Microsoft is excited to announce the launch of POSReady 2009, the next generation of Windows Embedded point-of-sale service solutions. Following its release to manufacturing in December 2008, Microsoft kicked off the product’s global launch at the 98th annual NRF Convention and Expo January 11-14, 2009 in New York, NY.
POS technology is evolving to cater to tech savvy customers who lead fast-paced lives. Retailers are now depending on technology to execute point-of-service sales with efficiency and security. We seem to be living in a time where less is more – less time spent at the checkout line is more time available for whatever comes next. As a result, the technology needed to provide simplicity and convenience will become more and more advanced.
Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 is the most sophisticated technology available to retailers who thrive on the belief that more is more – more security and more convenience mean more satisfied customers. More satisfied customers mean more money. The cycle of business development now relies heavily on the technology used to govern business procedures.
As the newest addition to Microsoft’s unique line of specialized operating systems, POSReady 2009 is very much about technology growth; however, the Windows Embedded team has created a product offering sensible customization for retailers with unique demands. This service-oriented technology empowers both the enterprise and the consumer to stay connected in a time when technology is becoming a major part of human interaction.
Many retailers are already familiar with Windows Embedded for Point of Service and Windows Embedded Standard. POSReady 2009 takes that technology to the next level, introducing breakthrough components and features that make point-of-service transactions all about customized service.
Keeping in line with Microsoft’s drive to engage product users and educate engineers worldwide, POSReady training will empower retailers to achieve their business goals using a ready-to install operating system for unique POS solutions. With built-in networking capabilities and Unified POS (UPOS) Standards, POSReady 2009 is designed for custom solutions, seamlessly connecting with peripherals, servers and services. Now retailers can feel comfortable controlling an entire POS system from a single remote location as functionality is streamlined in real-time according to custom programming.
POSReady reduces costs and increases security by customizing the operating system to use only the necessary components required for a POS solution. The add/remove feature enables the retailer to build their own dependable and unique system. More than just the product itself, users are given confidence in Windows’ ever-growing standards of reliability, familiarity, manageability and ongoing service — comforts that retailers demand to pay forward to their valued customers on a daily basis. Now they can.
POSReady features new support for security updates, including Windows XP Service Pack 3, a collection of all previous updates and select new updates for the operating system. This particular operating system also offers continued support for IE hardening, Windows Firewall, Group Policy, and File Based Write Filter.
Making the transition for users as convenient as possible, POSReady is compatible with a wide range of other applications, supporting .NET Framework 3.5, IE7, WMP11, SQL Express, and Office. Furthermore, POSReady solutions that require multiple users in business ecosystems will receive support from applications like SCCM/SCOM, Powershell, Forefront, Steady State, Defender, and Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Based on the Windows XP SP3 driver set, user systems require a minimum 64 MB RAM and a minimum hard-disk space of 512 MB. POSReady is easily installed via CD/DVD, USB, Hard Drive and/or USB Hard Drive. The hardware also supports third-party mass storage drivers with the integrated convenience of features like on-screen keyboard login. Also included in WEPOS as a supplemental release to Windows XP Pro and Vista, is POS for .NET, a class library based on .NET Framework and UPOS that allows for plug-and-play of retail peripherals.
With users who operate worldwide, Windows platforms feature regional settings and a diverse collection of language options. Not only does POSReady support basic, complex script and East Asian languages, but it offers a multilingual user interface pack that supports 32 languages. Additionally, the OS provides documentation in nine languages and offers a Japanese font set.
Microsoft continues to raise the bar for the development of intelligent, user friendly technology and its corporate citizenship is a testament to its dedication to serving the community. With an invaluable team of experts in all arenas of technology, Microsoft is committed to providing ongoing support while deploying minds and resources to better serve its users.
As with all Windows Embedded Platforms, POSReady 2009 is accompanied by a product support lifecycle, providing customers with the safety and comfort technology requires in today’s business environment. Mainstream support for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 runs from 2009 through 2013 with extended support lasting through 2018. The technology’s predecessor, Windows Embedded for Point of Service, remains in mainstream support through 2010 with extended support through 2015.
To learn more about POSReady 2009, Microsoft invites you to attend a one-hour webinar highlighting the capabilities and benefits of this unique operating system.
This article was featured in the February 2009 issue of Systems inDesign. Click here to read the entire issue.
