The Business Solutions Network

A couple weeks ago while at RSPA RetailNOW, I received a lot of positive feedback regarding my recent article on NCR Silver, an iPad-based mobile POS solution from NCR. As I wrote in that article, NCR was unable (or unwilling) to share details with me of how much a VAR could make selling Silver. Well, during one conversation at RetailNOW with a successful POS VAR who is an authorized NCR reseller, I was presented with some real...  Continue Reading..

Historically, the healthcare vertical has been one of the most lucrative, albeit difficult to penetrate, markets for VARs. Back in 2009, I spoke with Mike Cleary, president of Coridian Technologies, who explained that a switch from the manufacturing vertical to healthcare was resulting in a 20% revenue increase for his company. With so much happening since 2009, I was eager to get an update from Cleary and capture any lessons he might have...  Continue Reading..

During yesterday's Industry Vision Panel at RSPA RetailNOW, one message was repeatedly hammered home by panelists: the world of retail technology is changing, and those who don't change with it will be left behind.  Continue Reading..

Some may argue this, but the purpose of a business is to be profitable. Based on a recent survey of retail solutions providers, most POS dealers aren't very profitable, if at all. Surprise! While lack of profitability might be the unfortunate common reality of most in the retail channel, ways of becoming more profitable are lesser known -- or at least, enacted upon. Brett Harward, speaker, consultant, and author, presented at...  Continue Reading..

As you may have heard, NCR recently announced NCR Silver, an iPad-based retail POS solution targeted at small retailers. Since the announcement, I've been inundated with outraged calls and email from resellers and other channel executives saying that this new product, from one of the industry's largest players, threatens the livelihood of retail solutions providers.  Continue Reading..

If you were reading Business Solutions back in 2009, today's Where Are They Now featured VAR should stand out in your memory. Never before -- and probably never again -- will a VAR and his airplane grace the cover of the magazine.  Continue Reading..

IP video surveillance technology isn't new, but the adoption of solutions including IP cameras has increased in recent times due to a reduction in cost and improvements in the technology. Now, more than ever, customers are ready for IP camera technology.  Continue Reading..

It's nearly impossible to open your copy of Business Solutions, or any other industry magazine, without reading something about mobile POS. Obviously a hot button topic, analysts predict strong growth in this technology segment. Some predict 80% of retailers will be looking to deploy a mobile POS solution within the next two years.  Continue Reading..

The mark of a good IT salesperson is being able to identify and then clearly convey how technology can help solve a customer's business problems. In short, proving ROI. You and/or your sales team might be very good at this, or you might be lacking. Either way, you want as much ammo as possible to help you maximize your customer-facing interactions, right?  Continue Reading..

If you're a POS VAR still not considering managed services, listen up. During the recent Autotask Community Live! conference, one of the speakers did a great job of explaining what I think is one of the greatest benefits of a services model:  Continue Reading..