Panasonic POS Workstations Integrate Givex Gift Card Programs.

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ELGIN, IL, April 26 /PRNewswire/ - The newly issued ten dollar bill may be the source for some raised eyebrows, but there seems to be no similar reaction to the other new currency in the marketplace - the gift card. No longer confined to the holiday season, gift cards, also known as stored value cards, are being used by consumers throughout the year at places such as gas stations and quick service restaurants (QSRs), in addition to department stores.

In keeping with the growing popularity of these gift cards, the Information Systems Group of Panasonic System Solutions Company, has announced the compatibility and integration of its POS workstations with the Givex Gift Card Programs.

"Givex is a leader in the gift card industry and offers one of the most comprehensive and fully-developed systems available," said Doyle Ledford, Director, Information Systems. "Our proven POS workstations complemented by Givex Gift Card Programs offer QSR franchisees and independent owner/operators the ability to take advantage of a fast growing trend within the industry."

Givex Gift Card Programs can now be implemented on Panasonic POS workstation models 5500, 7750 and 7800, as well as the JS930 and 7900 systems. Gift card services include: card activation, redemption and increment, cancel and balance inquiry. In addition to real-time transaction processing, Givex's support services are available to Panasonic POS workstation users 24/7 and include on-line reporting, program administration, card marketing, card production and more.

"Panasonic is well established within the QSR industry on a global basis because they have remained ahead of the technology curve in POS workstation functionality for over a quarter century," said Les Hoffman, VP Channel Development, Givex. "The addition of Givex Gift Card Programs is another example of how Panasonic continually presents its loyal customer base with opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiencies."

Panasonic POS workstation users can share gift card data from individual locations with their corporate office using Panasonic's System Manager Pro (SMP) Software Suite, a powerful communications tool for consolidated management of purpose-built Panasonic POS systems. SMP's real-time, enterprise- wide reporting function allows any QSR franchise location to accept the gift cards for payment because transaction balances are always current.

"Panasonic developed the interface for the SMP platform with capabilities including the ability to accept transactions (redeem, activate or add), recognize them as Givex, and determine where and how to send the gift card data," said Ledford. "Givex gift card enabled POS workstations from Panasonic feature touch screens, which make integration and operation much easier."

Panasonic Corporate System Manager Pro (CSMP) above store management software incorporates state-of-the-art communication capabilities, comprehensive data editing capabilities and a Web-based option for editing menu items, prices, coupons, and tax files. Designed to take advantage of the familiarity and use of the Internet, CSMP provides the ability to generate various reports such as time and attendance, review financials, and monitor inventory anywhere, any time.

"Gift cards are a great way to increase store revenue without adding overhead," noted Ledford. "Panasonic's expertise in developing and enhancing POS solutions can help QSRs take advantage of industry trends like gift card promotions without any disruption to the operation."

For more information call Panasonic at 1-800-532-1772, email possales@us.panasonic.com or visit www.panasonic.com/POS.

About Givex

Givex is a global provider of powerful card management technologies. Our focus is to deliver excellent customer acquisition and retention tools that optimize revenue for our partners. Our experience, reliability and commitment to building long term partner relationships, has helped establish Givex as an industry leader in North America and Europe. For more information please visit www.givex.com.

About Panasonic

Panasonic System Solutions Company, Unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, is a leading supplier of point of sale systems technology. With 25 years of experience in the industry, Panasonic has an established reputation as an innovator and supplier of reliable systems for quick-service and high volume restaurant applications. Panasonic also applies its renowned reputation in audio systems to provide the hospitality industry with the latest innovations in wireless communication systems. Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC - News) of Japan, and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

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