ARTICLES BY MIKE MONOCELLO
If You Think IP Cameras Are Too Expensive, Read This
I hear it all the time from integrators and VARs: "IP cameras are too expensive for my customers." If you're only comparing the cost of one camera to another, that might be true. But as an integrator, you know that one piece of equipment does not make a total solution. This definitely holds true in the video surveillance world.
Continue Reading..
RSPA Addresses Ethics, Professionalism In The Payments Industry
Just a quick post today to share the below comment by the RSPA in response to the buzz surrounding business practices in the payment processing industry. I'm happy to stimulate the conversation with this blog and will continue to participate in any way I can to help move this issue forward.
Continue Reading..
Retail IT VARs: Change Your Mindset Once And For All
Today we began the week-long process of wrapping up our December issue. As part of the issue, we're including a special report on the topic of where retailers plan to focus their IT budgets in 2013. The data came from a survey that our sister publication conducts with its retailer audience each year.
Continue Reading..
ETA Addresses Ethics, Professionalism In The Payments Industry
I had a phone call this morning with ETA (Electronic Transaction Association) CEO Jason Oxman to get his response on my previous articles questioning the "dirtiness" of the processing industry. For those who don't know, the ETA is to the payments industry as the RSPA is to retail industry. So basically, I was talking to the right guy.
Continue Reading..
Focus On Recurring Revenue Now, Or Hate Yourself Later
It's easy to look at certain recurring revenue opportunities and think that they just aren't worth you time. Sign one customer up for [insert product here] and you might be earning a few pennies per transaction. Is this really worth your time, particularly since you're so busy?
Continue Reading..
VARs Speak Out Regarding Dirty Payment Processing Practices
In a previous article, I pondered the "dirty" nature of the payment processing industry and received a lot of hate mail for my words. Even though my article was more of me wondering aloud than making definitive statements, some in the processing industry acted like I called their baby ugly.
Continue Reading..
7 "Must Do's" For Retail IT VARs In 2013
Do shed the mindset that you're just a provider of ECRs or POS terminals. Your customers have business problems that you can solve if you look beyond the checkout area. Step up and become a true trusted advisor.
Continue Reading..
The One Oversight Stunting Your MSP Business Growth
I had the opportunity to attend PSA (professional service automation) vendor Tigerpaw's National Conference recently in Chicago. In addition to record attendance and inspiring speakers like Howard Putnam, former CEO of Southwest, the keynote speech given by Tigerpaw President James Foxall really hit home with the hundreds of MSPs in attendance. It was practical advice that's often overlooked by many companies -- IT vendors...
Continue Reading..
Quit Losing Sleep Over iPad-Based POS
If customers asking about iPad-based POS keeps you up at night, it's time to stop worrying.
Continue Reading..
It's Gut Check Time For Retail IT VARs
If you don't find the following fascinating as a technologist, it might be time to retire.
Continue Reading..