Micros Hand Held Wireless 2

[jd11111]

We're researching options for PCI compliant wireless installations and hand held devices that will run Micros. We know about the Symbol devices that are certified to work with Micros, but does anyone use another device they would suggest?

Also, has anyone had Micros install their wireless network? If so, how well does it work?

 

[DrZogg]

Hi,

The hardware device depends on the RES version. RES 4 cant use PPT8000, Early RES4 uses PPT8800's. MC50, MC55 then moves up to MC70s.
Anyway, heres a doc that will explain most of it. If you have a version specific question ask away. I have HEX & CAB files for loading to these if you need them.

 

[DrZogg]

Hi,
Yes I have installed Micros on a lot of networks. It does work well, but need to keep the design of the screens in mind. You need a ViewCheck type screen to just view the order for example. It saves time in the waiters dont need to walk somewhere to enter the order (shortens order expedite times), and in some operations they runners to run drinks & meals to the tables. As with a workstation they have a default check printer. Places using Cash Management can still use these and use fanny bags to hold cash, but the users login must be set for SERVER BANKING. (si it will be a different user to when they are on a wrokstation).
They prefer Symbol/ Motorola access points (which are good with POE for the aerials) but realistically any access point can be configured. USe WPA encryption.
If you have any specific questions fire away.

 

[TobeThor]

WPA? I thought WPA was not PCI compliant.

 

[DrZogg]

WEP can be cracked because the key is included in the signal. WPA is what we use, and thats purely for the signal. You usually then deny access based on MAC address. The WPA is just so the signal between device & access point is encrypted. If you really want to get into semantics, if you want to hack the data you go straight to the interface, as between Micros and the interface program all the data is pure text.(i.e between Micros and a PMS?). Quite funny really!!

 

[jd11111]

thanks for the replies. I have actually already completely configured tested micros screens and did a pilot with MC50 devices. We didn't like the way we did wireless security using a sonicwall to only accept connections from the MC50s configured using WPA. The devices often lost connection and the maintenance to keep them up didn't make sense.

What I'm looking for now is a more streamlined and easy to manage solution. I'm considering the Motorola access point from Micros and the MC55, but has anyone else had a good experience with another hand held device running micros as a win32 client?

 

[DrZogg]

Yeah, the best access points were the Symbol AP5131 and WS2000. The WS2000 has 4 POE ports for the aerials, and clam shell aerials which each have a range of 200m. They are fine to go outside. I did a hotel in Fiji and we set these up in coconut trees and got coverage over 1km of beach.

 

[jd11111]

thanks again -
do you suggest using the MC55 or a 3rd party device?

 

[DrZogg]

Hi,
I really do recommend the MC55. (It has a barcode reader on the end if you want to use for inventory also, and can get card reader for the bottom of the unit. Good size screen, really robust
The MC50 is a bit liteweight.
The MC70 is also an option but I have not set one up in the flesh.

If you are really concerned about signal strength / performance, many sites are setup as open and control access through MAC address. The data is sent as small chunks that are encrypted inside its own packages, and not really contain anything useable by anyone I dont think.

 

[clarkcm253]

I have successfully deployed the RES3700 4.1 Handheld in a fine dining environment with full functionality. I used an isolated network with WPA that only allowed VPN connections through the gateway. Once VPN was established the Micros CAL could communicate to the server. I was able to use a micros tool to decrypt the screen configurations for use on custom screen sizes and devices. Search my handle to contact me directly if you would like more information.

 

[DrZogg]

Touchscreen layouts are not encrypted, but sitting there as an INI file and are pixel based (you know x-y). Did you know you can make a WS touchscreen split into both touchscreen & a KDS split screen?

 

[DrZogg]

You are right, it was encrypted. OPSDisplaySys.cfg. If you compare the layouts in it you use the same when coding for ISL DisplayIslTs functions. You would go here if you wanted to create a screen layout for any non standard screen layout, conceptually you could deliver through any devise running WinCE here

 

[llcj]

Do you have to buy seperate license for handheld? If I want to disable one stand alone terminal and use that on hand held is it possible?

Also any one know how much is the hand held license?

Thx. A lot

 

[DrZogg]

Its a different code for a HHT. Run LICMANAGER in the command line and see

 

[clarkcm253]

If you have maintenance contracts you'll want to discuss the impact of adding terminals to the site with your micros dealer.

Micros has a tiered structure based on number of terminals in the system and it includes HHT's. I think above 9 puts you in a new level and the prices go up.

 

[Symtech01]

I have Micros operating on an Apple Ipad. It doesn't store any information and it uses wireless WPA2.

See pic. PM if you want to get more information.

 

[DrZogg]

Now thats cool! Is it really running or are you fooling me with VNC?

 

[jd11111]

yes, Symtech01 - do tell how you did it. Is it VNC?

 

[DrZogg]

VMWare could be another possibility, install a Win32 client onto VMware (licensed etc & networked) and then run it full screen.

 

[Symtech01]

We have deployed three of the Ipad solutions so far with much success.
Yes, its remote desktop to a virtual machine. This insures that the information never leaves the BOH and PCI compliance is retained on the BOH machines as the CC data is never transmitted over the air. I'm running the VM in a VMware cluster (overkill) but you can definitely run this on Virtual PC (FREE) and VirtualBox (Also Free). I did have to buy the WS licenses as it is another workstation talking to the database.

I recommend jailbreaking the Ipad if you're going to do this. At least in my case, the first time I deployed it, the servers were using the ipad for other things. Jailbreaking gives you the ability to run an app called Incarer and lock down all the other Ipad features (IE:Safari, Itunes, Appstore).

As far as printing goes, we have a couple ip based printers from Micros. I'm working on the mag reader option now. Currently, CC payments are done at another terminal unless the server keys it in (Rarely).

The reason we went with the Ipad was the low cost and reduced complexity (and the occasional awe). We have two MC55s ($3K each) and they are not easy to work with. I'm trying to get the mag reader to work and its temperamental at best. If anyone out there knows anything about the these handhelds and the mag reader, please PM me or chime in.