Epson Announces Partnership With CRS Retail Systems; Top Software and Services Provider Joins Epson Team

Business Wire, May 7, 2001

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2001

Epson, the leading supplier of value-added transaction-processing solutions, today announced a partnership with CRS Retail Systems (CRS) through its EPSON Acclaim(TM) VAR program.

As a strategic reseller, CRS will have access to Epson's complete point-of-sale (POS) product line as well as comprehensive marketing and technical support and Epson's unique leasing/finance program.

CRS offers a range of retail applications that use open, object- based software technology. The Encore Retail Suite(TM) of products cover all aspects of a retail operation from point of sale to inventory management, store operations and time and attendance.

"Epson's partnership with CRS further underscores our commitment to be the top value-added supplier to the retail industry," said Bud Weist, director of sales and marketing, Epson. "CRS is one of the premier software and services vendors in the retail POS industry, and we believe that this partnership will allow both companies to provide the best selection of products and services to the market."

"This partnership offers us flexibility in meeting our customers' needs with best-of-breed hardware technology," said Kevin Swanwick, vice president of sales, CRS Retail Systems.

In addition to Epson's breadth of product solutions, the Acclaim program allows CRS Retail Systems to take advantage of targeted marketing promotions for Epson-based solutions and access a full range of high-quality sales tools.

A comprehensive electronic marketing toolkit composed of brochures, data sheets, launch kits, success stories and news releases is available via an exclusive Web site to assist in compiling needs-specific proposals.

Acclaim partners are also supported with Epson-developed and publicized application stories, co-op advertising and other promotional support. Acclaim program partners can also be featured in Epson's trade-show booth in the Partner Solutions area.

National Sales Assistance

Other key elements of the Acclaim program include automatic access to Epson's national sales force for assistance on joint sales calls, strategic account planning and executive representation in strategic opportunities.

Resellers like CRS Retail Systems can now offer flexible leasing and financing programs to their customers through Acclaim's customizable program that includes software, hardware and capital improvements including refinancing and midterm upgrades. The most unique financial program of its kind, Acclaim allows resellers to expand their offerings with innovative services unmatched in the industry.

Technical Assistance and Education

CRS personnel will have access to Epson's Knoware University(R), which provides self-paced, interactive education and training modules and can "take classes" whenever and wherever they like, minimizing expense and interruption of business.

CRS will also have access to Web-based EpsonExpert, which provides all the resources needed to streamline development of applications for Epson POS products and contains the most current technical information, access to the latest drivers, utilities, testing software and demonstration programs.

Additionally, EpsonExpert has an automatic e-mail notification feature that sends the latest updates with custom-tailored "news bulletins." CRS will also have immediate 24x7 access to Epson's Advanced Product Support Center as well as the support of high-level technicians and technical applications engineers when and where they are needed.

About CRS Retail Systems

CRS Retail Systems is a recognized leader in the development of computer systems to serve the growing retail industry. Begun as a cash register company in 1952, CRS has pioneered the use of computer technology in the retail industry.

From POS solutions to host-based loss prevention systems, CRS has led the way in creating innovative software applications and effective, customer-friendly systems. For more information about CRS, call 845/567-1234 or visit its Web site at www.crs-retail.com.

About Epson

Epson offers an extensive array of image capture and image output products for the consumer, business and graphic arts markets. The company is also a leading supplier of value-added point-of-sale (POS) solutions for the retail and banking markets.

Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America has headquarters in Long Beach.

For more information on Epson products, call 562/981-3840 or visit Epson's Web site at http://pos.epson.com.

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