With the commonality of credit cards, debit cards, and emerging forms of mobile payments, retail locations, restaurants, and other sellers have had to change systems to accommodate the shift from paper based currency to digital formats. The point-of-sale (POS) terminal is a hardware device that is a standard in the retail industry, enabling the processing of card and mobile payments with embedded software. As POS terminals are commonplace in many industries for the means of conducting transactions, it can be useful to understand their functionalities and capabilities.
 
When purchasing an item in a store with a credit card, a typical POS terminal will first read the magnetic strip of the card so that it can gain information and access a bank account. When funds are checked and are determined to be sufficient, the funds are automatically transferred between the customer’s and seller’s accounts. After the payment has been made, the transaction is recorded and a receipt may either be printed, emailed, or texted to the customer based on the system and preferences. While simplistic seeming, such devices have revolutionized how stores across the globe conduct transactions, enabling an ease of sale and transfers.
 
If there is a need for POS terminals or POS terminal accessories, one may either choose to purchase a terminal or lease one. While purchasing a terminal comes with more upfront costs, leasing one can eventually run a higher price over long periods of time. Currently, there is also a major trend of moving away from conventional hardware to software based systems that may be operated on either a mobile device or tablet. This is in addition to the portable and mobile POS devices currently being manufactured by terminal producers, allowing for more flexibility in transactions.
 
The mobility of payments is one trend that a number businesses are attempting to take advantage of, due to the fact that many customers do not like to have to wait to pay for something. As such, mobility and user-friendliness is very beneficial for a POS terminal to ensure that transactions may be made with ease. As emerging mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay and Samsung Pay continue to become more widespread and adopted, newer POS terminals have been designed to accept such payment methods to increase inclusiveness.
 
Beyond the ability to read credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments for transferring funds, a number of POS terminals will also provide other various features to increase the capabilities of such systems. As many people still pay with cash, stores will often have POS systems that have a cash drawer for making change and storing funds. In order for products to be read in the first place for specific types of transactions, it can also be useful to have terminals with barcode scanners. For the means of transparency and so that customers may always be aware of what they owe, it is highly recommended that a seller uses a POS terminal that features a customer facing display. Lastly, receipt printers are also common for when paper based transaction records are desirable.
 
Whether you are in need of POS terminal parts or POS terminal accessories, ASAP IT Technology has you covered with products from top manufacturers such as Panasonic, Bematech, Tyco Electronics, NCR Corporation, and Elo Touch Solutions. As you pursue our massive inventory of items, you may request a quote for your comparisons at any time through the submission of an RFQ form. As our team members are readily available for customers 24/7x365, you may receive a response to your request in just 15 minutes or less. Give us a call or email today and see how we can help you fulfill all your operational needs with ease.

Audio and visual systems have greatly advanced over the years, and multiple technologies have come about for the transferring of such signals. An A/V device is one that utilizes audio/visual signals that are relayed from electronic equipment capable of generating an A/V output. A/V control panels or terminals can be found on numerous electronic equipment, including televisions, DVD and VHS recorders, and more.
 
When referring to the A/V source of an entertainment system or electronic appliance, one is referencing the various media storage or media creations devices that are being used to relay content to an output device. There are numerous A/V devices that may be considered a source, and common examples include Blu-ray players, digital TV A/V receivers, streaming devices, and much more. Many electronics with the ability to record video and audio with playback functionality can also be considered an A/V source, and these include camcorders, digital cameras, tablets, smart phones, and other such devices. With this general rule of what is considered a source, there are many equipment pieces and electronics that fall under such categorization.
 
In order for A/V signals to be used, one needs an A/V receiver. A/V receivers are devices that retrieve the audio and video signals from a source so that they may be relayed to an output. For instance, the A/V receiver may take audio and video signals from a Blu-ray player and send them to a television and speaker set so that the signals may be displayed or heard as necessary. Some equipment may also take advantage of A/V modulators, those of which may be used to convert an RF input into an A/V signal.
 
While A/V devices have long served home entertainment applications, they can also be highly beneficial for workplaces as well. As workplaces continue their shift towards digitalization, an increased reliance on A/V equipment has come about. Depending on the operations of a workplace and the role of their business, there may be numerous laptops, tablets, smartphones, video communication devices, and other such electronics used. To ensure that all of these devices can properly communicate and transfer A/V signals without frustration, it can be very beneficial to have A/V control panels.
 
With A/V control panels, workplaces can avoid the hassle of having missing or inoperable controls, tangled up cables, poor connection quality, and other issues that can detract from conducting operations. The A/V control panel serves as a central hub for managing systems, acting as the point where all equipment is connected. Additionally, A/V control panels make managing systems simple as one interface can be used for the control of all devices, rather than requiring manual operation of each. As there are professional and consumer-grade A/V control panels available for equipment management, it can be useful to compare the various specifications and capabilities of different models to find what is best for your particular needs.
 
When you are ready to begin sourcing the various A/V modulators, control panels, receivers, and other such equipment that you require for your operations, look no further than ASAP IT Solutions. As a leading online parts distributor, we can help you secure the items on your part list with competitive pricing and rapid lead-times. To ensure that customers only receive the best quality electronic components, we choose to source our items from top global manufacturers we trust, including those such as Steren Electronics, Db Research L.L.P, and Epson. Upon finding parts that you would like to purchase, you may request a quote for your comparisons through the submission of a request for quote form as provided on our website. Once we have reviewed your provided information, a member of our staff will quickly reach out to you with a personalized solution to your needs.

As work from home initiatives continue across the world for the safety of many workers, numerous individuals are facing work transitions that require more hardware in the home than one may be familiar with. From the use of multiple monitors to more robust networking hardware that may enable more productive and permanent solutions for at-home work, the amount of connections, peripherals, and cabling required for a home office may be stressful for someone who is not well versed in IT hardware. To make establishing optimal work from home stations easier, many individuals can take advantage of hardware equipment known as docking stations.
 
While some jobs may only require a notebook and headset to carry out most tasks, other positions may need multiple peripherals, monitors, and other hardware equipment to ensure that all tasks can be carried out efficiently. With each new hardware piece added to a station, more connections and cable management solutions are also needed. At some point, there may be no more ports or connection points provided on the computer itself. Docking stations serve to alleviate this issue and come in the form of a dock or hub that may facilitate the connection and organization of multiple power cords, USB cords, adapters, chargers, converters, and other hardware depending upon the design of the dock.
 
Depending on one’s needs and their position, there are a number of docking station types that one may take advantage of. Port replicators or hubs are a simplistic type that is similar in appearance to a power strip or surge protector, though they may feature a number of connection types outside of power outlets. Coming in numerous configurations, a port replicator may have electrical adaptors, audio jacks, peripheral connection points, display connectors, and more. Based on the number of connections and connection types one may need, such docking stations can range in price from cheap and simplistic hubs to pricier, advanced models.
 
A breakout dock is another variation of docking stations that replicates existing ports already present on the computer as well as may supply additional ports. In order for hardware to optimally function while connected to the breakout dock, many modern computers will provide a special connector that consolidates concealed trace signals so that more ports than present on the computer may be established. As laptops are often limited in the amount of ports that one may take advantage of, breakout ports are very beneficial.
 
OEM or proprietary docking stations are similar to breakout devices, and such equipment may utilize converters to provide multiple connections from one port. As such devices are often proprietary, they may be permanently installed to equipment and are often self-powered so that they can benefit notebooks. On the other hand, OEM docks regularly provide users with dual displays, a wired internet connection point, and various USB and audio connections.
 
For more diverse solutions, one may also turn to universal or third party dock equipment which may come in numerous configurations and types. Many non-OEM docks will be USB-C or Thunderbolt-3 based and will contain various converters for the facilitation of USB connections, audio devices, modems, memory cards, and more. If one has multiple devices that range in manufacturer, application, and/or connection type, universal docks are a popular choice to avoid complications in setting up a workstation.
 
Having a functional and well organized workstation is important for efficiency, and docking stations are a perfect solution for those needing more ports or connections. At ASAP IT Technology, we provide customers access to top quality docking stations and related components that have been sourced from manufacturers such as Viewsonic, Getac Technology, Kensington, and others. Peruse our expansive part catalogs and find top part numbers such as WA995UT ABA, USB3SDOCKHD, and 40A20170US all readily available for purchase through our website. To receive a competitive quote for your comparisons, fill out and submit an Instant RFQ form on our website and a dedicated account manager will reach out to you in 15 minutes or less, 24/7x365.

Saitek is a company that designs and manufactures consumer electronics. It was founded in 1979 by Eric Winkler, a Swiss technology expert. The company is best known for its PC gaming controllers, mice, keyboards, and analog flight controllers such as joysticks, throttles, and rudder pedals. The company is now owned and operated by Logitech, with the majority of Saitek products having been rebranded as Logitech G. In this blog, we will look at the respective histories of Saitek & Logitech, their merging, and their products.
 
Saitek was initially formed as a manufacturer of electronic chess games. However, by the 1990s, the company had distribution and design offices in the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, in addition to a factory in China. In 1994, the company acquired the Mephisto line of chess computers by Hegner & Glaser. The company eventually diversified into PC peripherals, focusing primarily on game controllers for flight simulation, driving, and first-person gaming. They have also expanded into peripherals with emphasis on input, connectivity, and multimedia. The company launched a high fidelity audio product line for PC & iPod. In 2007, the company was acquired by Mad Catz. Nine years later, the Saitek brand and its assets were acquired by Logitech.
 
Logitech, sometimes called simply Logi, is a Swiss-American manufacturer of computer peripherals and software. The company has headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland and Newark, California, in addition to offices throughout other parts of Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of input and interface devices for personal computers and other digital products, in addition to developing and marketing personal peripherals for PC navigations, video communication, collaboration, music, and smart homes.
 
The company was founded in 1981 in Palo Alto, California and saw immediate success, particularly at the turn of the 21st century. In 2001, Logitech acquired Labtec for $150 million dollars, expanding its range of computer peripheral products. The company continued to grow and expand throughout these years and eventually acquired Saitek in 2016, following a purchase from Mad Catz for $13 million.
 
Logitech, under both the Saitek and Logitech G brand names, produces a wide range of flight simulation equipment. For example, they produce pro flight controllers such as the Pro Flight Yoke System, Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant, and TPM System, as well as Pro Flight Panels including backlit information panels, multi panels, radio panels, switch panels, and instrument panels.  Additionally, the company designs and manufacturers a wide range of flight sticks. This includes the X-56 H.O.T.A.S. System, X-55 Rhino, and X-65F Flight Combat Control System. Other flight sticks include the Aviator and Cyborg F.L.Y. 9 for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles, as well as PC-exclusive products such as the Cyborg F.L.Y. 5, Cyborg 2000, Cyborg Evo, and ST290 Flight Stick. The company also provides rudder pedals, Pro Flight headsets, and simulation controllers based on real Cessna products.
 
Since Saitek and Logitech merged, they have proven to be a leader in flight simulation technologies. For a wide range of Saitek and Logitech items and much more, look no further than ASAP IT Technology. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, defense, electronics, industrial, and IT hardware markets. Our account managers are always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780. Let us show you why we consider ourselves the future of purchasing.

Cache memory is a high-performance, temporary server memory that offers faster and more efficient access to data than server RAM (random access memory). Cache memory is a critical part of every server, and therefore important to understand in order to ensure your system is well supported. In this blog, we will discuss cache memory and answer four common questions surrounding it: what is cache memory/what does it do, how does cache memory work, what are the types of cache memory, and how can you upgrade cache memory?
 
What is cache memory and what does it do?
 
Cache memory is essentially a smaller and faster version of RAM that contributes to the overall performance of your central processing unit (CPU). It is very small, in close proximity to the CPU, and is able to keep up with the high speeds of the CPU. Cache memory improves the efficiency of your CPU and prevents bottlenecks in your system by keeping the CPU busy to avoid wasted computation.
 
How does cache memory work?
 
Cache memory temporarily stores information, data, and programs that are frequently used by the CPU. When data is needed, the CPU automatically looks to the cache memory for faster data access. It turns to cache memory first because server RAM is both slower and further away from the CPU. When the CPU locates data in the cache memory, it is known as a cache hit. Cache hits enable the processor to quickly access data, improving the overall efficiency of the system. Because cache memory is smaller than RAM, the data is only stored temporarily and may not be there when the processor needs it. When the cache does not have the processor’s required data, it is known as a cache miss. In these cases, the CPU moves to the hard drive to access RAM.
 
What are the types of cache memory?
 
There are three main types of cache memory. They are known as levels and all have slightly different functions. Level 1 (L1) is the fastest type of cache memory as it is the smallest and closest to the processor. Level 2 (L2) has a higher capacity but a slower speed. L2 is located on the processor chip. Finally, Level 3 (L3) has the largest capacity and is located on the computer that uses the L2 cache. Because cache memory is so small and large quantities of memory are often needed, different levels of cache are necessary to ensure that the cache memory can handle the demand of data processing.
 
How can you upgrade cache memory?
 
It is not possible to upgrade your cache memory without first upgrading your CPU. There are two main brands of CPUs: AMD and Intel Corporation. Both offer different benefits and should not be considered interchangeable. The choice ultimately comes down to preference, similar to the choice between an Apple or Android smartphone. That said, AMD chips are usually cheaper, though Intel CPUs tend to offer more impressive graphics performance.
 
Whatever type of memory products you are in need of, be sure you are getting them from a trusted source. At ASAP IT Technology, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of parts for the aerospace, defense, civil aviation, industrial, electronics, and IT hardware markets. We have cache memory product part numbers such as NVCPEMWR001G110, AA0004001, 372538B21, and more, from top manufacturers including Nortel Networks, HP, and others. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.