HP New Range of Retail Products and Solutions Enables Retailers to Improve Their Business Efficiencies

HP has recently introduced its latest comprehensive range of scalable products and solutions for retail businesses at Kuala Lumpur.These new products which include HP rp3000, rp5000 and rp5700 Point of Sale (POS) Solution ,HP Automated Invoice Processing Solution, HP Color LaserJet Dual Pack Black Print Cartridges and HP DesignJet Z6100 Printer Series claim to help retailers manage cost,maximize operational efficiencies and deliver superior shopping experience to their customers. In his speech Mr Yan Yoke Ping ,Country General Manager ,Imaging and Printing Group ,Hewlett-Packard (M) Sdn. Bhd. said HP provides retailers with solutions to help them to reduce costs,increase efficiency and accelerates business results so that they can focus on their customers.

HP rp3000 and rp5000 Point of Sale (POS) Solution :delivers true value for retailers by organizing their operations with an affordable dual function business PC and sophisticated point of sale system.Ideal for smaller retailers, it provides a flexible and open solution that can easily intergrate into any retailer's IT environment.HP's relationships with leading POS independent software vendors (ISVs) provide retailers with a holistic retail solution that can be customized based on retail business requirements. Powered by the energy effiicient Intel Atom processor, the flexible rp3000 POS is supported by leading POS ISVs such as Torex,MICROS-Retail and ESD Pty.Boasted with a steel hardened design and a HP 15-inch touchscreen LCD monitor the HP rp3000 POS system also features a dual PC and POS functionality ,keyboard equipped with magnetic stripe reader,thermal receipt printer,cash drawer,customer display pole,touchscreen monitor ,USB scanner,intergration tray and a wide selection of software applications from key POS ISV partners.The complete HP rp3000 POS system are available now with a retail price starts from RM8,000.

HP rp5700 POS's offers an exceptionally stable and highly-reliable PC for task-oriented and demanding business environments and offers optimal flexibility as either a point-of-sale solution or back offiice manager workstation. Its scalability makes it suitable for an extensive range of retailers-from the locally owned corner store to a national franchise with thousands of locations.The innovative HP rp5700 Point of Sale (POS) System features the reliability of Intel and Microsoft Windows technologies ,RAID support for dual SATA hard drives up to 250 gigabytes.Furthermore,the HP rp5700 has also been updated with more flexible features such as two half-height slots for PCI-E and optional dual monitor capability,two full-height PCI slots and two front and four back USB ports standard.The complete HP rp5700 POS system with HP15-inch touchscreen LCD monitor ,cash drawer ,USB barcode scanner,keyboard and USB receipt printer are now available with retial price starts from RM9,000.Mr Danny Lee,Country General Manager ,Personal Systems Group,Hewlett-Packard (M) Sdn Bhd said "the new rp5700 POS system offers a worry-free solution of a POS device,combined with the industry-standard flexibility and cost-efficiencies only a PC company of HP's scale can deliver".

HP Automated Invoice Processing Solution :provides increased control over the invoice workflow to facilitate more rigourous records management and compliance ,accelerated invoice payment process for spending visibility and improved invoice reconciliation through automated business-rule driven processes.HP Color LaserJet Dual Pack Black Print Cartridges offer black and white printing at the same affordable price as HP's monochrome LaserJets.

HP Designjet Z6100 Printer Series offer do-it-yourself marketing solutions and affordable design services to impress their customers with fast,customized promotions and marketing collaterals. The HP Z6100 series are able to provide a variety of professional high-impact prints and photos which include large format posters ,exhibition graphics ,point-of-purchase displays as well as short-term outdoor signage without the need to outsource.Using the powerful HP xw4550 Workstation and the HP DreamColor LP2480zx Display enable the retailers to easily create material using rich graphics capabilities in the world's first affordable color-critical 24-inch display that provides a range of more than 1 billion colors.

In addition HP new range of retail solutions also feature comprehensive security and management systems HP Backup and Recovery Manager,HP ProtectTools Security Software Suite ,Physicalsecurity options which help to mitigate risks and inefficiencies that can impact customer service and retail competitiveness and profitability while HP's Client Management Solutions provides solutions for retailers deploying and managing multiple technology assets in one store or across thousands.

Leapfroglobal Group Sees Strong Growth in Global Market and Made Inroute into other Market Segments

Leapfroglobal Group has successfully launched several new Personal IT Earphones and Home Audio and Computer speakers for its respective Global Market Segments.Since its entry into the global market in 2006 Leapfrog’s Multimedia range of products has gained international recognition throughout its active distribution and participation in international shows such as Cebit Germany, Computex Taipei, IFA Germany, GITEX Dubai, etc.,A total of more than RM1 million has been invested in the global marketing and this resulted an overwhelming number of responses from all over the world.Leapfroglobal’s is expecting a continuous growth with the emergence of many new innovative products as the major contributing factors.

Leapfroglobal most outstanding new releases include the awesome Sonic Array 2000:Single Line Array 5.1 Home Theatre System designed with MaxxBass and Maxxsurround technology to provide powerful,room-shaking bass and immersive concert hall-like surround sound with an affordable price.

In contrast with the big and mighty Sonic Array is the tiny, nifty EarPump which packed with Clarity and Power that resemble to products costing 5‐10times more, the EarPump hops away from its competition, dressed in 9 fancy iPod colours and a matching carryingcase

SonicSpace Digital Audio which consists of SonicSpace DA100, DA500 and DA700e are SonicGear’s first entry into the World of Consumer Electronics. In the tradition of SonicGear, these devices are designed to match some of the best in the market while offering the consumer great value. Of course the“Trust Your Ears” audio quality is built into all SonicGear devices including the SonicSpace DA Series.

SonicGear EGO series-Ego 8T(the first touch-screen control speaker), Ego 7 ,Ego 3nity comes in a brand new acrylic front panels and fusion (Multimedia and Home Audio) design.

SonicGear Tatoo’s Duo Driver series namely Tatoo Duo 2 and Tatoo Duo 3 pack a real punch with double‐woofers.

Meanwhile,SonicGear Momento series-M2 and M3 are built not just with great balance audio but also poise and elegance to match your worktop.

Leapfroglobal's flagship SonicGear Multimedia Speakers are actively distributed in Asia,Europe and the Middle East (e.g. United Arab Emirates, Iran, Spain, Serbia, Philippines,South Africa, UK, Oman, Ukraine), with new distributors adding to our list each month.

Dragon-i Acquired "SAP Business One Solution" Through ObTech to Improve Management of Restaurants

ObTech Asia Pasific Sn Bhd (ObTech ) has been awarded a RM500,000 contract by Dragon-i Restaurant Sdn Bhd (Dragon-i) to implement the SAP Business One solution in their growing chain of Shanghainese and Hong Kong restaurants.At present to launch the event were Mr Henry Yip Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dragon-i Restaurant Sdn Bhd, Mr Michael Lim Group Chief Operating Officer,ObTech Asia Pacific ,Mr Tan Hun Yang, SAP Channel Manager SAP Sdn Bhd and Mr Jeffrey Doss, General Manager , ObTech Asia Pacific.The system will be implemented on all ten (10) Dragon-i & Canton-i restaurants in Malaysia by 2009 and upon its completion, Dragon-i will be able to improve their control on purchases and usage of ingredients which in return will control the cost more effectively.It also will enable all the outlets transactions to be connected simultaneously via the Portal .Furthermore the SAP Business One solution provided by ObTech will give Dragon-i management a unified view of operations across sales , finance , purchasing and inventory in all their operational outlets. Inter-company transactions will be captured immediately,document flows will be seamless while payments will be centralized when the solution is fully implemented by end December 2008.The centralized purchasing and payment system will enable management to monitor and purchase orders and costs with just one click,in real time.Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony at Dragon-i's flagship outlet in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur ,Mr Michael Lim ,Group Chief Operation Officer of ObTech Asia Pasific said, "Having implemented various customized ERP solutions for the manufacturing sector and other SMEs , we have seen how other verticals have benefited from such systems.We are delighted that such a forward-looking F&B is partnering ObTech in taking this bold step in turning towards IT to improve their business and fast track growth". We are confident that SAP Business One will deliver results for Dragon-i and improve business productivity of Dragon-i throughout its entire operations,"Lim added.

Meanwhile ,Mr Henry Yip ,CEO of Dragon-i Restaurant Sdn Bhd. said "Dragon-i aims to be the best restaurant operator on the F&B industry by maintaining the highest quality in food and service with passion ,commitment and creativity.To achieve this , we need a partner who understands us and who is able to provide us with solutions that are scalable and can grow with us as we expand.We wanted a solution that will improve workflow and ease the work of our staff.Of all the four companies who tendered for this ,we found ObTech's proposed solution to suit our fast-paced F&B business the best.ObTech has demonstrated that this software is an overall solution that is easy-to-use ,fast and highly efficient.Dragon-i staffs throughout our chain of 10 restaurants can easily manage the system with minimum training.What this means to our customers is that the ingredients used to prepare the food are fresher while prices are still maintained.I believe this is important to customers today as the price of everything is escalating but we are maintaining our standards and prices.The success of Dragon-i is based on the simple business philosophy of quality and consistency at the right price.He added "With the SAP Business One solution , we are able to keep close record of supplies authentic yet affordable cuisine fron regions of China and intend to keep this promise to our customers. We believe that instead of the easy way out of passing on costs to our customers, increasing our effciency and productivity to new levels is the best way to mitigate the effects of inflation.The SAP Business One solution intergrates seamlessly into existing office systems and can be easily adapted to Microsoft Office products such as Word ,Excel and Outlook lowering total cost of ownership.The solution is powered by the SAP system on the IBM hardware.

A Huge Turn-Up At Sony PS3 First Appearance In Malaysia

Sony Malaysia, appointed by Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited (SCEH), has launched the much awaited PLATSTATION 3 (PS3) at New Wing ,One Utama Shopping Centre,Petaling Jaya on 20th September 2008 .The PS3 launch marked the arrival of the new PS3 game console with 80GB HDD.Gracing the adrenaline pumping launch were Mr Tetsuhiko Yasuda, Corporate Executive of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.,Mr Naoi Sudo Managing Director of Sony (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd , Mr Taku Taguchi, General Manager of Product Marketing Division, Sony Malaysia ,Mr. Keiichiro Kondo, Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited ,Mr. Pradeep K. Tewani, Managing Director of UPTRON (PTE) LTD and Mr Patrick So of One Utama Shopping Centre.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Naoi Sudo, Managing Director of Sony Malaysia Sendirian Berhad said “The launch of the new PS3 coincides with Sony’s aim in providing full high-definition entertainment to every home”.He added "The PS3 is more than just videogame console,it is also a complete entertainment system with Blu-Ray playback and intergrated WIFI connectivity to surf the web from your living room".

Sony Computer Entertainment Asia President, Mr Tetsuhiko Yasuda said ” the timing of PS3 launch in Malaysia was good as the market for high-definition products and broadband infrastructure to support the PS3 system is growing at a rapid pace in Malaysia”.

According Mr Taku Taguchi, General Manager of Product Marketing Division Sony Malaysia "The new generation PS3 will offers all Malaysian gamers a total enjoyment with its vast range of over 200 games title available on the shelf not to mention the multi function entertainment features, due to its Blu-Ray player capability, Cell Broadband Engine, DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller, HDMI output, and WiFi connectivity to surf internet”.

During the Sony PS3 launch, three lucky videogame enthusiasts - Joey Lim Chee Yee ,James Chong and Ean J.Chan were awarded with RM1,000 cash vouchers each when the became the first three customers to buy the Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) and the first 120 early birds who purchased the special launch package also walked away with cash voucher worth from RM150 to RM1000

In addition to the excitement ,the Malaysia's first PS3 game challenge marathon -Longest Video Game Marathon", which was kicked off the day before the offcial launch on the 19th September 2008 at 10 am until the 10 am of 20th September 2008 has also set a record in the history of Malaysian Book of Records as the longest video game challenge ever held in the country to date.

The PS3 with 80GB version is available now in Malaysia for RM 1,599 at all Sony Style outlets and slelcted Sony Centre outlets. Sony Malaysia Sendirian Berhad and UPTRON (PTE) LTD will be the official joint distributor for Sony Playstation 3 in Malaysia.For further information kindly log on to http://www.sony.com.my/

EURO Signs RM150 Million Contract With India's Giant Furniture Distributor

EURO Space Industries (M) Sdn Bhd ,the leading office furniture manufacturer in South East Asia and a wholly owned subsidiary of Euro Holdings Berhad ("EURO") has recently signed a supply contract with One Office ,an affliate of Seating World, one of the fastest growing furniture distributuion groups in India.The agreement was signed by Mr Lew Fatt Sin ,Managing Director of EURO and Mr Rajesh K Manghnani ,Managing Director Minister of One Office ,witnessed by Y.B Datuk Liew Vui Keong ,Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry ,who also offciated the launch on behalf of Y.B Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin ,Minister of International Trade and Industry ,Malaysia.

Under the terms of the supply contract, Euro will supply its full range of office furniture systems including workstations, office seating, storages and other office peripherals worth USD44.5 million or approximately RM150 million over the next 5 years and One Office will exlusively carry only 'EURO' brand of office furniture systems.The contract signing ceremony is said to be in line with EURO Group's plans to expand its brand pressence in India which currently contributes over 25% of its overall group's turnover. EURO's turnover for financial year 2007 is extimated to be over RM120 million and besides India EURO also exports its products to 53 countries worldwide. Meanwhile EURO's counterpart in India known as Seating World Group was established 11 years ago by a group of professionals and has a longstanding business relationship with EURO Group is currently servicing both multinationals and reputable Indian companies from various industries including Telecommunications ,IT, Pharmaceutical, Call&Data Processing Centres etc.

In conjunction with the signing event ,Y.B Datuk Liew also launched EURO's latest system named "Lighthouse" on behalf of Y.B Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin .This product is yet another innovative creation by the EURO Group.'Lighthouse" is specially designed for small office spaces as it is light in weight and slim in size.This newly launched spaces product will be showcased at the upcoming Orgatech exhibition in Koln,Germany in October 2008."Lighthouse" will be made available to both the local and overseas market by the fourth quarter of 2008.For more information please visit http://www.eurochairs.com/

EON BANK and ePETROL Launch The ePetrol MyKad Payment Service

EON Bank and ePetrol Holding Sdn Bhd has jointly launched the "ePetrol MyKad Payments" Service at Kuala Lumpur recently.This unique and new cashless payment service allows all Malaysians to purchase fuel at selected petrol stations by using their national identity card or MyKad .The ePetrol MyKad not only offers safe ,fast and secure way to purchase fuel and eliminates the use of bulky notes but it also complements credit and charge cards schemes.
EON Bank which has joint-up with ePetrol's as their first partner in this venture will provides its new and existing EON Bank account holders ,a simple registration procedure that will allow them for full access of the MyKad cashless payment scheme.

Present to officiate the launch were Assistant Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia-Puan Nor Shamsiah binti Mohd Yunus and witnessed by Mr Albert Lau -Group CEO of EON Bank, Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussin -Chairman of ePetrol Holding Sdn Bhd at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

In his speech Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain, Chairman of the ePetrol Group thanks ePetrol's pioneering effort for the MyKad which hitherto has mostly been used for identification purposes can now for a start be used by all Malaysians of all income groups to purchase fuel". In the near future .We hope that the MyKad using our payments solution will also be used by Malaysians to purchase a host of other goods and services nationwide", he added.The move by ePetrol to promote the use of the MyKad as a payment instrument is also significant as it is in line with Bank Negara's efforts to promote cashless payments throughout the country. In addition ,this paves the way for other financial instituitions in the country to ride on ePetrol's new MyKad payment solution and save substantially on any investment costs that may be incurred by them in developing and maintaining their own payment schemes .

Meanwhile,Group CEO of EON Bank Mr Albert Lau said ,"EON Bank has chosen to participate in this MyKad venture with ePetrol because we see their innovation as groundbreaking, convenient,secure and broadly acceptable to all Malaysians and financial partners". In conjunction with the joint launch today , a two-month pilot programme will be conducted whereby 250 EON Bank customers will register and use their MyKad to pay for fuel purchases at designated BHPetrol ,Caltex and Dialog-owned petrol stations in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.