Windows 7 to be embedded on a range of devices

Microsoft has confirmed it is ready to take its Windows 7 operating system away from PCs and notebooks so it can be used on HDTVs, set-top boxes, and other consumer gadgets.

The Redmond-based company’s Windows Embedded Standard 7 is designed to run on products using an x86 processors, excluding PCs, smartphones and tablet computers. Ideally, the Windows Embedded Standard 7 could be used by HDTVs, set-top boxes, digital signs, and retail Point of Sale (PoS) systems.

Microsoft says its Windows Embedded Standard 7 is a version of Windows 7 that is capable of supporting regular Windows 7 features available in a much smaller form factor.

Windows Embedded first launched last September, and became popular because it has built-in connectivity to PCs and servers running Windows.

PC manufacturers are interested in offering software to HDTV viewers, as set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, and video game consoles add streaming services, widgets, internet apps and other new features. Microsoft must prepare to battle the Google Android open source OS in the living room, with at least one European company working on an Android-powered HDTV.

Intel, Gigabyte, Yahoo, and other companies also have streaming products for HDTVs.

Microsoft faces increasing competition in its key business units, so its constant evolution is the proper long-term plan as the alternatives expand further. For example, Microsoft has a strong working relationship with car maker Ford, which has put its Synch automotive software in newer generations of Ford vehicles.

I’m still unsure if Windows 7 Media Center being implemented on embedded devices is the game changer Microsoft hopes for — there are too many competitors in the market, although Microsoft is doing a great job with its Xbox 360 game console. The company will be able to use both its hardware and software to help keep it relevant in the growing streaming device and embedded device markets.

Could this mean that we’ll see a Blu-ray player running Windows in the future? It’s definitely possible.

Source : Windows 7 to be embedded on a range of devices

International Point of Sale: Getting you paid

For the past seven years, Ed Levin has owned a point of sale software and hardware business, International Point of Sale, at 555 Cedar Lane. He provides all point of sale systems for mom and pop small businesses, markets and restaurants at affordable prices.

"Our prices are a lot lower than other companies and we take good care of our customers," Levin says.

He sells everything business owners need to process purchases, such as cash registers, computers, touch screen monitors, cash drawers, receipt printers, credit card readers and cash register express software.

Prices for software set-up and installation are between $2,000 - $3,000 per register.

The software he sells is meant for small supermarkets, like "quick-marts," liquor stores, convenience stores and fine dining/counter service restaurants.

Levin’s business is worldwide and though 99 percent of his customers find him on his Web site, www.internationalpointof sale.com, he also supplies software and products to local businesses, like Fish of the C’s and Smokey Joe’s Kosher BBQ.

"It’s important to me to have a local customer base."

Levin recently created his own desktop point of sale software, Corner Store POS, so he can now sell his software and continue to distribute others. He also created mobile software called Handy Register, which works on mobile computers.

"All of the software sold here is easy to set up, none of it is meant for computer geeks, it’s all meant for store owners," Levin says.

For locals who wish to visit his showroom, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.

News Source : International Point of Sale: Getting you paid

Choosing Restaurant Point of Sale Software

Restaurant owners would do well to use a good restaurant point of sale system, but between the confusion of hardware and software, monthly contracts, programming setup, leasing equipment and peripherals, that simple old cash register look like a breath of fresh air.

Not so fast; that breath of fresh air can be costing a restaurant owner thousands more than the cost of a POS system every month. Imagine having one central computer system that tracks staff schedules and kitchen inventory, keeps track of orders and wait times, maintains reservations systems and can even accept orders from the restaurant's website.

Restaurant POS hardware and Point of Sale Software

The software, whether it's Aldelo, Aloha, FuturePOS or Micros, consists of the program you're running and not your touch-screen monitor, hand held PDA devices, keyboards, mouse and printers. As with any other high end purchase, never say "yes" on the spot. Some vendors pitch the very low price of their software, while neglecting to inform the client that it only works with their very expensive computers, or their credit card processor.

A company that works hard to provide a high quality program doesn't need to make a business of selling computer components. Or worse, leasing them at extremely high rates. Before signing anything, figure out exactly what each component will be costing. Sure, that computer might only be $50 a month but after a year, it's likely paid off at $600 and the client will still be paying for that lease after another year, so while technology changes the outdated equipment is still being charged as if it were new.

Online Restaurant Management

Being able to access the system from another computer is a nice feature. Imagine- lying on the beach in Hawaii, flipping open the laptop and seeing the security camera. Click a few keys and check that labor percentage, pop off an email to the bar manager to remind him about the big party tonight.

Check the logs and see that the new server is online, too. She's at home studying for her training exam. Imagine that, they're training during their off-hours. What a relief. Close that laptop and get back to relaxing.

Programming a Restaurant POS System

Some point of sales systems are designed to be programmed by the end user, which can be intimidating. See if their company has a list of consultants or other help for programming if that's a frightening prospect. Many POS Software companies work with the restaurant owner to make sure each menu item is entered carefully, tax rates are imported and that the staff is trained to use the system.

It's wise to look specifically for companies who are willing to provide these services for free while getting started. Charging for a refresher course a year later really isn't out of line but charging for initial training isn't standard practice with every company.

The Best POS System for Restaurants

Every restaurant has different needs. A hot dog drive through will need less options than a steak house or pizzeria. A fine dining establishment will require different features compared to a donut shop. Every restaurant has unique needs and requirements. It's best to send away for every information packet. Is there a warranty or guarantee? Is there a trial period? Will the POS system work with your current credit card processor, or will you be required to switch? Can you export sales data to your Quickbooks or other accounting software?

Weighing all of the hardware and software options before making a decision can save a restaurant owner from the stress and headache of ending up with a point of sale system that doesn't fit the bill. Listen to every salesman's 15 minute pitch and review all of the literature carefully. Finally, consider the perspectives of other restaurateurs before deciding which one to go with.

Source : Choosing Restaurant Point of Sale Software

What factors should be taken into account when choosing a Point of Sale (POS) system? by Carol Prince

Carol Prince: Deciding on which is the best-suited POS system for your business can have a huge impact on how your company continues to function. Purchase the correct one and the system will be enhanced, choose badly and the opposite may occur.

A POS software solution is not a simple add-on to your existing accountancy or employment management systems — a good POS package will allow your business to run more efficiently and will be streamlined effectively in all aspects of company management including: employment management, record keeping, F&B management, ordering and receiving, accountancy, man-management, entertainment, leisure facilities and traffic flow management.

For example, NFS Hospitality POS solutions offer in effect a turnkey POS solution from consultancy, wireless networks, hardware, cabling, a hosted ASP central data management and a 24/7 Help Desk offering support and extensive systems and integration expertise.

What are the newest technological trends in POS systems?

CP: As with all technology, across the board changes happen almost weekly — systems are being enhanced, they run faster or more efficiently, and offer upgrades bells, whistles and exciting new interfaces. It is of course important to keep up with the newest trends but equally it is important to decide to work with POS software or Property Management Systems (PMS) that have the ability to grow with your company needs and also one that offers customer support services.

What trends should hoteliers in the process of upgrading their POS software consider?

CP: Hotels which are considering upgrading their systems should not only look at the obvious areas for using POS but consider using it across all departments. Maybe the NFS scheduling software, which is based on browser technology, would be of benefit. It provides a complete toolkit of room booking software and is a powerful scheduling tool for audio/visual, catering and visitor management. Other packages to be considered are spa software, loyalty card facilities, RM 2000 central reservation system (CRS) web bookings and internet reservation systems (IRS), plus our new Workspace solution which offers Outlook scheduling and advanced hotel functionality.

Hotels should be always thinking ‘how can I get the best out of my POS system’ and ‘how is it going to help make us more proficient’.

There may be some business owners or managers who will baulk at the costs of installing a POS solution but there is no getting away from the fact that by being able to run a more accurate outlet will mean less mistakes, less shrinkage and reducing these mistakes which are in reality losses.

Why is it important for your POS system to integrate with other software systems in the hotel?

CP: If you are running a hospitality operation then there are obviously multiple technology components to deal with, from an F&B operation serving the customer at the point of sale, to managing your cash in the back office, to taking inventory of stock, to organising large parties, and reviewing sales figures in detailed reports at head office. The whole purpose of PMS and POS is to provide better management capabilities and facilities — to have better control of how departments are performing, where the up-sales are and of course where the pitfalls are.

If you have a number of standalone solutions which do not have the ability to integrate with other operating systems then the concept of good time management and reporting skills will be lost.

It is important to look also at what a POS solution can offer in the longer term; for example with RoomMaster, the guest data is ideal for understanding your guests and establishing a positive relationship so that in the future they return to your hotel. It does not matter if your guest checked out last week or last year, all the information is readily available.

With the RoomMaster guest history, you can securely modify past charges and reprint any folio with ease. As a marketing tool, the reports which we can reproduce from the right POS system are invaluable.

No matter what hospitality department you are in, we are all having to work harder and smarter during these challenging times and if by integrating our lines or reporting communication and business flow, we must surely be in a stronger position than those that don’t.

News Source : http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/7768-sizing-up-point-of-sale-software/

Point Of Sale Equipment And Why You Need It

All good business owners are aware of the vital important of having up-to-date and reliable point of sale equipment. It provides benefits on both ends of the spectrum, for your business and your customers. It keeps your check-out lines moving smoothly and saves time. No one wants to wait, because an old credit card machine is taking a long time to dial in to the network for authorization.

Whatever you are looking for in this type of equipment, it is easy to find. There are many companies that specialize in just this equipment category. You can purchase pieces separately, if you wish, to just replace certain items. On the obverse, you can purchase bundle packages that contain everything you may need for an upgrade.

There are even packages available for specific business types. You can find them designed for retail stores or the specific needs of a restaurant establishment. Purchasing these types of equipment groups are great, because each piece is specially made to work together. Every single machine will attach to and work properly with all of the others.

Whether you need more accurate bar code scanners or cash drawers with a better design, there are many on the market to choose from. You can even view ratings on scanners that lets you know how durable they are. Knowing this information is a perfect way to make sure you are investing your money in exactly what you need.

If you have ever shopped in a store, then there is no doubt that you have run into an occasion where there was a problem with your receipt. The issues can vary, perhaps it came out blurry or only partially printed. Other times, the paper may have jammed or it just did not print out. Most people do check their receipts for accuracy.

All good business owners know that time is money and vice versa. If you have to keep stopping to reprint your patrons receipts, you are having to waste them. If you invest in the most modern technology, then you no longer have to worry about this problem. Thermal printers also mean you no longer have to worry about running out of ink and buying cartridges. There are some that will let you choose from using a tear bar or an auto-cutter.

Good quality customer displays are also items that you really need. Your patrons want to be able to see the screen, what is being rung up and their final total. If, for some reason, you have a pricing error, this can help them catch it, before they leave your establishment. Such details can help avoid frequent customer complaints.

Check readers, kiosks, credit card readers and all of this other equipment are important elements in regards to running your business. You want to make sure that everything operates as quickly and easily as possible and the proper investments help make sure of this. It also helps you keep and maintain a very happy shopper base. Full Article Read Here : Point Of Sale Equipment And Why You Need It