Microsoft and IBM to Collaborate

Microsoft Corp. today announced that it is working with IBM to deliver a powerful Windows Embedded-based “plug-and-play” solution to help make it faster and 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 (WEPOS) 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 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.”

Microsoft Windows Embedded for Point of Service is a point-of-service operating system platform based on Microsoft Windows technologies optimized for the retail industry. It is the first point-of service operating system to provide “plug-and-play” functionality for retail device peripherals, with IBM being a leading retail vendor to offer Windows Embedded for Point of Service as a pre-installed option to its client.