No one likes being stuck with old technology systems, especially when it means paying higher costs or being denied certain beneficial POS features. That is exactly the frustration of many IBM 4690 users.  They feel confined to selecting IBM hardware to run the IBM 4690 operating system and applications.  Naturally, POS equipment vendors like Fujitsu, NCR, and Wincor Nixdorf would like to offer these users other choices. That's why these companies have embraced QVS products and technology that enable retailers to make POS equipment decisions even if they are running 4690 OS in their stores.  With QVS technology, retailers can immediately enjoy the benefits of using the best-of-breed POS terminals and peripherals from several different manufacturers.

Let's examine for a moment the different demands that today's application solutions place on POS system implementations. Traditionally, the POS device served as the execution environment for the IBM POS applications (e.g., SA, GSA, and ACE). However, many of today's POS touch points are either smaller mobile devices or larger devices with less POS processing capacity, such as fuel pumps. And even some legacy IBM equipment lacks sufficient capacity to run the customized POS applications. Application solutions built around these devices require a different approach, commonly referred to as a thin client solution.

Kiosks…pharmacy…deli…service desk…cell phones…browser-based solutions...

Consumers demand improved service, but retailers everywhere are reluctant to implement new services that result in substantially higher labor costs. Technology has become so powerful and readily available that new application solutions, such as those that might be implemented using a kiosk rather than a person, can produce quick return on investment. Imagine eliminating the wait at the grocery store deli by letting customers enter orders at a kiosk during peak hours. Orders can be filled while the customers shop for other items, rather than growing irritated while they stand in line. Similarly, bridal registries allow customers to service themselves, even performing their own inventory checks. All of these options are available today because enabling technology permits them to be integrated with the existing 4690 system.

A number of motivating factors are driving retailers around the world to provide self-checkout solutions. As evidenced by the growing number of worldwide installations, consumers are ready and willing to use this technology. The motivations for providing these solutions include: