers created to highlight significant and large kiosk deployments from 2007.
A number of the kiosks in the Superstar area were notable deployments recognized by editors of Self-Service World.
"The Superstar Deployments booth, without a shadow of a doubt, is a massive success," Hunter said.
The featured deployments at the booth included:
- NCR EasyPoint Advantage Kiosk
- Wincor Nixdorf Beetle
- Kodak Picture Maker
- Coinstar's Coins to Cash
- Fujifilm GetPix
- Thru Glass Interactive Shop Window provided by Protouch
- DVD Kiosk, provided by Coinstar
Check this site in the next few days for extended coverage of KioskCom Europe and the Superstar Deployments.
Bill Yackey is the managing editor of Digital Signage Today and a regular contributor to Self-Service.org.
Thursday, 01 November 2007
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. · Self-Service Networks, provider of turnkey self-service solutions, has announced the release of its TIPP, the Thule Interactive Point of Purchase automated fit guide, and the Electronic Gift Card Dispensing kiosk. The two retail solutions were featured at the KioskCom Self Service Expo in New York.
TIPP, a self-service touchscreen kiosk, empowers Thule customers to match appropriate Thule rack systems for their vehicles and gear-carrying needs.
Through a partnership, Self-Service Networks has developed the Electronic Gift Card Dispensing kiosk. The kiosk is designed to reduce gift-card selling costs and shopper wait times. The EGCD vends embossed and non-embossed cards, and enables shoppers to purchase multiple gift cards in a single transaction.
Monday, 29 October 2007
BURNABY, British Columbia · TIO Networks Corp., an automated bill payment and financial services network, and NEXXO Financial Corp. have formed a strategic alliance through which NEXXO's kiosk-based money remittance services will be made available at Circle K and other participating convenience store chains in the TIO Network.
By early spring 2008, cash-preferred customers can send money instantly to their families, relatives and friends worldwide through TIO's self-service automated financial services kiosks and hybrid ATMs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Money transfer recipients can receive funds over NEXXO's network of more than 20,000 locations primarily located in Mexico and Latin America and, in the near future, in countries such as China, India, Philippines and Pakistan.
NEXXO operates more than 100 of its own NEXXO financial center kiosks or Cajeros primarily located in the state of California. As part of the strategic alliance, TIO Networks bill-payment solution will be offered on all NEXXO's kiosks. It is expected that TIO's services will launch on NEXXO's Cajeros by spring of 2008 or shortly after the launch of NEXXO's services on TIO's network of kiosks and hybrid ATMs.
Friday, 26 October 2007
PADERBORN, Germany · Wincor Nixdorf International AG has ended its 2006/2007 fiscal year a 10-percent gain in net sales, the company reported this week.
The company extended EBITA to EUR 186 million (U.S. $266 million) up from EUR 161 million (U.S. $230 million). Net sales also increased, hitting EUR 2.15 million (U.S. $3 million) in FY '06/'07 from EUR 1.95 million (U.S. $2.79 million) last year.
Those results slightly exceed the company's recent growth forecasts, Wincor Nixdorf says.
"The fiscal year just ended underscores the overall solidity of our company," said Eckard Heidloff, Wincor Nixdorf's president and chief executive.
Heidloff said the growth was driven by strong gains outside Germany, as well as by solid business in the retail-banking segment.
The company's annual net income rose about 33 percent, hitting EUR 109 million (U.S. $155.8 million) from EUR 82 million (U.S. $117 million) last year.
For FY 2007/2008, Wincor Nixdorf expects an 8-percent growth in net sales and a 10-percent increase in EBITA. As was the case in the fiscal year just ended, growth is expected to come from markets outside Germany and from the company's activities in the retail-banking sector.
Friday, 26 October 2007
 OXFORDSHIRE, England · Box Technologies, Europe's premier supplier of retail IT and mobile computing solutions, has announced a partnership with a market leader in kiosk technology, Rittal UK Limited. Box will market and support the company's product range in the UK and Ireland.
Rittal's kiosk products are developed for the growing demand to provide multimedia information, whether it be to make reservations or place orders, to view or to provide any relevant service to the consumer in the sports, arts, entertainment, administration, transport, trade and hotels industries.
This partnership adds Rittal to Box Technologies' list of major technology manufacturers, which includes Epson, Motion Computing, ELO and Toshiba. The addition of Rittal's Kiosk solutions will enable Box to enhance its product portfolio while offering the market more choice.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
NEW YORK - Experticity, a provider of live video-assisted customer support solutions, has announced that its customer service platform has been designated as a "Ready For" IBM Retail Store Innovations solution partner. Experticity demonstrated version 4.0 of its video-assisted customer service platform on IBM's AnyPlace Kiosk at Self Service Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in New York.
"IBM is committed to helping a new generation of retailers embrace the future, and its AnyPlace Kiosks represent a radical new approach to self-service that Experticity is proud to be a part of," said DL Baron, founder and CEO of Experticity.
The announcement comes as part of IBM's Consumer Services Initiative, which includes a new self-service kiosk with built-in wireless capabilities and point-of-sale options, a new line of self-checkout systems, enhanced systems management capabilities and a services practice focused on delivering customer-facing solutions. IBM also introduced the Self Service Alliance program, intended to drive innovation and create new uses for self-service technologies through collaboration and standards-based technologies.
Experticity's 4.0 solution is one of the first products to be featured in IBM's global initiative and promises to fundamentally change the way service providers connect and interact with their customers.
Monday, 01 October 2007
GRAFTON, Wis. - Frank Mayer & Associates Inc. has announced it won one Gold, two Silver and one Bronze Design of the Times awards. The Design of the Times Awards Competition recognizes the in-store marketing industry's best displays and retail promotions.
Frank Mayer & Associates Inc. received the awards for its Disney Mobile Phone Display, Horizon Hobby FS One Kiosk, Nintendo Wii Tour Interactive display and the Microsoft Games for Windows display.
Thursday, 27 September 2007
ZDNet: IBM Corp. is rolling out new kiosks and point of sale systems designed to make self-service more enjoyable via video and 3D capabilities. IBM obviously wants to ride this wave and has created the Self Service Alliance, a program that's designed to drive adoption of self-service technology. In a survey of 1,000 consumers, IBM showed 50 percent growth in the use of self-service options. And 70 percent of consumers expect companies to offer more self-service. The caveat: The experience has to be worth the effort. If not, self-service just makes a company look like it favors saving a few pennies over customer service.
Read more
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
SALISBURY, Md.·Accustomed to bypassing the main U.S. Post Office's long waiting line, Suzi McKeen was dumbfounded to learn that her reliable Automated Postal Center had disappeared.
The U.S. Post Office on Route 50 decided to remove its ACP because customers weren't using the machine enough for it to meet the standard threshold income, said Freda Sauter, U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman for the Baltimore district.
Read more
See also: Recently, the postal service announced it would begin using cash drawings to entice customers to use machines in other locations.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
The annual show for owners and operators of c-stores, which highlights everything from adult magazines and energy drinks to self-service kiosks and ATMs, has announced that former White House counselor Karl Rove will be the closing general session speaker for the 2007 event.
Rove, the controversial strategist and advisor credited with taking George W. Bush from the Texas statehouse to a two-term presidency, will speak at NACS on Friday, November 9. He will offer insight into the 2008 general election and the current administration.
Former NACS speakers include Rudy Giuliani, Colin Powell, John Major, Madeleine Albright, Tommy Franks and Bob Dole.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
PADERBORN, Germany·Jargen Wilde, a member of the four-person board of directors of Wincor Nixdorf AG, has announced his resignation effective following the Jan. 28, 2008, annual general meeting.
Wilde, who is responsible for the company's retail segment, cited health reasons. The seat will not be filled, reducing the number of the board to three.
Dr. Herbert Machill will succeed Wilde at the helm of Wincor Nixdorf's international business with retail companies. Machill, who currently is in charge of industry line services at T-Systems Enterprise Services, will take up his new position on Oct. 1, 2007.
"We are very pleased that in Dr. Machill we have found an IT industry expert who will enrich our management team with his experience in solutions and professional services," said Eckard Heidloff, president and CEO.
Heidloff also praised Wilde. "Jargen Wilde has not only built up our retail business successfully but has also played a crucial part in shaping Wincor Nixdorf as a whole," Heidloff said.
Monday, 17 September 2007
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. · Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions, a business unit of Arrow Electronics Inc., has announced it received the highest ratings among value-added distributors in four categories of CMP Channel's 22nd Annual CRN Sourcing Study. Arrow ECS was recognized by solution providers across the industry as the No. 1 value-added distributor for Ease-of-Doing Business, Product Exclusivity, Breadth of Product Line and Post-Sales Support Configuration and Integration.
"Solution providers feel strongly they are receiving outstanding service from Arrow ECS in these key areas," said Kevin Gilroy, president of Arrow ECS. "A top priority for Arrow ECS is to support solution providers in areas such as these that enable them to focus on their business and grow faster than the market.
"This recognition indicates that Arrow ECS is supporting partners throughout their sales cycle. I congratulate all of the teams at Arrow ECS on this achievement."
Arrow ECS helps its reseller partners grow their business by providing a high level of support for all of their business needs, whether it's business planning, customized solutions, quoting, marketing, financing or configuration.
The CRN Sourcing Study recognizes distributors, manufacturers and alternative sources with which solution providers are most satisfied and most commonly do business. The 2007 study was conducted online in August and included nearly 1,200 purchasers at small, medium and large resellers and system integrators.
Thursday, 13 September 2007
GLENDALE, Calif. · FutureLogic Inc., a manufacturer of thermal ticket printers for cashless gaming, has announced it has launched a completely redesigned and enhanced Web site. Developed to help users find answers to questions quickly and easily, the new site includes major improvements in the areas of content, navigation and search functions.
"Because the Internet plays such an important role in our communication and customer service strategy, we've re-engineered our Web site to ensure that our key audiences can access crucial information faster and with greater ease than ever before,"� said Nick Micalizzi, vice president of sales and marketing for FutureLogic Inc.
The user-friendly interface lets users perform a text search on the entire site, and other enhanced features make it easier to navigate major Web site categories. Market-specific product information also is available to help site visitors narrow their searchs. Additional sections include a file exchange service, industry news, events and activities, and other timely information.
Monday, 10 September 2007
The Greensboro (N.C.) News and Record: The U.S. Postal Service wants its customers to handle their own postage - and is offering cash prizes to those who do. At post offices nationwide, customers will get a chance at $250 daily cash prizes and a grand prize of $10,000 when they use the Automatic Postal Center kiosks instead of the counter.
Read more
Friday, 07 September 2007
ITWeb.com: Many South African companies have not adopted self-service technology, namely because of the complexity and perceived risks associated in implementing it, says John Ziniades, chief executive of Consology. Ziniades says companies should look for five indicators when determining whether they are ready to move forward with a self-service launch.
Read more
Wednesday, 05 September 2007
Seattlepi.com: A man was in line at a self-service checkout stand at The Home Depot on Utah Avenue South in Seattle on Thursday, ready to buy a pry bar and a hacksaw, according to a Seattle police report. But, as a manager told an officer, the man accidentally hit the button on the computer screen for Spanish. That was the tipping point for this consumer. So, instead of asking for help, he let loose a blow with the pry bar and shattered the computer.
Read more
Friday, 31 August 2007
EXTON, Pa. - Scala Inc. has announced that he company was recognized as one of Philly's Fastest 100 growth companies listed on Inc Magazine's first-ever Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. The Inc. 5,000, an extension of Inc. Magazine's annual Inc. 500 list, catches many businesses that are too big to grow at the pace required to make the Inc. 500, as well as a host of smaller firms. Philly's Fastest 100 is a local subset of the Inc. 5,000 list and highlights the fastest growing companies in the Philadelphia area.
"Being recognized as the sole representative of the digital signage industry in the Inc. 5,000 list and Philly's Fastest 100 is a great achievement," said Gerard Bucas, CEO of Scala Inc.
The 2007 Inc. 5,000, as revealed online at www.inc.com, reported median revenue of $9.4 million and median three-year growth of 140 percent. The list features a profile for each company, almost all of them written as a result of Inc. interviews with management. In addition, the list is searchable according to numerous criteria, including industry, city, state, region, and year founded.
Friday, 31 August 2007
National Catholic Register: The use of ATM-style kiosks designed for church donations rings with modern debit-card users, but some dioceses aren't to anxious to incorporate the technology into the church buildings.
David Drain, executive director of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, said that while the use among churches isn't widespread yet, he expects it to increase. "Churches are all about tradition," said Drain. "Progressive churches would probably be the type to have one."
Read more
Friday, 31 August 2007
Kingstonthisweek.com (Ontario): Kingston Police are continuing their investigation into a debit card scam that set up movie-goers for a loss recently. Det. Jeff Smith says several more victims have come forward after police revealed a card skimming machine was installed at a ticket kiosk at the Cineplex Odeon Theatre on Gardiners Road from Aug. 6-17. Thieves stole debit card information, including the PIN codes, and have accessed numerous bank accounts from a Quebec base.
Read more
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
MELVILLE, N.Y. · The North American Components business of Arrow Electronics Inc. has announced that it is expanding its agreement with Conec, an electronics connector manufacturer, to become the exclusive broadline distributor in North America of Conec connector products for the electronics and communications industries.
"Arrow is proud to have offered Conec products to our customers in Canada for the past nine years, and we are delighted now to be expanding our relationship to include all of North America," said Mike Calabria, vice president of PEMCO marketing at Arrow NAC, in a news release. "With companies like Conec, Arrow can provide its customers in Canada, the United States and Mexico with an unmatched product portfolio of interconnect solutions and global distribution services."
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
SALT LAKE CITY · An advertising partnership that will place promotional programming content on media-on-demand kiosks around the United States has been announced between The NBC Agency, the in-house promotion and marketing services arm for NBC Universal, and Mediaport, a leader in music/media burning and digital download kiosks.
Customers downloading music on Mediaport kiosks, called Mediaport ATMs, at hundreds of retail locations will now see advertising content from NBC promoting programs from Late Night, News and MSNBC. The e-media "vending machines"� hold one million tracks that can be easily downloaded to a portable listening device, memory stick, mobile phone or CD. Mediaport was the first company to obtain all major music label content for distribution on music kiosks.
Frank Radice of The NBC Agency, says the partnership offers "an ideal way" to reach digital savvy 18 to 28-year-olds.
Monday, 13 August 2007
Ventura County (Calif.) Star: Giving abandoned, neglected and abused animals a second chance has been the mission of the Humane Society of Ventura County, Calif., since it was founded 75 years ago in 1932. Back then, a digital, wireless kiosk that enables animal lovers to make tax-deductible donations with debit or credit cards - or begin adopting pets - would have been the stuff of science fiction. But today it's a technological reality, and the prototype of the Humane Society's new donation-and-adoption digital kiosk is now in use.
Read more
Thursday, 09 August 2007
Dayton (Ohio) Business Journal: NCR Corp. is planning to open a 40,000-square-foot customer-briefing center in Manhattan. Lorraine Russell, NCR spokeswoman, confirmed the company has signed a deal for office space in New York, but plans are still preliminary. The location of the office will be the 35th floor in the rebuilt 7 World Trade Center, according to a media report.
Read more
Wednesday, 01 August 2007
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. · Redbox has been named the 2007 Specialist Retailer of the Year by the Entertainment Merchants Association.
According to a news release, the award recognizes outstanding contributions and performance in the DVD and video game industries. This year marks the first for an automated retailer to receive the award.
The award presentation followed redbox's 50 millionth DVD rental, which was checked out July 4.
Thursday, 26 July 2007
NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, France · Ingenico, supplier of transaction and secure payment solutions, and Sagem Security, a subsidiary of SAFRAN, are evaluating options to combinecombining their electronic payment solutions activities.
The proposed transaction includes Sagem's payment-terminal businesses, Sagem Monetel and Sagem Denmark and respective subsidiaries.
The deal would include the issuance of new Ingenico shares to Sagem Security, which also would become a significant shareholder in Ingenico.
The companies say they have signed a non-binding agreement and are now in exclusive negotiations.
The deal is expected to be complete by the end of the year. Ingenico expects to provide an update about the deal when it releases its first-half earnings results in September.
Sagem Security and Ingenico say the deal will allow them to benefit from technological cooperation, particularly in the areas of biometrics applications for payment solutions.
Sagem Security says it plans to remain involved over the long term in the terminal payment sector through its security business and role as a shareholder in Ingenico.
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
SANTA ANA, Calif. - CVD has signed a deal with ULTIMedia to distribute ULTIMedia's pre-configured interactive kiosks.
CVD and ULTIMedia are part of the "Point of Information" industry, which combines the technologies of digital signage and self-service with point-of-sale positioning to offer retailers.
Earlier this year, ULTIMedia announced its entry into the U.S. market by creating ULTIMedia USA and opening a corporate office in New York City.
According to a news release, ULTIMedia USA and CVD will share an operations center.
Monday, 16 July 2007
Edmonton Sun: As questions mount about Canada's mission in Afghanistan, a traveling exhibit featuring informational kiosks is making its way across the country to inform citizens. The exhibit includes an informational kiosk called "Protecting Canadians · Rebuilding Afghanistan," which highlights Canada's contribution to the war-torn nation.
Read more
Friday, 06 July 2007
PADERBORN, Germany · Wincor Nixdorf Retail Consulting and SAP Germany AG & Co. KG are expanding their partnership even further. Wincor Nixdorf Retail Consulting is a subsidiary of Wincor Nixdorf AG that specializes in SAP consulting for retail businesses. Effective immediately, Retail Consulting will be licensing SAP solutions and has become a Value Added Partner of SAP Germany for the small and medium-sized business segment.
With this step, Wincor Nixdorf will now offer its customers SAP solutions and services from a single source, from software to services, integration and the operation of the solutions.
Friday, 22 June 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. · At the 2006 NCR Self-Service Universe summit, CEO Bill Nuti addressed attendees as someone new to the job and charged with a mission to the iconic company into new territory as the leading supplier of self-service technology.
Now, with more than a year behind him and the company's stock soaring, he took advantage of the 2007 summit to hammer the message home.
"Any business, any government, any healthcare provider that does not have self-service as one of its primary delivery channels will not be competitive in the future," Nuti said.
|
|
| NCR's new Retail Store WayFinder can display animated maps for the store as well as vend gift cards. |
In the keynote address to about 200 attendees at the two-day event, designed for NCR to share the state of self-service with current and future self-service deployers while developing better relationships with customers, Nuti preached the necessity of implementing intelligent self-service in the business place.
He also said a new "customer-driven self-service movement" is taking shape, driven by three converging technology developments: self-service automation, the Internet and mobility. Integration of the three will be key to reaching customers.
Consumers have fueled the growth of self-service, as evidenced by 2006 data. Last year, individuals booked 560 million plane tickets, rented 600 million DVDs, printed 8.8 billion digital prints and purchased $300 billion in goods and services, all using self-service technologies. In North America alone, consumers purchased $178 billion in goods through retail self-checkout systems.
Self-service will also account for 58 percent of all customer service interactions by 2010, up from 35 percent in 2005, according to recent research.
"The self-service trend is very real, and becoming more important to those of you here today," Nuti said.
New technology and kiosks were on display at the event's Technology Forum. NCR has patented simultaneous two-sided thermal printing technology and plans to license it to other companies.
With two-sided printing, users can be more effective and efficient, said Peter Dorsman, vice president and general manager of NCR's Systemedia division. The idea behind two-sided printing is to allow businesses to take advantage of extra space, such as for promotions or couponing, with black, red or blue printing available.
Environmental sustainability is another byproduct of this printing system, Dorsman said. Relying on less paper will save trees, electricity and shipping costs. In the eco-friendly United Kingdom, two-sided printing has already hit grocery stores is produced at three of the largest thermal paper mills.
NCR also introduced its Retail Store Wayfinder. The Wayfinder, a kiosk originally deployed in hospitals, has been repurposed for retail locations. Customers can search for a product by category or barcode, and then the kiosk shows them a map from their current location to that product. Customers can also animate the map, showing them the easiest route to the product, or print it. Cashiers, restrooms and services desks can be found using Wayfinder, which also has the ability to vend gift cards.
Wayfinder wasn't the only gift card kiosk. The company also showed its Xpress Gift Card kiosk·similar to Wayfinder, but without mapping functionality.
NCR also showed updated FastLane self-checkout units. With more than 80 retailers carrying the kiosks in 16 countries, the FastLane now includes a multi-language option, a bi-optic scanner and an audio volume-control button. A mobile handheld device is also included, which allows an attendant to monitor the units from anywhere in the store.
Friday, 08 June 2007
ERE.net: Self-service providers could be sued for not complying with Americans with Disabilities Act, says one California attorney. Because kiosks are electronic devices, and part of cyberspace, the ADA has said such kiosks are "fair game."
Read more
Tuesday, 05 June 2007
Manchester (England) Evening News: The Odeon cinema chain is testing a vending kiosk developed by Cheshire-based Felix Group. Felix is supplying its MAX BOX vending kiosk to 19 Odeon venues. The MAX BOX has cashpoint and digital-photo-processing functions, and enables consumers to order flowers and download music and mobile-phone ringtones and games.
Read more
Monday, 04 June 2007
RTTNews.com: Flextronics International Ltd. said it agreed to acquire Solectron Corp. for about $3.6 billion in cash and stock, based on the closing price of Flextronics ordinary shares on June 1, 2007. The combination is expected to create leading global electronics manufacturing services company with more than $30 billion in annual revenue. As per the terms, for each Solectron share, Flextronics will pay either 0.34 shares of Flextronics or cash of $3.89 per share. The terms of the deal specify that no more than 70 percent and no less than 50 percent of Solectron shares will be converted into Flextronics shares.
Read more
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — David Drain, executive director of the Self-Service and Kiosk Association, said there is a distinct difference between Self Service Expo and Kiosk Europe Expo. Drain visited both shows to meet key players in person and get a better sense of industry trends on two continents. In an interview with 'Remotely Intelligent', a podcast produced by Esprida Corporation, Drain said "Self Service Expo in Las Vegas featured practical applications that have already been successful in the market while Kiosk Europe in Germany was trying to open people's minds to all the possibilities that are out there."
In a wide ranging discussion on the nature of both the North American and European markets, Drain talked about the most interesting new applications he saw, cultural differences between the two markets and the role his organization hopes to play in Europe.
"I really think that many companies, especially retailers, are not asking themselves if they should implement customer facing technology, but when and how," Drain said.
To hear the entire podcast click here.
Friday, 25 May 2007
ABCnews.com: The Connecticut attorney general is taking Best Buy to task for using a different version of its Web site on in-store kiosks than customers found accessing the Web at home. The maneuver allowed Best Buy to charge shoppers at its store more than they would have been charged at other computers, which the state attorney says amounts to illegal bait-and-switch activity.
Read more.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
DUBAI · Self Service Expo Middle East and Vending Middle East's expo and conference is scheduled for Feb. 6-7, 2008, in Dubai.
According to a news release, the conference will focus on the growing demand for self-service technology in the Middle East.
With repeat participation from the exhibitors, coupled with new companies interested in establishing presences in the Middle East, Self Service Expo expects the 2008 event to be 70 percent larger than the 2007 Middle East expo.
The trade show is supported by the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, the ATM Industry Association, the Worldwide Vending Association, the European Vending Association, the National Automatic Merchandising Association, and the Japan Vending Manufacturers Association.
For more information, visit the expo's Web site.
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
BLAINE, Wash.·Terrace Ventures Inc. has entered into an agreement with Solara Technologies Inc., a private British Columbia company engaged in the development of both hardware and software for the self-service vending industry, effectively extending the terms of the previously signed letter of intent with the principal shareholder of Solara.
Monday, 21 May 2007
ESSEN, Germany · Kiosk Europe Expo 2007 was held two weeks ago in Essen, Germany. Throughout the course of the three-day event, 120 exhibitors presented their latest products to 2,514 unique visitors.
Visitors from 52 countries were in attendance, with over 55% of the audience originating from outside of Germany.
"We are overwhelmed by the great success of the event and the enormously positive response of the industry," said the organizer's managing director, Jens Schindler. "The high number of visitors and exhibitors to this year's event, plus the many instant re-bookings for next year, proves that our concept is spot on."
The event will return next year on May 6-8, 2008.
Friday, 18 May 2007
ATLANTA — Allure Global Solutions Inc. has named Alex Reethof its vice president of sales.
According to a news release, Reethof is responsible for all activities related to sales and services that touch industries such as restaurant, theatre and convenience-store.
Before Allure, Reethof served as national sales manager for Squirrel Systems, a full—service technology provider for the food-service industry. Reethof also worked as a sales director for Logic Controls and Wincor Nixdorf.
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. · CEO America Inc, the U.S. licensee of CREDITZ Digital Currency, announced that Provision Interactive Technologies Inc. has selected CREDITZ for integration into its 3DEO Reward Kiosks in the United States.
According to a news release, the deployment launch will include 100 Provision kiosks in Southern California grocery stores. The deployment of 3DEO Rewards Centers is slated to begin in September in California and Nevada.
"CREDITZ has a unique system that combines business intelligence, a cost-effective transaction engine and marketing capabilities," said Curt Thorton, Provision's chief executive. "It was obvious to us that, when combined with our 3-D holographic displays, we could demonstrate one of the most compelling merchandising propositions available today."
Monday, 14 May 2007
CHICAGO · Planar Systems Inc., which specializes in display solutions, expects to demonstration a will be demonstrating a full line of disply offerings May 16-17 during the Digital Signage Expo.
According to a news release, Planar will highlight its prototype of the integrated sign (iS40) display appliance, which is expected to ship later this year. The Planar iS40 can be as large as 40 inches and is powered by CoolSign software.
CoolSign, digital-content-management software, is now compatible with the DB2 information-management system from IBM. Planar is a business sponsor of IBM's opening-day seminar at DSE.
Also featured at DSE will be the next generation of Planar's DS15, a point-of-purchase kiosk solution that incorporates an infrared flat-panel touchscreen and an optional magnetic-stripe or smart-card reader.
Planar also is showing its 57-inch m57L screen, m57L, the 40-inch Bobcat X LCD, the 46-inch Bay Cat X, and the 50-inch rear-projection Margay screen. The PT touchscreen display and the LC1913R LCD touchscreen monitor will be showcased as well.
Friday, 11 May 2007
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio · Heinz Cassens, the chief information officer of Germany-based Metro Group, a retail supermarket company, is slated to speak May 20-23 about the future of checkout during IBM's Retail User Group Conference in Las Vegas.
Metro Group's Real Hypermarket chain includes 371 stores and its Extra Supermarket chain includes 259 stores. According toStores Magazine, Metro Group is the world's fourth-largest retail company.
Monday, 07 May 2007
WEST CHESTER, Pa. · MEI Conlux, manufacturer of unattended-payments systems, has acquired VTI, a Las Vegas-based currency-validation products company.
According to a news release, the acquisition adds the VTI Vector and Matrix products to MEI Conlux's existing product portfolio, which serves the retail, transportation, amusement, vending and gaming markets.
This acquisition is reprtedly the first since the June 2006 purchase of MEI Conlux by Bain Capital and Advantage Partners.
"This acquisition is a logical progression in our relationship with VTI which began with a co-development project in 2005," said Mike Hayes, president and chief executive of MEI Conlux. "The combination of VTI's proven hardware with MEI's recognition technology will further our ability to provide high-quality, value-added solutions to our growing customer base worldwide."
Friday, 04 May 2007
WEST CHESTER, Pa.· MEI Conlux, a manufacturer of unattended payments systems, announced it has acquired the assets of VTI, a provider of currency validation products, based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The acquisition adds the VTI Vector and Matrix products to the existing MEI Conlux product portfolio provided to the Retail, Transportation, Amusement, Vending and Gaming markets. These two products complement existing technologies and enable MEI Conlux to offer a broader range of solutions to both existing and new customers.
This acquisition is the first after MEI Conlux was purchased by Bain Capital and Advantage Partners in June of 2006. Mike Hayes, president and CEO of MEI Conlux, said, "This acquisition is a logical progression in our relationship with VTI which began with a co-development project in 2005. The combination of VTI's proven hardware with MEI's recognition technology will further our ability to provide high quality, value-added solutions to our growing customer base worldwide. "
Thursday, 03 May 2007
SUWANEE, Ga. · ProTech Solutions Inc. announced that its ProductSelect won the Best Overall Software Solution award in the "2007 Self-Service Excellence Awards" at KioskCom in Las Vegas April 25-27. ProductSelect is an integrated kiosk and digital signage retail solution.
"Kiosks and digital signage have been around for years, but they have operated as separate entities," said Stephen Gregorie, VP Customer Experience and Marketing and architect of ProductSelect. "With ProductSelect we have integrated the two for the first time and now a brand or retailer can deliver advertising messages to a targeted demographic based on specific user preferences."
"ProTech is no longer just a hardware provider," said Don Turner, president and CEO of Pro-Tech. Knowing how to build kiosks or code software is not enough in the current self-service environment. Successful kiosk/digital signage deployments require a 360 degree view of the end-user and the kiosk environment."
Tuesday, 01 May 2007
YORK, Pa. · Livewire International Inc.'s T-Mobile Fave 5 Grass Roots Promotion application was chosen as "Best Kiosk Deployment" by the judges of the kiosk industry's 2007 Self-Service Excellence Awards. The awards honor innovation in self-service business solutions and interactive digital media and were presented following final judging at the industry's KioskCom trade show, held April 24-26, 2007 in Las Vegas. Livewire's President, David McCracken, accepted the award on Wednesday April 25 at a ceremony at the Mandalay Bay resort.
"The KioskCom's Self-Service Excellence Awards are now in their 5th year, and have become the focus of the industry," said General Manager of KioskCom's Self-Service Expo, Lawrence Dvorchik. "Honoring the most successful and innovative self-service and interactive digital media solutions, the Self Service Excellence Awards are unique in that this Awards Contest has always had a core focus on the success of the self-service and interactive digital media solution based on the measurements set forth by the deploying organization, and not just the technology suppliers."
Livewire was engaged to create a custom solution that allowed consumers to enter into an interactive basketball shooting competition to be utilized in a cross-promotional campaign launched by T-Mobile, the National Basketball Association, and Sony. The system consisted of a touchscreen kiosk for users' data entry, arcade-style basketball games with large LCD panels to display the players' Fave 5 selections, and a 10-foot giant phone to permit winners of the basketball shoot-out to play a virtual spin-to-win game and take home prizes promoting the T-Mobile, NBA, and Sony brands.
Mr. McCracken commented "The T-Mobile implementation was particularly exciting given the companies involved and the technologies that we utilized to bring the promotion to life in a very short timeframe. It's an honor to be recognized by the industry for this effort, which showcases Livewire's experience and leadership in self-service technologies.
Monday, 30 April 2007
LAS VEGAS · This year's Self Service Expo, put on by KioskCom, wrapped on April 26. About 2,500 exhibitors and attendees made their way to this year's show, which was touted by exhibitors to be one of KioskCom's best.
Displays covered a range of technology, from self-checkout and financial self-service solutions to digital signage and gaming. The offerings were diverse.
From a financial perspective, companies like CreditCall Corp. say they're branching out and expanding their services into the kiosk arena. The payment-gateway provider, well known in the ATM space, is working with companies in the United States and Europe to enhance transaction processing. In the kiosk realm, the opportunities are vast, said Peter Alcock, CreditCall's marketing director.
"We've been working in this space for some time now," he said. "As kiosks offer more diverse transactions, like payment acceptance, we see real opportunity for growth."
England-based Felix Corp., provider of the Max Box · a hybrid ATM/kiosk that offers everything from cash dispensing to digital photo printing · and CreditCall have worked together in the United Kingdom for about a year. Now the two are initiating deployment in the United States.
Andy Egan, Felix's chief executive, said the U.S. market is ready for more diverse self-service offerings, like those offered on the Max Box. He expects Max Box to make its U.S. debut this summer.
"It's a revenue opportunity for the retailer, and there really is no risk," Egan said. "The retailer gets about 50 percent of the profit from the transactions, and the Max Box gives them a chance to offer services they wouldn't otherwise provide, like digital photo printing."
Through the "Everyone's a Winner" promotion, Max Box offers consumers rewards, for transactions. Users pay a fee for cash or digital photo printing, but with each transaction a reward from one of Max Box's partners is offered. The rewards range from retailer discounts to free hotel stays. Consumers can select the rewards they want.
The advantage for the retailer, Egan said, is that Felix offers the rewards through partnerships it establishes · freeing the Max Box deployer from finding sponsors for those incentives.
"We find the sponsors," he said. "The retailer doesn't have to do anything, so it truly is a win-win."
Egan expects to launch the full Max Box line in U.S. gas stations, convenience stores and pubs · locations that been successful in the U.K. The line includes the Max Box midi and mini, digital retail kiosks, and the Max Box maxi, an ATM hybrid that includes all digital-retail functions in addition to cash dispense.
KIOSK Information Systems will manufacture the enclosure for the U.S. deployment. CreditCall will process the transactions.
"Having international coverage is an advantage for us, especially when it comes to working with companies like Felix," Alcock said. "The Max Box can be deployed in the U.S. with the same processor, so expansion overseas is easier.
Monday, 30 April 2007
LINCOLN, Neb. · Nanonation announced the further expansion of its staff and capabilities at KioskCom's 11th Annual Self-Service Expo in Las Vegas, Nev.
Nanonation announced the addition of Bryan Fairfield as vice president of sales. Fairfield joins Nanonation after service as executive director of Invest Nebraska Corp., a business advisory firm, and Dreamfield Partners, a private equity firm. In both positions he helped businesses develop their sales and operating strategies, as well as raise capital to realize rapid growth.
Fairfield's hiring coincides with the promotion of Brian Ardinger to senior vice president and chief marketing officer. In the last six months, Nanonation's sales growth has led to over 35 percent increase in developers, designers and support personnel.
"We're proud to be blazing new trails in the world of interactive marketing," said Bradley Walker, president and chief executive. "Our expansion of talented staff is just another step in being able to offer better service to our clients and more solutions for their customers."
Monday, 30 April 2007
MEQUON, Wis. · D2 Sales announced that it won the Self-Service Excellence Award for Best Digital Signage Deployment at KioskCom's Self-Service Expo in Las Vegas. The award recognized D2 for the Palm Treo 680 Times Square interactive installation.
The award was accepted by D2 founder Sandra Nix at the during an awards ceremony at KioskCom.
"The KioskCom award is a special honor that is both professionally rewarding and personally exciting for the entire AKQA/Palm project team," said Nix. "This award recognition is especially meaningful because it is awarded by our peers in the industry."
The winning entry was part of a larger national campaign that also included installations in Los Angeles and San Francisco to promote the launch of the new Palm 680.
Monday, 30 April 2007
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. · Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions reported that it has been recognized by CA as the 2007 North American Distributor of the Year.
"Arrow ECS is honored to receive this recognition from CA," said Kevin Gilroy, president, Arrow ECS. "This prestigious award underscores Arrow ECS' commitment to helping our supplier partners grow their channel through dedicated sales teams and value-added services to provide a high level of support to partners."
Arrow ECS was selected to receive the Distributor of the Year award based on its proven track record in supporting CA's business and was cited for its strength in customer service, particularly in order processing, financial options and time-sensitive orders. This is the second time that Arrow ECS has received this distinction since helping to launch CA's enterprise solution provider program in 2005.
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
ROANOKE, Va. · IntelliMat announced that it will change its go-to-market brand to LevelVision to reflect its digital media strategy and its diversity of digital media solutions.
"Our extensive patent portfolio covers digital media displays for use on level surfaces and the name LevelVision communicates this distinction," said Jim Currie, company president and chief executive. "LevelVision represents our intended evolution to a media company."
The company, which holds 19 U.S. and foreign patents for digital solutions on level surfaces such as floors and counters, also announced two new media products, CounterVision and IntelliMat. CounterVision is a smaller, countertop version of the company's IntelliMat digital floor display.
"Our displays communicate the right advertising messages at the right time and at the right location, where 75 percent of decisions are made," said Currie. "We bring advertising and information to the precise location where and when it can be most effective."
Tuesday, 24 April 2007
STRONGSVILLE, OH — Bob Martin, independent business executive and former president and CEO of Wal-Mart International, will speak on "Chasing Change" at the IBM Retail User Group Conference. The 30th Annual Conference will be held at the Marriott Resort in Las Vegas May 20 to 23.
Martin will discuss how technology has changed the rules of competition and how it is now changing the corporate culture. He will also give his perspectives on using technology to make innovation pay and on the missed opportunities when retailers don't take risks.
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
Good business people know always to be on the lookout for opportunities. They also know the difference between being on the lookout and being a vulture.
Based on a horribly timed press release issued by digital signage company Netpresenter, we have a vivid illustration to help identify the latter.
Less than 24 hours after the final body count was tallied at the campus, the site of the worst mass murder in U.S. history, Netpresenter issued a press release through a news agency that said, in essence, if the school had deployed its product, fewer people might have been killed.
Read for yourself what the company considers good PR:
"A community alert system using all available PC screens, digital signs and student notebooks, could have made a difference at Virginia Tech University," says Frank Hoen, CEO of Netpresenter.
In yesterday's news conference, Virginia Tech University President Charles Steger said notifying students immediately about the first shooting incident would have been difficult and impractical. "We know it could have been done -- with the right system the majority of students and staff could have been alerted."
The press release appears in its entirety on the Netpresenter Web site, along with convenient links to the Netpresenter Emergency Alert Server.
Here's the thing: Even if Netpresenter's Hoen is right, he has taken advantage of an unprecendented tragedy to sell digital signs. Thirty-three people are dead, the police are still doing their very difficult work, and families are still learning the gruesome details. To Frank Hoen and Netpresenter, it's marketing time.
The growing digital signage industry is full of class-act companies. We know now there is one less than we thought.
Friday, 13 April 2007
BEAVERTON, Ore. · Planar Systems lowered its sales and earnings expectations for the second quarter which ended March 30, 2007, the company announced in a news release. Planar now expects sales to be $53-$54 million and Non-GAAP net loss per share to be $0.07 to $0.09, which excludes share-based compensation expense and acquisition-related GAAP charges such as amortization of identifiable intangible assets.
Adjusting for these GAAP charges, the company believes second quarter 2007 GAAP net loss per share will range from $0.20 to $0.22. Planar provided second quarter guidance on February 6 for sales of $57-$61 million and Non-GAAP net income per diluted share of $0.04 to $0.07 and GAAP net loss per share of $0.06 to $0.09.
The change in expectations is primarily the result of lower than previously anticipated sales of control room rear projection cubes and various home theater products. Sales of control room rear projection cubes were negatively impacted by delays in anticipated customer orders and delivery schedules. Sales of home theater products were negatively impacted by schedule delays of planned new product offerings.
The company continues to believe it will see growth in the second half of the year in both revenue and Non-GAAP earnings, compared to the first half of the year, which the company expects will provide a foundation for improved profitability in fiscal year 2008.
Final results for the quarter are scheduled to be disclosed May 8.
Friday, 13 April 2007
ULTIMedia announced that it has expanded its operations by opening new offices in London and Dubai. This expansion comes shortly after ULTIMedia opened its operations in the United States at Rockefeller Center in New York. The expansion plan will support clients where ULTIMedia already has established a solid customer base.
"We are committed to expanding our brand in areas where we have seen potential for growth and where we have existing clients," said Eric Dumouchel, ULTIMedia's founder and CEO. "We recently established operations in the USA and plan additional expansion globally. The offices in London and Dubai are strategic locations for us."
ULTIMedia is a Gold Sponsor at KioskCom in Las Vegas and in New York in October. The company is also providing kiosk solutions for the registration and digital signage programs at both events.
Thursday, 12 April 2007
FREMONT, Calif. · Tranax Technologies Inc., provider of ATMs and self-service kiosks, announced that James V. McCanna has been named its new vice president and chief financial officer.
"James McCanna brings business leadership, finance, legal, and IT capabilities to Tranax," said Dr. Hansup Kwon, the company's founder and chief executive. "As importantly, he has helped to build several large, successful international companies. His selection represents an important addition to the Tranax senior team."
McCanna was vice president of finance and worldwide operations and chief financial officer of 3Dconnexion Inc. before joining Tranax. During his tenure, McCanna was responsible for successfully transferring manufacturing from 3Dconnexion's German operation and two third-party manufacturers to China.
Before 3Dconnexion, McCanna worked for Silicon Motion Inc., a fabless semiconductor company; Innergy Power Corp., a battery manufacturer; and Quantum Corp., which manufactures mass-storage products.
McCanna holds a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's degree in business from Santa Clara University in Calif.
Monday, 09 April 2007
Charlotte, N.C. · Source Technologies will host a demonstration showcasing self-service technologies for the credit union industry at the upcoming Texas Credit Union League Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, April 10-13.
Live demonstrations of Concourse kiosks demonstrating both "Total" and "Teller-Assisted" self-service banking will be available to provide attendees with hands-on experience using self-service technologies to deliver branch financial services.
Kiosks are widely used in retail industries ranging from movie theaters to convenience stores, and now credit unions stand to gain substantial benefits from using kiosks to enable members to conduct their own banking, such as deposits (including imaged check deposits), withdrawals, bill payments, check cashing, wire services and account research with multilanguage support.
Friday, 06 April 2007
GREENSBORO, NC — Gilbarco Veeder-Root has acquired Intermedia Kiosks Inc. of Owings Mills, Maryland. Intermedia Kiosks is a provider of customer-operated food service ordering solutions for gas and convenience stores, grocery, and quick service.
Founded in 1993, Intermedia has more than 1,600 installations of their food ordering and kitchen management system kiosks.
"We are incredibly excited about what the acquisition of Intermedia Kiosks will allow us to provide our customers. Their proven food service ordering kiosk and kitchen management solutions are an ideal addition to our technology portfolio aimed at helping retailers better merchandise and market to consumers," said Kirsten Paust, Gilbarco's vice president of retail systems.
"Gilbarco Veeder-Root's highly-effective sales, distribution and service network will add value to our existing and future customers as well as our strategic partners" said Beth Kaplan, chairman of Intermedia Kiosks.
Intermedia Kiosks will continue to operate from their Owings Mills, Maryland office.
Thursday, 05 April 2007
MELVILLE, N.Y. · Forbes has named Arrow Electronics, Inc. to its annual ranking of the world's largest companies, the Forbes Global 2000. Arrow ranked 1,017 overall, up from 1,077 in 2006, and ranked within the top half of the more than 70 companies listed in its industry category, technology hardware and equipment.
"We are honored to be recognized by Forbes on this prestigious listing and to be ranked so highly among so many other well respected companies around the world," said William E. Mitchell, chairman, president and chief executive of Arrow Electronics. "This recognition is a testament to our industry leadership position and our strategy to outgrow the market while generating premium financial performance. We continue to create a competitive advantage for our customers and suppliers alike through our global, value-added capabilities and demand creation activities."
The Forbes Global 2000 is a list of the world's largest and most powerful public companies. Forbes uses four measures · sales, market value, assets and profits · to produce a composite measure of size.
Tuesday, 03 April 2007
MELVILLE, N.Y. · Arrow Electronics Inc. announced it has completed its acquisition of substantially all of the assets and operations of the Agilysys KeyLink Systems Group, an enterprise computing solutions distributor, for $485 million in cash, subject to final adjustments based upon a closing audit. Arrow has also entered into a long-term procurement agreement with the Agilysys Enterprise Solutions Group, Agilysys' value-added reseller business.
"We are now the leading value-added distributor in the fast growing segments of storage and security and virtualization software, as well as the leading value-added distributor of enterprise products for both IBM Corp. and Hewlett Packard Company. In the last 15 months, we have transformed our industry leading, value-added enterprise computing business into a much stronger organization with a broader line card, a more robust customer and supplier base, and an expanded geographic reach," said William E. Mitchell, chairman, president and chief executive of Arrow Electronics.
"The KeyLink acquisition provides us with significant cross-selling opportunities to further accelerate our growth in the global enterprise computing solutions market. With this transaction, we have added more than 800 value-added resellers to our portfolio and gained over 300 highly experienced sales and marketing professionals to ensure we continue to drive superior levels of service," Mitchell said.
Tuesday, 03 April 2007
NEW YORK · ULTIMedia announced it has established a U.S.-based operation. The U.S. Division's corporate office is at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
"ULTIMedia is very excited about opening its new office. We are absolutely committed to expanding our brand beyond Europe and see many opportunities in the North America," Eric Dumouchel, ULTIMedia's founder and chief executive, said. "We already have a number of projects that we've completed in the USA and see great opportunities in servicing customers in the USA, Canada and Mexico."
ULTIMedia plans to open an additional operation on the West Coast. "We feel it is important to have both East and West Coast operations. It is better for our clients if we have two operation centers to service their needs," said Dumouchel.
ULTIMedia-USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of ULTIMedia, France. The company markets and manufactures ULTIMedia products and services in North America.
Thursday, 29 March 2007
This year's Digital Signage 2007 conference featured two days of speakers, presentations and panel discussions, all touting the bright future of digital signage in the years to come but also outlining its challenges.
Content is king' was the overriding message of this year's conference. Virtually all of the presentations discussed how content, its relevancy and ability to hold an audience, will determine the viability of digital signage as it grows into an even bigger presence on the selling floor.
"There's an immediate cause and effect. The more relevant and recent your information is, people will pay that much more attention," said Jeff Porter, executive vice president, Dynamic Signage, Scala Broadcast Multimedia.
Featured speakers included Aerva's president and founder, Sanjay Manandhar and Synergex Corporation vice president of Corporate Strategy Eric So. Porter moderated a panel discussion titled "Choosing the right vendor partners for your digital signage."
The author is editor of Self-ServiceWorld.com and KioskMarketplace.com.
Thursday, 15 March 2007
LAS VEGAS · The fourth annual DIMA Photo Kiosk Shoot-Out crowed eight winners at PMA 07 in Las Vegas. The contest was divided into four categories and the winners were chosen from a field of 33 kiosks by a panel of kiosk experts and a panel of everyday consumers. The expert panel was comprised of Francie Mendolsohn of Summit Research Associates, Lawrence Dvorchik of KioskCom and Robert Porter of Euro Kiosks Network.
The winners from the expert panel are as follows:
Digital order station winner
Storefront Digital Order Station
Instant print winner
Storefront Instant Print Winner
Software only winner
Storefront PhotoKiosk
Other than photo winner
Lucidiom Luci
And the winners as chosen by the consumer panel:
Digital order station winner
Kodak Picture Kiosk G4 Order Station
Instant print winner
Kodak Picture Kiosk G4 Digital Station
Software only winner
Storefront PhotoKiosk
Other than photo winner
Kodak Picture Kiosk G4 24" Print Station
Thursday, 15 March 2007
Realtime Shredding, Inc. president Amanda Verrie was featured on MSNBC's Elevator Pitch, a three-minute online show where entrepreneurs have 60 seconds to pitch their product to venture capitalists. The investors can then ask questions and give the pitcher feedback on his/her presentation.
Realtime Shredding manufactures industrial-strength shredding kiosks that are deployed in banks, business centers and retail stores. Verrie's goal in the pitch was to raise $500,000 from the capitalists for a sales and marketing plan.
Click here to view the video. Scroll halfway down the page to the Elevator Pitch section.
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
YORK, Pa. · Livewire International Inc., supplier of interactive self-service software solutions, and Analytical Design Solutions Inc., developmers of Kioware software, have signed a strategic business alliance.
According to a news release, the partnership integrates the companies' core competencies.
"The unique features and ease-of-use of the KioWare product will enable Livewire to deliver the industry's most innovative and comprehensive solutions," said David McCracken, Livewire's president. "The current state of the self-service industry is one of numerous single-function point solutions requiring excessive custom development to effect enterprise-level solutions. We believe that the future of interactive self-service will increasingly rely on more fully integrated technologies to reduce implementation times, ease system management, and produce higher return on investment."
Livewire's portfolio of technology solutions will enable ADSI to add transactional features to its line of kiosk software, and KioWare will be used by Livewire to power its self-service applications. Together the companies will integrate their remote-monitoring and content-management software suites to extend the KioWare product line.
"ADSI is pleased to partner with technology leader Livewire, whose visionary commitment to the self-service experience has inspired new uses for interactive technology," said James Kruper, president of ADSI. "The integration of both companies' software into the KioWare product will result in the broadest portfolio of kiosk software offerings available today."
In addition to technology integration, the alliance allows both companies to co-market services and share development and sales resources.
Livewire and KioWare will share a booth April 24-27 during KioskCom's Self-Service Expo in Las Vegas.
Tuesday, 20 February 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Source Technologies, manufacturers of transactional kiosks, will host a demonstration area at CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference showcasing self-service technologies for the financial services industry. Source Technologies' booth #1028 will feature Concourse Total self-service banking kiosks in use by credit unions and retailers across the country.
The conference will be held February 25-27, 2007 at the Hilton Washington & Towers in Washington, D.C.
Live demonstrations of Concourse kiosks demonstrating both "Total" and "Teller-Assisted" self-service banking will be available to provide attendees with hands-on experience using self-service technologies to deliver branch financial services.
Thursday, 15 February 2007
MELVILLE, N.Y. · Arrow Electronics Inc. has named John P. McMahon its senior vice president of Corporate Human Resources.
According to a news release, McMahon assumes the post March 12.
McMahon will oversee Arrow's global human-resources function, including compensation, benefits, talent management, professional development and human-resources policy for the company's nearly 12,000 employees.
Before Arrow, McMahon served as senior vice president and chief human-resource officer at UMass Memorial Health Care System, one of the largest healthcare system in Central and Western Massachusetts.
Tuesday, 13 February 2007
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Business executives attending the Esprida workshop at IQPC's "Optimizing and Securing the Remote Service Infrastructure" conference in Orlando, Fla., confirmed the importance of several key issues facing successful remote-management deployments.
"Data Architecture for Remote Service" was co-presented by Yousif Hassan, Esprida Corp.'s director of product management, and Asad Jobanputra, Esprida's director of applications. The session covered a range of issues, including how to define requirements, understanding the impact on business, and developing data-management strategies.
Attendees from Fortune 500 companies representing a variety of sectors agreed that designing robust data architectures is crucial.
"Many organizations, some that have invested years in building their own remote-management solutions, are still unable to extract data for performing meaningful analysis. That means they're not able to realize the full potential of this technology," Hassan said.
Tuesday, 13 February 2007
DAYTON, Ohio — Mel Walter has been named to the newly created position of vice president of self-service business development for NCR Corp. A 27-year veteran of NCR, Walter will be responsible for strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and industry-analyst relations that relate to NCR's self-service businesses.
Walter will work with the company's business units on implementing self-service strategies in targeted industries, including banking, retail, travel, healthcare, the public sector and gaming.
"Mel is a visionary with practical, long-term experience. He will serve NCR well as we strengthen our current self-service offerings and expand NCR's solution portfolio into new industry segments and application areas," said NCR president and chief executive Bill Nuti.
Walter most recently served as vice president of major accounts for NCR's Financial Solutions Division, where he led the company's self-service business with financial institutions and ATM deployers in the United States.
Friday, 09 February 2007
BURABY, British Columbia · TIO Networks Corp. has named Randy Overturf its new chief operating officer. Overturf succeeds James Sanders, the company's former COO.
According to a news release, Overturf has more than 25 years of experience in operations, field service and support, project-management leadership, network operations and customer-service experience. Most recently Overturf spearheaded the design, development and implementation of software and kiosk installations at Mediaport Entertainment Inc., while managing the recruiting, hiring and training of team members in all departments of the organization.
Overturf also worked for Coinstar Inc., where he built the field-service department to over 300 employees and more than 10,000 locations.
He is a member of the Association Field Service Management International and serves on the AFSMI's Educational Committee.
"We wish to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Mr. Sanders and wish him well in his future endeavors," said Hamed Shahbazi, TIO's chairman and chief executive. "We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Overturf to TIO Networks, as we feel he is arguably one of the most accomplished operational executives in the kiosk industry."
Wednesday, 07 February 2007
ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The publication of the Fifth Edition of Summit Research Associates' popular Kiosk Industry Sector Report — Retail was released today. It contains 17 charts including: the worldwide installed base, projections for retail kiosk growth through 2009, the most popular types of peripherals used on retail kiosks, the average cost of a retail kiosk by world region, the average length of time a customer uses these types of kiosks and the average number of users per day.
The report contains nine in-depth case studies, with special emphases on digital photography, DVD rental, quick-serve restaurant ordering, product information and instant in-store credit. Although the US is far and away the largest region both for retail kiosk installed base and projected rollouts, we have included a European kiosk; Ikea's product information kiosks located in Barcelona.
Every case study is first evaluated using Summit's Kiosk Evaluation Checklist, which presents a quick overview of each kiosk project. It includes descriptions of the locations within the store, the enclosure, signage, attract loop, user interface, peripherals, and any special features that make this kiosk stand out. This is followed by a detailed evaluation of the retail kiosk. Each case study includes a photograph of the enclosure and numerous screenshots of the software interface.
Friday, 02 February 2007
LONDON · The second-annual Screen Expo Europe opened in London Wednesday, with 75 exhibitors and an expected 4,000 attendees.
According to Mark Pigou, director of organizer Retail Events Ltd., 40 percent of those attendees are from outside the U.K., roughly twice as many as last year.
Highlights of day one included an overview of the industry by Martin Kingdom, president of POPAI UK; presentations of successful signage networks from The Netherlands, Germany and France; and a discussion on global out-of-home media trends from Thomson's Julien Marcel.
James Bickers edits DigitalSignageToday.com
Thursday, 01 February 2007
Chicago · Digital Retailing Expo has changed its name to Digital Signage Expo and spun off Interactive Technology Expo, which will be presented as co-located shows. The 2007 Conference will be held at the Navy Pier Exhibition Center in Downtown Chicago, using the Hyatt Regency Chicago as the group's headquarters hotel.
"We've changed the name and given ITE its own identity to better reflect the extraordinary growth and acceptance across industry categories," said DSE's Chris Gibbs, executive vice president of ExpoNation, which produces the show. "Attendees now get two shows for the price of one · and the upside for both shows, irrespective of the other, is enormous."
It is just that potential that has attracted nationally recognized names, such as Bank of America, British Petroleum, Forrester Research, Google, Nike, Ritz-Carlton, Sealy and USPS, all of which have representatives participating as speakers or presenters at the conference.
The conference will include 20 informative sessions on DSN results assessment, technology, strategy and content issues. Program presenters will provide case study application examples, participate in Q&A panels and provide a guide for successful planning and implementation and illustrate how easy it is to connect at the conference.
Thursday, 01 February 2007
LONDON · At the second-annual Screen Expo Europe in London, Thomson Out-of-Home Media Services vice president Julien Marcel discussed his company's holistic view of digital signage, before delving into a few specific plans for 2007.
Thomson, which operates in 30 countries and holds more than 50,000 patents, is a world leader in broadcast technology and out-of-home media.
Its clients include Disney, Universal, DreamWorks, ABC, NBC, CNN, Fox, Sky and Microsoft.
While he stopped short of giving specific figures, Marcel said out-of-home ad sales represent "hundreds of millions of dollars" for his company.
He then went into specifics on the revamped, next-generation Wal-Mart TV network. He noted that the current iteration of the network is fifth-ranked in the U.S. in terms of reach · the largest television network after ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox.
The next generation will be entirely IP-based, he said, allowing for a much greater level of planning at the ad buying and scheduling level. He said it will roll out on 100,000 screens in the next few months, built around "multiple highly targeted channels."
Thomson made news earlier this month with the announcement of a partnership with CGEN, a leading out-of-home network in China. Marcel said OOH ad spending in China has zoomed from $5 million in 2003 to $360 million in 2006, now representing three percent of overall ad spend.
The company's first efforts in China revolve around the Big Cafe chain of premium Internet cafes, whose screens serve ads to more than 1 million visitors per day · primarily, he said, in the coveted 15-to-34 demographic.
Marcel also said the coming year would see a push by Thomson into the OOH market in Poland, which he dubbed one of the 10 fastest-growing ad markets in the world.
"In Poland, we find two critical success factors," he said. "Number one, there is a very strong presence of leading international retailers. Number two, it is a very strong ad market."
Tuesday, 19 December 2006
JERUSALEM - Screen Expo, in association with Minicom Advanced Systems, is presenting London's first-ever digital-signage showcase Jan. 31 and Feb.
The showcase will provide a glimpse into the workings of a complete digital-signage installation as well as a chance to meet key market leaders. Featured will be Minicom, manufacturers of player-to-screen distribution systems; 3M, suppliers of content management software; NEC, Europe's largest provider of large-format LCD displays; and DVI Partnerships, which specializes in digital-signage installation.
Monday, 18 December 2006
ABERDEEN, N.C. - Meridian Kiosks, a leading manufacturer of kiosks and self-service terminals, announced the appointment of Kevin Kent to the position of vice president of business development.
According to a news release, Kent will oversee the company's sales, marketing and channel relationships, and be responsible for continuing Meridian's growth.
"Kevin comes at a key time for us as we are expanding rapidly on many fronts. He is well-equipped to lead our sales and marketing teams, and his industry experience is a huge asset to us and our customers," said Chris Gilder, Meridian Kiosks' chief executive.
Kent was formerly the director of business development for Swecoin US, one of the top manufacturers of self-service printers. Prior to Swecoin, he spent five years in product marketing and sales for AdKnowlege, where he worked with Fortune 500 companies and the top advertising agencies to serve and optimize their online marketing campaigns.
"Meridian has quietly emerged as one of the leading kiosk companies and has a reputation for innovation and speed. Over the last couple years I've seen the quality of their work firsthand, and it is exciting to now join the team and help expand the MK brand," Kent said. "With the new facility now fully operational, we have a lot of new capabilities to offer our customers."
Kent holds a bachelor's degree in business/economics from Wheaton College.
Thursday, 07 December 2006
Time: It's one of the perennial problems of marketing in India: How do you reach the 700 million people living in rural areas who, though poor, would still add up to a big chunk of change if they only knew about your products?
Read more
Thursday, 09 November 2006
PADERBORN, Germany -- The Supervisory Board of Wincor Nixdorf AG approved a request by chief executive Karl-Heinz Stiller to release him from his post with effect from the close of the next Annual General Meeting on January 29, 2007. The current chief financial officer and deputy chief executive, Eckard Heidloff, was unanimously elected to succeed him. This decision sees Wincor Nixdorf putting a younger man at the helm and, at the same time, ensuring management continuity.
At the same time as this decision, Supervisory Board chairman Johannes Huth informed the Supervisory Board that he is also to relinquish his position at the close of the AGM on January 29, 2007. The Supervisory Board has decided to propose to the AGM that Karl-Heinz Stiller be elected as a new member of the Supervisory Board. Should he be elected by the AGM, Karl-Heinz Stiller will then put his name forward for election as chairman of the Supervisory Board.
Monday, 30 October 2006
SAN ANTONIO · The winners of the 2006 Self-Service World Outstanding Achievement Awards were announced Friday morning in a ceremony held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
The awards presentation, part of the Self-Service & Kiosk Show, took place immediately after the show's keynote speaker, When Customers Talk author T. Scott Gross.
Applications were submitted in six categories: retail, financial, healthcare, public sector, travel & hospitality, and a catchall "other" category. In addition to the category awards, two special awards were given: a Readers Choice award, chosen by the readers of Self-Service World magazine and SelfServiceWorld.com; and the Platinum Award, given to the deployment with the highest overall point total from the judges.
(Read more about the applicants, the judges and the judging process here.)
And the winners are "�
Retail
- Gold · Shopping Solutions/Giant Food Stores (St. Clair Interactive)
- Silver · Build-A-Bear Workshop's gift card kiosk (Nanonation)
- Bronze · Photo.Teller (Whitech USA)
Financial
- Gold · Barclays Bank Branch Kiosk (Wincor Nixdorf U.K.)
- Silver · Cox Communications Xpress Pay Kiosk (Source Technologies)
Healthcare
- Gold · MediKiosk (Westchester Medical Group, Galvanon)
- Silver · PhreesiaPad (Phreesia Inc., Analytical Design Solutions Inc., KioWare)
Public Sector
- Gold · DMV Self-Service Kiosk (Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, JCM American)
- Silver · Cash machines for social payments (Bundesagentur fur Arbeit, Wincor Nixdorf Intl.)
- Bronze · City of Milwaukee Automated Payment Center (Citation Management, Pay-Ease LLC)
Travel & Hospitality
- Gold · Amtrak Ticketing Kiosk (Amtrak/SITA, KIOSK Information Systems)
- Silver · Continental Properties Kiosk (Nanonation)
- Bronze · Alamo Check-in Kiosk (Alamo Rent-A-Car, KIOSK Information Systems)
Other
- Gold · DMV Self-Service Kiosk (Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, JCM American)
- Silver · Cox Communications Xpress Pay Kiosk (Source Technologies)
- Bronze · Avery Dennison Human Resources Kiosk (Netkey Inc.)
Readers Choice Award (overall winner selected by readers)
- PhreesiaPad (Phreesia Inc., Analytical Design Solutions Inc., KioWare)
Platinum Award (overall winner selected by judges)
- DMV Self-Service Kiosk (Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, JCM American)
Thursday, 26 October 2006
MILAN, Italy — Custom Engineering, provider in the electronic-device sector for retailing and self-service systems, and Ingenico Italia, developer of electronic payment systems, have signed a distribution agreement.
According to the deal, Custom is expected to become Ingenico's exclusive distributor in the industrial sector for the new Ingenico i9400 system. The system is designed for electronic payments on all self-service devices.
Ingenico will continue marketing the solution to the banking sector.
The i9400 system includes terminals that can be easily incorporated into unattended systems, enabling the unattended systems to accept payments with bankcards. The system is suitable for use in applications such as ticketing, multiservice kiosks, parking lots, public administration departments, gas stations and vending.
Monday, 23 October 2006
MONTREAL · Switzerland-based Neo Advertising has acquired digital-signage company DAN Media, which operates screens in 65 shopping centers in Canada and the United States.
Neo operates more than 1,000 digital screens throughout Europe. DAN Media will continue to operate under its existing brand name.
Friday, 13 October 2006
BRANFORD, Conn. -- Netkey Inc. has been named to Deloitte & Touche's Technology Fast 50 Program for the Connecticut region, a ranking by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP of the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in the area. Rankings are based on the percentage revenue growth over five years from 2001—2005.
"We're pleased to be recognized by Deloitte for the third year," said V. Miller Newton, chief executive of Netkey. "This honor validates Netkey's mission of providing businesses worldwide with the software and services they need to deliver successful kiosk and digital-merchandising initiatives. We attribute our success to the hard work of our employees and the support of our customers, investors and partners."
The average revenue increase among companies that made the Connecticut list was 51 percent.
To qualify companies must have had operating revenue of at least $50,000 in 2001 and $5,000,000 in 2005, be headquartered in Connecticut, and be a company that owns proprietary technology or proprietary intellectual property that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenue. Companies also may devote significant proportions of their revenue to technology research and development.
"We applaud the successes of Netkey and acknowledge it as one of the very few to accomplish such a fast growth rate over the past five years," ," said Alex Discepolo, a director at Deloitte Tax LLP and chairperson of the Connecticut Technology Fast 50.
Winners of the 16 regional Technology Fast 50 programs in the United States and Canada are eligible to be entered into the Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 program, which ranks North America's top 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences.
Thursday, 12 October 2006
Busjrnl.com: One team developed a wristwatch MP3 player. Another created an automobile media player that included a phone and global-positioning technology. And they were all high school students. One student company, HiQu, came up with "Vendertainment," a kiosk from which a purchaser can download music and video content to a laptop, iPod or other storage device without a high-speed Internet connection.
Read More
Monday, 09 October 2006
SKOKIE, Ill. — The In-Store Marketing Institute has released the complete list of award winners for its 2006 Design of the Times Awards Competition, held in conjunction with the In-Store Marketing Expo in Chicago. Winners were announced Sept. 27.
Presented by P-O-P Times, the Design of the Times Awards Competition recognizes the in-store marketing industry's best displays and retail promotions. More than 100 brand-marketing and retailing executives judged the entries based on creativity in design and engineering, the innovative use of materials, the compatibility of the display to its retail channel, its ability to enhance the brand's image, and the realization of sales and marketing objectives.
The Microsoft Xbox 360 Kiosk Program earned the Best of the Times award, the highest award in the annual competition. The kiosk was produced by Design Phase Inc. of Waukegan, Ill.
"I was surprised by the win," said Michael Eckert, president of Design Phase. "I think you always are. I knew we had a great product with an incredible story behind it, so our chances were good, but there were several very nice programs entered this year that could have also won."
Eckert went on to boast that his winning program, had the highest product attachment rate in the history of video games the first month of sales in the United States and Europe. Beyond the typical video-game interactive kiosk, Design Phase offers downloadable consumer content for personalizing the game experience with personalized audio jacks for an enhanced retail-demonstration experience.
The program also was designed to be flexible with in-store maintenance in mind. Custom L.E.D. lights were used for longer burn-life, and exotic plastic composites were incorporated into panels to insure the 4-to-5 year life of the kiosk.
Monday, 09 October 2006
SKOKIE, Ill. — The In-Store Marketing Institute has released the complete list of award winners for its 2006 Design of the Times Awards Competition, held in conjunction with the In-Store Marketing Expo in Chicago. Winners were announced Sept. 27.
Presented by P-O-P Times, the Design of the Times Awards Competition recognizes the in-store marketing industry's best displays and retail promotions. More than 100 brand-marketing and retailing executives judged the entries based on creativity in design and engineering, the innovative use of materials, the compatibility of the display to its retail channel, its ability to enhance the brand's image, and the realization of sales and marketing objectives.
The Microsoft Xbox 360 Kiosk Program earned the Best of the Times award, the highest award in the annual competition. The kiosk was produced by Design Phase Inc. of Waukegan, Ill.
"I was surprised by the win," said Michael Eckert, president of Design Phase. "I think you always are. I knew we had a great product with an incredible story behind it, so our chances were good, but there were several very nice programs entered this year that could have also won."
Eckert went on to boast that his winning program, had the highest product attachment rate in the history of video games the first month of sales in the United States and Europe. Beyond the typical video-game interactive kiosk, Design Phase offers downloadable consumer content for personalizing the game experience with personalized audio jacks for an enhanced retail-demonstration experience.
The program also was designed to be flexible with in-store maintenance in mind. Custom L.E.D. lights were used for longer burn-life, and exotic plastic composites were incorporated into panels to insure the 4-to-5 year life of the kiosk.
Thursday, 05 October 2006
Dear Readers,
First and foremost, this news portal supports the progress of the self-service industry. The industry is small, with many credible participants, and we prefer to take an open-minded, all-inclusive approach to the statements of industry participants. Very rarely·in fact, the occasion of this note is the first time we can remember·this approach gets us into trouble.
We recently published a story titled "Self-Service & Kiosk Show highlights: U.N. orders 60,000 to 120,000 voting kiosks." The lead item in the digest of show news, as many such show items do, relied on a single source of information; in this case, the source was Steve Kroll, the president of ezscreen, who said his company had signed an agreement with The United Nations to sell 60,000 to 120,000 electronic voting devices. Since then, conflicting information from the United Nations and the original source has raised sufficient doubt about the existence of the deal that we have retracted the story by deleting it.
Mr. Kroll discussed the deal during an interview from the show floor. Many readers who exhibited at the show participated in similar interviews, to discuss their exhibits and company news. It was then that Mr. Kroll said, verbatim and on-the record, "We were contracted by the U.N. to develop a touchscreen voting machine." He went on to explain that his firm would build 60,000 to 120,000 of the machines (to which we referred in standard industry parlance as "kiosks"). Kroll said they measured 19.25" x 19.25" x 5 3/8", that they would be shipped to Nigeria and, from there, throughout Africa. When asked if he had a signed contract to this affect, Mr. Kroll responded in the affirmative, saying the deal was signed two months prior to the show. He said each unit would cost $1,000 to $1,500. We ran the story, based on Kroll's on-the-record statement, as we do most exhibitor news from tradeshows. We planned to follow the initial report with an in-depth feature, given the large scope of the deployment.
After asking the United Nations for details of the "contract," we received the following in response from U.N. communications director Cassandra Waldon, indicating that the UN was involved in no hardware procurement whatsoever:
"Neither the UN nor the UN Development Programme is involved in, or aware of, these voting kiosks for Nigeria," Waldon said. "UNDP is working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on capacity building, technical assistance and support to civil society organizations. We are not involved in any hardware procurement (no kiosk, no ballot paper, no ballot boxes) nor the actual conduct of the elections. There is a national electoral body constitutional assigned this responsibility."
Mr. Kroll, who was not present for a scheduled Tuesday morning phone interview on the subject of the UN voting kiosks, replied to Waldon's e-mail via e-mail.
"I never went into specifics about the United Nation's involvement or deployment plans beyond the intended initial use in Nigeria," Kroll wrote. "I did, however, state that this project was at the prototype approval stage for a final determination on its production of 60~120K for 2007. I did not state we had a contract for production, rather I was very specific that I had a contract for the design of the final prototype."
Given these conflicting statements, we decided to pull the story.
Thank you for reading,
The Editorial Staff of SelfService.org
Wednesday, 04 October 2006
VERNON HILLS, Ill. - Zebra Technologies Corp. announced its acquisition of all outstanding stock of Swecoin AB, a leading supplier of thermal receipt, ticket and document printers for use in kiosks and other unattended printing applications. With annual sales of approximately $15 million, privately held Swecoin is based in Stockholm, Sweden, with a U.S. office in Rhode Island. Terms of the cash transaction were not disclosed.
"Unattended receipt and ticket printing are fast-growing sectors for thermal printing, and are natural adjacencies to Zebra's core on-demand RFID and bar code label printing business," said Phil Gerskovich, Zebra's senior vice president for corporate development. "Swecoin's printers are optimized for tough printing environments, most often in self-serve applications where reliability, durability and ease of use are critical. They offer Zebra an excellent opportunity to provide additional specialty printing solutions to our current customer base."
Zebra Technologies delivers on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, "smart" label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service.
The company has sold more than five million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, as well as ZebraDesigner software, ZebraLink connectivity solutions, Genuine Zebra printing supplies and ZebraCare services and support.
Wednesday, 27 September 2006
EXTON, Pa. - Scala Inc., provider of end-to-end digital signage software, announced the creation of Scala Broadcast Multimedia France SAS, a wholly owned subsidiary located in the La Defense business district of Paris, France.
Heading up this new business unit is Oscar Elizaga, Scala's vice president, EMEA and president of Scala France. Philippe Lemaire, director of France channel sales, will head up all sales operations and manage the relationship with Scala partners in France.
Friday, 22 September 2006
TRUMBULL, Conn. — JD Events, producers of KioskCom, will acquire The Self-Service and Kiosk Show from NetWorld Alliance, the two companies announced today. The acquisition is being made for an undisclosed amount of cash and other terms included in a strategic agreement between the two companies.
Based in Louisville, Ky., NetWorld Alliance is the leading media provider for the kiosk and self-service industry. Its properties include Self-Service World magazine, SelfServiceWorld.com, KioskMarketplace.com, ATMmarketplace.com websites, the Self-Service and Kiosk Show and the Self-Service & Kiosk Association (SSKA). JD Events is a Trumbull, Conn. based tradeshow organizer that owns and operates KioskCom, the largest and longest-running tradeshow and conference in the self-service kiosk market, publishes an online newsletter, The KioskCom Report, and manages the KioskCom Professional Society, an organization for the deployers of kiosk technology.
The two firms will form a cooperative marketing partnership whereby each of their respective properties will be mutually endorsed and supported by the other.
"We believe this relationship will create a win-win-win scenario among NetWorld Alliance, JD Events and the entire self-service and kiosk community. Exhibitors and the market at large will now get even higher quality tradeshows, and the previous media confusion in the marketplace will no longer exist," said Dick Good, CEO of NetWorld Alliance. "The vendor community will now be able to invest their marketing dollars more efficiently, and we think the industry will grow more quickly as a result."
"The kiosk and self-service industry is poised for tremendous growth over the coming years," said Joel A. Davis, CEO of JD Events. "We are excited about the strategic alliance we have formed with NetWorld. We look forward to working closely with them throughout each year to promote the industry via our respective media properties and to gather the community in person at the KioskCom events."
JD Events will produce two KioskCom events in 2007, including April 25-27 in Las Vegas and October 10-11 in New York City. NetWorld will continue to publish its full line of self-service media and will offer special promotional packages for the exhibitors at KioskCom events. JD Events will also join the Advisory Board of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association and membership in their KioskCom Professional Society will transfer automatically to membership in the new Self-Service Technology User Group, part of the Self-Service & Kiosk Association. The Association will hold its Annual Meetings at the spring KioskCom event each year.
Tuesday, 05 September 2006
BEAVERTON, Ore. - Planar Systems Inc., provider of specialty display solutions, announced the completion of a 16-month project to transition its electroluminescent (EL) product line to be compliant with the European Union Directive on the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS). The electroluminescent line of displays is the flagship of Planar's Industrial Business Unit.
As a specialty industrial display technology, thin-film electroluminescent displays provide high performance visuals but can withstand the wide temperature ranges and vibrations often present in military, industrial, medical and transportation applications. Planar's LA, LB and LC lines of open frame LCD products, as well as Planar's recently released LX1200 in-vehicle touchmonitor, also are RoHS-compliant.
In February 2003, the European Union issued Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of hazardous substances, commonly known as RoHS, in certain electrical and electronic equipment. RoHS restricts the use of six hazardous substances, including lead. The directive states that all products placed on the European market after July 1, 2006, must be compliant with the new requirements.
A Planar part number has been modified with an "LF" suffix designation to indicate RoHS compliance.
Thursday, 24 August 2006
LAS VEGAS · JCM American announced a new distribution relationship with Hemisphere West International.
Under the agreement, Hemisphere West will represent JCM products across North America to the car wash, kiosk, self-service, parking and transportation industries.
"Twelve years ago I started my career in the currency validation industry with JCM, and now, with this agreement, it seems I have come full circle," said Hemisphere West president John Petkus. "I am very proud to once again be working with JCM, a true recognized leader in its field."
JCM products will also be featured on Hemisphere West's Web site.
"This is an exciting step forward for JCM," said vice president of commercial sales Dave Elich. "Hemisphere West has a tremendous network and outstanding record in customer service, and we are very pleased to be working with them in these key industries."
Tuesday, 22 August 2006
Dayton Business Journal: In recognition of Orville Wright's 135th birthday and National Aviation Day, NCR Corp. is donating the historic Hawthorn Hill home to the Wright Family Foundation. The home was purchased by NCR in 1948 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991 by the National Park Service.
Read more
Tuesday, 15 August 2006
ATLANTA -- Self-styled "renegade executive" Donald H. Turner was named CEO of Pro-Tech Solutions, and will lead the company's three business lines: Pro-Tech, industrial computer workstation systems; Pro-Tech Kiosks, self-service kiosks; and theQsolution, the newest of the Pro-Tech line of self-service kiosks.
Turner's first role as CEO of Pro-Tech Solutions is to restructure and revitalize the company.
"I go into companies that are growing at a single-digit rate and look for innovative restructuring and growth opportunities in ways that they simply hadn't considered," Turner said. "Clearly, my job is to push the envelope."
One of the key challenges facing Turner will be to evolve the company to take advantage of the rapid growth in the self-service kiosk marketplace. This includes taking a hardware-only company and transforming it into a provider of integrated hardware, software, consulting, and service.
Pro-Tech's president and founder, Peter Kaszycki, was enthusiastic about Turner joining the Pro-Tech team. "Don brings a lot of the skills and experience we need to take advantage of the marketplace opportunities in front of us." Being part of the selection process, Kaszycki added, "I couldn't be happier about Don joining us and look forward to working with him as we continue to add to the success of our rich history."
Monday, 14 August 2006
SAN JOSE, Calif. · Infonox, provider of turn-key solutions that deliver complex financial services through kiosks, ATMs and other delivery channels, has enhanced its core engine, the Active Payment Platform.
The platform's new features enable enterprise customers to launch customized financial services in a matter of days, with an increased level of flexibility and features to simplify deployment of financial transactions for users.
The new release responds to six critical needs valued most by enterprise customers — it's flexible, reliable, available, monitored, extensible and scalable (FRAMES). The upgraded platform with FRAMES eliminates the costly and often unreliable integration of best-of-breed systems on different technologies like a transaction switch, a CRM system, monitoring system, device middleware and backend interface, because those capabilities are offered in a single-platform, ready to deploy in a co-branded or customized fashion.
"The upgraded Active Payment Platform provides faster integration, a wider variety of ready-to-go customization options and cutting-edge features to enhance relationships with end-customers," said Safwan Shah, president and chief executive of Infonox. "The platform also offers new features for customer-experience management, whereby deployers can offer dynamic pricing, marketing and cross-selling, plus let end-customers have more control over their financial transactions."
Infonox developed the APP over the last six years and has been awarded three patents on the underlying technology. The APP is the equivalent of a "multiprotocol transaction router," which enables its customers to connect any transaction device with any financial application over any payment network.
Infonox drives and supports major ATMs, kiosks, POS terminals, and hybrid multifunction devices. The company also offers an extensive library of customizable financial applications including ATM, POS, credit, check cashing (personal and payroll), cash advance, money transfer and more. Infonox has certified interfaces into all major backend processors, EFT networks and credit bureaus, and Infonox' solutions are PCI compliant.
Friday, 11 August 2006
SEATTLE -- Impart Media Group, Inc., providers of digital signs, information content and network management, announced the hiring of Robert J. Grawet as their global director of digital media. Grawet will be responsible for expanding global distribution channels for Impart's IQ digital signage product lines.
Grawet brings over 30 years of experience to Impart.
He was recently the director of interactive digital signage at SMART Technologies and prior to that he was the president of Visual Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Da-Lite Screen Company, the world's largest projection screen manufacturer.
Grawet has been a keynote speaker at various trade shows over the years including KioskCom, GlobalShop, Infocomm, and the Digital Retailing Expo.
Friday, 11 August 2006
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - friendlyway Corp., a provider of self-service public access kiosks and digital signage networks, announced the acquisition of Big Fish Marketing Group. friendlyway Corp. will acquire Colorado Springs-based Big Fish Marketing in a cash and stock transaction.
Big Fish Marketing will become a wholly owned subsidiary of friendlyway. The acquisition of Big Fish is a strategic move to promote growth in the development of friendlyway's kiosk and digital signage networks while providing network advertising clients a more comprehensive approach to their marketing efforts.
Fish Marketing specializes in creating comprehensive marketing campaigns for its clients, supporting all facets of advertising and marketing development and implementation.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to grow friendlyway's self-service kiosk and digital signage business," said Don Bennett, president of Big Fish Marketing. "Our direct efforts will also ensure friendlyway customers receive the very best creative advertising content possible and that all advertising is consistent with the company's overall marketing efforts."
Thursday, 03 August 2006
The Associated Press: ATM maker NCR Corp. said Aug. 2 that it sold the U.S. forms and laser documents portfolio of its Systemedia business consumables division to Printsouth Corp. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. NCR officials said the sale, which only covers products manufactured or sold in the United States, will allow the company to better address market demands. (Read also NCR's ATM business sees operating income fall in 2Q '06.)
Read more
Wednesday, 26 July 2006
CHARLOTTE, N.C. · Source Technologies, provider of integrated solutions for managing financial transactions and other secure business processes, has named Bob Karr director of international sales.
According to a news release, Karr's hire will help the company expand its coverage in Latin America and other international markets. Karr brings more than 21 years of international and domestic management to Source Technologies, including strategic planning, sales development and customer support.
As director of international sales, Karr is responsible for overall sales activity outside of the United States. Initially he will focus on managing and building customer relationships with Latin American banks, credit unions, utility providers and retailers, as well as develop international sales strategies for the company.
Tuesday, 20 June 2006
York, Pa. -- Livewire, a leading provider of interactive self-service systems, recently announced several changes to its senior management. David McCracken has been named president, Donald England has been named vice president of sales and business development, and Robert Galante has been named director of software development.
David McCracken has been with Livewire for over six years serving in the capacity of chief technology officer. During that time, he was responsible for development of Livewire's product offering, and helped elevate Livewire to the forefront of the self-service ticketing and transaction-based kiosk markets. Mr. McCracken's twenty-five years of experience includes a unique blend of engineering, information technologies, strategic planning, and business management. As president, Mr. McCracken will be responsible for the company's strategic direction, product strategy, operations, and marketing efforts.
Donald England brings to Livewire a wealth of knowledge from the hospitality, retail, gaming and supply chain industries. His experience includes more than twenty-five years of strategic marketing, advertising, product management, and business development in technology software and services. Mr. England will lead Livewire's sales efforts, marketing strategies, and channel relationships.
Robert Galante, the architect of Livewire's transaction engine, takes over the management role of Livewire's software development group. A Microsoft MCAD, Mr. Galante's twenty-five years of experience includes e-commerce web development, real-time manufacturing controls, and a wide variety of technologies that fit uniquely into the self-service world. In his new position, Galante will continue to drive Livewire's software architecture as well as manage and mentor the company's software development staff.
"As Livewire continues to grow, it's important that we have the right mix of talent leading our effort to enhance our current product offerings, strengthen our existing market position, and position the company for new market opportunities," McCracken said. "I believe that the strength and experience of our management team is a direct reflection of who Livewire is and what we have to offer to the marketplace.
Tuesday, 13 June 2006
www.iht.com: While announcing a recent profit revision, Hewlett-Packard disclosed its purchase of Silverwire Holding for an undisclosed sum. Silverwire is a Swiss software company with 23,000 licenses for photo kiosk software sold in 30 countries. The move comes as HP expands its stake in the kiosk market.
Read more.
Friday, 09 June 2006
Irvine, Calif. - CeroView, an award winning kiosk designer and global provider of turnkey kiosk solutions, today announced is has become a certified IBM Business Partner. This certification comes after CeroView won the Best Kiosk Enclosure Design award at the world's largest self-service industry trade show, KioskCom earlier this year in Las Vegas. It was the second straight year CeroView won an award for best kiosk enclosure design.
"We're very proud that IBM has recognized CeroView as a leading kiosk provider," said Derek Fretheim, CeroView's President. "IBM understands self-service and works with clients to help them innovate in their industry. Kiosks are an important aspect of the retail experience and IBM brings leadership products to market that meet the needs of clients in a range of industries."
As an IBM Business Partner, CeroView offers application focused solutions using the IBM Anyplace Kiosk.
"We call our IBM solutions 'Anyplace optimized' and bundle best of breed components to complement the IBM Anyplace Kiosk product family," Fretheim said. CeroView currently offers three base kiosk models that incorporate the IBM Anyplace Kiosk.
These base models are modular and are able to handle multiple devices and different branded looks. The modularity of the CeroView Anyplace optimized product line provides over 30 different configurations. All systems are fully configurable with a multitude of options to add printers, RFID readers, scanners and other devices. CeroView will support IBM VARs and distributors with its IBM product line.
Wednesday, 07 June 2006
London/Paderborn — The Banker Technology Award for New Channels Project of the Year will be presented to HSBC and Wincor Nixdorf at the 2006 awards ceremony, to be held at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in London on June 8th.
The prize rewards innovation in the banking industry, and the HSBC-Wincor Nixdorf partnership is to be recognised for its high-tech refurbishment of the HSBC's UK branches.
The ambitious project, which saw the installation of 470 new generation Wincor Nixdorf Cash and Cheque Deposit Machines (CCDMs) and 500 self-service kiosks, has revolutionised the way the banking chain does business.
"Traditionally, the ratio of high street bank floorspace was 20 per cent front-of-house compared to 80 per cent back-office processing space," says David Nibloe, Head of Self-Service, HSBC Bank PLC. "We realised that in the modern banking environment, with telephone and internet banking becoming ever more popular and cheque-based transactions less common, there was an opportunity to come up with a new model that would serve customers better and increase productivity."
The branch refurbishment has reversed the ratio — now, 80 per cent of the Floor space is open to the bank's customers, and the emphasis is on self-service banking. The CCDMs reduce the need for cashiers to handle basic account servicing, while the kiosks offer the benefits of internet banking in-branch.
The Wincor Nixdorf technology was the key to managing the transition successfully. "Self-service deposit machines have been around for a long time now," explains Bill Bolding, Wincor Nixdorf Account Director for HSBC.
"But they have been held back by a lack of customer confidence in the technology. The Wincor Nixdorf ProCash 3000 with the new Cheque Deposit module changes that."
The new machines allow customers to insert a pile of cheques, each of which is scanned. The image is then printed on the receipt dispensed to the customer, providing the peace of mind which was lacking with previous envelope-drop systems.
"The machine is much quicker for both customers and staff," adds Bill Bolding. "It can process batches of up to 50 cheques at once, and it saves the time spent on manual paper processing which the envelope-drop boxes used
to require."
The award recognizes the effect the branch refurbishment has had on the high-street banking environment. "We're getting around 8,000 deposits per day with the CCDMs and 19,000 transactions with the kiosks," David Nibloe.
"And those numbers are rising all the time. No other UK banks have made such substancial changes to their retail environment, so HSBC will be well-positioned to lead the way in future. We're delighted that The Banker Technology Awards have recognized that."
Wednesday, 17 May 2006
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Slabb Corp is pleased to announce that Robert Giblett has joined its executive management team as Vice President of Global Sales.
"There are very few individuals in the world that understand the complexities of self-service technologies," said Cy Birg, CEO and Founder of Slabb Corp from his office in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, "As one of the few, Robert brings with him an unparalleled knowledge of the industry along with the ability to effectively communicate self-service benefits and opportunities to Slabb's customers."
"I am very excited to join this great company," said Giblett, "Slabb presents a value proposition that no other company in the industry offers and I am honored to contribute to Slabb's continued acceleration."
Prior to joining Slabb Corp, Robert served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for King Products & Solutions Inc., founded several companies in the self-service and telephony industries, and was involved in bringing next-generation VoIP technologies into the Canadian market.
Mr. Giblett will be responsible for orchestrating all Slabb sales efforts worldwide.
Thursday, 11 May 2006
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The IBM Group of Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions will host its annual May Days for IBM Business Partners on May 15-19, 2006. With 82 educational sessions and 25 certification classes, May Days offers participants an opportunity to receive training and earn critical certifications over a concentrated period of time.
"May Days meets an important need among our IBM Business Partners, as demonstrated in the significant growth in attendance and certifications achieved year over year," said Eric Williams, executive vice president, IBM Group, Arrow ECS. "This year, we are hosting more than 800 attendees, ranging from sales and technical experts to executives, who will each use May Days as an opportunity to expand their skill set and improve their ability to sell IBM solutions."
In addition to educational sessions, hands-on training and networking opportunities, May Days offers attendees access to its Certification Lab, consisting of 40 testing stations offering more than 175 IBM hardware and software certifications. Last year, May Days' attendees took more than 1,000 certification tests. That number is expected to be higher this year.
Other key elements of May Days include:
- A Solution Center, comprised of more than 40 exhibits, where Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and IBM Business Partners can showcase their solutions, allowing resellers to see first-hand how the technologies can work together for a competitive advantage.
- A Technology Lab showcasing products and technologies across IBM's entire portfolio, enabling technical engineers to get hands-on experience with the products.
- An executive-level track with the following sessions: Implementing Effective Marketing Strategies, Improving Customer Satisfaction in the 21st Century Workplace and Consultative Selling. Featured speakers at the event include Jason Jennings, recognized authority on business leadership and author of "Think Big, Act Small," Dean Tucker, author of "The Challenge: Managing in the Information Age," Michelle Bailey, research director from IDC, and Shirley Turner from Intel Corporation.
Wednesday, 10 May 2006
LAS VEGAS — JCM American's self-service DMV kiosk took top prize at the recent KioskCom trade show, held recently in Las Vegas. JCM designed and installed the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicle's (DMV) self-service kiosks, winning top honors for Best Kiosk Application for Government, Education or a Non-Profit Agency at KioskCom's 5th annual Excellence Awards. Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Director Ginny Lewis was also named "Industry Deployer of the Year."
The award was given by a panel of 21 judges, representing analyst firms, kiosk vendors and suppliers and kiosk media, who selected winners in a dozen categories.
JCM's kiosks were first launched in Nevada DMVs in June 2004. Currently, there are 22 stations in DMV offices statewide, including two outdoor walk-up kiosks that are available nearly 24 hours daily, seven days per week. Two AAA offices in Las Vegas also have kiosks providing the same DMV services.
Nevada's kiosks are the first in the U.S. to accept cash and credit cards, and give change while dispensing government documents on the spot. Motorists can renew vehicle registrations, obtain driver's license renewals and get vehicle insurance verification with little to no wait and average transaction times of two minutes. Since the project began, Nevada motorists have used the kiosks for almost 300,000 transactions.
KioskCom is the world's largest and longest running kiosk and self-service conference and tradeshow, delivering business solutions focusing on interactive self-service programs to a highly qualified audience in the areas of retail, finance, hospitality, tourism, health care, government, gaming/entertainment, hospitals, restaurants, QSRs, financial services, ticketing, photo and other industries.
KioskCom launched the inaugural industry-wide KioskCom Excellence Awards in 2002 to recognize the most successful and innovative interactive self-service solutions. Past winners include BMW, Sony, AAA, the US Postal Service, Avis, Hilton Hotels, Sunoco, SAS, Daimler Chrysler and ExxonMobil.
Tuesday, 09 May 2006
MELVILLE, N.Y. - Arrow Electronics Inc. and Ayrshire Electronics LLC have entered into a supply-chain materials-management agreement. According to a news release, Arrow will manage specific aspects of Ayrshire's purchasing and logistics operations.
"This strategic partnership will enable Ayrshire to leverage Arrow's extensive experience in supply chain services so Ayrshire can focus on its core competencies of providing high-quality products and superior customer service at very competitive prices," said Jim Rosenberg, president of Arrow Alliance.
Friday, 05 May 2006
Thousands of retailers are set to descend on Chicago's McCormick Place, May 21-24, for the annual Retail Systems Conference & Exposition. The show includes 212 exhibitors, a special customer-facing section for the self-service and kiosk industry, guest speakers from top retailers and social networking events.
Self-service innovators Retaligent Systems will show the latest upgrades to their Clarience 1:1 automated retail systems. The scalable system currently offers 20 different modules, applications that can be used in a variety of combinations, across a variety of platforms, including PDA and EDA software for remote management, smart phone applications that can scan bar codes and kiosks that customers can use to have different sizes and colors of clothes delivered to them in the changing rooms.
"What we've basically done is taken the Retaligent Platform and used it as pervasive-interaction architecture," Retaligent CEO Bryan Amaral said. "And any one of our solutions can be used within that store. The associate-facing tools are leveraging the same technologies a consumer can on the smart phone."
Netkey, one of the original creators of dedicated web-based kiosk commerce software, will show an array of automated multi-channel marketing solutions that they've regularly deployed at major retailers including Home Depot and Border's Books and Music.
"The Netkey platform allows retailers to generate ROI by getting to market faster with self-service kiosk and digital signage applications that help sell, while at the same time reducing the cost of operating these store technologies," Netkey director of marketing Bob Ventresca said.
Other key self-service exhibitors include:
Diebold-ISS, the national IT and computer maintenance network, showcasing its new Call Forward technology, designed to improve customer checkout time.
Epson America, Inc., a leader in printer technology, will showcase their POS peripherals.
Hand Held Products, a leader in transaction terminals and POS peripherals, will show the Image Kiosk 8560 mini-kiosk with customizable multifunction user interface.
HP, the veteran computer hardware firm, will show myriad applications including middleware, multichannel marketing tools and RFID technology.
IBM, the business-to-business computing and logistics giant, will display several retail technologies including gift registries, consulting services and data mining solutions.
La Garde will show its award-winning multichannel CISP-compliant online storefront shopping cart solution, StoreFront (www.storefront.net).
Microsoft Corporation will exhibit a variety of retail solutions including its popular .NET commerce platform.
New Edge Networks will showcase their commercial networking capabilities for connecting a variety of POS, financial and data networks.
Nippon Primex Inc., a Japanese printer manufacturer, will proffer its line of POS and kiosk printers.
The Self-Service & Kiosk Association, (owned by this site's publisher, Networld Alliance) discussing its numerous sales and networking benefits with potential members.
Star Micronics America, a leader in the printer industry, will show its line of commercial and self-service printers.
NCR/Teradata, a firm dedicated to data warehousing and analytics, will demonstrate its solutions for e-commerce and self-service.
VeriFone, Inc., a recent entrant into the self-service/kiosk space, will display its numerous POS applications, and its new multimedia mini-kiosks.
Wednesday, 03 May 2006
MELVILLE, N.Y. - William E. Mitchell, 62, has been elected chairman, president and chief executive of Arrow Electronics Inc. He replaces Daniel W. Duval, who has stepped down as chairman and was elected lead director. Duval will continue to work with corporate governance matters and serve as chairman of all independent-directors' meetings.
Mitchell joined Arrow in February 2003, when he was named president and CEO.
"Bill has been a highly effective leader during the past three years," Duval said. "He has brought the company to new levels of success and demonstrated a keen ability to balance the short term needs of the organization with the longer term strategic requirements of shareholders, customers, suppliers and employees."
Thursday, 27 April 2006
BEAVERTON, Ore. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Planar Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLNR), a worldwide leader in flat-panel display systems, has appointed Scott Hix to vice president of business development to help orchestrate the company's plan to identify high-value, high-margin opportunities that leverage the display leader's strengths and technology heritage.
In this position, Hix will report to and work with Planar CEO Gerry Perkel on identifying emerging market opportunities both in Planar's current businesses, as well as in industries where Planar can leverage its display leadership, supply chain relationships and efficient channel business model.
"Planar has been a display industry innovator for more than 20 years, and Scott's role will be to work with me and other executive management team members to leverage that legacy and company strengths for new growth," said Gerry Perkel, Planar's president and CEO. "As Planar focuses on building the company's strategic direction to drive shareholder value, Scott's background will be a catalyst for helping the company enter new markets and drive return on investment."
Hix brings 15 years of technology leadership experience in building successful display-related businesses to Planar. His career includes multiple high-level, executive positions at InFocus Corporation in sales and marketing, business development and general management roles. He most recently served as senior vice president of worldwide sales and was responsible for maintaining top-line revenue in excess of $500 million annually. He is well-recognized in the display industry as a thought leader and often asked to speak at industry events.
"I'm excited to join the Planar team and look forward to working with the entire organization to continue our leadership as a pioneer in the display industry," said Hix. "By leveraging Planar's proven track record of technology innovation, supply chain efficiency, channel partnerships and customer service, I am eager to explore new market opportunities and amplify the company's future growth strategies."
About Planar
Planar Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLNR) is a leading provider of flat panel display hardware and software solutions for demanding medical, 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. For more information, visit www.planar.com.
Friday, 21 April 2006
Las Vegas, NV - MagTek announces today at the 2006 Electronic Transaction Association Annual Conference and Expo that Cross Check offers a new check conversion solution for POS merchants utilizing the CrossCheck Conversion Plus(SM) service.
The CrossCheck Conversion Plus service, along with the MagTek MICRImage check scanner, enables merchants to convert checks at the point of sale, eliminating the need to take checks to the bank for deposit. Check data and information can be sent through a POS terminal for processing and deposit into the merchant's account. The CrossCheck Conversion Plus service includes business check conversion and guarantee features.
"This powerful check conversion method will enable merchants to process checks as well as receive their funds in a timelier manner, which is a win/win for all parties," said John Arato, Vice President and Business Unit Manager, Retail Products at MagTek, Inc.
"As part of our commitment to offer a variety of equipment and processing solutions to our merchants, we are pleased to add this POS capability to our innovative CrossCheck Conversion Plus service available with the MagTek equipment," said J. David Siembieda, CrossCheck's president and CEO. "This equipment, along with our services, can make check acceptance fast and convenient for merchants and retailers at their POS terminal."
About MagTek
Since 1972, MagTek has been a world leader in electronic transaction technology, from magnetic stripe card readers and writers to high-accuracy MICR check readers and scanners, secure PIN issuance and cardholder verification systems. The company's products and components are in use today at point-of-sale (POS) and back-office locations in thousands of companies around the world; incorporated into kiosks and ATMs, banking customer service terminals, custom retail POS terminals, and restaurant and hospitality equipment. MagTek is based in Carson, California and has sales offices throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, with independent distributors in over 40 countries. www.magtek.com
About CrossCheck
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.
Friday, 21 April 2006
ATLANTA — Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG), the second-largest cooperative grocery wholesaler in the United States, has signed an agreement with NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) to jointly market and promote NCR's store automation and self-service products to AWG members.
"This agreement represents a great opportunity to further expand our technology offerings to retailers of all sizes who strive to be successful in an ever-changing competitive environment," said Bruce Donis, NCR vice president for U.S. retail sales.
AWG will certify NCR retail technology to its 1,600 independent grocers and regional chains across a 21-state area. The agreement covers NCR Advanced Checkout Solution (ACS) software for independent retailers and NCR's line of retail terminals and peripherals including the NCR RealPOS DynaKey user interface and NCR RealScan Bi-Optic Scanner/Scales. As part of the agreement, NCR's dealer community will also co-market AWG's chosen back-office solution to the members' stores.
"NCR has met our objectives in bringing a program to our members that includes aggressive and consistent pricing, whether the member is a single store or multistore operator," said Keith Martin, AWG chief information officer. "Because NCR is an industry leader in developing intuitive and easy-to-use products, our members can reap a solid return on their investments and increase customer service in their stores."
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.
NCR, NCR EasyPoint, NCR FastLane, NCR RealPOS, NCR RealPrice, NCR RealScan, NCR RealSolutions and Teradata are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Thursday, 20 April 2006
 Solvport, LLC, a Portland, Oregon based ATM & Kiosk servicing company, has moved into a new facility to better service the needs of their customers. The new building was open for business on April 1st, 2006. This 11,000 square foot facility is needed to support the company's increased business, and offers flexibility for future expansion. "Our new facility will allow us to greatly expand the types of service and the level of service we provide; such as machine staging & assembly, parts warehousing, call center expansion, and business continuation hot-site space for customers," says Wayne Vandekraak, President and CEO for Solvport.
Solvport's new address is: 16135 SW 74th Ave., Portland, OR 97224. All phone numbers will remain the same.
Solvport provides superior, cost-effective technical service and outsourced solutions for our customers in order to ensure optimal functionality of their ATMs & kiosks. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Solvport provides technical phone support and field technical service for ATMs nationwide. Solvport manages many large and small-scale ATM conversions and 3DES projects, with field technicians in 93 metropolitan areas throughout the United States. For more information about Solvport, please visit the company's website at www.solvport.com.
Wednesday, 19 April 2006
MELVILLE, N.Y. -(BUSINESS WIRE)- Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW) announced that it will host its annual Investor Day at the Sofitel New York, in New York City on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, ET. The event will include presentations by William E. Mitchell, President and CEO, and other members of Arrow's senior management team, as well as panel presentations with key customers.
The Investor Day event will be available via live webcast. To access the live webcast, visit www.arrow.com/investor. The webcast will remain available through May 17, 2006.
If you are a financial analyst or institutional investor and you are interested in attending the event in person, please contact Arrow Investor Relations at or 631-847-2799.
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, 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.
Tuesday, 18 April 2006
Irvine, CA. — Worldlink Integration Group Inc., a national provider of technology deployment services, today announced the recent award of two new customer contracts valued in excess of $2,000,000.
One of the contracts awarded is from a new client which is a Texas based regional grocery store chain. The project encompasses Worldlink performing installation, logistics management and project management services around the upgrading of 3400 NCR scanner scales in nearly 300 locations. Worldlink was awarded this contract primarily based on their national coverage and ability to complete the project within 90 days from commencement.
The second contract awarded from an existing client consists of Worldlink performing staging, configuration, logistics management, installation and project management services for a major West Coast based retailer with 700 locations in over 40 states. Worldlink will be upgrading over 1600 POS registers and 400 back-office servers simultaneous to installing all required data cabling and free standing kiosks. Worldlink's ability to compete the entire national project in 100 days is a key factor in the award.
"Our demonstrated ability to consistently deliver national deployment services with superior quality and care, within deployment cycle timeframes both faster than customers anticipate and unparalleled within the industry, continues to fuel our ongoing growth from both new and existing regional and national customers," states David Clarke, Worldlink's President.
About Worldlink Integration Group, Inc.
Worldlink Integration Group, Inc. is a leading provider of national technology deployment services primarily for customers with locations dispersed regionally or nationally. These technology deployment services encompass from the highly repetitive to the complex project managed activities to the benefit of their many satisfied clients, including such leading companies as: Big 5 Sporting Goods, Kmart, Petco, New Edge Technologies, CSK Auto, Gateway, Sears, Aramark, Jack in the Box, 99 Cent Only Stores, Bartell Drugs and many others.
Source:
Worldlink Integration Group, Inc.
David R. Clarke
President/CFO
(949)212-5322
More Information:
www.worldlinkintegration.com
Monday, 17 April 2006
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) today announced that it has named Peter Dorsman as vice president and general manager of the company's Systemedia business. Additionally, Lee Schram, senior vice president of NCR's Retail Store Automation business, has resigned from NCR to become chief executive officer (CEO) at another company. Dan Bogan, currently vice president of Americas Sales and Service for Retail Store Automation, assumes the leadership of the division on an interim basis. Both appointments are effective today.
Systemedia
Dorsman's experience includes his role as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Standard Register, a document and information solutions provider covering similar markets as Systemedia. Prior to that, he was senior vice president of Standard Register's Document Management and Systems Division.
Before his role at Standard Register, Dorsman served for nearly 20 years at NCR in various marketing and sales leadership roles.
"Peter has broad general management experience in the markets Systemedia serves," said Bill Nuti, president and CEO of NCR. "He is also a long-time veteran of NCR and we're excited to have him back on the team."
Dorsman succeeds Mark Quinlan, who is assisting in the transition.
"We thank Mark for his contributions to our Systemedia business," said Nuti.
Dorsman serves on the board of directors of Applied Industrial Technologies. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Syracuse University.
NCR's Systemedia business provides business products and services, such as receipt paper and printer supplies, for the retail, financial and manufacturing industries.
Retail Store Automation
Bogan has been with NCR for almost 30 years, rising through the company in progressively more senior positions within the retail business, including sales and service, marketing, industry marketing, and strategy. Prior to his current role as Retail Store Automation's head of sales and service for the Americas region, Dan was vice president of marketing and strategy for the business.
"Dan has long-term experience and expertise in the retail industry. With Dan's domain knowledge of the industry and NCR, we will continue to focus on making improvements in our operating model and leveraging our leadership in self-service technologies," said Nuti.
"We thank Lee for his many contributions to NCR over the past 22 years and appreciate his assistance ensuring a smooth transition over the coming weeks. And we all wish him well in his new endeavor," said Nuti.
NCR's Retail Store Automation business provides retail-oriented technologies such as point-of-sale terminals, bar-code scanners and software, as well as innovative products such as self-checkout systems and self-service kiosks to companies worldwide.
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.
Monday, 17 April 2006
DAYTON, Ohio — NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), a global leader in end-to-end RFID solutions, today announced it has acquired the assets of IDVelocity LLC, a privately held company based in Greensboro, N.C.
With more than 200 implementations of its infrastructure and process management software, IDVelocity helps companies collect, move and utilize data from millions of RFID and other Auto-ID transactions each day. IDVelocity's pioneering technology dramatically reduces the effort to create, deploy and support fixed and mobile solutions using all forms of RFID and other Auto-ID technologies.
"The acquisition of IDVelocity represents a significant opportunity to extend NCR's RFID solution portfolio," said NCR Senior Vice President Lee Schram. "Many believed the price of tags would be the greatest inhibitor to RFID adoption. But, in fact, transforming RFID data to eliminate the need for human intervention has been the true inhibiting factor and the most difficult to overcome. This acquisition, together with other technology from NCR, virtually eliminates that concern for our customers."
One component of NCR's RFID solution is the Teradata database. IDVelocity technology supports the ability of a Teradata Warehouse to provide actionable analytics by tracking and evaluating item movements at a detailed level and to see those movements at more frequent points in the supply chain.
"NCR also understands that the real breakthrough in operational efficiency and supply-chain security will not come from RFID alone, but through its combination with other technologies such as global positioning systems, biotechnology, voice, bar codes and sensor technologies," Schram added. "IDVelocity provides NCR the foundation to create and deliver solutions utilizing any combination of these technologies."
"Across industries, RFID opportunities for business impact have created a large demand for complete RFID solutions," said Ken Hamlin, who founded IDVelocity and will lead the organization within NCR. "NCR is uniquely positioned to globally deliver end-to-end RFID solutions. Becoming part of NCR will give IDVelocity, its partners and customers access to world-class technology and best practices across all major industry verticals, and will enable us to further extend our solutions worldwide."
About IDVelocity, LLC
IDVelocity is a global leader in RFID infrastructure and process management software. ADC, IDVelocity's pioneering technology platform, dramatically reduces the effort to create, deploy and support fixed and mobile solutions using RFID and all other forms of Auto-ID. Using the efficiency of Design, Draw and Deploy techniques, IDVelocity has hundreds of live, in-production implementations with major corporations around the world producing significant, documented return on investment. For additional information, visit www.idvelocity.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.
NCR, NCR EasyPoint, NCR FastLane, NCR RealPOS, NCR RealPrice, NCR RealScan, NCR RealSolutions,NCR TransitionWorks and Teradata are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries. IDVelocity and IDVelocity ADC are trademarks of IDVelocity, LLC in the United States and other countries.
Wednesday, 12 April 2006
TOKYO - Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm, and Advantage Partners, one of the foremost private equity firms in Japan, today announced they have entered into an agreement to acquire unattended payment systems provider MEI Conlux from Mars, Incorporated. MEI Conlux is the global leader in payment acceptance systems used widely in vending, gaming, transport and retail applications.
The transaction is subject to normal regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania and Sakado, Japan , MEI Conlux has the world's largest installed base of unattended payment systems, handling over 1 billion cash transactions every week. In 2003, Mars purchased Conlux, the leading Japanese payment provider, and combined it with MEI to create the leading global business in unattended payment systems.
"We enjoy strong industry relationships, a heritage of technology innovation and the number one or number two position in all of our business segments,"� said Mike Hayes, who will continue as President of MEI Conlux. "This positions us for significant growth and gives us the opportunity to invest more aggressively in new segments and geographies. The management team looks forward to working with Bain Capital and Advantage Partners to expand our business and introduce new technologies to improve service to our customers and consumers."
"MEI Conlux has a strong competitive position and superior technology which we believe will yield excellent growth in retail and gaming, as well as the core vending and transport businesses," said David Gross-Loh, a Managing Director at Bain Capital in Tokyo. "Bain Capital and Advantage Partners teamed up to leverage deep industry expertise and local market knowledge in Japan, the U.S. and Europe to quickly assess the prospects for the business."
Bain Capital recently established offices in Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong to pursue investment opportunities in Japan and China. The firm has a strong track record of purchasing non-core divisions of large, multinational companies and partnering with the management team and employees to build significant value.
"The company has built strong leadership positions by investing in research and development to create technology that offers customers real benefits including lower total cost of ownership," stated Richard Folsom, Representative Partner at Advantage Partners, which is based in Tokyo. "We believe MEI Conlux has significant growth potential in the key segments where it currently competes, as well as in certain new segments. We look forward to supporting management in executing the growth strategy globally." Advantage Partners, which established the first buy-out fund in Japan in 1997, brings significant operations and management expertise to its investments.
Financing for the transaction will be provided by Citigroup Japan and Nikko Citigroup. Mars Incorporated was advised by Goldman Sachs.
About Mars, Incorporated
A privately-held company, Mars, Incorporated (www.mars.com) produces some of the world's leading confectionery, food, pet food and beverage brands, and operates in more than 65 countries. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Mars, Incorporated employs more than 39,000 associates worldwide with 100 manufacturing facilities globally. The company owns some of the world's favorite brands including M&M'S Brand, SNICKERS Brand, UNCLE BEN'S Brand, PEDIGREE Brand Food For Dogs, WHISKAS Brand Food For Cats. The company's global sales exceed $18 billion annually.
About MEI Conlux
MEI Conlux (www.meiglobal.com) is a leading global manufacturer of unattended payments systems and employs over 750 associates worldwide with manufacturing facilities in Japan, Mexico and Switzerland. The business operates distribution hubs in the United States and United Kingdom that are also equipped to perform final product configuration for customized orders. The distribution network reaches more than 90 countries around the world.
About Bain Capital
Bain Capital, LLC (www.baincapital.com) is a global private investment firm that manages several pools of capital including private equity, venture capital, public equity and leveraged debt assets with more than $35 billion in assets under management. Since its inception in 1984, Bain Capital has made private equity investments and add-on acquisitions in over 230 companies in a variety of industries around the world, and has a team of almost 200 professionals dedicated to investing in and supporting its portfolio companies. Bain Capital has a long history of successful investments in retail and technology businesses, including such companies as Toys "R" Us, Burger King, AMC Theatres, Domino's Pizza, SunGard Data Systems, and UGS PLM Solutions. Headquartered in Boston, Bain Capital has offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, New York, London and Munich.
About Advantage Partners
Advantage Partners, LLP. (www.advantagegroup.co.jp) is a private equity investment firm founded in 1992. The firm manages about $1 billion in private equity funds that focus on investing in acquisitions, buy-outs, buy-ins and other private equity opportunities in Japan. Advantage established the first buy-out fund in Japan in 1997 and is a pioneer in the private equity investment industry in Japan. The objective of the funds is to realize superior capital gains for investors. In order to achieve this, Advantage Partners places great importance on supporting operational improvement and strategic planning, based upon extensive business consulting experience. Advantage Partners has invested in 19 companies to date.
Tuesday, 11 April 2006
Earlier this month, IBM gathered hundreds of the world's leading thinkers from across business, industry, government and academia, and brought them together for two days of discussion about innovation and the challenges facing businesses in the 21st century.
The 2006 Business Leadership Forum, the fourth such event hosted by IBM, took place in Rome, Italy. IBM Chairman and CEO Sam Palmisano welcomed leaders representing more than 50 countries, setting the tone for the event early in his opening remarks.
"The bottom line of all this is that innovation is really a 'must do' unless we want to live in an environment that's commoditized and not unique, not differentiated," Palmisano said. "And that's acceptable, but you're in a model of constantly taking out costs, fighting for scraps of pennies in a very crowded marketplace."
Palmisano's remarks reinforced the attendees' agreement about the urgency of innovation for success in today's global economy. Over the next two days, a diverse set of speakers — from organizations including BP, Matsushita Electronics, the Agricultural Bank of China, Bharti Enterprises, and the government of Austria, among others — discussed varying approaches to and definitions of innovation and how to achieve it.
Among the key insights delivered by speakers and panelists during the conference:
Innovation is essential. Globalization is inevitable. Ubiquitous connectivity is breaking down physical borders and creating connections between people, economies, organizations and governments in ways that were never thought possible.
It's about being unique. In this age where competition for talent and brand share is critical, businesses need to cultivate their uniqueness. They need to encourage an environment that allows people to be open, to be multi-disciplined, to be collaborative, and to be global in their thought process.
The speed of change is much faster · and more disruptive · than seen before. The goal amidst all this change is to find value in the marketplace. Whether it's innovation for money or whether it's innovation for business, society or for governments, the binding force in the end is trying to see the problem differently, to find new value quicker than anyone else. This is what the 21st century is all about · and it's all just beginning.
CEOs must pay attention to the implications of change among employees. Done incorrectly, change can create fear and uncertainty within organizations. Unless it is properly managed, too much change can be a great disaster for companies. CEOs and leaders must establish a course, a plot and/or a purpose to lead their people. Constant reorganization is futile. Instead, leaders must look at a company's structure strategically, consider which pieces need to shift and then unfold change bit by bit.
Technology plays a leading role in innovation, but it isn't the only factor. What were once disruptive technologies now are commodities. Technology can be the establishing base for innovation, but people are the ones that drive it forward. Technology is really only the mechanics of the process. Real innovation is about great people generating and then implementing new ideas.
To innovate, CEOs don't need to control all the resources or build within their own frameworks. Partner and collaborate, then disband and go back to doing whatever a the individuals' strengths are. CEOs aren't limited to using their own staff or resources. They have to identify the problem and deploy the right people against it over a period of time, partnering with other institutions to get the 'right people' if necessary.
Governments can help spur innovation among the private sector. Governments must be more flexible to respond to today's business needs. Entrepreneurship creates jobs, and it turns inventions into innovation. Older governments may try to defend and preserve what has been achieved in the past, but if they rely only on the strength of their past, they put advancement in peril. Governments need to open themselves to market and labor reforms to stay relevant and competitive in this global age.
In spite of the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and approaches of the conference's attendees, the central theme of the 2006 IBM Business Leadership Forum was clear and unequivocal: Now is a great time to be an innovator; organizations merely need the willingness to do so, have the courage to fail, and a vision to execute against.
Friday, 07 April 2006
Toronto, ON - One year after the state of Michigan installed automated Self-Service Stations for drivers to renew their license tabs, officials have high praise for the network of stand-alone kiosks.
Better customer service
Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said the kiosks are a big success "It is encouraging to see so many people using them. This is another way technology can be used to enhance customer service for the people of Michigan." Michigan installed 28 kiosks at locations spread across the state. Residents who use the automated system instead of waiting to be served by counter staff say the kiosks are convenient and fast - it takes a fraction of the time to complete a transaction. And in the first year of operation, the people of Michigan completed nearly 30,000 transactions at the Department of Motor Vehicle kiosks. That added $3 million to state coffers through the Department of Motor Vehicle kiosks.
Esprida makes life easier for I.T. departments
Esprida provides Michigan with a remote device management solution that allows I.T. staff to monitor and manage all of the kiosks spread throughout the state. Tom Weston, Michigan's E-Commerce Project Manager says "The Esprida software is an efficient tool for managing our devices remotely and that's a big issue for us because we release Microsoft patches every month. Without Esprida, we would be sending someone out in a truck to manually upgrade each of the 28 kiosks, across the state, once every month."
Michigan officials chose Esprida for this project because its application used the state's existing technology infrastructure and leveraged its skill sets. And because Esprida Enterpriseâ„¢ is designed to run multiple applications, Michigan can offer a number of government services on the kiosks.
The next step - Michigan expanding service offering using Esprida solution
Weston said the state is already planning the next step to improve service delivery to Michigan residents. The state plans to offer a self-service Low-Risk Probationer application, where low-risk probationers will perform many of their parole check-ins electronically. "Data collection there would be especially important", Weston said. "The real advantage is that it will allow Probation Officers to spend more 'face to face' time with High Risk Probationers than people who have committed lesser crimes."
Anila Jobanputra, President of Esprida Corporation says "The Michigan experience shows how the Esprida solution influences consumer behavior, enhances consumer experience and transforms business operations"
About ESPRIDA Corporation
Esprida is an innovator in the development of device management solutions. Esprida offers an enterprise solution that enables businesses to manage and control networks of devices in diverse locations from a web browser. Esprida Enterprise delivers device-generated intelligence and device-oriented analytics to maximize availability, enhance the user experience, increase revenue and transform business strategies and operations. Esprida Corporation is a privately held company with offices in the U.S. and Canada.
Web Site: www.esprida.com
For further information contact:
A. Parray, Marketing and Communications, 905-629-0455,
About E-Michigan Web Development
E-Michigan Web Development is a department within the executive branch of the State of Michigan and is responsible for providing strategic enterprise guidance for e-commerce best practices, standards, tools, methods and processes and e-commerce application design, development, implementation and support for cross-agency and enterprise-wide solutions.
Wednesday, 05 April 2006
Carson, CA - MagTek, a global leader in electronic payments technology, announced today the appointment of Julie Stuthridge as Director of Marketing.
In her new position as Director of Marketing, Ms. Stuthridge will focus on marketing communications and public relations as well strengthening market positioning for MagTek's extensive product lines of Card Reading and Encoding, Check Reading and Scanning and PIN-based products. Ms. Stuthridge will also be responsible for assessing market requirements in tandem with MagTek's Financial, Retail and OEM Business Unit Managers. Julie will be assuming the position previously held by Kathy Crumley, to enable Ms. Crumley to focus on Business Development and strategic growth for MagTek.
"We are delighted to welcome Ms. Stuthridge as our new Director of Marketing" said Sarah Irato, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. "With her extensive industry knowledge and contacts, Julie is a key addition to the MagTek team and will be a driving force behind MagTek's continued market penetration worldwide.
Prior to joining MagTek, Ms. Stuthridge was in charge of Marketing Communications for MIST, Wireless Inc. and held positions at both VeriFone and Hypercom Corporation.
About MagTek
Since 1972, MagTek has been a world leader in electronic transaction technology, from magnetic stripe card readers and writers to high-accuracy MICR check readers and scanners, secure PIN issuance and cardholder verification systems. The company's products and components are in use today at point-of-sale (POS) and back-office locations in thousands of companies around the world; incorporated into kiosks and ATMs, banking customer service terminals, custom retail POS terminals, and restaurant and hospitality equipment. MagTek is based in Carson, California and has sales offices throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, with independent distributors in over 40 countries.
About Julie Stuthridge
Ms. Stuthridge holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Marketing and has 20 years marketing experience and over 8 years experience in the electronic payment industries. Prior to joining MagTek, she has held senior marketing and general management positions in the electronic imaging, storage, retrieval and software industries, and led marketing initiatives for VeriFone, Mist Wireless and Hypercom Corporation.
Wednesday, 05 April 2006
Las Vegas, Nevada USA: It was announced today that Hemisphere West International (HWi) has signed a global distribution agreement with Korean manufacturer LG N-Sys (LGN). The agreement covers LGN's line of cash dispensers and counterfeit detectors. "We are extremely happy to begin this relationship with LGN" states John Petkus, President of HWi. "The LGN range of cash dispensers will further enhance our total solution approach for currency handling products in the Kiosk, Financial and Retail sectors. HWi will also begin to provide in house service and support for the LGN range of cash dispenser product out of its Las Vegas office."
For over a decade, Hemisphere West has provided currency validation and handling solutions to it's customers in a wide range of industries. With offices in Las Vegas USA and near London in the UK, HWi's customers are further supported though its network of VAR's and distributors worldwide. HWi will officially be launching the LGN products at the upcoming Kioskcom trade show in Las Vegas, April 10-12, booth #338.
Contact:
North/South America, Australia
Hemisphere West International
6787 West Tropicana Avenue
Suite 120B
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103 USA
+1-702-364-4936
FAX: +1-702-364-9915
www.hwlvegas.com
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Hemisphere West International
HWE House
Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Down Ampney
United Kingdom GL7 5QW
+44 (0) 1793 750726
FAX: +44 (0) 1793 752857
www.hweurope.com
LGN-Systems
www.lgnsys.com
Wednesday, 05 April 2006
Irvine, CA. -- Worldlink Integration Group, Inc., headquartered in Irvine, CA today formally announced the participation and certification within two significant structured cabling programs. First, Worldlink has become an Oasis Certified Installer for Berk-Tek. As an Oasis integrator, Worldlink performs national structured cabling services with a Berk-Tek backed system warranty of 25 years. The Oasis program is Berk-Tek's highest level of certification. In addition, Worldlink is certified to install NetClear structured cabling systems, the industry's most advanced cabling systems, consisting of components from Berk-Tek and Ortronics designed to deliver maximized dynamic performance for real world networks. The NetClear Alliance between Berk-Tek and Ortronics optimizes cabling solutions backed by superior research, systems planning, certified installation, a 25-year warranty, and unsurpassed engineering and technical support. In both cases, Worldlink is one of a few national structural cabling service providers to be certified in both programs.
"Our participation in both of these programs is vital to the continued growth of our company," states John Fecteau, Worldlink's Chief Operating Officer "as we have continued to prove ourselves over the years, both Berk-Tek and Ortronics have demonstrated strong and loyal support towards our organization. Our certification in both these programs validates Worldlink as one of the premier national structured cabling services companies in North America".
About Worldlink Integration Group, Inc.
Worldlink Integration Group, Inc. is a leading provider of national technology deployment services primarily for regional and national retail customers. These technology deployment services encompass from the highly repetitive to the complex project managed activities their customers demand across the lifecycle of the customer's geographically distributed technology infrastructure. Worldlink has built its business providing flexibility and rapid execution to the benefit of their many satisfied clients, including such leading companies as: Big 5 Sporting Goods, Kmart, Petco, New Edge Technologies, CSK Auto, Gateway, Sears, Aramark, Jack in the Box, and Bartell Drugs. With blanket national technician coverage, local staging and depot facilities and a leading project management practice, Worldlink performs thousands of deployments each year across the country. The Worldlink model delivers for customers an unrivaled combination of quality, flexibility, economy and timely execution.
For More Information:
David R. Clarke
(949)212-5322
www.worldlinkintegration.com
Tuesday, 04 April 2006
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE) - Arrow Electronics Components, a North American Components (NAC) division of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW), and Convergence Promotions, a provider of ARM processor-based tools and services information, today announced a partnership and the launch of Embedded-Developer.com (http://embedded-developer.com), the electronics industry's first one-stop website for ARM processor-based solutions.
The online resource simplifies the design process for engineers searching for ARM processor and tools solutions from major manufacturers by providing information and allowing them to evaluate and buy processors and embedded tools.
Convergence Promotions' database of ARM cores and tools coupled with Arrow's sales, distribution and support capabilities, fuel Embedded-Developer.com's content to take engineers from discovery to sales and post-sales support. Previously, developers looking for ARM processor-based solutions had to access information from disparate distributor and manufacturer websites. As an aggregate resource, Embedded-Developer.com makes it easier to find and compare ARM processors and development tools and provides additional resources for the design process.
"Embedded-Developer.com is a natural extension of the enhanced value Arrow provides for design engineers," said David West, vice president of market development for Arrow NAC Supplier Services Group. "Combining Convergence Promotions' industry-leading ARM content with Arrow's e-commerce engines provides a valuable portal to meet designer's needs from concept through production."
At Embedded-Developer.com, ARM design engineers have access to innovative programs, services and information including:
Technical services and design expertise including Arrow Consulting and Engineering Services (ACES), supply chain solutions, and Connectivity Dashboard Database of ARM core and tools information based on Convergence Promotions' ARM Developers' Catalog, ARM Information Quarterly, Arrow's library of data sheets, and Resource magazine Classes and tutorials from the ARM Developers' Conference and other sources Devices from Arrow's line card
"Embedded-Developer.com is designed for the engineer with a job to do - quickly," said Glenn ImObersteg, CEO of Convergence Promotions. "This site is going to dramatically increase designers' productivity in ARM processor-based designs, helping them meet short time-to-market demands."
The ARM architecture is the most widely used 16-/32-bit embedded RISC solution in the world. The open architecture for microprocessors provide superior MIPS (million instructions per second) per watt and unparalleled levels of compatibility and design reusability for embedded products such as automotive powertrain systems, smart cards and standard microcontrollers.
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.
About Convergence Promotions
Convergence Promotions is the premier provider of alliance and partner programs in the embedded, handheld and wireless industries. For over a decade, the principals of Convergence Promotions have designed and managed premier partner programs and alliances for over a dozen of the world's largest semiconductor companies. Its programs also manifest themselves into promotions such as magazines, websites, CDs, newsletters and other media. Knowledge of the Embedded Industry together with marketing and publishing experience make the company uniquely qualified to put programs together that get results.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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/
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
Tuesday, 28 February 2006
SAN JOSE, Calif - (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Immersion Corporation (Nasdaq:IMMR), a leading developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, today announced the appointment of Emily Liggett to its board of directors, effective February 27th.
Liggett is currently president and CEO of Apexon, Inc., a leading provider of supply performance management software for manufacturers. Prior to Apexon, she was interim president and CEO of Capstone Turbine Corporation. Previously, Liggett was managing director of Tyco Ventures where she led venture and resource investments. Before Tyco's acquisition of Raychem in 1999, Emily worked 15 years at Raychem in sales, marketing, operations, and division management positions across a number of industries. She was president and CEO of Raychem's subsidiary, Elo TouchSystems, a leading worldwide manufacturer of touchscreens, and division manager of Raychem's Telecommunications and Energy Division. Prior to Raychem, Liggett held positions at McKinsey, DuPont, the European Community, EPFL, and Bell Labs.
Liggett holds an MBA and a master's degree in Engineering from Stanford University and a bachelor's degree in Engineering from Purdue University.
"We're very pleased to have Emily join Immersion's board. Her extensive experience in several of our key growth areas -- telecommunications, electronic components, and touchscreens -- complements and strengthens the board's expertise," said Vic Viegas, Immersion director, president, and CEO. "Her technical background and strategic and operational business experience have enabled her to bring next-generation products to market and increase sales as well as profits by double-digit percentages. Emily will be a great resource in helping guide all our growth initiatives."
"Immersion has great potential to broadly deploy haptics technology in a number of markets," said Liggett. "I look forward to working with Vic and the board to further develop growth areas, form industry relationships, and help achieve revenue and profit targets."
About Immersion (www.immersion.com)
Founded in 1993, Immersion Corporation is a recognized leader in developing, licensing, and marketing digital touch technology and products. Bringing value to markets where man-machine interaction needs to be made more compelling, safer, or productive, Immersion helps its partners broaden market reach by making the use of touch feedback as critical a user experience as sight and sound. Immersion's technology is deployed across automotive, entertainment, medical training, mobility, personal computing, and three-dimensional simulation markets. Immersion's patent portfolio includes over 500 issued or pending patents in the U.S. and other countries.
Tuesday, 28 February 2006
MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arrow/Zeus Electronics, a North American Components division of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW), today announced that it has partnered with QP Semiconductor to support the Arrow/Zeus Supply Assurance Program, which guarantees a continued source for Cypress Semiconductor's FLASH370i(TM) Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), MAX340(TM) CPLDs, and Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs) product families. QP Semiconductor is a fabless manufacturer of high- reliability integrated circuits (ICs) for military and aerospace systems. Arrow was recently chosen by Cypress Semiconductor to be the exclusive global provider of its FLASH370i(TM) CPLDs, MAX340(TM) CPLDs, and SPLDs.
QP Semiconductor will support the assembly, test, and qualification of these devices on its Qualified Manufacturers Lists (QML) line. QP Semiconductor will assemble the devices to customers' desired specifications and to the appropriate QML level. QP Semiconductor will utilize either its internal or offshore QML capabilities for the Arrow/Zeus customers. Because QP Semiconductor performs the final manufacturing and test, the company will become the Defense Supply Center, Columbus (DSCC) QML manufacturer of record for these products.
"QP Semiconductor is pleased to provide our QML services to our mutual customers," said John Stannard, president, QP Semiconductor. "This further extends and enhances the relationship between Arrow/Zeus and QP Semiconductor to the ultimate benefit of the customer who receives world-class procurement services from Arrow, and full QML with top-notch hermetic manufacturing services."
"As a leading provider of QML, SMD, and MIL-STD-883-compliant products and a QML-certified manufacturer with the capability to manufacture products from Cypress Semiconductor's military-qualified die bank, QP Semiconductor was the logical choice for Arrow," said Don Schlidt, vice president and general manager, Arrow/Zeus Electronics. "This partnership underscores Arrow/Zeus's commitment to serving the military and aerospace customer base."
About Arrow's North American Components Group
Based in Melville, New York, 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.
About QP Semiconductor
Founded in 1985 as a test services company, QP Semiconductor ranks today as one of the largest fabless manufacturers of high-reliability ICs for military/aerospace systems. From its headquarters in Santa Clara, California, QP applies design, re-engineering and a full range of manufacturing capabilities to extend the life of classic ICs for a host of mission-critical programs.
Contact:
Hilary Lytle of Arrow Electronics, Inc.
North American Components
Marketing Communications Manager
+1-303-645-8962
http://www.arrow.com
Tuesday, 28 February 2006
MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2006--Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW) today announced the approval by its Board of Directors of authority to repurchase up to $100 million of common stock through a share repurchase program. This action will permit the company to begin repurchasing shares of its common stock as market and business conditions warrant. The company may enter into Rule 10b5-1 plans to facilitate repurchases under the program. A Rule 10b5-1 plan would generally permit the company to repurchase shares at times when it might otherwise be prevented from doing so under certain securities laws.
The share repurchase program has been initiated for the purpose of replenishing some or all of the shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of stock options and in connection with other stock-based compensation plans. The objective of the program is to reduce or eliminate earnings per share dilution caused by the issuance of such shares.
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, 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.
Contact:
For Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Ira M. Birns, 631-847-1657
Vice President & Treasurer
Paul J. Reilly, 631-847-1872
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Monday, 27 February 2006
Feb 27, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- FORTUNE has named Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) to its annual ranking of America's Most Admired Companies, representing the sixth consecutive year it has been recognized by FORTUNE. The 2006 list issue will be available on newsstands today, and is online at http://www.fortune.com.
"Being included again among America's Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE is a significant honor for all of us at Arrow Electronics," said Bill Mitchell, president and chief executive officer, Arrow Electronics. "In 2005 Arrow's employees demonstrated their commitment to our strategic framework through significant achievement in operational excellence, growth and financial results. It requires a strong team to make the progress that we have made in the last year and this award is a testimony to their efforts," stated Mitchell.
FORTUNE's Most Admired list is the definitive report card on corporate reputation, and is based on research by FORTUNE and its partner, the Hay Group consultancy. FORTUNE and Hay Group asked the top managers at 611 companies in 70 industries (the largest by revenues in each sector) to judge their competition.
To create the rankings a total of 10,000 executives, directors, and securities analysts rated the companies in their industry on eight key attributes: innovation, quality of products and services, financial soundness, employee talent, use of corporate assets, corporate responsibility, quality of management, and long-term investment value.
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:
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
Jacqueline F. Strayer
Vice President Corporate Communications
+1-631-847-2101
Monday, 27 February 2006
 ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 25 -- Eastman Kodak Company's new KODAK Picture Kiosk G4 Multi-Station Digital Picture Center earned the company accolades for innovation at this year's Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Annual International Convention and Trade Show. The Digital Imaging Marketing Association (DIMA, part of PMA) recognized the KODAK Digital Picture Center, as well as KODAK PROFESSIONAL Digital Printing Software (DP1), as two of only 17 products that will influence the future of digital imaging.
DIMA Innovative Digital Product Awards are presented annually to distinctive or first-of-a-kind products or services. Past Kodak wins have included the groundbreaking EASYSHARE-ONE wireless digital camera (2005) and the EASYSHARE printer dock (2003).
"The DIMA awards reaffirm Kodak's commitment to helping retailers thrive in today's evolving imaging marketplace," said Nicki Zongrone, general manager, Worldwide Kiosk Systems and Services; vice president, Consumer Digital Imaging Group, Eastman Kodak Company. "No other manufacturer has developed the interconnected system of products, services and partnerships to help retailers expand their business like Kodak."
At the same conference, the company's G4 Picture Kiosk won a unique award when the Photographic Manufacturers and Distributors Association named it "person of the year" in recognition of the impact that photo kiosks have had on the imaging category. Kodak introduced its first photo kiosk in 1988, and kiosks have since reshaped the way people print pictures from their digital cameras and mobile phones at retail stores.
KODAK kiosks enjoy widespread retailer acceptance and outstanding satisfaction among consumers. In fact, the company reports consumer satisfaction scores exceeding 90 percent. Some 75,000 KODAK units are installed in retail locations around the world, including Boots, Carrefour, Click, CVS/pharmacy, eKex (China), Kmart Australia, Media Markt, Ritz Camera, Target, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and other leading retailers, making Kodak far and away the most widely accepted photo kiosk at retail.
"Consumers trust Kodak to deliver the highest quality photo prints and retailers trust Kodak as a partner to build their in-store traffic and photofinishing businesses," said Zongrone.
KODAK Digital Picture Center and Picture Kiosk G4 Version 1.0
The new KODAK Digital Picture Center and KODAK Picture Kiosk G4 v1.0 software help retailers make it easier for consumers to print real KODAK pictures from digital sources. The Digital Picture Center includes a "multi-station" concept that will revolutionize how retailers use kiosks to make it quick and easy for consumers to print digital pictures. Specifically, the new configuration allows a retailer to connect several order stations to a common bank of printers, reducing queue times and improving throughput. The KODAK Picture Kiosk G4 hardware solution offers faster performance and new contemporary styling designed to elevate the consumer printing experience while helping retailers compete in the rapidly expanding digital printing market.
KODAK Digital Picture System 900
Demonstrating why it is the market leader in retail digital printing solutions, Kodak also introduced its DPS 900 thermal printing station, offering on-site printing of both digital and film media, thereby helping retailers tap into the rapidly expanding digital market while also retaining important revenue from film customers as the market transitions.
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 to a digital mini-lab, the KODAK DPS 900 has a significantly lower total cost of ownership, including lower capital investment and labor costs.
It offers modularity and flexibility with the ability to print from both digital and film files, and to create high-margin products such as CDs and enlargements.
Enabled with the innovative KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology, this system enhances each image to reveal more vibrant colors, richer detail and fewer dark shadows.
The DPS 900 will be available beginning in May in the U.S. and Canada.
KODAK PROFESSIONAL Digital Printing Software/ DP1
Building on the success of the acclaimed DP2 platform, Kodak's new DP1 software provides smaller labs, especially those in many emerging markets, with a simple, flexible solution to streamline their workflow. Offering an impressive set of features that are configured to help smaller labs with efficient, high quality print production, DP1 software was specially designed to install quickly and operate easily. Supported in several languages, including Brazilian, English, Portuguese, and Spanish, DP1 software will be available in April.
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 and Perfect Touch are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.
2006
Saturday, 25 February 2006
It's official; now industry experts agree that Whitech's Photo.Teller kiosks are the best on the market. The kiosks were named as the Experts' Choice in both the stand-alone and desktop categories at the DIMA Digital Kiosk Shootout awards during PMA 2006 in Orlando, Florida.
The DIMA Shootout attracted a total of 27 kiosks from manufacturers around the world that were all competing to be named the best of the best in self-service imaging kiosks.
Korosh Delnawaz, President of Whitech USA said, "Our kiosks are designed to assist all retailers to build their digital profits through encouraging customer loyalty and upselling services such as burn to CD, auto image correction and extra copies. By winning this award it shows that our peers in the industry acknowledge that our kiosks are highly profitable and provide retailers with much more than just a means to print digital photos."
Photo.Teller took out the Expert's Choice for a variety of reasons including integration, customer loyalty, remote management and a 'live' helpdesk.
All Whitech products including kiosks, Point of Sale software and web ordering software integrate together allowing retailers to save time by tracking work effectively and sharing customer details. Retailers are able to utilise this customer data to run effective customer loyalty programs and comprehensive marketing campaigns, which will entice customers to keep coming back to their stores.
Remote Management gives retailers the opportunity to manage all aspects of kiosks remotely, meaning that changes to pricing and promotions can be made once and all changes will be reflected instantly on all kiosks on the network, even ones located on different sites. Remote management also monitors paper and CD requirements for all kiosks in a network, increasing their efficiency.
The remote kiosk management has just been taken to a whole new level with the world's first introduction of a live helpdesk for kiosks. Customers that require assistance can push a button and talk to a customer service operator who will be able to assist them with their order.
Other great new features that caught the eye of the DIMA judges were the Gifting and Story Book services. Gifting allows customers to put photos of their favourite people, places or events on a variety of products that include T-shirts, jigsaws, coffee mugs, mouse mats, bags, balls, plates and more. Story Books are themed templates that allow customers to create memorable albums based around specific events such as weddings, birthdays, travel and more.
To find more about Whitech's Photo.Teller kiosks or see a demonstration of the software, contact them today on 1300 KIOSKS.
For more information please contact Sally Taylor, Marketing Coordinator, Whitech Software Solutions on +61 2 9224 9618 or e-mail .
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.
Monday, 20 February 2006
SSKA member Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc. announced a year of special events to celebrate the company's 75th anniversary.
The company began as a one-man sign painting company. It later entered the screen printing market, serving the point-of-purchase industry. Today, the company is an industry leader in custom, branded store fixtures and promotional services.
Keep watching Selfservice.org for more coverage of Frank Mayer & Associates' year-long celebration.
Friday, 10 February 2006
College Park, MD, February 10, 2006 - Vecna Technologies, Inc. announced today that the company has devoted over 12,000 hours of community service time to various regional and national community projects. Since its inception in January of 1999, Vecna has encouraged its employees to spend approximately 10% of their paid time to volunteer in community service activities.
"Enthusiasm drives employee commitment beyond work projects to substantial involvement in community service," said Deborah Theobald, CEO of Vecna. "Companies are inherently a part of the community, and contributing to the community is part of being a responsible member. We encourage our employees to be involved and contribute to the greater good."
Vecna has participated in a number of community service projects. The company sponsors an annual 10K race for the Medical Care for Children Partnership, a program that provides medical services to children in low income families. Recently, Vecna had a care package drive in the DC metro area which raised over 140 care packages, totaling over 700 pounds of goodies that were sent to Iraq. Other past activities included helping the development of the Compassion Center, a nonprofit organization located in College Park, MD, that helps individuals cope with the loss of a loved one. Later this year Vecna will also contribute support to the FIRST robotics league competition in Boston, MA by coaching two local teams and providing referee services for the competition.
About Vecna
Vecna Technologies, Inc., headquartered in College Park, MD, delivers to its clients technology-based solutions designed to meet today's business management challenges. Vecna surpasses customer expectations with expert, cost effective management and information systems consulting. Key services include enterprise architecture consulting, system integration and interfacing, and enterprise application development. Key areas of research include medical informatics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and clinical solutions. For more information, visit www.vecna.com.
Tuesday, 07 February 2006
NASHUA, N.H., February 7, 2006 -- Nashua Corporation (NASDAQ: NSHA), a manufacturer and marketer of labels, thermal and specialty papers and imaging products, today announced that it has sold certain assets of its coated carbonless business to Nekoosa Coated Products, LLC, of Appleton, Wisconsin. Nashua's coated carbonless business accounted for approximately one percent of the Company's total sales in 2005. Financial terms of the transaction, which closed today, were not disclosed.
Nashua's coated carbonless business was part of the Company's Specialty Paper segment. Its products include papers manufactured for use in quick copy and mid-sized commercial printers as well as in-plant print shops that use high-speed copiers. The assets sold include certain of Nashua's coated carbonless inventory and customer list. As a result of the transaction, approximately 14 positions, mainly in Nashua's Merrimack, New Hampshire facility, will be eliminated and Nashua will incur an estimated $500,000 in severance. The overall liquidation of the coated carbonless business is expected to be cash positive.
"We are pleased to enter into the agreement with Nekoosa Coated Products, a company with a well-earned reputation in the industry," said Andrew Albert, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nashua Corporation. "Also, the sale advances Nashua's strategy to exit non-strategic and mature businesses and focus on growth opportunities."
About Nashua
Nashua Corporation manufactures and markets a wide variety of specialty imaging products and services to industrial and commercial customers to meet various print application needs. The Company's products include thermal coated papers, pressure-sensitive labels, bond, point of sale, ATM and wide format papers, entertainment tickets, and ribbons for use in imaging devices. Additional information about Nashua Corporation can be found at www.nashua.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "will," "estimates," "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to consummate the transaction, the Company's future capital needs and resources, fluctuations in customer demand, intensity of competition from other vendors, timing and acceptance of new product introductions, delays or difficulties in programs designed to increase sales and profitability, general economic and industry conditions, the resolution of certain litigation matters, and other risks set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent the Company's estimates only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates as of any subsequent date. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if its estimates change.
Wednesday, 25 January 2006
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD) has successfully completed testing for the new $10 bill and its Opteva family of ATMs and legacy equipment are capable of accepting and dispensing the new notes.
Diebold proactively initiated testing and reliability procedures to allow for a smooth transition of the new notes into the market.
"We are committed to making this transition transparent to our customers," said Chuck Ducey, vice president, global development and service. "We are actively educating our customers regarding the new note introduction. Diebold ATMs successfully integrated the new $20 and $50 bills introduced last year, and we are confident about the upcoming launch of the new $10 bill."
The new bill will be issued on March 2, 2006, and includes subtle background colors to stay ahead of advanced computer technologies used for counterfeiting. Traditional security features, such as watermarks, enhanced security threads and color-shifting ink are also incorporated into the new design.
"Diebold is not only coordinating the testing needs of Diebold-engineered modules, but communicating those needs to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) suppliers as well," Ducey said. "The in-house testing was flawless. We had no problems picking or running the notes in the Opteva advanced-function dispensers and did not have to change any of the settings or calibrations to dispense the notes. No changes to Diebold currency dispensers or cassettes are required. A simple update of algorithms will enable all Diebold Bulk Note Acceptors to accept deposits of the new notes at the ATM."
About Diebold
Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery systems, security and services. Diebold employs more than 14,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold reported revenue of $2.4 billion in 2004 and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.diebold.com.
Media Contact:
Kimberly Slater
+1 330-490-5513
Investor Contact:
John Kristoff
+1 330 490 5900
Monday, 23 January 2006
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 2006--Arrow OEM Computing Solutions, the division of the North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) that provides design engineering, manufacturing, system integration, supply chain management and post-manufacturing services to industrial OEMs and intellectual property-based companies, today announced it has partnered with Dot21, Intel, LynuxWorks, Motorola and RTI to deliver a new open architecture solution to the U.S. Armed Services.
The bundled hardware and software solution, called "OA Out of the Box," will offer the military and other government agencies a standard platform for developing open architecture-based solutions. This platform can serve as the foundation for any type of OA application and will enable designers to speed time to market and prevent them from having to conduct a complete re-design each time they begin a new development.
To create the solution, Intel and Motorola are contributing COTS-based (commercial off the shelf) open hardware components, such as computer blades, in a multitude of physical and mechanical configurations; RTI is providing the readily accepted middleware that enables different technologies to communicate; LynuxWorks is providing a POSIX-based open operating system; and Dot 21 is conducting performance testing.
By relying on open architecture in systems such as the Navy's Ship Self Defense System and the Army's Future Combat Systems, the military is able to reduce costs, quickly deploy new solutions and facilitate the rapid exchange of information between soldiers, weapons, sensors and command platforms.
"As a distributor and integration partner, Arrow is in a unique position to bring together the offerings of its top suppliers to create comprehensive solutions such as 'OA Out of the Box,'" said Steve Ramsland, vice president and general manager, Arrow OEM Computing Solutions. "What's more, Arrow is bringing its logistics and integration expertise to the 'OA Out of the Box' solution, inventorying and ensuring the quality of each component and protecting against obsolescence by managing the supply chain."
About Arrow North American Components
Based in Melville, New York, the North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc., is a leading provider of semiconductors and passive, electro mechanical, and connector products, services, and supply chain solutions tailored to serve distinct customer segments with dedicated sales teams. Three primary, customer-focused NAC groups serve these market segments: The Arrow/Zeus Electronics Group targets the aerospace and military markets; the Arrow Electronics Components Group serves local OEM and contract manufacturing customers; and the Arrow Alliance Group focuses on large customers with complex needs.
Arrow Electronics is a major global provider of products, services, and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and computer products.
CONTACT: Arrow Electronics, Inc.
Ann Shiveley, 303-824-3762
Tuesday, 17 January 2006
Armonk, N.Y. - 17 Jan 2006: IBM today announced that Gap Inc., the world's largest specialty apparel retailer, selected IBM as its provider for IT infrastructure services. The 10-year, approximately $1.1 billion contract will provide Gap Inc. with mainframe, server, network, helpdesk and deskside support services across its North American stores and corporate locations.
IBM has worked closely with Gap Inc. to develop a virtualized server and storage platform strategy that will scale to meet peaks and valleys in demand.
"IBM is a global leader in infrastructure services and a long-standing partner of Gap Inc.," said Gap Inc. chief information officer and executive vice president, Michael Tasooji. "Delivering capabilities that drive our retail business, provide competitive advantages and serve our customers are our highest priorities. Transferring our technology infrastructure operations to IBM enables us to deliver and implement these solutions faster."
To enhance in-store customer support, IBM will extend its networking capabilities to the company's more than 2,850 North American retail locations. IBM will provide the technology and integration expertise to migrate the stores to a leading-edge wireless network.
IBM will also consolidate Gap Inc.'s IT systems and leverage its resources to provide global operations and support.
As part of the relationship, Gap Inc. will have access to an IBM Innovation Center, which brings together IBM subject matter expertise from various areas within IBM and IBM knowledge of the retail and other industries.
"IBM understands the business and technology imperatives that drive the retail industry," said Bob Zapfel, IBM's general manager of information technology services, Americas. "We look forward to extending our relationship with Gap Inc., one of the world's largest and well-known apparel retailers."
About IBM services
IBM is the world's largest information technology services and consulting provider. Some 190,000 professionals in more than 160 countries help clients integrate information technology with business value -- from the business transformation and industry expertise of IBM Business Consulting Services to hosting, infrastructure, technology design and training services. IBM services business delivers integrated, flexible and resilient processes across companies and through business partners, enabling clients to save money and transform their businesses to be more competitive. For more information, visit www.ibm.com/services.
Contact Information:
John Buscemi
IBM Media Relations
(914) 766-4495
Tuesday, 17 January 2006
NASHUA, NH -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 01/17/2006 -- Nashua Corporation (NASDAQ: NSHA), a manufacturer and marketer of labels, thermal and specialty papers and imaging products, today announced that it had executed an Asset Purchase Agreement with Katun Corporation of Minneapolis, Minnesota relative to the sale of certain portions of Nashua's toner and developer business. The assets to be sold include certain of Nashua's toner and developer formulations and related equipment. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. Under the terms of the Agreement, the transaction, subject to certain conditions, is expected to close on March 31, 2006.
Andrew Albert, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nashua Corporation, stated, "We are pleased to enter into the Asset Purchase Agreement with Katun Corporation. The sale of these assets is part of our strategy to focus on higher-margin growth opportunities within our core business where we can better leverage Nashua's scale and infrastructure. As we announced in April of 2005, we expect our exit of the toner and developer business to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2006."
About Nashua
Nashua Corporation manufactures and markets a wide variety of specialty imaging products and services to industrial and commercial customers to meet various print application needs. The Company's products include thermal coated papers, pressure-sensitive labels, bond, point of sale, ATM and wide format papers, entertainment tickets, and ribbons for use in imaging devices. Additional information about Nashua Corporation can be found at www.nashua.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's future capital needs and resources, fluctuations in customer demand, intensity of competition from other vendors, timing and acceptance of new product introductions, delays or difficulties in programs designed to increase sales and profitability, general economic and industry conditions, the resolution of certain litigation matters, and other risks set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent the Company's estimates only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing the Company's estimates as of any subsequent date. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if its estimates change.
Contact
Andy Albert/John Patenaude
Nashua Corporation
847-318-1710/603-880-2145
Rich Coyle
Citigate Sard Verbinnen
212-687-8080
Sunday, 15 January 2006
FutureLogic receives prize for Best Start-up at EELEX 2005
GLENDALE, Calif. · FutureLogic Inc., manufacturer of thermal ticket printers for cashless gaming, announced in a news release that it received the prestigious Golden Dasha award for "Best Start-up" at the December 2005 EELEX international gaming exhibition in Moscow.
Management of the EELEX trade show, which attracted more than 200 exhibitors and nearly 12,000 attendees from 53 countries, presented FutureLogic with the Golden Dasha award in recognition of "the best and most mature first year of operation within the Russian market."
John Edmunds, general manager for FutureLogic Europe, received the award on behalf of the FutureLogic team. He said, "This award validates the effort we have made over the last 18 months to develop outstanding personal, commercial and technical relationships within the Russian market. We are truly pleased and honored."
Self-service figures prominently at NRF 'Big Show'
Self-service technology pervaded The National Retail Federation's 95th Annual Convention and Expo when its exhibition hall sprang to life Monday. From massive high-tech installations by established industry megaliths, to the tiny booths of cutting edge start-ups, self-service innovators at New York City's Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center plied their wares to throngs of retailers seeking better ROI.
Among the flashier cost-saving gadgets at this year's show were biometric input devices. Control Module, a 30-year-old company originally in the barcode business, demonstrated its line of fingerprint recognition devices.
Fingers were the new way to pay, even while wrapped around cell phones or PDAs. MobileLime, a young company proffering cell phone-based alternatives to loyalty and debit cards, demonstrated a system that, among other things, allowed customers to bypass pharmacy counter lines by paying through their cell phones. Unix owner SCO, meanwhile, showed its off portable supplier-ordering software for the TREO (a PDA/cell phone combo similar to a Blackberry) called Me Inc. Me Inc allows suppliers to order and pay for wholesale goods directly through their employees' TREOs.
Self-service systems integrator Agilysys Inc. demonstrated a wide array of recently deployed grocery and retail solutions, developed with Symbol Interactive and Frank Mayer and Associates.
Visitors crowd the mammoth Symbol pavilion at the annual National Retail Federation exposition, in New York City.
"Our approach to the self-service space is to be the innovator," he said.
Symbol hosted a two-story booth replete with self-service solutions and crowds of end-users fixated upon them. They, in conjunction with Vue Technology, showcased a semi-real-time, RFID-enabled, inventory control network in its "Store of the Future." The system tracked individual products, tagged with RFID, from warehouse to POS. Used in full, the system could track items loaded onto RFID scanning fork lifts, into store back rooms equipped with their DC 600 RFID portal system, across RFID "smart shelves" and into customers' hands. The system relayed scanned data back to its Intelimanager tracking software which, Vue spokesman David Nesbitt said, could literally update inventory minute-by-minute · rather than the infrequent, inaccurate manual processes commonly in use. The system was test-marketed by major retailers, including Best Buy. Symbol and Vue plan to see commercial deployments in 2006.
"We're convinced they are real retail applications that can provide real ROI today," said Verlin Youd, Symbol vice president of retail industry solutions.
California hospital adds Galvanon medical kiosk
MAITLAND, Fla. · Galvanon (owned by NCR Corp.) announced in a news release that Newport Beach, Calif.-based Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has implemented Galvanon's MediKiosk at its new Sue and Bill Gross Women's Pavilion. The kiosk will be used to automate patient registration and create a paperless workflow for breast-care and imaging-center appointments. By using MediKiosk, Hoag Hospital has been able to speed the check-in process for 350 patients daily through a 75 percent reduction in paper forms.
Staff greeters are available to assist patients with check-in on an as-needed basis. Patients also can use MediKiosk to complete medical history forms. When used this way, Galvanon's technology enables the use of adaptive screening, where users are asked to answer additional questions based on previous responses.
Since the initial implementation in October 2005, MediKiosk has dramatically improved the quality of data collected at patient check-in.
Info Touch announces bill-payment agreement with MetroPCS
BURNABY, B.C. · Info Touch Technologies Corp., owners of the TIO Network, announced in a news release an agreement with MetroPCS Wireless Inc. to enable MetroPCS customers to pay their wireless bills in cash, through self-service automated bill-payment and financial services kiosks powered by Info Touch's TIO network.
MetroPCS customers do not need to know their account number to pay their bills with TIO. All they need to know is their phone number and zip code and they can conveniently and securely view their account balance and/or make a payment on their MetroPCS account. Payments are made by feeding the cash directly into the TIO kiosk's note acceptor. Once the cash is accepted, the TIO kiosk then uses an Internet link to ensure timely posting of the payment.
Users can go through the step-by-step software guided screens in either English or Spanish and can either print or email their receipt to the email address of their choice.
Janelle Barlow, chief executive of Branded Customer Service, to speak at Self-Service & Kiosk Show
LOUISVILLE, Ky. · In her keynote presentation at the upcoming Self-Service & Kiosk Show, Janelle Barlow, one of today's foremost brand experts, will explore why it is time for self-service kiosks to get on the "brand wagon" immediately. She will also share three "push-button" ideas for integrating brands into the self-service experience.
The Self-Service & Kiosk Show is a bi-annual production of NetWorld Alliance, owner and operator of KioskMarketplace.com, SelfServiceWorld.com and Self-Service World magazine. The show will take place Feb. 13-14 at the Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando in Orlando, Fla.
Janelle Barlow is chief executive of Branded Customer Service · The Americas. She is author or co-author of a number of books including Branded Customer Service: The New Competitive Edge, the best-selling business books A Complaint Is a Gift: Using Customer Feedback as a Strategic Tool and Emotional Value: Creating Strong Bonds with Your Customers.
To learn more about the Show and to register, visit www.selfservicekiosk.com.
Friday, 13 January 2006
To Libraries in Communities Stricken by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
ST. PAUL, Minn. — January 13, 2006 — The 3M Foundation today announced it will donate 25
e-Branch Library Workstations to state-selected libraries in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
"3M and its employees are committed to helping those affected by Katrina and Rita,"
said David Pointon, government and industry relations manager, 3M Security Systems Division. "Our longstanding involvement with the library community makes this donation, which is intended to assist libraries in rebuilding their communities, especially important. We're pleased to add to the already more than $5 million in-kind contributions and $1.5 million from 3M employees and matching contributions."
The workstations will be placed in communities most affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to provide people with another means to access information needed to help rebuild their lives.
The free-standing workstations will have direct links to FEMA, Red Cross, Hurricane Recovery Job Connection and the Hurricane Insurance Information Center. Each workstation will also have a phone with direct connections to federal, state and local agencies.
"Rebuilding the 11 Mississippi public libraries badly damaged or destroyed by Katrina will take many months, if not years," said Sharman Smith, executive director, Mississippi Library Commission. "In the meantime, librarians are struggling to provide some level of library service in order to restore a sense of normalcy for the people in their communities. These information workstations will provide a valuable tool in ensuring that our residents have access to the information they need to rebuild their lives."
A global leader in library innovation for more than 30 years, 3M provides security, productivity and information management solutions that harness technology to enable a more human library, freeing librarians to spend more time doing what they love — helping people. 3M also partners with libraries to support their technological advancement and ensure their success through numerous industry sponsorships and programs.
For more information about the 3M Library Systems solutions, visit http://www.3M.com/us/library or call 1-800-253-6845
.
About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete,
Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.
3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
From:
3M Library Systems
3M Center, Building 0225-04-N-14
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
www.3m.com/us/library
1-800-253-6845
Friday, 13 January 2006
"Best Start-up" at EELEX 2005 "Academy Awards"
Glendale, CA·January 13, 2006·FutureLogic, Inc., the leading manufacturer of thermal ticket printers for cashless gaming, announced today that it received the prestigious Golden Dasha award for "Best Start-up" at the December 2005 EELEX international gaming exhibition in Moscow.
Management of the EELEX trade show, which attracted more than 200 exhibitors and nearly 12,000 attendees from 53 countries, presented FutureLogic with the Golden Dasha award in recognition of "the best and most mature first year of operation within the Russian market."
John Edmunds, General Manager for FutureLogic Europe received the award on behalf of the FutureLogic team and said, "This award validates the effort we have made over the last 18 months to develop outstanding personal, commercial and technical relationships within the Russian market. We are truly pleased and honoured."
Over the past year, FutureLogic has developed a wide range of collaborative business agreements in Russia, to provide comprehensive sales and service support for its GEN2 thermal ticket printers and ProMatrix promotional couponing system. This has resulted in preferred or approved vendor status with the country's major game manufacturers and a growing installed base in casinos throughout Russia, the CIS and Eastern Europe.
"This award reflects the respect and credibility that FutureLogic has earned with customers, partners and peers in the Russian gaming industry," said Sergey Kazakov, EELEX's General Manager. "The company's commitment to innovative gaming technology, advancing TITO operations throughout the world and the professionalism of the European team is clearly the key to their successful business start in Russia."
About FutureLogic
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Glendale, Calif., FutureLogic designs and builds high-reliability electromechanical assembly solutions for nearly every printing need. As the undisputed leader in super-robust thermal printer technology, FutureLogic is the industry's premier supplier of thermal printers for casino gaming, promotional equipment, kiosk, industrial, parking, gas pumps and medical applications. In July 2004 the company founded FutureLogic Europe Ltd to provide direct sales and engineering support for the growing OEM thermal printer markets in Europe. More information on the company can be found at http://www.futurelogicinc.com
About EELEX
EELEX is the largest gaming and entertainment industry trade show in Russia, CIS and Baltic countries and the third largest casino business event in the world. The annual exhibition attracts participants from over 200 manufacturing, distributing and operating companies in Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Germany, Austria, USA, Belgium, Australia, Japan, France, Great Britain, Panama, Netherlands, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Ireland, Canada, Italy, Taiwan, Croatia and Spain. More information on the event can be found at http://www.eelex.net
John Edmunds, General Manager, FutureLogic Europe, Ltd
Email:
Phone: +44.1628.760.080
Friday, 13 January 2006
in Orange County Tech Services Firm
Irvine, Ca./National Release on January 13th/ -- Today it was announced that a group headed by James A. Unruh, CEO of Unisys from 1990-1997, has made a significant capital investment in Irvine, CA based Worldlink Integration Group, Inc. Mr. Unruh founded Phoenix based Alerion Capital in 1999 as a merchant banking organization focused on investing in and advising fast growing mid-market companies such as Worldlink.
"Worldlink has consistently grown in all facets of the business since our inception in 2001," states David Clarke, Worldlink President and Co-Founder. "Demand for our services has never been higher and Worldlink's rapid growth in performing nationwide technical deployment services looks to continue. This investment allows us to further build out our nationwide network of technicians, highly-trained project management staff and documented processes with a commitment to six sigma type quality."
James A. Unruh, Founding Principal of Alerion Capital Group, is looking forward to the new partnership. "We typically review over 100 opportunities in a year and pursue 1 or 2. Worldlink's business model and management team clearly met our investment criteria and is a natural fit with our group's industry experience and management expertise."
Worldlink finished 2005 with revenues approaching $7,000,000 that are 100% derived from nationwide technology deployment services. This represents a growth rate from 2004 in excess of 300%.
About Worldlink Integration Group, Inc.
Worldlink Integration Group, Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California and is an organization focused on providing local, regional and national service offerings in technology deployments, rollouts, upgrades, project management, product integration, staging, logistics management, field maintenance and equipment installation services. Worldlink performs said services nationally for such clients as Big 5 Sporting Goods, Kmart, Petco, New Edge Technologies, CSK Auto, Gateway, Sears, Aramark, Jack in the Box, Bartell Drugs and many, many others.
With blanket national technician coverage, local staging and depot facilities and a leading program management practice, Worldlink performs thousands of deployments each year across the country. Worldlink works with network infrastructure as well as LAN/WAN, POS, client/server, wireless and kiosk equipment. Service offerings include new technology deployments, remodels/upgrades, tech refreshes and general service work for locations across the United States. Worldlink executes these services with the utmost attention to quality, detail and customer satisfaction and has a long and growing list of satisfied clients.
About Alerion Capital Group
Alerion Capital Group, LLC is a merchant banking organization with a private equity focus. Alerion's strategic business consulting provides value far beyond investment capital to its business partners, with insight gained through the group's extensive management experience at leading firms, including Unisys, Oracle, Hewlett-Packard, Memorex, and Bank One Capital. James A. Unruh, Founding Principal of Alerion, recently joined the boards of Qwest and Tenant Healthcare, serves on the boards of Prudential and CSG Systems, and was Unisys CEO over a seven year span where he is credited for reshaping the company into a profitable and respected software and professional service provider.
Source:
Worldlink Integration Group, Inc.
David R. Clarke
President/CFO
(949)212-5322
More Information:
www.worldlinkintegration.com
www.alerion.com
Wednesday, 11 January 2006
Appointment brings product development closer to customer service processes
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD) today named Charles E. Ducey, 50, as vice president, global development and service. Ducey will lead Diebold's financial self-service engineering, product management and marketing, and software product management functions globally. He will report to Thomas W. Swidarski, Diebold president and chief executive officer. Daniel J. O'Brien, 56, vice president of global product marketing, product management and engineering for Diebold, is retiring. O'Brien will continue working with the company on a consultant basis.
In his previous position, Ducey served as vice president of Diebold Global Customer Service Solutions. He will continue to be responsible for Diebold's global service operations in his new position. This move, in addition to the recently announced changes to improve the company's supply-chain processes, will allow for closer alignment of Diebold's global product development and service operations to help rebuild profitability and achieve more value from the products and services the company provides.
"Chuck has worked with Diebold's customers around the world for many years, learning what is expected of Diebold and seeing first hand how customers use our products and services to serve their customers," said Swidarski. "His unique background with Diebold's service and finance organizations will strengthen our product development practice, ensuring it is efficient and responsive to customers. I wish to thank Danny O'Brien for all he has contributed to Diebold since joining the company in 2001, particularly the leading-edge technological advancements introduced in our Opteva generation of automated teller machines (ATMs). We will leverage his expertise as a consultant moving forward."
Ducey joined the company in 1978 and has held various field and home office positions, including the position of vice president, service operations and finance for the North American Sales and Service division. Ducey also previously served as Diebold's vice president and corporate controller. He received a bachelor's degree in accounting from The University of Akron in Ohio and a master's degree in business administration from Baldwin-Wallace College, Berea, Ohio.
"Product engineering and software capabilities directly impact the effectiveness and cost of our services, which impacts our customers. My goal is to strengthen the view of Diebold from the customer's perspective and create an integrated, seamless solution in product development," Ducey said. "By fully leveraging our ATM software, product, service and monitoring organizations in our development processes, we will build greater value for our customers."
Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services. Diebold employs more than 14,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold reported revenue of $2.4 billion in 2004 and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.diebold.com/.
Media Contact:
Mike Jacobsen
330-490-3796
Investor Contact:
John Kristoff
+1 330 490 5900
Wednesday, 11 January 2006
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2006--The new Dynatel advanced modular system 965AMS from 3M provides full-featured testing for the triple play - voice, video and data. In addition, it has a bigger, brighter display that features 3M Vikuiti display enhancement technology; a user-friendly, icon-based, graphical user interface; and rugged, field-swappable modules. This next-generation technology platform from 3M is available with an optional ADSL2+ service interface modem module and, in the future, will feature additional hardware and software options to support testing of VDSL2, FTTx fiber test, VoIP and other triple play technologies yet to come.
"Worldwide, our customers are concerned about losing their knowledge base because of rapidly changing workforce demographics and are looking to 3M Dynatel products to provide them a knowledge-based expert pair test," says Dave Senum, market development manager, 3M diagnostics test business. "This rules-based software inference engine includes expert system analysis of test results with advice on how to repair or locate faults, making it easy to use and requiring minimal training for testing professionals. It also allows automatic test of active and inactive lines with pass/fail limits." Adds Senum, "Our customers really want a modular system with modules that are field swappable from unit to unit. The 3M modules are not keyed to individual units but can be shared from base unit to base unit. This gives them the flexibility they demand to allow one truck roll to get the job done."
The hand-held 965AMS is housed in a lightweight, ergonomically designed case for portability and ease of handling. It weighs only five pounds and has a large display that is highly visible, even in bright sunlight. The unit's rugged, waterproof design meets or exceeds the stringent IEC IP67 immersion test and five-foot drop test for reliable outdoor use in all weather conditions.
3M Telecommunications
3M telecommunications products, technologies and services allow the world's service providers to offer high bandwidth connectivity from the central office into the customer premises with complete network solutions. The company's focus consists of technologies and services in telecom access and enterprise networks.
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
3M, Dynatel, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
Tuesday, 10 January 2006
Motorola, Kodak announce global mobile-imaging partnership
LAS VEGAS · Motorola Inc. and Eastman Kodak Co. signed a 10-year global product, cross-licensing and marketing alliance.
By incorporating Kodak's image science and system integration expertise with Motorola's iconic mobile device design, the two companies hope to ease camera phone use. The collaboration included cooperative development. For example, Kodak expects to supply its CMOS sensors to Motorola for use in its camera phones. Additionally, the cooperation to seamlessly integrate millions of Motorola mobile devices with Kodak home printers, retail kiosks and the KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery will finally provide an answer to those consumers who desire an efficient way to download photos from their phones.
"It's a natural partnership," said Ed Zander, chairman and chief executive officer of Motorola. "With Kodak, the global leader in imaging innovation, and Motorola, the global leader in mobile design and innovation, we'll forever change the way the world captures and shares mobile images. And by cooperating to simplify and enhance the quality of virtually every aspect of the development and delivery of the mobile imaging experience, we'll be able to bring new value and revenue opportunities to our operator customers while helping consumers by seamlessly liberating billions of photos stuck inside camera phones."
Ritz rolling out next-gen Kodak kiosks
TWICE: Ritz Camera Centers, the country's largest specialty retail camera and photo chain, has begun installing Kodak's new G4 digital photo kiosks in all of its approximately 1,100 stores.
Ritz will be the first retailer to roll out the next-generation kiosks, which produce digital prints in eight seconds, or 35 percent faster than previous models, to reduce transaction times and increase retailer productivity.
Read more
U.S. Army deploys NCR kiosks for military personnel
ATLANTA · Self-service kiosks from NCR Corp. are helping provide U.S. Army soldiers with a less stressful way to manage their finances while stationed at selected overseas locations.
The NCR EasyPoint kiosks are part of the Treasury Department's "EagleCash" Stored Value Card Program. EagleCash is designed to reduce the amount of U.S. currency required to support the personal financial needs of U.S. soldiers deployed in contingency areas overseas.
Military and support personnel are issued EagleCash cards to use in lieu of cash for purchases at exchange stores, post offices, dining facilities and other military-operated concessions in contingency areas. The kiosks · which are being deployed at U.S. military facilities in the Middle East, Asia, Central America and Europe · are equipped with smart card readers that allow users to transfer personal funds between their designated U.S. financial institution and their EagleCash card, or make transfers from one smart card to another at their convenience.
"Previously, soldiers waited in long lines at the post finance office to cash checks or load funds to their EagleCash cards," said Graham Mackenzie, program manager for Stored Value Solutions at the Treasury Department's Financial Management Service. "The kiosks provide soldiers with an easily accessible way to recharge their cards. They can make balance inquiries and transfer funds to and from their accounts · all with the convenience of self-service."
JCM signs sales agreement with TransAct
LAS VEGAS · JCM American Corp. and TransAct Technologies Inc. announced they have signed a final agreement, bringing together the sales efforts of their bill acceptor and printer brands. Under the agreement, JCM's sales force will offer TransAct's gaming thermal printers in North and South America and Macau in combination with JCM's many bill acceptor and currency handling products.
JCM president Aki Isoi said, "We are very pleased to have finalized this agreement with TransAct, a company that we see as being as innovative and dedicated to the industry as we are. This agreement creates an environment that is above all, convenient for our customers. By combining our sales team efforts, we have created the most convenient, customer-focused team imaginable · a value-driven, one-stop shop for the best currency handling, printing and monitor products anywhere."
TransAct Technologies chairman, president and chief executive officer Bart C. Shuldman said, "This is an exciting time for TransAct and for our customers. The agreement allows us to utilize JCM's extensive sales organization, leveraging established relationships on each side of the deal. We can now move forward with our goal of accelerating market penetration and increasing our potential opportunities, and doing so in an extremely cost effective manner."
Kiosk magazine changes name to Self-Service World
Kiosk magazine, published by Louisville, Ky.-based NetWorld Alliance (which also publishes this Web site), is undergoing a change, and with the New Year comes a new name: Self-Service World magazine.
"The more we examined the needs of our readers, the more we understood they weren't looking for kiosks and kiosks only," writes editor Joseph Grove in an introductory letter to the first issue bearing the new name. Grove is also vice-president and associate publisher of NetWorld Alliance. "They were looking for total self-service solutions. Certainly, kiosks have always been a huge part of self-service, and they will continue to be. But there is more to helping customers help themselves than just those kiosks."
Grove points to a number of emerging self-service technologies that simply don't fit under the umbrella implied by the term "kiosk" · RFID, digital signage and smart carts, to name a few. The new name not only expands the scope of the magazine's coverage, it also creates a synergy with the Web portal www.SelfServiceWorld.com. While the Web site will continue to focus on breaking news and weekly features, the print counterpart will take bigger, more in-depth views of issues of interest to the community.
"We're not eschewing the concept of Kiosk magazine so much as we are adding rooms to a very comfortable house, making space for even more readers to learn how they can benefit from the biggest evolution in retail, financial, restaurant and other verticals since the advent of the cash register," Grove writes.
Monday, 09 January 2006
State-of-the-Art Disaster Management System Rolled out at 20 Washington Hospitals, Fire and Police Stations
SKANEATELES FALLS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2006--Hand Held Products, Inc., a leader in image-based mobile data collection systems, announced a partnership with the Iomedex Corporation to enable first responders to provide faster care in disaster zones through a state-of-the-art patient tracking and responder credentialing system.
The solution, called Mobile Incident Response Information System (MobileIRIS(TM)), was recently rolled out to twenty Eastside agencies in the state of Washington, including hospitals, fire, and police departments. IRIS was developed by Iomedex and runs on Hand Held Products' Dolphin(TM) 9500 series mobile computers, powered by Adaptus(TM) Imaging Technology.
As a first responder, Eastside Fire & Rescue is using MobileIRIS(TM) with 31 Dolphin 9500s to quickly initiate new patient records at the scene of the injury, enabling cooperating agencies to share information and ultimately improve patient care. The Dolphin 9500 units are used by paramedics and first responders to record patient information, incident location, treatment, and capture photos of the individual and their injuries.
"Incident scenes always possess the potential for confusion and chaos. Being first on the scene we require easy-to-use solutions such as IRIS and the Dolphin 9500 to not only help us act quickly and efficiently, but to bring control to the environment as well," said Alex Tierra of Redmond Fire. "It takes longer for patients to answer our questions than it does to input their information into the system. The convenience of the one-touch barcode scanning and imaging process is the difference that makes it possible for us to integrate the IRIS solution into our everyday response activities."
After being entered into the Dolphin 9500, the encrypted information is wirelessly transmitted to participating hospitals and emergency operation centers (EOCs) through the IRIS network. Hospital staff are granted access to a scoreboard of injuries, which ranks patients in order of priority using an internationally recognized color-code system.
"Transmitting detailed patient information ahead of time speeds up the flow of information and arms hospitals with the necessary information to treat patients as soon as they arrive at the facility," said Del Wilson, CEO of Iomedex. Prior to using MobileIRIS(TM), hospital staff did not have a platform to review patient information in the field during a mass casualty incident. Gaps in the information exchange result in patients being misrouted to overloaded facilities or locations not capable of treating certain traumas.
"IRIS prevents injured people from getting lost in the chaos; the information is shared with all agencies and every patient is tracked from the point of origin until their final destination point at a treatment center or hospital," said Valeria Novotny-Dinsdale, Emergence Department Clinical Nurse Specialist for Overlake Hospital Medical Center. "The IRIS system has the added benefit of being able to help reunite family members and loved ones after a disaster."
"In teaming up with Iomedex, we are hoping to make a real difference by enabling first responders and hospitals to be more organized when responding to the aftermath of catastrophic events caused by natural disasters or terrorism," said Kevin Ahearn, VP/GM of Mobile & Wireless, Hand Held Products.
About Hand Held Products
With headquarters in Central New York, Hand Held Products is a worldwide leading manufacturer of image based data collection systems for mobile, wireless, and transaction processing solutions. Through its proprietary Adaptus(TM) Imaging Technology platform, Hand Held Products is dedicated to delivering innovative imaging solutions, reliability and durability to its customers and partners through more than 30 sales offices and hundreds of resellers. Hand Held Products is a privately held company and is represented in every major market and geographic region of the world. To find out how Hand Held Products can help you at the point-of-sale, on the sales floor, in the warehouse or on the delivery truck, call us at 1-800-582-4263. Or visit us at www.handheld.com.
This material contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in this publication. While Hand Held Products believes its statements to be reliable, all information/projections/statements/opinions expressed herein are based on information available as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice.
Friday, 06 January 2006
Handheld devices to provide uncompromising durability and reading performance for DPM applications
Skaneateles Falls, NY, January 6, 2006·Hand Held Products, a leader in image-based data collection systems, announces the launch of the 6308 DPM Reader and 6328 Cordless DPM Reader for the emerging direct part mark (DPM) identification market. Both devices are powered by Adaptus Imaging Technology 5.0 and provide high performance DPM reading for customers in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, healthcare, and defense industries who require uncompromising data accuracy in their part traceability, authenticity and supply chain management processes.
"We developed the 6308 and 6328 specifically to meet the DPM reading requirements that exist in today's industrial marketplace. The specialized illumination, optics and decoding software work together to provide consistent, world-class performance on all Direct Part Marks — regardless of the marking method or mark contrast." stated Larry Ramsey-Macomber, DPM product manager for Hand Held Products. "In addition, its ruggedized housing and IP52 sealed construction will withstand the harshest working conditions."
For the development of the new devices, Hand Held Products teamed with Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ — CGNX), the global leader in machine vision technology. "This collaboration between Cognex and Hand Held Products has set the standard for what the market is referring to as a "Class A" DPM handheld reading product" said Don Flynn, VP of Business Development for Hand Held Products. "In leveraging each company's unique expertise, we've delivered a product that provides true "no excuses" DPM reading performance and device durability."
The 6308 supports USB, keyboard wedge and RS232 communications, while the 6328 features Bluetooth v1.2 wireless connectivity. Both have an impact resistant housing designed to withstand up to 50 drops to concrete from 2 meters. More information is available by calling Hand Held Products at 1-800-582-4263.
About Hand Held Products
With headquarters in Central New York, Hand Held Products is a worldwide leading manufacturer of image based data collection systems for mobile, wireless, and transaction processing solutions. Through its proprietary Adaptusâ„¢ Imaging Technology platform, Hand Held Products is dedicated to delivering innovative imaging solutions, reliability and durability to its customers and partners through more than 30 sales offices and hundreds of resellers. Hand Held Products is a privately held company and is represented in every major market and geographic region of the world. To find out how Hand Held Products can help you at the point-of-sale, on the sales floor, in the warehouse or on the delivery truck, call us at 1-800-582-4263. http://www.handheld.com/
About Cognex
Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets machine vision systems, or computers that can "see." Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry. Visit Cognex on-line at www.cognex.com.
Friday, 06 January 2006
We regret to announce the sudden and unexpected death on December 22 of
Philip Mantle
Member of the Board of Directors of Wincor Nixdorf AG
at the age of 55.
Philip Mantle joined Wincor Nixdorf in 2002 as General Manager of our British subsidiary. With his finely-tuned instincts for future business developments, he played a key role in leading the UK Company to its current success among Wincor Nixdorf's legal entities. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of Wincor Nixdorf AG on October 1, 2005, with responsibility for the company's global banking business.
In Philip Mantle, we have lost an extraordinary colleague of great integrity and vision. His outstanding professional expertise, his experience, and his even-handed management style won him the respect and esteem of all who knew him.
Philip Mantle will not be forgotten.
Wincor Nixdorf Ltd
Board of Directors, Supervisory Board and Employees
Wokingham/UK, December 28, 2005
Tuesday, 03 January 2006
Companies Officially Combine Sales Efforts
LAS VEGAS (January 3, 2006) — Finalizing what many analysts and journalists considered to be the biggest news of this year's Global Gaming Expo, JCM American Corporation and TransAct Technologies Incorporated (Nasdaq: TACT), today announced they have signed a final agreement, bringing together the sales efforts of the leading bill acceptor and printer brands.
JCM is the industry leader in currency handling systems, including providing products, software and services to the gaming, vending, banking, amusement, and petroleum industries, and TransAct Technologies Incorporated (Nasdaq: TACT) is a leading producer of transaction-based printers for customers worldwide.
The final agreement creates an incredibly convenient environment for customers. Under the agreement, JCM's sales force will offer TransAct's gaming thermal printers in North and South America and Macau in combination with JCM's many bill acceptor and currency handling products.
JCM President Aki Isoi said, "We are very pleased to have finalized this agreement with TransAct, a company that we see as being as innovative and dedicated to the industry as we are. This agreement creates an environment that is above all, convenient for our customers. By combining our sales team efforts, we have created the most convenient, customer-focused team imaginable — a value-driven, one-stop shop for the best currency handling, printing and monitor products anywhere."
TransAct Technologies Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Bart C. Shuldman, said, "This is an exciting time for TransAct and for our customers. The agreement allows us to utilize JCM's extensive sales organization, leveraging established relationships on each side of the deal. We can now move forward with our goal of accelerating market penetration and increasing our potential opportunities, and doing so in an extremely cost effective manner."
About JCM
JCM American Corporation is the industry leader in currency handling systems and provides products, software and services to the gaming, vending, banking, amusement, and petroleum industries. Since 1995, its products have validated an estimated $2.2 trillion in currency for the gaming industry alone. From its international headquarters in Osaka, Japan, and subsidiaries in Desseldorf, Hong Kong, London, Sydney and its U.S. headquarters in Las Vegas, JCM's progressive spirit continually sets worldwide industry standards with innovative products such as the World Bill Acceptor (WBA), Universal Bill Acceptor (UBA), Trident Table Safe System and Intelligent Cash Box (ICB). For more information, visit www.jcm-american.com.
About TransAct Technologies Incorporated
TransAct (Nasdaq: TACT) designs, develops, manufactures and markets transaction-based printers under the ithaca and Epic names. In addition, the Company markets related consumables, spare parts and service. The Company's printers are used worldwide to provide receipts, tickets, coupons, register journals and other documents. TransAct focuses on two core markets: point-of-sale (POS) and banking, and gaming and lottery. TransAct sells its products to original equipment manufacturers, value-added resellers and selected distributors, as well as directly to end-users. The Company's product distribution spans across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean Islands and the South Pacific. For further information, visit TransAct's web site located at www.transact-tech.com
Contacts:
For JCM
Paul Speirs, Steinbeck Communications, (702) 413-4278,
For TransAct:
Steven DeMartino, Chief Financial Officer, 203-269-1198 Ext. 6059
or David Pasquale, 646-536-7006, or Denise Roche, 646-536-7008, both with The Ruth Group
Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "project" or "continue" or the negative thereof or other similar words. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but are not limited to, customer acceptance and market share gains, both domestically and internationally, in the face of substantial competition from competitors that have broader lines of products and greater financial resources; introduction of new products into the marketplace by competitors; successful product development; dependence on significant customers; dependence on significant vendors; the ability to recruit and retain quality employees as the Company grows; dependence on third parties for sales outside the United States, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Latin America; economic and political conditions in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Latin America; marketplace acceptance of new products; risks associated with foreign operations; availability of third-party components at reasonable prices; price wars or other significant pricing pressures affecting the Company's products in the United States or abroad; and the outcome of lawsuits between TransAct and FutureLogic, Inc. Actual results may differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no duty to update them to reflect new, changing or unanticipated events or circumstances.
Paul Speirs
Steinbeck Communications
P: 702-413-4278
F: 702-233-3492
E:
Tuesday, 03 January 2006
Info Touch receives investment from CFSI
BURNABY, British Columbia · Info Touch Technologies Corp. closed a $150,000 equity investment from the Center for Financial Services Innovation, a for-profit Chicago-based organization that works to provide underbanked citizens with greater access to financial services.
According to a news release, CFSI will assist Info Touch with designing and implementing innovative methods that deliver effective bill-payment and financial services to underbanked and unbanked consumers. The services are designed to be affordable, convenient and help consumers establish credit and acquire appreciable assets.
"The investment demonstrates Info Touch and CFSI's commitment to helping underbanked consumers gain access to the financial services that help build wealth and transform people's lives," said Hamed Shahbazi, Info Touch's chairman and chief executive. "Additionally, the fund provides Info Touch with a new opportunity to drive and generate new sources of revenue and profit in a responsible and effective manner."
Arjan Schette, CFSI's associate director, has been appointed to Info Touch's advisory board. Schette manages the CFSI's investment and grant programs and works with portfolio companies and nonprofits to further their projects' goals.
Diebold, Bank of China close Opteva Deal
NORTH CANTON, Ohio · Diebold and Bank of China have finalized a multimillion-dollar agreement that includes the purchase of 642 Opteva ATMs powered by Agilis software.
"Bank of China has a long and celebrated history, and is considered one of the best commercial institutions in the country," said Daniel Hu, managing director of Diebold, Greater China Area, in a news release. "BOC's deployment of Opteva ATMs will enhance the bank's brand image and expand its customer base by setting higher standards in the province for advanced technology, superior products and enhanced services."
BOC is working to raise the efficiency and profitability of its bank branches and aims to transfer about 40 percent of its traditional teller transactions to its self-service delivery channel by 2008. It also wants to increase surcharge revenue through self-service transactions.
Sagem Denmark acquires Finnish payment solutions provider
GLOSTRUP, Denmark · Sagem Denmark A/S has acquired Manison Maksujärjestelmät Oy (a.k.a Manison), according to a news release.
Manison, which has 20 employees in Helsinki, Finland, and operations in Norway and Sweden, develops value-added software solutions and products for the point-of-sale payment market.
"The Manison acquisition is very significant in bringing us closer to our customers and partners geographically in our endeavors to give them the best possible service," said Kaj Christiansen, Sagem Denmark's managing director and chief executive. "The acquisition of Manison brings us one step closer to our goal of being the leading player in our main markets in the Nordic region for payment terminals and self-service payment solutions."
Monday, 02 January 2006
My hometown, Louisville, Ky., is celebrating the national recognition of two of our University of Louisville football players. Louisville is not really known for its prowess in collegiate football, but this year we have something to toot our horn about. Elvis Dumervill, senior defensive end, was named an All-American. He also received the honor of being named the country's top defensive player, along with being named Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year. One player receiving these kind of accolades would be a great accomplishment for most schools, but Louisville's sophomore quarterback Brian Brohm also was recognized as the Big East Conference Offensive Player of the Year. We certainly have a lot to cheer about here in Louisville.
What does this have to do with the Self-Service & Kiosk Association, you ask? Well, every successful person has certain qualities that set them apart from the rest of the crowd. They prepare well, have big dreams and are willing to do whatever is necessary to realize them. We have lots of people in our industry who fit into this mold. One of those special people was recently elected to our association Hall of Fame.
Alex Richardson, married, with one son (9), grew up on Miskel Farm in Leesburg, Va. In preparation for his business endeavors, Alex received a BA in physics and economics from Connecticut College and an MBA in marketing and finance from Yale University. He has more than 20 years experience in building value in enterprise, high growth and start-up technology companies. Some of those include Target Stores, JC Penney, Starbucks, Microsoft and many others.
As chief executive officer and founder of Netkey Inc., Alex pioneered the development of a new enterprise software market for the management of self-service devices and created the organization to capitalize on it. He led the effort to raise $20 million in venture financing to make it all happen. He is coholder of two multichannel tech patents.
Before founding Netkey, Alex prepared well. He served as president and director of marketing and sales of Lexitech Multimedia and spent brief times at Oglivy & Mather Advertising and with U.S. Representative Christopher Dodd (now a U.S. senator). He is a member of the National Ski Patrol and has been involved with Special Olympics International since 1987. Alex is presently managing director of Selling Machine Partners, a consulting firm that specializes in supporting automated retailing and kiosk business solutions. Alex is truly an All-American of our industry and deserves membership in our association's Hall of Fame.
An interview with an industry All-Star
I caught up with Alex recently, and he was gracious enough to allow me to ask him several questions about self-service.
Q. How did you become interested in the self-service/kiosk industry?
A. "Business is about solving problems for your customers. Since my early training in consulting and marketing at Ogilvy & Mather, I've been working on how to make the cash register ring at retailers, consumer product brands, banks and government institutions.
"Though it seems obvious today, it was only a few decades ago when most of us wasted precious personal time in lines · waiting and waiting · for some store associate or employee to perform our computer or POS transaction.
"After experiencing this situation at a variety of stores and agencies, I came up with the concept of turning the monitor around to allow the consumer to control the transaction through self-service, and help stores to reduce headcount by eliminating the bottleneck.
"The early challenge was the question of how to transform archaic computer database requests into simple, consumer-friendly screens that sped up the transaction. My early Ogilvy TV experience helped in this arena since I focused on how to transform computer transactions into a friendly, multimedia rich, TV-like experience."
Q. What applications excite you today?
A. "With the rapid growth of technology and media, today's consumer has been trained to be a multichannel shopper. Massive change is occurring in the retail/consumer ecosystem. Typically, retailers used catalogs or newspapers to build awareness about a company's products. Web sites were used to nudge consumers from a consideration to a preference. Then, consumers got in their car, walked into the store and stores closed the sale.
"Black Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) and the dramatic increases in e-commerce sales illustrate the massive change that is occurring. Now consumers look at shopping comparison Web sites to learn about products and retailer offerings, then they drive into the stores to get a first-hand look at the products and go back home or to work to complete the transaction on the Web site."
Q. How do you see the future growth of the self-service industry?
A. "Consumers want seamless access to their information anytime, anyplace. The next generation of consumers expects self-service everywhere they go, yet integrated with their Web-and-wireless lifestyle. This new generation lives on the Internet and can multitask.
"The next challenge for the industry will be how to address the needs of this consumer. For example, how can retailers prod the consumer into making the transaction at the store at that moment versus driving home to make the transaction at a competitor's site? The ability to understand and target the information based on the question, "What problems does my consumer want to solve in those 5-square feet of space and at that particular moment of time?" will be the difference between success and failure for any industry player.
"The fastest way to accelerate your success in this arena would be to turn off the computer, get out of the office and visit 20-30 retailers. Count the number of seconds it takes for the average coffee-and-doughnut shop to deliver a cup of coffee. See if the checkout clerk at most stores makes eye contact, smiles or complains about a coworker. Yes, innovative retailers do exist, but I have yet to find a consistent level of good retail service that couldn't be helped by one of our industry solutions."
Q. List by importance the self-service industries you think will show the fastest growth.
A. Retail, Travel/Hospitality, Gaming, Financial, Government
Q. How big a part is software development going to play in our industry?
A. "Kiosks are becoming just another customer-facing technology, integrated with CRM and another core building block of e-commerce. The spotlight is becoming brighter for these projects since the C-level executives who see self-service at work in a variety of locations are now demanding that kiosk projects be upgraded in the technology roadmap. Software is a key part of this solution, but will be tightly integrated with the enterprise hardware and consumer device."
Q. What are your predictions for future software development?
A. "The trend of build or buy seems to be following the same trend as Web commerce. Mid-size and large firms used to hire expensive Web specialists to design and build their Web sites. Today, most Web plumbing is managed by in-house staffs, though the creative design, executive and advertising strategy is contracted outside the firm.
"Though large firms will continue to use large system integrators, I'm seeing more projects being developed in-house by the current in-house Web development team. I also see a rapid growth in open source kiosk software applications."
Q. What are your predictions for the self-service/kiosk industry overall?
A.
- Continued growth in the photo marketplace: Kodak to be sold to either HP or 3M.
- Rapid growth in public Web-based gaming applications.
- Open source software.
Wednesday, 21 December 2005
Sagem Denmark A/S has, in line with its strategy to be the leading provider of
payment solutions and payment terminals in the Nordic region, with effect from
30 November 2005, acquired the Finnish company Manison Maksujärjestelmät Oy
("Manison").
Manison, with 20 employees in Helsinki, Finland, as well as operations in Norway
and Sweden, develops value-added software solutions and products for the point-ofsale
payment market.
Manison's core competencies will very much complement Sagem Denmark's ability
and capacity to deliver complete payment solutions for the Nordic payment markets.
"The Manison acquisition is very significant in bringing us closer to our customers
and partners geographically in our endeavours to give them the best possible
service," says Kaj Christiansen, managing director and CEO of Sagem Denmark.
"The acquisition of Manison brings us one step closer to our goal of being the leading
player in our main markets in the Nordic region for payment terminals and self-
service payment solutions."
Päivö Eerola, managing director of Manison Finland, is also pleased about the
opportunities generated by the change of ownership and the new collaboration, and
comments: "The addition of Sagem Denmark's product portfolio to our solution range
will put us in a much stronger position in our Finnish domestic market as well as
boosting our activities outside Finland."
Sagem Denmark, a subsidiary of the Security Division of the SAFRAN Group, has
been appointed as an independent global competency centre for secure payment
solutions and is responsible for securing a leading position for the Group on the
Nordic market for payment terminals and self-service payment solutions.
Manison Maksujärjestelmät Oy will change its name to Sagem Manison Oy and will
become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sagem Denmark A/S. Päivö Eerola will
continue to oversee Sagem Manison's activities in Finland.
For further information, please contact:
Sagem Denmark A/S
Kaj Christiansen
Managing director, CEO
Telephone: +45 43 43 43 95 - Mobile: + 45 20 60 40 33 -
Sagem Manison Oy
Päivö Eerola
Managing director
Telephone: +358 9 75526321 - Mobile: +358 44 755 2630 -
About Sagem Denmark A/S
Sagem Denmark A/S is a world leading provider of secure payment solutions.
Its three main business areas include Chip card approved payment terminals for the
retail trade, security keypads for cash dispensers and self-service payment solutions
for petrol stations, parking facilities and ticket machines.
Sagem Denmark employs a staff of approximately 110 and has its own hardware and
software development departments as well as production, sales and servicing of its
proprietary products and solutions.
The R&D department has a staff of 50 highly educated engineers and computer
scientists with expertise in the fields of encryption, certification and integrated
payment solutions.
Sagem Denmark A/S, which has been appointed as an independent competency
centre for secure payment solutions, is a rapidly growing subsidiary of the Security
Division of the French SAFRAN Group.
For further information on Sagem Denmark, please visit: www.sagemdenmark.com
About Sagem Manison Oy
Sagem Manison is a leading provider of payment terminals to the Finnish market,
with more than 10,000 terminals installed. Sagem Manison is renowned for its
innovative payment solutions and its ability to meet customer demand for specialised
solutions and services. For further information Sagem Manison, please visit: www.manison.net
Kaj Christiansen
Managing director, Sagem Denmark A/S
Contact Brian M. Nielsen:
Wednesday, 21 December 2005
NCR acquires Galvanon
DAYTON, Ohio · NCR Corp. announced in a news release it has acquired Maitland, Fla.-based Galvanon Inc., a privately held company and provider of self-service solutions for the healthcare industry.
"The acquisition of Galvanon represents a significant opportunity to extend NCR's growing self-service footprint and expertise to a new market segment · the healthcare industry · which comprises more than 6,000 hospitals and 600,000 clinics in the United States alone," said NCR senior vice president Lee Schram.
NCR acquired InfoAmerica, leading provider of self-service solutions to the quick-service restaurant industry, earlier this year, and Kinetics, leading provider of self-service solutions for the travel industry, in 2004.
Galvanon introduced the first commercially available patient self-service kiosk solution to simplify the patient registration process, direct patients to healthcare locations, eliminate unnecessary paperwork and reduce lengthy wait times for patients. Founded in 2002, Galvanon has more than 50 customers, including Baylor Health Care System, Westchester Medical Group, Providence Health Systems and numerous urgent care centers nationwide.
Gesturetek receives award for technology applied to amusements
TORONTO · GestureTek's Gesture Control Engine has received an award for Best New Product for technology applied to amusements from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), according to a news release.
"GestureTek is pleased that its Gesture Control Engine has received this recognition from IAAPA. Although, GestureTek has already installed well over 1000 GX immersive installations at location-based entertainment facilities around the world, the new amusement applications Gesturetek is creating today still seem like they are coming from 50 years in the future," said Vincent John Vincent, GestureTek president.
GestureTek's amusement products have turned out to be excellent money-makers for their owners. More than 50 party rental/special event companies have been making good earnings as Gesture Xtreme systems have proven to be a big hit at all types of parties.
GestureTek has just released its new Arcade Unit call the Voyager HoloPod Arcade unit based on the Gesture Xtreme system where participants are virtually beamed to the destination of their choice to challenge their skills.
GroundFX systems with plenty of engaging sports titles are popping up at stadiums and arenas across North America as free sponsored interactive games for the public.
GroundFX, Gesture Xtreme and GestPoint are also employed in retail stores and malls, tradeshows and museums as infotainment experiences. Earlier in December, Epson announced installation of the GestureTek GroundFX system in Virgin megastore locations, including the Times Square, New York City Virgin megastore · the largest entertainment store in the world · and the newly opened Hollywood & Highland, Calif. megastore.
Source Technologies increases WIC footprint
CHARLOTTE, N.C. · Source Technologies, provider of integrated solutions for managing financial transactions and other secure business processes, announced in a news release that with the addition of four new customers in 2005, the company now provides MICR printing solutions to 26 states for their federal Women Infant and Children (WIC) program vouchers. These systems help state WIC agencies distribute more quickly vouchers to mothers and children in need for purchasing approved food and infant care products. Using Source Technologies' software and MICR printers for on-demand issuance eliminates preprinted vouchers that might result in fraudulent and/or duplicate distributions, and also cuts clerical and processing errors that could cause program members to be denied service when they need it most.
"We are the leading desktop MICR printer company nationwide," said Miles Busby, president of Source Technologies. "Particular to WIC's needs, our printers support all voucher designs as well as the MICR strip on the back, which provides tracking and identification capabilities. Our printers offer a low cost and effective solution for high-volume applications, such as federal assistance programs. As with all of Source Technologies' MICR printer products, we guarantee exceptional dependability and print quality."
France's largest bank inks Opteva deal with Diebold
Business Review Ltd: BNP Paribas, France's largest bank, is expected to install 265 voice-enabled Optevea ATMs from Diebold Inc. through the second quarter of 2006. Visually impaired users are guided through transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits and account balances by a natural voice that's easy to understand. The system also notifies ATM users when errors occur.
Read more
Sagem Denmark acquires Finnish provider of payment solutions
GLOSTRUP, Denmark · Sagem Denmark A/S has acquired the Finnish company Manison Maksujärjestelmät Oy ("Manison"), according to a news release.
Manison, with 20 employees in Helsinki, Finland, as well as operations in Norway and Sweden, develops value-added software solutions and products for the POS payment market.
"The Manison acquisition is very significant in bringing us closer to our customers and partners geographically in our endeavors to give them the best possible service," said Kaj Christiansen, managing director and chief executive officer of Sagem Denmark. "The acquisition of Manison brings us one step closer to our goal of being the leading player in our main markets in the Nordic region for payment terminals and self-service payment solutions."
Tuesday, 20 December 2005
Belview Technologies, a full-line industrial-standard computer and touch-based display product manufacturer, has signed a distribution agreement with ASI, a renowned computer hardware and software distributor ranked as the largest privately held woman-owned business in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Belview Technologies manufactures quality All-In-One Panel PCs, touch screen LCD monitors as well as slim size PCs for various applications in the education, finance and banking, government, entertainment and gaming, medical and retail industries. The PROMAC LM1560 LCD Touch Monitor and PROMAC PP6500 All-In-One Touch Computer (Panel PC) will be available to more value-added resellers (VARs) through ASI.
"Our current display line-up is quite strong, however with the announcement of our direct relationship with Belview, I feel our offering just got even stronger." said Brian Paterson, VP of Sales and Marketing, U.S. at ASI. "Belview's products are designed for specialized vertical markets that require a touch screen. We anticipate selling these into point-of-sale applications such as retail and restaurants, and also into the education market. Most of the displays we sell now are not touch screen, so this allows us to pursue new customers and market segments. I am confident Belview will do extremely well at ASI.
About ASI Corp.
ASI Corp. is a leading wholesale component and peripheral products distributor founded in 1987 to service the integration needs of value added resellers in North America and Asia. The company's 20 North American offices focus on the immediate delivery of over 80 vendor's lines to approximately 26,000 VARS. The company is a leading distributor for the following vendors: AMD, ASUS, ATI, Creative Labs, ECS, Intel, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Seagate, Sony, Samsung, ViewSonic and Western Digital.
"The main purpose of this distribution agreement is to serve value-added resellers (VARs) better. Through ASI, Belview Technologies will be able to provide more quality products for VARs. We offer quality industrial-grade computing hardware products of system-wide compatibility through its well-balanced product development and R&D efforts. Both ASI and Belview Technologies will further enhance their presence in various market segments," said Van Ko, the President and CEO of Belview Technologies.
Wednesday, 14 December 2005
Tranax partners deliver functionality to financial institutions
FREMONT, Calif. · Rockford Tech-Systems, a Tranax Technologies Inc. business banking partner, is co-branding and outsourcing programs that help financial institutions provide customers with greater access to ATMs.
According to a news release, Tech-Systems offers alternatives to ATM ownership as an affordable method of expanding ATM coverage and minimizing the risks associated with purchasing and placing new ATMs.
Sports-O-Zone kiosk helps sanitize sports equipment
WEST CHESTER, Pa. · A new self-service kiosk is available that ozone-sanitizes sports equipment to help prevent the spread of MRSA and staph infection. According to a news release, Sports-O-Zone's patented Equipment Deodorizing and Sanitizing Self-Service System · integrated with the new MEI Combo Acceptor that accepts cash-and-credit card payments ·— are installed at sports facilities nationwide to help prevent infections that could sideline professional and amateur athletes.
The Sports-O-Zone ozone sanitizing system is a 4-feet-tall-by-5-feet-wide front-loading machine. Users open the door, insert the load of equipment and clothing, close the door and either insert a $10 bill or swipe their credit card. This new business opportunity requires no "consumables" like detergent or other disinfectants, as it converts regular air to ozone gas, which effectively permeates all the crevices in the equipment. In five minutes the ozone kills 99.99 percent of microorganisms, including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).
BREAKING: O'Dell leaves Diebold, Swidarski named new CEO
NORTH CANTON, Ohio · Little more than a month after Diebold Inc. named Thomas W. Swidarski its new president and chief operating officer, company chairman and chief executive Walden W. O'Dell has announced his own immediate resignation.
According to a news release, Swidarski is assuming the role of CEO effective immediately, in addition to his duties as president and COO.
Swidarski has held several senior-level operational, marketing, strategic and business-development positions within Diebold since joining the company in 1996. Before Diebold, Swidarski held various management positions in the financial industry, where he focused on marketing, product management, retail-bank profitability, branding and retail distribution. He also was a senior executive at PNC Bank and several other leading financial institutions.
Source Technologies receives DiversityBusiness.com award
CHARLOTTE · Source Technologies, provider of integrated solutions for managing financial transactions and other secure business processes, has been named one of the top 500 small businesses in the United States (Div500) by DiversityBusiness.com, a leading multicultural Internet site. The companies listed on the Div500 represent the nation's top multicultural earners ranging in revenue size from $20 million to more than $2 billion.
Major corporations wishing to increase market share recognize that buying products and services from small companies positively impacts their businesses. "Small businesses are a growing force in the U.S. economy, and a force to be reckoned with," said Kenton Clarke, chief executive officer of Computer Consulting Associates, the company that built DiversityBusiness.com. "It's no longer only about the Fortune 1000. This is a whole business segment that can carry its own, that provides jobs, products and services, and generates wealth for their communities. These are the new leaders in American business."
"Source Technologies is honored to receive this unique business award," said Miles Busby, president of Source Technologies. "Our customer track record challenges any notion that small businesses are insignificant. We are proud to call nine of the Top 10 U.S. banks customers, as well as hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies. We continually look at opportunities to expand and diversify our technology solutions in order to provide the business process improvements that major corporations demand."
AFS, NCR provide image-enabled ATM deposit solution
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. · Advanced Financial Solutions, a Metavante company and provider of image-based payment-processing solutions, and NCR Corp. have agreed to co-market NCR's ATM deposit-automation solutions.
According to a news release, the agreement integrates the AFS Direct for ATM deposit-capture application with NCR's ImageMark ATM Passport and image-enabled ATMs. The system transmits check-images from the ATM through ImageMark ATM Passport and Consolidation Server to the AFS Direct Deposit Gateway for processing.
Monday, 12 December 2005
Kazkommertsbank (KKB) has officially opened the country's first two-zone branch, named Homebank, in the centrally situated Promenade shopping center in Almaty. In doing so, KKB is demonstrating its innovation leadership in its own market. Among others, government representatives will attend the local opening ceremony.
The design of this multifunctional branch was developed and implemented together with Wincor Nixdorf. A newly expanded self-service zone, where all routine activities are migrated to self-service machines, ensures that process flows at the bank are optimized and enables customers to carry out their cash transactions around the clock.
At the beginning of the year, Kazkommertsbank decided to develop a leading-edge and highly functional branch concept jointly with Wincor Nixdorf. In developing the self-service zone, Wincor Nixdorf attached particular importance to a flexible modular design. This allows Homebank to replace all currently installed ProCash self-service systems from Wincor Nixdorf with new ProCash systems quickly and easily. This standardized design means that the concept can also be applied at other branches in future.
In the outer area of the branch is a self-service zone that can be accessed around the clock and is fitted with multifunction ProCash systems from Wincor Nixdorf. The ProCash 3100xe with its deposit and dispensing function enables above all stores and businesses at the shopping center to deposit their daily takings at any time. The self-service branch is rounded out by two ProInfo terminals: Internet banking, cashless transactions and information services are now available to customers at all times.
Since all cash and non-cash transactions are handled in the new self-service zone, Homebank's employees can devote themselves fully to advising customers in the new service zone. By shifting responsibility in this way, the bank can also create a "barrier-free" consulting zone.
Services for the new Homebank are being provided by IBS Kazakhstan, Wincor Nixdorf's local partner.
Kazkommertsbank
Kazkommertsbank was founded in 1990 and is now Kazakhstan's largest private bank. It operates both in corporate and retail banking business. The bank announced net income of KZT 8.689 million (USD 63.9 million) as of December 31, 2004. In addition to its main branch in Almaty, Kazkommertsbank has 22 branches, 51 subordinate branches and 12 service centers throughout Kazakhstan, an agency in London and a branch in Kyrgyzstan. The bank issues Visa and Europay / MasterCard, as well as AmericanExpress and Diners Club cards and its credit and customer cards have access to the Cirrus / Maestro system. It was Kazakhstan's first bank to issue smart cards. The bank has an ATM network comprising 299 machines and was also the first local bank to offer its customers telephone and Internet banking.
|
Wincor - Nixdorf
Heinz-Nixdorf-Ring 1
Paderborn, Deutschland 33102
Germany
|
Website: http://www.wincor-nixdorf.com |
Wednesday, 07 December 2005
LAS VEGAS (December 7, 2005) — JCM American Corp. announced today it has filed a complaint for patent infringement in U.S. District Court against Mars Electronics International (MEI).
The complaint alleges patent infringement on two JCM patents: U.S. Patent 5,420,406 and U.S. Patent 5,372,361, by one or more of MEI's products, including the MEI Cash Flowâ„¢ SC Series products.
Patent ‘406, issued in May 1995, is directed to a bill validator with an integrated bar code detector. This bill validator with bar code detector patent is relevant to gaming devices, which include the ability to accept a bar coded ticket used in "ticket-in/ticket-out" gaming machines. Patent ‘361 was issued in December 1994 and is directed to a bill handling apparatus for a gaming machine having a bill stacker with a removable pusher.
JCM has never licensed or authorized MEI to make, use, sell, offer for sale, import or export any of the inventions embodied in either patent.
JCM Vice President of Gaming Solutions Tom Nieman said, "The gaming industry has extended its vote of confidence in JCM by making it the preferred bill validator company for the past 12 years. We have an obligation to our stakeholders to defend our technology and assert these patents if we desire to maintain that vote of confidence."
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 Düsseldorf, 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.
Paul Speirs
Steinbeck Communications
P: 702-413-4278
F: 702-233-3492
E:
|
