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New lifecycle solution reduces technology hassles, complexities and costs
January 2002 (Newstream) -- Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc. has announced iSTORE™, a complete
offering of software, hardware and services combined to deliver a complete store-level technology
solution for specialty retailers.
iSTORE, available immediately, reduces costs for specialty retailers by streamlining in-store
technology delivery, implementation, integration, service and support of complete hardware and
software systems.
Fujitsu announced iSTORE at the National Retail Federation's 91st Annual Expo and Convention,
Jan. 13-16, 2002, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. The company is demonstrating
iSTORE on multiple platforms and devices (point of sale, handheld) at Fujitsu booth #503/517.
"iSTORE answers the biggest dilemma faced by specialty retailers today," said Austen Mulinder,
president and chief executive officer. "These retailers face low margins, increased competition,
concerns about decreased consumer spending and the reality that 'speed to market' is critical for
success.
"In the relentless quest to cut operating costs, store systems technology is a prime target.
Retail CIOs are being challenged to deliver more value faster, but for less cost.
iSTORE presents specialty retailers with a solution that helps them meet this challenge. iSTORE
simultaneously enables retailers to focus on true retailing value-add while Fujitsu streamlines
their in-store technology delivery, implementation, integration, service and support with a
complete lifecycle approach to retail IT."
According to Andersen Consulting, retailers report that their top IT investment priority is
store systems, and that infrastructure management and support turned out to be their single
largest IT operating expense.
iSTORE helps retailers control such costs at a store-systems level by incorporating streamlined
processes for vendor management, infrastructure services, advanced hardware and the introduction
of new iSTORE point-of-sale software.
iSTORE: Software application expands total offering
iSTORE includes a point-of-sale application that gives specialty retailers "off the shelf" ease
of implementation, said Keith McNamara, vice president of software and professional services.
"We know that retailers typically spend at least $1 million a year just to customize and update
their POS software," said McNamara. "With the iSTORE application, which is based on our
longstanding GlobalSTORE® POS framework, we can dramatically reduce the time and money spent
on customization and maintenance. It's virtually 'off the shelf' and installed within 20 minutes."
Fujitsu has worked with several general-merchandise and specialty retailers during iSTORE's
development. "Three years and hundreds of hours spent with specialty retailers tell us that
iSTORE is a leap forward for those seeking adaptability, flexibility and functionality," said
McNamara.
For example, iSTORE can help retailers eliminate 40 percent - that's roughly $4 million - of
their POS software development costs over a 10-year time span." This, said McNamara, is done by
reducing customization requirements.
"iSTORE operates on the premise that when software depends on heavy customization, then it's
compromised," he said. "We responded to that 'break the rules, break the business' mentality
in developing iSTORE - now specialty retailers can go about the business of retailing instead
of worrying about breaking software business rules and cratering the store.
"iSTORE minimizes customization and makes sure that when changes do occur, they are made at a
component level without interfering with existing business logic," he said. "This approach alone
saves retailers hundreds and thousands of dollars by avoiding redundant application testing."
iSTORE includes a familiar, Microsoft® Windows®-based graphical-user interface for store
associates. The interface simplifies - and expedites - customer checkouts while also serving
as an effective training station for store associates. iSTORE is based on Microsoft Windows 2000,
with a migratory path toward Windows XP.
The iSTORE solution includes:
Software
Hardware
- Fujitsu TeamPoS® 2000 POS terminal
- Fujitsu iPADTM, a featherweight, multipurpose and ruggedized handheld device for retailers
- Fujitsu TeamPadTM family of rugged handheld devices for retailers
Services
- Customer service and support
- Product staging and integration
- Rapid-response roll-outs
- Asset management
- Pricing varies, depending on system requirements and the level of lifecycle management services included.
Web site: www.ftxs.fujitsu.com
For sales and product information call 1-800-340-4425.
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Fujitsu's iSTORE™ is a complete offering of software, hardware and services combined
to deliver a complete store-level technology solution for specialty retailers.
