Following is IBM's announcement of the marketing agreement with TLS. TLS has sufficient cash from IBM to last a while, though additional financing would be the prudent action to ensure no more liquidity issues. What I'm still waiting for is the BIG ORDER...
IBM Expands E-Business Offerings with Telepanel's New Millennium Plus Electronic Shelf Labels
Raleigh, N.C., Feb. 17, 2000 ... IBM announced today a four-year exclusive remarketing agreement with Telepanel Systems, Inc. (TSE:TLS and OTC:TLSXF), the leader in electronic shelf label (ESL) systems for retail stores. Under terms of the agreement, IBM becomes Telepanel's exclusive reseller, and IBM will continue to provide installation and integration services.
As the worldwide reseller of Telepanel's ESL products, IBM now delivers an even broader portfolio of in-store e-business solutions to its customers.
Beyond electronic price control, which improves accuracy and increases speed at the checkout, Telepanel's new Millennium PLUS ESL helps retailers transition their businesses into e-businesses. Retailers can now capture data -- feeding inventory control and improving Customer Relationship Management (CRM) from the shelf edge -- while reducing costs.
Shelf labels, in addition to guaranteeing 100 percent price accuracy and price per unit, provide consumers with details such as promotional information and consumer loyalty program rewards. Electronic shelf labels are an enabling technology that allow customers to make available inventory, replenishment and planogram data to their associates at the point where it is most needed, the shelf edge.
"Telepanel electronic shelf labels have helped us promote accurate pricing and excellent customer service in our stores," said Eric Dorne, director of customer support services, A&P. "We consider ESL's a valuable business tool, and are encouraged with the potential to expand to other markets."
Telepanel's new Millennium PLUS technology communicates by using wireless, low-frequency signals. Each unit acts independently, receiving data from a central location and automatically detecting changes. Particularly attractive is the ability of Telepanel ESL's to integrate with customers' existing in-store technology, including their POS and Radio Frequency based infrastructure.
"The new agreement cements a 7-year relationship, during which Telepanel's ESL product evolved into a leading, full-function e-business enabler," said Mark Quartermaine, director of marketing, retail store solutions, IBM. "This technology alliance enhances IBM's position as a leading supplier of e-business solutions to retail customers."
This alliance allows IBM to deliver ESL technology, integration services and consulting expertise at a new price point. Customers can now confidently adopt this retail solution in support of their e-business strategies.
Approximately two million Telepanel wireless display modules are presently installed and operating at premier supermarkets and warehouse chains throughout the United States, Canada, and in Europe.
IBM Retail Industry
IBM's Retail Industry provides retailers with consulting, focused on business transformation, IT strategy and planning, store operations improvement, and supply chain optimization; with services, such as outsourcing, managed operations, systems integration, and application development and design; with solutions; and with technology. |
