Multifunctional POS Systems that Enable Seamless Transition into the Existing Architecture are the Future of Retail Industry

Business Wire, Feb 4, 2008

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- With increasing competition, more retailers focus on information technology to provide a competitive edge. Over time, POS systems have evolved into multifunctional advanced systems. The latest trend has been technology vendors in POS, handheld terminals and tablet PCs focussing on providing multifunctional device architectures capable of forward and backward integration into the retail value chain. By leveraging on newer RFID, smart cards and Wi-Fi technologies, these vendors are partnering with retailers to address complexities in customer, profitability, and operational challenges. This partnership approach between retailer and solution vendor will provide the much needed growth driver over the long term.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.kiosksandretailsystems.frost.com), World Quarterly Retail Systems Outlook on POS Systems, Handheld Terminals and Tablet PC Markets - Q2 2007, finds that the POS market earned revenues of $951.6 million in 2Q07 and estimates this to reach $1.02 billion by 1Q08. The Handheld market earned revenues of $150.6 million in 2Q07 and estimates this to reach $165.2 millions by 1Q08.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of World Quarterly Retail Systems Outlook on POS Systems, Handheld Terminals and Tablet PC Markets - Q2 2007, then send an e-mail to Mireya Castilla, Corporate Communications, at mireya.castilla@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, city, state, country, and e-mail address. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

"Solution vendors are focusing on advanced POS systems and handheld terminals to meet the requirements of the retailers in today's highly competitive scenario," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Prasanna Prakash. "POS replenishment tops the budget of many retailers in developed nations and this replacement wave is driven by the presence of next generation advanced POS systems."

Quite significantly, more and more retailers focus on forming strategic partnerships with the solution providers in order to offer unique customer experiences through differentiated business models. Established retailers are leveraging on their brand name and scale of operations to extend beyond the traditional categories.

Technology vendors, meanwhile, focus on open systems architecture for their products and look at leveraging on the latest technology such as wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) and radio frequency identification (RFID) for integrating the retail value chain. Vendors increasingly focus on developing applications that would enable a seamless transition from legacy systems and simplify the deployment and integration of new solutions. Increased competition, flexibility in usage, security issues, and application stability are the other challenges that the vendors focus on overcoming in order to improve their bottom line growth.

"Newer technologies such as biometrics in retail are yet to take off due to the technology issues associated with them," says Prakash. "With rapidly increasing technology spending, retailers are seeking technology vendors who are willing to partner their risks as well as rewards and equipping themselves to match the retailers' requirements."

World Quarterly Retail Systems Outlook on POS Systems, Handheld Terminals and Tablet PC Markets - Q2 2007, is part of the Kiosks & Retail Systems Growth Partnership Service program, which also includes research in the following markets: POS, EFTPOS, ATMS, handheld terminals, tablet PCs, and interactive kiosks. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, the Global Growth Consulting Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's Growth Partnership Services, Growth Consulting, and Career Best Practices empower clients to create a growth focused culture that generates, evaluates, and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses, and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Growth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com.

World Quarterly Retail Systems Outlook on POS Systems, Handheld Terminals and Tablet PC Markets - Q2 2007

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