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| Microsoft and IBM to Collaborate on a Pre-Installed Windows Embedded-Based Point-of-Service Solution Microsoft is working with IBM to deliver a Windows Embedded-based "plug-and-play" solution to help make it faster and easier for retailers and hospitality organizations to deliver information and services to time-conscious, empowered, consumers. According to the two companies, Microsoft's Windows Embedded for Point of Service (WEPOS) operating system will come pre-loaded on IBM point-of-sale, self checkout and self-service kiosks offerings. The combined solution provides retailers and hospitality operators a simple, easy-to-manage point-of-service platform for empowering workers, and connecting consumers to products and information in a seamless, integrated retail environment. Microsoft Windows Embedded for Point of Service is a point-of-service operating system platform based on Microsoft Windows technologies optimized for the retail industry. It is the first point-of service operating system to provide "plug-and-play" functionality for retail device peripherals, with IBM being a leading retail vendor to offer Windows Embedded for Point of Service as a pre-installed option to its client. Windows Embedded for Point of Service is offered pre-installed on IBM AnyPlace Kiosk, Self-Checkout and SurePOS 700, 500 and 300 point-of-sale systems, IBM's premier open system hardware platforms for retail and hospitality industries. The Windows Embedded for Point of Sale operating system fully supports standard retail applications and device peripherals, and the solution includes an easy upgrade path to Windows XP for Embedded Systems or Vista for Embedded Systems. The pre-loaded IBM systems will have increased language support for 33 dialects, and support a number of industry standards such as Biometrics, Electronic Journal, Bill Acceptor, SmartCard and ClearInput. The retail-oriented offering will be pre-configured to support and easily connect to a broad range of retail applications and devices. Its standards-based framework and built-in networking capabilities enable fast development and delivery of new POS solutions. Microsoft has also announced strong growth of Windows Embedded in the retail market. According to a recent report published by IHL Group, a retail industry research firm, the total number of Windows Embedded Point of Service users in North American grew by 250 percent in 2007. In a second study with RIS News, IHL also found that 63 percent of retailers were seriously considering a Microsoft Windows Embedded operating system for their next POS purchase. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Computing News :: home page |