PALO ALTO,USA: HP is making it even easier for small and independent retailers to purchase point of sale (POS) solutions for their businesses with today's introduction of bundled offerings that include all the POS hardware, software and services needed to get down to business – right out of the box.

The new HP POS bundle is based on the recently introduced HP rp3000 POS System and includes everything a retailer needs to customize a complete in-store POS platform. Quick and easy to set up, the bundle can save businesses the time, money and confusion often associated with building their own POS platforms from scratch.

Complementing the HP POS Solution-in-a-box is the Intuit-HP Retail Solution, available direct from Intuit and its authorized resellers. The Intuit-HP Retail Solution provides robust POS functionality and enhanced software offerings to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) ring up sales, track customers, monitor inventory and manage overall business operations.

"By creating an integrated POS solution, HP is ensuring that SMB merchants have a cost-saving platform that is easy to use, yet customized to suit the exact needs of varying customer environments," said John Snaider, vice president and general manager, PC Business – Americas, HP. "The HP POS Solution-in-a-box pairs best-in-class hardware with an array of independent software vendor applications to offer customers the greatest flexibility of platform choices available on the market today."

HP delivers single-box convenience

Built to handle the rigorous demands of retail environments, the HP POS Solution-in-a-box includes the HP rp3000 POS System, which features a powerful Intel® Atom processor for lower energy consumption and a retail-hardened design for reliability against long-term wear and tear.

In-the-box peripherals include the HP Thermal Receipt Printer, HP Cash Drawer, HP POS keyboard with integrated Magnetic Strip Reader, and an HP USB bar code scanner. Retailers can complement their POS system with an optional business monitor, selecting a 15-inch diagonal HP touchscreen, a 15-inch diagonal HP flat panel display or a wide-screen flat panel monitor.

Customers also can choose from a host of prequalified POS applications from partner companies including Auto~Star, CAP Software, Fastrack Health Systems, InfoTouch, Intuit, JDA Software, JPMA, MATRA Systems, Microsoft, MICROS Retail, Nova Libra, Oracle, pcAmerica, Retail Pro and Torex. A full listing of verified software partners will be available Nov. 20 at www.hp.com/go/pos-isv.

As part of the HP POS Solution-in-a-box, customers will receive access to more than $1,000 of value through the HP Total Care Access Card program. Recently announced, this program offers SMB customers a full portfolio of services, support, security and business offerings to help them manage, protect and grow their organizations.

The HP Total Care Access Card provides access to a website with software and service offerings that include practical tools to help retailers better manage their budgets and resources, marketing services that help increase brand awareness, and proven solutions for protecting mission-critical data.

Additional easy-to-order retail solutions for Intuit customers

The Intuit-HP Retail Solution comes complete with the HP rp3000 POS System, along with a 17-inch diagonal HP L1710 Flat Panel Monitor, USB keyboard and mouse, receipt printer, credit card reader, cash drawer and bar code scanner. This solution includes QuickBooks Cash Register Plus software, QuickBooks Point of Sale Basic 8.0 software, or QuickBooks Point of Sale Pro 8.0 software. Cash Register Plus is Intuit's new software for small businesses looking for a simpler way to manage common retail tasks, so they confidently know where their business stands. QuickBooks Point of Sale is Intuit's most powerful solution for more complex retail businesses.

Pricing and availability

The HP rp3000 POS Solution-in-a-box is expected to be available through HP-authorized resellers Dec. 1 for a starting price of $1,499. More information about the offering is available at www.hp.com/go/POS. This solution is backed by a four- to five-year extended warranty, including an accidental damage protection package.

The Intuit-HP Retail Solution is available today on www.intuitretail.com/hp for a starting price of $1,499.