Stores Magazine - November 2007 - (Page 17) Overheard . . . on the computer? How often has a conversation been interrupted by the phrase, “I couldn’t help overhearing . . .”? Pudding Media, a San Jose, Calif., start-up, has introduced the Internet version of that term. How does it work? In simplest terms, shoppers agree to let the Pudding guys eavesdrop on their voice over IP phone calls using a software application that reacts to keywords and pushes out relevant ads to the speakers’ computer screen. So if you’re chatting with a friend about buying a hybrid car, a local advertisement for a Prius may pop up on your screen. A conversation about what movie to see over the weekend will elicit ads and reviews for new films. Pudding Media offers VOIP calling without any toll charges in return for the opportunity to “listen in” and pitch ads on the screen. Advertisers pay based on how often users click on their ads, and the rates are reported to be similar to the cost-per-click in Google’s AdSense network. Pudding Media’s methods have raised eyebrows and privacy concerns, but the company insists its methods are not substantially different from the approach Google takes with e-mail. ADVERTORIAL Are you ready for an image check? Check Imaging Technology Lowers Check Handling Costs and Minimizes Check and Identity Fraud There are some who would say that image is everything. In the case of check processing efficiency, recognizing the benefits of electronic check capture has become a top priority for many retailers. Although checks are declining as a payment method, the volume of electronic checks continues to grow. In October 2004, the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (known as Check 21) took effect, which allowed an image of a check to be transmitted electronically for processing in place of the original paper check. This new process enabled retailers, who make the shift to digital check imaging, to realize dramatic cost-savings and operating efficiencies. Time and resources that were once spent sorting and transporting paper checks are eliminated. Checks that took days to clear are now posting to merchants’ bank accounts one day after deposit. Armed with the complete check image, retailers have the ability to identify fraudulent checks faster and accelerate collections. Fujitsu Transaction Solutions partners with Epson to offer retailers a high-performing point-of-sale (POS) printer that allows a migration path for retailers that are now employing Electronic Check Conversion to migrate to Check 21 image exchange in the future. The Epson TM-H6000III multi-function printer is an excellent choice for merchants looking to implement ECC today to process checks more efficiently. The printer has outperformed competitors with a consistent 99.9 percent MICR accuracy, keeping MICR misreads and returned check costs to a minimum. Reading MICR, printing, and endorsing a check in a single pass, its total check printing time is 50 percent faster than “check flipping” options. The printer also boasts the fastest thermal printing available, up to 63 lines per second. With TransScan digital check and ID imaging, the TMH6000III lowers check handling costs, minimizes check and identity fraud, and helps retailers comply with ID verification laws for age-restricted products. When retailers are ready to take advantage of the cost savings associated with Check 21, the TM-H6000III is equipped to support full, two-sided imaging. This flexible migration path arms retailers with greater control of their business future – giving rise to the question, “Are you ready for an image check?” For more information on the TM-H6000III printer or the TeamPoS2000 and 3000 POS terminals, contact us today. 800-340-4425 • 858-457-9900 • us.fujitsu.com/retailing WWW.STORES.ORG STORES / NOVEMBER 2007 17 http://www.us.fujitsu.com/retailing http://WWW.STORES.ORG
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