Upgrade From PCAnywhere To LogMeIn

If you are using PC Anywhere as your remote access software then you need to be aware of recent Symantec company reports of having their source code stolen for PCAnywhere.  Software Security firm Symantec has warned customers to stop using its pcAnywhere software.   For more detailed information follow this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16740153 to read the full article from the BBC. 

With current PCI requirements that are not easily met using PCAnywhere, STCR suggests that you upgrade to LogMeIn for ease of use and ease of complying with PCI remote access requirements.  STCR's help desk will handle the individual users' login setup, distribution and changes, which will allow each remote user to have to individual access therefore complying with another of the PCI requirements.

From the LogMeIn website help files regarding PCI:

Is LogMeIn compliant with PCI standards?
LogMeIn understands that security and adherence to PCI requirements are critical, and we fully support our customers’ policies for ensuring their adherence to PCI-DSS compliance.
Our remote connectivity services only maintains limited session data associated with remote computers and does not retain or store any information, including any credit card data, from remote computers or any information transferred during a remote access session. Additionally, we protect all information transmitted with full, end-to-end 256-bit SSL encryption, the same encryption method endorsed by MasterCard, Visa and American Express. We also support PCI compliance with centralized user management, two-factor authentication for strong access control measures, and maintain secure physical and network security, with ongoing security monitoring & testing.

Fuel Up Your Store And Drive More Business

There is a growing trend in the supermarket industry of selling gasoline and offering gas rewards to cross promote.  The list of supermarket chains already offering gas is growing: Albertson's, Costco, Kroger, Safeway, Wal-Mart, etc.  The list goes on.  In the near future grocers not selling gasoline will find themselves at a real disadvantage.  The push to add gas is seen as critical to increase traffic, add convenience and drive customer loyalty.

STCR is excited to announce a new solution being offered to our customers:  SMS Fuel Control. SMS Fuel Control allows for the integration of your POS system with fuel pump capability. With one consolidated system, merchants can now manage all aspects of a fuel based operation.

All the features a merchants expects are at-the-pump, including prepay and at-the-pump authorization. Additionally, this system adds capabilities to enhance control and flexibility for your business.  SMS Fuel provides: pump control from any POS, full or self-service operations (or a combination), integrated inventory and reporting, price book management and much more.

Promotions motivate customers and drive business, and SMS Fuel easily delivers. With the same system managing both gas and in-store operations, SMS Fuel stores can customize numerous options within the system to appeal to a broader customer base. Major features include:

• Pump Control
• Pay at the Pump
• Cross Promotions
• Roll Back Price
• Advertising
• Loyalty at the Pump
• Wet Stock Management

For more information about SMS Fuel and if it can integrated with your system, contact STCR at(607) 757-0181.

Protect Your Investment with A UPS

There is a very important device needed to protect your technology investment.  It is called an UPS or uninterrupted power supply.  The purpose of the UPS is to prevent a sudden loss of power and to allow for a controlled shutdown.  They also offer surge protection.  Computer equipment is very susceptible to damage from power surges which may not be covered by your maintenance agreement.  It is highly recommended to plug all mission critical devices into a UPS (store controllers, network switches, registers, etc.).

In the event of a power loss the devices plugged into the battery backup side of the UPS will be supplied battery power for a limited amount of time.  This will allow you to finish up any transactions or functions you may be doing, so you can then perform a controlled shutdown until power is re-established.  Depending on the model and voltage of the equipment plugged into the UPS, the battery backup time can vary. 

While providing battery support, the UPS beeps to alert you of the condition, so corrective action can be taken.  The UPS will also beep when it is nearing the end of its life.  It is a good idea to periodically test it to ensure it is in good working condition.  To test it, unplug the UPS itself from the outlet it is plugged into.  If the devices plugged into the battery side of the UPS stay up and running then the device is working properly.  If the devices do not stay on, then your UPS is bad. 

For more information contact an STCR Representative at (607) 757-0181 and we will be happy to assist you.

STCR at the NGA

Please join STCR at booth #805 at The N.G.A. Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Mirage Hotel, February 12^th - 15^th.   STCR has partnered with IBM and LOC Software to bring the latest in technology to you.  Come to booth #805 and participate in a short demonstration, your name will be entered in to one of two drawings for a Lenovo Tablet.  

The N.G.A Show offers a business learning experience that allows you and your staff to focus on how your company should respond to industry and marketplace trends and issues that will translate into greater success and growth.  We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Mobile Wallets and More Ways to Use Them

There is a rush by many to find the next standard in the Mobile Wallet boom.  This Holiday Season was a window to what we will see in the coming year as retailers try to test the technology on the “early adopters” of the MW technology.  An article in Time Magazine discussed the recent transition of these companies as they try to convert billions of dollars’ worth of transactions to cashless in the coming year.

Here are just a few ways the Mobile Wallet is developing.  Salvation Army Santas used mobile phones to take donations this Christmas season.  Google has just launched Google Wallet in partnership with Citibank, Mastercard and Sprint’s nexus S 4G phone.  PayPal will announce 20 partnerships this year designed to allow you to order ahead, self-check out in stores and simply use your phone number and pin to pay for purchases.  Isis, a Verizon AT&T and T-Mobile wallet with Visa, AmEx, Discover and Mastercard partnerships launches this year in Salt Lake City and Austin.  Visa’s own virtual wallet, V.Me, is also around the corner.  And don’t forget Apple, whose stores are already using the iPhone to checkout customers.

There are a number of different deployment methods from NFC (near filed communications) to text messaging.  Either way, there won’t be a shortage of routes that will be explored.  Estimates are that 12.1 billion dollars will transfer through MW technology in the coming year.  When the dust settles who will set the standard?  Only time will tell…stay tuned.