Microsoft teams up with IBM

REDMOND, USA: Microsoft Corp today announced that it is working with IBM Corp to deliver a Windows Embedded-based plug-and-play solution to help make it 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 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 with 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.

"This is about helping our clients win in the marketplace by providing them a choice of solutions to enable them to more efficiently manage their businesses, and better serve increasingly demanding consumers," said Alan Outlaw, business line executive, IBM Point-of-Sale Solutions.

"Windows Embedded for Point of Service gives us yet another option for clients who want to add Windows as part of their IT infrastructure," he added.

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 the retail and hospitality industries.

The pre-loaded IBM systems will have increased language support for 33 dialects and will support a number of industry standards such as biometrics, electronic journal, bill acceptor, SmartCard and ClearInput.