Tag Archives: QR

Linux

Robie Basak: Better two factor ssh authentication on Ubuntu

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In the past, true two factor authentication in ssh has been something of
a hack to set up. Now that OpenSSH 6.2 has now been released with full
and proper support, the next release of Ubuntu (Saucy Salamander)
will include it.

Quick Start

All you have to do is:

  1. apt-get install libpam-google-authenticator.

  2. Users who want to continue using ssh must each run the command
    google-authenticator. This tool interatively helps you to create the
    file ~/.google_authenticator, which contains a shared secret and
    emergency passcodes. It’s a terminal application, but it does still
    display a QR code for quick loading of the shared secret into your two
    factor device (in my case, this is the Google Authenticator app on my
    Android smartphone).

  3. Edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config. Set:

    ChallengeResponseAuthentication yes
PasswordAuthentication no
AuthenticationMethods publickey,keyboard-interactive

    In case you have changed them in the past, you should also check the
    following two settings (these are both defaults on Ubuntu):

    UsePAM yes
PubkeyAuthentication yes

  4. Run sudo service ssh reload to pick up your changes to
    /etc/ssh/sshd_config.

  5. Edit /etc/pam.d/sshd and replace the line:

    @include common-auth

    with:

    auth required pam_google_authenticator.so

That’s it! Now ssh logins will require a key, and after your key is
verified will additionally require proof that you hold your second
factor device.

Your existing ssh session should not be affected by these changes. So
before you continue, make sure that you can still access the machine by
authenticating with your new two factor system in another session. If
you’re using shared connections (or aren’t sure), be sure to use the
-Snone option to ssh in order to make sure that you don’t accidentally
skip authentication by re-using an existing connection.

How It Works

Traditionally, ssh only verified one thing. That was either your
password, or verification that you held your private key, or something
else (GSSAPI/Kerberos and other things I won’t cover here). Multiple
methods were allowed, and success using any one method was considered a
successful authentication.

ssh continues to be able to defer to PAM for authentication. However,
authentication with an ssh key happens outside PAM, and ssh treats any
one of these (key or PAM) as successful. This means that it checks for
your password, or that you hold your private key, but not both. This
makes it difficult to use a key together with PAM for a second factor,
since ssh will just go ahead and never consult PAM for the second factor
if your client proves that you hold your key.

With the new feature, AuthenticationMethods can be used to specify two
methods that are both required. This means that you can require both
ssh key authentication and PAM, and adjust your PAM configuration to be
the second factor device in the case of the ssh service.

Why is this more secure?

It’s always a good idea to reduce your attack surface, and limit
authentication code only to areas designed with security in mind.
Previous methods to implement this kind of support involved hacks or
patches. With this new support, the only security sensitive code used is
PAM and ssh itself, being used as they were designed to be used, and
without any third party patches. Both were designed for security from
the …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Planet Ubuntu

Computers

Symantec: Google Glass still vulnerable to Wi-Fi attack

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Google fixed one Wi-Fi security problem with its wearable computer Glass, but Symantec says there’s another problem, which has been a long-known weakness in wireless networking.

The security vendor has been analyzing Google Glass in its labs and found a second issue that is just as harmful as the now-patched QR-code vulnerability found by Lookout Mobile Security, which was made public earlier this week.

Many Wi-Fi devices regularly look for networks that they have been connected to before, wrote Candid Wueest, a threat researcher for Symantec. The behavior is convenient for users, since they don’t have to manually connect to a known network, he wrote.

But for as little as US$100, a hacker can buy a device that impersonates the known Wi-Fi network by borrowing the network’s name, known as its SSID (Service Set Identifier).

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

…read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at PCWorld

Science & Technology

QR code security vulnerability found with Google Glass

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Engineers at Lookout Mobile Security have discovered a previously unknown security vulnerability with Google’s project Glass wearable headset. Marc Rogers reports on the company’s web site that engineers found that when pictures were taken of printed QR codes, the device could be routed to a hostile Wi-Fi access point, which in turn allowed for monitoring and capture of data flow to and from the device. They also found they were able to divert the device to a web page that allowed for taking advantage of a previously known Android vulnerability. …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Phys.org

Linux

David Planella: Upcoming Qreator release – call for translations

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qreator-square

We’re preparing a new release of Qreator, the QR code creator for Ubuntu, to be published in the next few days.

This release adds a few new strings and quite a bunch of new features, including a new design, new QR codes, and the ability to edit the QR codes you create.

Kudos to everyone who has contributed translations in the past: thanks to you the development release Qreator is already fully translated in 10 languages. There are other 26 languages that are nearly completed and are only missing the newly-added strings. A very special mention goes also to the unstoppable Stefan Schwarzburg, whose contributions have been invaluable in putting the upcoming release together.

If you find it useful, please help translating and making it available in your language here:

Translate Qreator!

To get more context for the translation, you can also install the preview package. It’s for Ubuntu 13.04 only, but if someone needs an older version, let me know and I can create it too.

Thanks!

The post Upcoming Qreator release – call for translations appeared first on David Planella.

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Planet Ubuntu

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Tempt™ In-Store Productions to Feature Its Innovative Solutions for Retailers at GlobalShop 2013

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Tempt™ In-Store Productions to Feature Its Innovative Solutions for Retailers at GlobalShop 2013

Highlights Include Signage Integrated with Mobile Technology to Help Drive Traffic, Enhance Consumer Shopping Experience

SUSSEX, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Tempt In-Store Productions, a Quad/Graphics company (NYS: QUAD) , will feature innovative print solutions for driving store traffic and enhancing the consumer shopping experience at GlobalShop 2013, the nation’s largest annual visual merchandising trade show and conference, April 16-18, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. During the three-day event, Tempt will showcase its large-format printing and structural design capabilities in a setting resembling a colorful, life-size candy store.

Retailers and visual design professionals can visit booth 644 to learn more about Tempt’s product offering, including:

  • Large-format printing, finishing and customized kitting
  • Actable®, Quad/Graphics’ interactive print solutions app that engages consumers through creative applications of image recognition, augmented reality, near field communication or traditional QR codes
  • Structural design and prototype services for retail and brand marketing.

Tempt works with retailers and marketers worldwide to develop and produce interior and exterior signage for marketing and store environments. With in-store production facilities located in the United States and Europe, the company is able to serve multiple markets. “The retail supply chain model demands increased speed-to-market, greater customization and lower quantities but with higher frequencies, and our platform can help achieve these goals for our customers,” said Mike Draver, President of Tempt.

Tempt’s printing process uses the latest in digital and offset technology combined with complete in-house finishing and customized kitting services, giving retailers and other brand marketers a single-source solution that best meets their increasing demands for customization and high-end visual products.

About Tempt

Tempt In-Store Productions (www.tempt-ing.com) is a Quad/Graphics company that provides in-store marketing materials and programs for many of the nation’s leading retailers and brand marketers. Tempt offers extensive production expertise and resources to develop attention-getting, sales-driving shopper marketing programs in conjunction with other Quad/Graphics solutions. From design and prototype services through large-format printing, finishing operations and customized kit packing, Tempt works with customers to create impactful in-store destinations.

About Quad/Graphics

From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/11/tempt-in-store-productions-to-feature-its-innovati/

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Xylem Inc. to release first-quarter 2013 results on April 30, 2013

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Xylem Inc. to release first-quarter 2013 results on April 30, 2013

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Xylem Inc. (NYS: XYL) , a leading global water technology company focused on addressing the world’s most challenging water issues, will release its first-quarter 2013 financial results at 7:00 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, April 30. At 9:00 a.m. EDT, Xylem’s senior management team will review financial and operating results, comment on current conditions and answer questions during an investor briefing.

Scan this QR code to download Xylem’s Investor Relations App for Apple iPad(R). Apple, iPad and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. QR Code for Xylem’s Investor Relations App

The briefing can be monitored live by calling +1 (973) 935-2945 (ID # 29405041) or by visiting www.investors.xyleminc.com.

A replay of the briefing will be available on www.investors.xyleminc.com, and via telephone until Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. EDT. The telephone replay will be available at +1 (404) 537-3406 (ID # 29405041).

Xylem is also pleased to announce the launch of the Xylem Investor Relations app for the Apple iPhone®, which complements our existing app available for the iPad®. These free apps, which can be downloaded from the Apple online store, feature interactive Xylem share price data, downloadable documents including presentations, earnings information, SEC filings and an investor events calendar, as well as videos and company news releases.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Xylem is headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., with 2012 revenues of $3.8 billion and approximately 12,700 employees worldwide.

The name Xylem is derived from classical Greek and is the tissue that transports water in plants, highlighting the engineering efficiency of our water-centric business by linking it with the best water transportation of all – that which occurs in nature. For more information please visit us at www.xyleminc.com.

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From: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/04/11/xylem-inc-to-release-first-quarter-2013-results-on/

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

NCR Launches Slimline 85 Kiosk to Make Everyday Easier for Cinema-goers

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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NCR Launches Slimline 85 Kiosk to Make Everyday Easier for Cinema-goers

New interface creates a faster, more convenient experience for consumers; New revenue streams, efficiency for cinemas

DULUTH, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– NCR Corporation (NYS: NCR) today announced the NCR Slimline 85 for cinema, the latest evolution in NCR‘s innovative line of kiosks, which will be on display at booth 2603A at CinemaCon at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, April 15-18. This kiosk provides automated ticketing, making it easier for moviegoers to purchase tickets and concessions with a tablet-like user experience. The 32-inch touch-screen can display multi-media of movie art and trailers providing an engaging way to buy tickets and pay for concessions.

“NCR remains dedicated to providing products and services that make everyday easier for both consumers and cinemas,” said Brian Whitney, managing director cinema, NCR Hospitality. “We expect that this kiosk solution will be a real differentiator for theaters that are aggressively seeking unique ways to improve both the patron experience and per-cap figures.”

Featuring an intuitive user interface, the Slimline 85 enhances the movie-going experience for guests and builds strong loyalty through convenient ticket purchases and ordering of concession items. The higher visibility, self-service capabilities, and consistent promotion of key items will help to increase concession sales, margins and overall guest satisfaction.

The Slimline 85 with cinema interface offers performance improvements over previous models, adding new features designed to both elevate the consumer experience and help operators compete in the rapidly expanding market. The improvements include:

  • Enhanced multi-media graphics on a 32-inch touch-screen
  • Redesigned user interface
  • “Crosstown” sales capability; the kiosk can be placed in central shopping locations to drive ticket sales for multiple theatres of the same brand.
  • Ability for users to view movie trailers and pay with credit cards and/or gift cards
  • An integrated QR code reader allowing for online ticket retrieval and pick up from the kiosk
  • User Interface customization enabling a theatre brand to incorporate its corporate branding within the system

The Slimline 85 Kiosk will be available in the U.S. later in …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Computers

Second-screen prototype hopes to boost couch commerce

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Akamai Technologies demonstrated a prototype second-screen system that presents complementary content on a smartphone or tablet that is synchronized with what’s happening on the main television screen.

To see the system in action at the NAB Show, watch a video on YouTube.

First users would need to sync their mobile device with their television. Akamai showed this using a QR code that could be scanned by the user watching the television. Every program on TV has a timestamp and content ID, which allows the mobile device to display complementary content just at the right time for the consumer.

“It’s something that can be synced in near-real time,” said Kris Alexander, chief strategist of connected devices and gaming at Akamai Technologies. “By the time somebody looks down from the primary screen it seems like the second screen is in real time.”

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

…read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at PCWorld

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Will Wal-Mart Be the Death of Near-Field Communications?

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By Rich Duprey, The Motley Fool

Filed under:

According to a recent Harris Interactive survey, most consumers feel smartphone payments will eventually replace credit and debit cards and cash for most purchases but it’s likely not going to happen within the next five years.

That bodes well for the long-term outlook for chip makers like NXP Semiconductors and Skyworks Solutions , which are leaders in the field of near-field communications, or NFC. That’s the technology that allows mobile devices to securely communicate with a payment terminal. Wave your NFC-enabled smartphone in front of an NFC-enabled terminal and you can easily make a payment.

Objects are closer than they appear
The interest expressed in the survey is part of the reason behind why NXP feels 2013 is the year that NFC technology takes off. Google has been in the forefront of the issue through its Wallet mobile payment system and Android smartphones like Samsung’s Galaxy have been equipped with NFC chips to take advantage of it wherever it’s available. Indeed, Samsung recently partnered with Visa to provide an NFC platform that financial institutions can trust.

Banks will be able to load payment account information to a secure chip embedded in Samsung devices using Visa’s mobile provisioning service linked to Samsung’s service that creates secure data storage domains for card issuers.

Notably, however, Apple has yet to jump into the fray. Although many watchers had anticipated the iPhone 5 to include an NFC chip, it was not to be, even though it had acquired such capabilities through its AuthenTec acquisition last year. And with Skyworks already a chip supplier for the iPhone, should Apple decide it needs to be a part of the NFC revolution, it has ready access to a key player in the field.

Scanning the horizon
Yet retail king Wal-Mart may be leading the way in killing off the chances of NFC gaining a real foothold. Rather than investing in the expensive new terminal upgrades that would be required to make NFC in its stores a reality, it’s rolling out an iPhone app called Scan & Go that allows consumers to scan and bag their purchases while shopping and simply scan a quick-response pixilated QR code square at the checkout terminal to complete the purchase.

While that may be a means for it to ultimately save money on cashier salaries, it could provide the pathway for other retailers to follow. Wal-Mart is expanding the test program to 200 stores in 14 markets, and though the app is only available for the iPhone, it’s easy to see that (depending upon its success) it could eventually roll out to all 14,000 stores and be available across all smartphone platforms.

Stop & Shop supermarkets have offered a similar app for both iPhones and Android devices for several years, but Wal-Mart’s entry could be the thing that brings it mainstream. Because near-field communications has taken longer than expected to get up and running, just as widespread adoption looks to be within …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Oklahoma Medical Board Pioneers Use of QR Codes for Licensees

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Oklahoma Medical Board Pioneers Use of QR Codes for Licensees

OKLAHOMA CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (Medical Board) is the first in the nation to incorporate QR (quick response) codes on the medical licenses of physicians and other medical professionals. The ubiquitous black and white square box will now appear in the lower right hand corner of all newly issued or renewed physician licenses in Oklahoma.

In the same way that traditional UPC bar codes changed the way we pay for groceries, this use of QR Codes can allow for a rapid check-in of medical professionals at training events, clinics and hospitals.

“Law enforcement or emergency medical personnel establishing an incident command system at the scene of an accident or emergency will be able to immediately identify and confirm that the Good Samaritan offering assistance is indeed a licensed medical doctor,” said Board Deputy Executive Director, Reji Varghese.

Scanning the code will provide direct, instant access to a physician’s information page as it appears on the Board’s website, http://www.okmedicalboard.org. Some of the data available includes the doctor’s education, medical specialty and board certification, office address, telephone and office hours, hospital privileges, insurance participation and board status.

The online service is a product of a partnership between the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (Medical Board) and OK.gov, Oklahoma’s Official Website managed by the eGovernment firm, NIC Inc. (NAS: EGOV) .

About Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision

The mission of the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision is to promote the Health, Safety and Well-being of the citizens (patients) of Oklahoma by requiring a high level of qualifications, standards and continuing education for licenses regulated by Oklahoma Medical Board. To protect the on-going Health Safety and Well-being of the citizens (patients) of Oklahoma by investigating complaints, conducting public hearings, effectuating and monitoring disciplinary actions against any of the licensed professionals, while providing the licensee with proper due process and all rights afforded under the law. To provide any member of society upon request, a copy of the specific public records and information on any of the licensed professionals.

About OK.gov

…read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

NeoMedia Announces 2012 Financial Results

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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NeoMedia Announces 2012 Financial Results

QR Code Pioneer’s Product Offerings Gain Market Traction

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: NEOM), the pioneer in global mobile barcode management solutions, today announced its financial results for fiscal year 2012. The company’s revenue increased by approximately 3.4 percent from fiscal year 2011 and reduced operating costs by 6.3 percent due to the continued adoption of its barcode scanning app, NeoReader®, its barcode management platform, NeoSphere™, and its new IP licensees.

On a cash basis (non-GAAP), NeoMedia recorded $4.48 million in sales, a 61% growth rate over 2011. On an (GAAP) accrual basis, NeoMedia generated $2.3 million in revenues. NeoMedia recorded a net loss of $19.4 million; approximately $13.9 million of which arose from non-cash, other income (expense). The difference between cash and GAAP revenue is related to revenue recognition. On a GAAP basis, revenue is recognized over the life of the deal; on a cash basis, it is recognized when the cash comes in.

NeoReader, the barcode scanning app, experienced continued growth in 2012 due to increased mobile barcode adoption, with over 34 million installations worldwide. NeoMedia has generated more than 79,000 mobile barcodes and QR codes for some of the world’s leading companies and generated scan activity from 193 countries with the top three countries being the U.S., Spain and Germany. NeoMedia also added eight new companies to its list of IP licensees.

“We are excited about the direction and alignment of our business as we enter into 2013,” said Sarah Fay, NeoMedia Board of Directors. “With a strong executive leadership team in place and innovative solutions in the market and in development, we’re confident that NeoMedia has laid a strong foundation for dynamic growth in 2013.”

Over the past year, NeoMedia was able to re-align its operations and business strategy to meet the changing needs of today’s digital marketer and mobile application developer. The company saw an increase in its agreements for its 2D Core products while reducing the focus on its hardware product sales.

“We are happy to announce our 2012 results,” said Laura Marriott, CEO, NeoMedia. “By aligning our business more closely to the needs of our customers and the market, we have been able to reach self sustainability from cash received during the year. We look forward to further helping brands get closer to their customers with our mobile barcode solutions.”

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

NeoMedia Reaches Agreement with Krispy Kreme with Respect to NeoMedia's Patented Mobile Bar Code Tec

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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NeoMedia Reaches Agreement with Krispy Kreme with Respect to NeoMedia’s Patented Mobile Bar Code Technology

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: NEOM), the pioneer in global mobile barcode management solutions, today announced that it has reached an agreement with Krispy Kreme with respect to NeoMedia’s patents related to mobile barcode resolution.

About NeoMedia

NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. is the pioneer in QR and mobile barcode technology and infrastructure solutions that enable the mobile barcode ecosystem worldwide. Its solutions have transformed approximately 34 million mobile devices with cameras across 193 countries into barcode scanners, enabling a range of practical and engaging applications. With its suite of products, services and extensive IP portfolio, NeoMedia is able to offer customers a comprehensive end-to-end mobile barcode solution. NeoMedia’s current customers include international brands, agencies and handset manufacturers. The company also has a growing portfolio of patent licensees including Microsoft and Kraft Foods Group, Inc. Learn more at www.neom.com or one of our online destinations: LinkedIn, Twitter, and, Pinterest.

About Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme (NYS: KKD) is a leading branded specialty retailer and wholesaler of premium quality sweet treats and complementary products, including its signature Original Glazed® doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the Company has offered the highest quality doughnuts and great tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Today, Krispy Kreme shops can be found in over 740 locations in 22 countries around the world.

For more information on NeoMedia’s patents, please contact:
Global IP Law Group, LLC
Alex Debski, +1 312 241 1507
adebski@giplg.com
or
For PR inquiries on this release, please contact:
Laura Marriott, +1 303 546 7946
press@neom.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Georgia

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

The article NeoMedia Reaches Agreement with Krispy Kreme with Respect to NeoMedia’s Patented Mobile Bar Code Technology originally appeared on Fool.com.

Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

On the Spot Systems Grills up Deal with Fuddruckers

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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On the Spot Systems Grills up Deal with Fuddruckers

Company Will Provide On The Spot Systems ® Mobile Feedback Tool to Customers at More Than 115 Company Owned and Franchised Fuddruckers Restaurants in North America

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– On The Spot Systems®, the leader in location specific, real-time worldwide mobile surveys, today announced a new partnership agreement with Fuddruckers Restaurants (NYS: LUB) to provide the company with its signature Satisfaction Management tool.. The survey tool will be deployed in all of Fuddruckers’ company owned restaurants and the majority of its 120 franchised locations across the US. Fuddruckers, famous globally for its “World’s Greatest Hamburgers®,” is just the most recent win for On The Spot Systems, which also secured partnerships with PepsiCo Foodservice, Luby’s Cafeterias, and BJ’s Wholesale Club in 2012.

This new partnership paves the way for Fuddruckers to take advantage of On The Spot’s unique features, including real-time customer feedback for service-focused industries, email list building, instant management alerts, and automated user-friendly reporting. On The Spot Systems’ cost-effective platform allows users to capture customer and employee feedback “on the spot” by using smartphones or tablet technology. Fully customizable surveys allow individualized branding without the need for a proprietary application and deliver immediate insights into guest satisfaction, market research and field data collection.

Fuddruckers’ customers will be offered multiple ways to provide feedback on their dining experiences, including visiting a specific On The Spot Systems URL via a smartphone or tablet, or scanning a QR code.

“Fuddruckers has been delighting guests for more than 30 years, and we are excited to work with such a prestigious brand,” said On The Spot Systems President Ken Kimmel. “On The Spot System’s real-time, actionable feedback model will ensure that Fuddruckers provides the world’s best customer service along with the world’s greatest hamburgers.”

“What impressed us the most was how easy On The Spot Systems makes taking a survey,” said Mike Peay, Fuddruckers Director of Training. “We believe that the Survey On The Spot feedback tool will provide Fuddruckers restaurant managers with real-time feedback that will ensure our guests have the most enjoyable experience every time they visit.”

On The Spot Systems can be used by any organization looking to capture real-time, on-site information from its customers or employees. While frequently associated with mobile guest satisfaction feedback, the tool is also appropriate for product feedback, field data collection and product research & development.

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Quad/Graphics Serves Up Fresh Packaging Solutions at BrewExpo America 2013 Show

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Quad/Graphics Serves Up Fresh Packaging Solutions at BrewExpo America 2013 Show

Company to Showcase Innovative Beverage Package Design and Printing, and Interactive Print Solutions

SUSSEX, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Quad/Graphics, Inc. (NYS: QUAD) , will feature its innovative packaging solutions – including graphic and structural design enhanced with interactive print applications – at this week’s BrewExpo America show in Washington, D.C.

Craft brewers and other consumer products companies can visit booth 7094 on March 27-29 to learn about Quad/Graphics’:

  • 4-, 6- and 12-bottle beverage packaging and folding carton packaging for food, health and beauty and other consumer products.
  • High-end decorative treatments for packaging, such as embossing/debossing, UV varnishes, foil stamping, laminations, die-cuts and unique substrates.
  • Interactive print applications that create engaging mobile experiences that drive engagement and response, such as games, promotions including in-store coupons and discounts, product demonstrations or how-to videos, and more.
  • Commitment to sustainability and reducing impact on the environment.

“At Quad/Graphics, we are redefining packaging through unique and differentiating fold and trim formats, and pioneering interactive print applications that reinforce brands and drive action,” said Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President & CEO. “With our Actable® app, our packaging comes to life through image recognition, augmented reality, near field communication (NFC) or traditional QR codes. We know how to help consumer products companies capitalize on the proven power of print – in combination with other channels – to create a results-driven marketing strategy.”

For information on Quad/Graphics’ packaging solutions, visit QG.com/packaging.

About Quad/Graphics

Quad/Graphics (NYS: QUAD) , a leading global printer and media channel integrator, is redefining print in today’s multichannel media world by helping marketers and publishers capitalize on print’s ability to complement and connect with other media channels. With consultative ideas, worldwide capabilities, leading-edge technology and single-source simplicity, Quad/Graphics has the resources and knowledge to help its clients maximize the revenue they derive from their marketing spend through channel integration, and minimize their total cost of production and distribution through a fully integrated national distribution network. The Company provides a diverse range of print solutions, media solutions and logistics services from multiple locations throughout …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

News, Politics, Government

Yes, Personal Service At Retail Is Worth It – Again

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By Wendy Liebmann, Contributor

There has been much discussion about the value of in-store sales associates as the Internet, smart phones, iPads and other digital devices have empowered shoppers to be more self-sufficient and self-serving in-store.  With technology at their fingertips, many shoppers do their research before they go to the store, often pre-empting anything the sales-person can tell them.  The shopper is often better informed than the store employee. Some retailers took this trend as an opportunity to reduce headcount and invest in their websites.  Others embraced the shift by adding digital tools in-store (kiosks, apps, QR codes, and other digital bells and whistles).  Still others simply pocketed the savings.  For some, however, it became an opportunity to innovate personal-service to create a new, heightened and differentiating brand experience. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest

News, Politics, Government

ReapSo Is A Michigan Based Startup That Makes QR Codes Fun To Use

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By Amit Chowdhry, Contributor

Based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, ReapSo has developed a mobile application that offers loyal customers with rewards.  ReapSo’s mobile application went live in January and they hit 500 customers in 3 weeks since launching.  The ReapSo mobile application lets you scan unique QR codes placed on the website or physical location of a business to unlock a reward. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Forbes Latest

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Wintrust Financial Corporation Pilots FIS' Cardless Cash Access at ATMs

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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Wintrust Financial Corporation Pilots FIS’ Cardless Cash Access at ATMs

Key Facts

  • Enables cash withdrawal from ATMs using a secure app on iPhone® or Android™ smartphones, eliminating the need for a plastic card
  • Saves time for consumers by simplifying steps to get cash and delivers an e-receipt to the customer’s phone
  • Supports FIS‘ mobile strategy to deliver secure mobile innovations to financial institutions and their customers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Expanding on its leadership and innovation position within mobile financial services, FIS™ (NYS: FIS) , the world’s largest provider of banking and payments technology, today announced the pilot of its innovative Cardless Cash Access solution by Wintrust Financial Corporation. The latest advancement to the FIS Mobile Wallet platform, delivered in partnership with Paydiant and Diebold Incorporated, enables consumers to withdraw cash from ATMs using just a smartphone.

“Consumers are increasingly mobile and rarely leave home without their smartphone,” said Douglas Brown, senior vice president and general manager, FIS Mobile Financial Services. “At FIS, we are continuing to invest in solutions that keep mobile consumers better connected to their finances. Through Cardless Cash Access, FIS is providing secure innovation that places the smartphone at the center of the financial transaction. We’re delivering on our goal of supporting a mobile-centric market. “

The FIS Mobile Wallet with the new Cardless Cash Access solution securely authenticates a user on their smartphone. Once authenticated, the user scans the QR code provided on the ATM screen and selects the account and amount of the withdrawal directly on their smartphone. The solution delivers an e-receipt to the smartphone app after cash is dispensed from the ATM. Unlike mobile cash access models that utilize temporary authorization codes, the FIS Cardless Cash Access solution utilizes the security within the user app authentication process and registration of the FIS Mobile Wallet app on the smartphone, therefore eliminating card skimming risk and fraud incidents for banks and their customers.

“Wintrust is community banking at heart, so service is our number one goal. Technology needs to follow that very closely.” said Tom Ormseth, EVP of Retail Strategy at Wintrust Financial. “Delivering Cardless Cash Access definitely supports our strategy of providing top quality and innovative services, and enables us to …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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ON Semiconductor Addresses Modern Power Design Challenges at Applied Power Electronics Conference 20

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

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ON Semiconductor Addresses Modern Power Design Challenges at Applied Power Electronics Conference 2013

Cutting-edge digital AC-DC PWM controllers, motor drivers and IGBTs to be demonstrated by the company at industry’s premier power electronics show

LONG BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ONNN), driving innovation in energy efficiency, will showcase its latest power efficient product advances at APEC 2013, March 17-21, 2013, in Long Beach, California. The new devices are designed for boosting performance and simplifying the design of offline power supplies, AC lighting infrastructure and motor control systems.

Targeted for high efficiency, compact, switch-mode power supplies for power adaptors, the NCP1937is a quasi-resonant (QR) flyback controller device with power factor correction (PFC). This is the first AC-DC device utilizing a hybrid digital core architecture enabling higher efficiency, increased flexibility and easier system design implementation. The device incorporates all the features necessary for building a robust and compact PFC stage in combination with a QR flyback stage, while minimizing the number of external components. The quasi-resonant current-mode flyback stage features a proprietary valley-lockout circuitry, ensuring stable valley switching. It has wide voltage range spanning 9 volts (V) to 30 V, plus built-in over-voltage protection, and a skip mode operation which enables higher efficiency in light load conditions. The NCP1937 will be demonstrated in an 85 watt (W) Notebook Adapter showcasing the industry’s leading <10 milliWatt (mW) no load standby power.

The NCP1255/NCP1254 is a fixed frequencyPWM controller designed for applications requiring peak power capability. Offered in SOIC-8 and TSOP-6 packages, it operates with a fixed 65 kilohertz (kHz) switching frequency with the ability to scale the frequency up to 130 kHz based on output load requirements. In light load conditions with the power on the secondary side decreasing, the IC automatically folds back its switching frequency to a minimum level (26 kHz). The inclusion of adjustable over-power protection and adjustable brown-out protection functions make this device ideal for products requiring peak-power capabilities such as printers and ultrabooks. The NCP1255 will be demonstrated in a 15 W nominal 55 W peak power printer adapter.

For LED power supply applications, the high functional integration of theNCL30081 PWM controller IC minimizes the number of external components required for AC powered LED lighting designs. It operates in a quasi-resonant mode to enhance overall efficiency and provides precision regulation of the LED current from the primary side. Dispensing with the need for secondary side feedback control, as well as the associated optocoupler and …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

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Santarus and VeroScience Announce Publication of AACE Expert Panel Recommendations for CYCLOSET® (br

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Santarus and VeroScience Announce Publication of AACE Expert Panel Recommendations for CYCLOSET ® (bromocriptine mesylate) for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Experts conclude that favorable cardiovascular profile of CYCLOSET suggests it may be useful in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes with significant risk factors or history of cardiovascular disease

SAN DIEGO & TIVERTON, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Santarus, Inc. (NAS: SNTS) and VeroScience, LLC today announced publication of a review article and recommendations of an American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) expert panel on the role of bromocriptine-QR in the management of type 2 diabetes. The panel concluded that treatment with CYCLOSET® (bromocriptine mesylate), also referred to as bromocriptine-QR, may be useful in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes, both early and late in the life cycle of the disease, and especially for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease or who have significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The article, titled The Role of Bromocriptine-QR in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Expert Panel Recommendations will appear in print form in the January/February issue of Endocrine Practice, a peer-reviewed medical journal published by AACE, and can be found in the online edition of the journal at http://aace.metapress.com/home/main.mpx.

The expert panel also made the following observations and recommendations:

  • CYCLOSET has a novel mechanism of action that appears to involve enhancement of morning central nervous system dopaminergic activity, which is reduced in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. This improvement can potentially lead to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced hepatic glucose output.
  • Adjunctive administration of CYCLOSET in the dosing range of 1.6 mg/day to 4.8 mg/day may result in a mean reduction in A1c levels of 0.69% (95% Confidence Interval: 0.97%, 0.41%).
    • A 24-week completer analysis performed among efficacy subgroups of patients from the CYCLOSET safety study stratified based on the patient’s baseline A1c levels (≥7.5 to <8.0 versus 8.0 to 8.5 versus ≥8.5).(Vinik et al, Endo. Practice Vol18, p 931-943, 2012) yielded the following results: in the subgroup treated with metformin (with or without another oral hypoglycemic agent), treatment with bromocriptine-QR was associated with a significantly higher proportion of subjects achieving a Week 24 A1c level ≤7 compared with placebo when baseline A1c levels were ≥7.5 to <8.0 or 8.0 to 8.5 (47% versus 4% and 42% versus 6%, respectively). In the subgroup treated …read more
      Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance
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Restaurants Stage One-Day Credit Card Boycott — WIth a Twist

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By Matt Brownell

Credit card boycott at restauraunts

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Twenty restaurants and cafes in the Boston and Washington, D.C., areas staged a one-day credit card boycott on Tuesday, refusing to accept credit or debit cards from customers.

The boycott was targeted at interchange fees charged by card issuers every time they swipe a customer’s card. Those fees — which are capped at 21 cents per transaction on debit cards and tend to be around 2 percent to 4 percent on credit cards — have been a source of conflict between merchants and banks for years.

But this boycott wasn’t an organic grassroots movement by a coalition of angry merchants. Rather, it was organized by mobile payment processor LevelUp, and customers had the choice of using either cash or the LevelUp app to pay for their meals.

The app lets consumers link a credit card or debit card with the free smartphone app, which displays a QR code that can be scanned at the point of sale. Merchants using it are charged a 2 percent transaction fee, which is on the low end of normal credit card fees.

But the real advantage is that merchants can get rid of the transaction fee altogether if they instead opt to pay for LevelUp’s suite of advertising and loyalty programs, which make use of payment data gathered by the app. For instance, restaurants can offer discounts to customers using the app at their establishment for the first time, or give an automatic discount to customers who come in for a meal when it’s raining out.

So it’s not hard to see why merchants would want to use the system — it allows them to take money they’d normally hand over to the bank, and instead put it toward customer retention and promotions.

But we’re not sure about this credit card boycott, which the company framed as a “Credit Card Diet.” We’d certainly be pretty miffed to discover that our usual lunch spot had suddenly made it harder to pay for a sandwich just so that it could engage in a publicity stunt for a mobile payment processor.

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This boycott was just the latest instance of consumers getting caught in the swipe-fee crossfire. Merchants recently won a court ruling allowing them to pass along credit card fees to consumers, though most insist they won’t take advantage of this right. And when the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law capped debit card fees back in 2011, many banks implemented new checking account fees to make up for the loss of income.

As for Tuesday’s proceedings, LevelUp CEO Seth Priebatsch conceded that a small minority of customers walked out after being told that they couldn’t use their credit card. But he explained that LevelUp took precautions to make sure that restaurants completely alienate their customers.

“We had a street team member at all of the …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance