LONDON — Microsoft and Samsung have announced that the companies will be present at KioskCom Self Service Expo Europe and the Digital Signage Show Europe. The show will be held for the third time in the UK in October, with a focus on the retail technology and interactive marketing sectors.

Joining Microsoft and Samsung on the exhibitor list are the likes of 3M, Cammax, Protouch, Dicoll, Box Technologies, Ritall, Verifone, GWD Media, YesPay, Rafi, St. Clair and Star Micronics, among others.

“With the announcement that both Microsoft and Samsung are exhibiting at Self Service Expo, we can safely say that both the way we shop and the way the advertisers want us to shop is set for a revolution,” said Phil Hunter, managing director, KioskCom Ltd.

Digital signage software vendor 3M Digital Signage has launched its first official partner programme since it entered the UK market in April (CRN, 9 May).

Reseller MediaZest was appointed as 3M’s first UK channel partner in April. Since then the vendor has been working with eight or nine other VARs.

Simon Birkenhead, sales and marketing manager at 3M, told CRN: “We have worked with VARs on an informal basis and the launch of our Preferred Affiliate Programme (PAP) formalizes these relationships. I’m also keen to sign up new resellers, not in huge volumes though because we want expertise rather than numbers.

“Many of the organizations that want to incorporate 3M software into a digital signage solution are not able to provide the full service offering that customers require. Therefore, we have developed a three-tier approach for PAP that allows organizations of all capabilities to benefit from a relationship with 3M.”

3M’s Tier 1 Certified Value-Added Reseller is the highest level of VAR status reserved for organizations that are able to offer complete digital signage solutions. Tier 2 Reseller status is available to audiovisual and IT VARs, and system integrators that want to buy 3M Digital Signage products, but are unable to meet the requirements of Tier 1 status. Tier 3 Business Affiliates are organizations that can provide an element of the digital signage solution unrelated to technology, such as creative, design or media agencies.

Sean Reel, chief executive of MediaZest, said: “We are a kind of one-stop shop to retailers for digital signage solutions. The introduction of a formal partner programme from 3M is good news because clients want an integrated so lution. Being a partner of 3M means we can prove we have got the support and backup from a large organisation such as 3M, which reassures clients.”

ROANOKE, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 14, 2006–IntelliMats, LLC announces it has been certified by 3M Digital Signage to run 3M’s content management software on its on-floor digital mat displays.
According to IntelliMats Director of Manufacturing and Technology Dave Strickland, the alliance allows IntelliMats to provide its customers with a turnkey product: an engaging, full-color, on-floor video display with the content management software needed to control the messaging from any location.

“3M’s software gives our customers the ability to manage content (schedule play times, change for day parts, and track and provide reports) from a central location,” Strickland said. “This certification comes at a time when IntelliMat(R) continues to gain visibility in the marketplace.”

3M Digital Signage Director of Operations Dana Gosney verified 3M granted certification to IntelliMat(R) following extensive testing of the mat’s hardware performance.

“We look forward to working with IntelliMats to support their customers,” Gosney said. “3M software can help retailers improve business results by leveraging Intellimats’ unique technology to better promote products and brands within the retail environment where it really counts - at the point of decision.”

3M software enables changing messages easily and quickly on the mat’s LCD video displays. Retailers can target customers by demographics or day parts, highlight specific products and sales, or break away from marketing messages completely to display time-specific information important to consumers, such as missing child alerts or severe weather messages.

The IntelliMat(R) is a wireless computer embedded in a thin mat made of a lightweight thermoplastic alloy with four LCD screens, creating a 30-inch diagonal display with full multi-media capability. Translation: lots of color, motion and sound from a high quality video display–right at your feet, right in the store and right at the point of purchase decisions. The engaging video display can be seen clearly from more than 10 feet away.

“The IntelliMat(R) combines the best of digital wall signage and static floor advertising,” IntelliMats President and CEO Jim Currie said. “The mat lies on the floor, in the consumer’s natural line of vision, and easily provides information to influence buying decisions, by delivering a unique one-to-one communication in an individual’s ‘personal space.’ Because of its floor position, the IntelliMat(R) does not displace product on shelves - or force consumers to look up at TVs hanging from the ceiling.”

The IntelliMat(R) is the product of IntelliMats, LLC, a new company formed to manufacture, market and distribute the mats after extensive market research proved the mat was a powerful advertising tool. IntelliMats(R) have been successfully tested at the Sony Style Store in New York City, Kroger stores in Virginia and other retailers.

About IntelliMat(R)

IntelliMat(R) is a patented, portable dynamic floor display that delivers digital advertising and informational messages - at the point of decision. It provides consumers with valuable information in an engaging manner to influence buying decisions and to communicate important information. IntelliMat(R) provides a new source of recurring revenue through both the sale of in-store advertising and increased sales. In addition, because each IntelliMat(R) display is capable of becoming part of a network, it represents a new media network opportunity to reach consumers out of home. IntelliMat(R) is manufactured, marketed and distributed by IntelliMats, LLC. Currently, IntelliMats has 17 issued patents in U.S. and foreign countries and more than 70 patent applications pending worldwide. The company’s Web site is www.intellimat.com.

About 3M Digital Signage

3M Digital Signage is a full-service provider of active and interactive digital signage and interactive kiosks networked for retail, financial services, entertainment, education and other industries. The company’s products and services have powered thousands of digital signage locations nationwide. Applications range from single screen installations to over 4,200 interactive kiosks and large-screen displays controlled and monitored through a single network. The company is headquartered in Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Wa.