Windows Embedded for point of service (wepos) Outlook

Author: Jane Gilson, director of Microsoft mobile and embedded product department

With the customer's increasing investment in the speed, convenience, and quality of services, retail technologies are using Retail Technologies in the form of self-service service stations, self-service kiosks, and information kiosks, change the point-of-sale mode to the point-of-Service (POS) mode. To meet this trend, Microsoft has developed an optimized operating system Microsoft Windows Embedded for point of service (wepos) for POs systems in the retail and catering industries ).

Wepos provides a standard and flexible operating system platform and security basis. software developers and equipment manufacturers can create powerful, convenient, and easy-to-use custom solutions, to meet the needs of retailers and consumers.

Wepos is developed based on the familiar Windows XP operating system. Since many retailers have applied it to their computer operation networks, retailers can easily install, manage, and use wepos. Retailers can also choose suitable applications and devices from the. NET applications and devices that have passed Microsoft's wepos verification plan to customize their POS operations. In addition, the plug-and-play function of wepos enables retailers to quickly and conveniently add and replace POS Terminal devices without interrupting the services of the entire POS terminal.

Another advantage of wepos is that it can be seamlessly integrated into other background systems. Like Windows XP, wepos also provides automatic hardware detection and configuration, and supports various new and traditional peripherals. In this way, wepos terminals can be easily bound to existing systems such as RFID systems, wireless networks, and biometric devices to create a single coherent system.

Wepos provides multiple interfaces to easily integrate most third-party management applications. At the same time, it also provides a remote monitoring function that enables enterprises to monitor POS systems through networked servers, making it easier to manage. It provides intelligent device management to identify the device to be repaired before a fault occurs. In addition, it provides other features that ensure retailers can easily update devices and software securely.
Microsoft has publicly issued a statement saying that it will fully support wepos within 10 years after its launch. If retailers want the POS system to continue for seven to ten years, Microsoft also assured retailers that it would support the service point (POS) system service life requirements.

All these features and functions are designed to simplify and optimize complex retail operation, but we must not ignore the interests of consumers. Retailers such as virgin stores and norgesgruppen in Norway have begun to deploy new sales points and kiosks in their stores. These systems can provide customers with the information or content they need, help them make purchase decisions faster and more rationally, and fundamentally accelerate the retail transaction process.

Obviously, wepos can effectively improve the operating efficiency of retail and catering enterprises, promote sales, improve the functions and manageability of information technology systems, and reduce maintenance and other related costs. In addition to allowing customers to conveniently and easily use POS technology through authorization, retailers can also provide a richer and more valuable retail or catering experience, which will greatly consolidate existing customer relationships, increase customer loyalty. These cannot be measured by money.