Paderborn, Germany Feb 3, 2004 — Microsoft today announced a joint value proposition with Wincor Nixdorf that will help retailers update their POS systems, support smooth integration of store systems and take advantage of new technology such as, wireless, broadband and RFID to easily create a more efficiently run and profitable store, while concurrently providing an enhanced service to customers.
Wincor’s strong expertise in retail business processes and Microsoft’s retail platform technology are complementary. Both Wincor Nixdorf’s STORE VISION solutions and Microsoft’s Smarter Retailing Initiative are designed to help retailers improve how they sell and operate, and to provide a technology and solutions framework for unleashing the next generation of retail innovation. Primarily these opportunities lie on the “edges” of the retail business, where retailers interact with customers, manage their supply chains and weave in new technologies, such as digital assistants and self-checkouts.
Wincor Nixdorf applications, like TP.net or the award-winning Trading Post, which is adopted by leading global retailing organizations such as Metro Group, address the key critical areas which form the foundation of the Smarter Retailing Initiative:
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Smarter Shopping , delivering a seamless, personalized experience for retail customers
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Smarter Selling , empowering the in-store people who interact with customers
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Smarter Operations , achieving real-time visibility into the metrics that drive store-level profitability
“Retailers are facing the challenges of globalization, expansion into new markets and the necessity for new business models. To succeed in this climate they need to have flexible solutions and technology platforms,” says Michael Schulte, Manager Software Marketing for Wincor Nixdorf.
“We can offer the fastest and most flexible way to a customized solution,” adds Michael Schulte. “Our solutions provide a truly international store software platform with a collaborative approach to customer and partners. With our Microsoft-based products Trading Post and TP.net we can provide a foundation for two-way, real-time communication and real-time integration.”
Gary Cooke, Retail Industry Marketing Manager for Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa, concurs. “The need to update, replace, retire and invest in new POS has never been more critical. The key is to use this disruptive time within the retail sector to address the complex challenges of meeting consumers’ needs by improving in-store operations and adopting innovative technology to provide innovative solutions. For it is innovation, not price, which will be the deciding factor in helping retailers create differentiated consumer experiences and drive greater economic value for the retail store.”
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
About Microsoft’s Smarter Retailing Initiative
The Microsoft Smarter Retailing Initiative helps retailers win today by leveraging current investments, and win tomorrow by easing delivery of new retail experiences. Consisting of Smarter Shopping, Smarter Selling and Smarter Operations, the Smarter Retailing Initiative is designed to close the loop between the retailer’s strategy, the in-store execution and familiar technologies already in the consumer’s hands. More information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/smartretail/ .
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