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Wincor Nixdorf Teams With Sun Microsystems to Introduce StoreForward, a Comprehensive Product Suite for the Food and Grocery Industry

Posted on: Wednesday, 9 February 2005, 09:00 CST

StoreForward Drives Down Operational Costs While Enabling Unprecedented Customer Interaction

Wincor Nixdorf Inc., one of the world's leading suppliers of IT solutions for the banking and retail industries, today introduced StoreForward, a comprehensive product suite for the retail industry, in conjunction with Sun(TM) Microsystems.

StoreForward combines Wincor Nixdorf's vision of in-store systems functionality, software, hardware, and service offerings with Sun Microsystems' reliable network computing infrastructure to offer a fully integrated, end-to-end solution for retailers. The StoreForward solution includes:

-- Wincor Nixdorf's new StoreForward POS and Interactive software

-- Thin-client BEETLE(R) POS hardware from Wincor Nixdorf

-- The BEETLE /iScan self checkout system, introduced at NRF 2005

-- Wincor's Portable Store Assistant (PSA), a compact and powerful platform for personal shopping and in-store applications

-- Self-service kiosks from Wincor Nixdorf

-- StoreForward Electronic Shelf Labeling (ESL) solutions

-- Industry standards-based server hardware and software, running on Sun Linux/Solaris(TM) operating environments and Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition

"StoreForward enables retailers to turn their store systems into performing assets -- and by implementing the right mix of products, services and infrastructure, retailers can now gain a competitive advantage," said Jeff Soisson, president of Wincor Nixdorf, USA. "StoreForward drives cost out of the business through thin-client systems that utilize the latest Java and Linux technologies and innovative products such as StoreForward ESL. By expanding the store and allowing one-on-one interaction with the customer, StoreForward creates more opportunities for profit and simplifies store optimization."

"Retailers must focus on providing the right customer experience. Increasingly, this is only possible with a fully networked solution. At Sun, we've got the products, partnerships and expertise to network retail. StoreForward is exactly what retailers need from IT suppliers, including the right infrastructure for connecting with customers," said Michael Green, vice president, retail industry, Sun Microsystems.

The StoreForward solution from Sun and Wincor Nixdorf, available today, offers compelling advantages to grocery retailers:

Expand the Store. StoreForward self-service solutions, including the BEETLE /iScan, Portable Store Assistant and Wincor kiosks, increase selling opportunities beyond traditional POS to touchpoints throughout the store. StoreForward interactive software offers innovative vehicles for in-store marketing and upselling.

More Meaningful Customer Interaction. StoreForward software and customer-facing solutions enable unprecedented customer interaction, bridging the gap between customers and grocery retailers. Surveys, upselling and targeted one-on-one marketing go beyond traditional loyalty programs and CRM to create a more effective way for retailers to actively communicate -- and sell -- to their customers.

Rock-Solid Store Systems. Sun network servers provide the security and stability for mission-critical applications. Wincor's retail-hardened BEETLE POS systems and self-service solutions withstand even the harshest retail environment, lowering the cost of service and support and providing greater system uptime.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership. Thin-client, Java and Linux technologies are proven solutions for driving down the cost of store systems -- and Wincor Nixdorf and Sun are at the forefront of implementing these solutions for grocery retailing. Wincor Nixdorf recently implemented the first major grocery implementation of Linux for Hannaford Bros., while Sun delivers choice: integrated, industry standards-based solutions that reduce cost and complexity. Sun innovates the platform, so retailers can innovate the art of merchandising.

About Wincor Nixdorf

Wincor Nixdorf is one of the world's leading suppliers of IT solutions to the retail and banking industries. The company's extensive portfolio, consisting of hardware products, software, consulting, maintenance and other services, is aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of business processes while improving customer service. Wincor Nixdorf is the world's third-largest supplier of POS systems and automated teller machines and the number one supplier of POS systems in Europe (source: Clarendon Report, April 2004). With over 6,000 employees and net sales of EUR 1,576 million last fiscal year, Wincor Nixdorf operates in over 90 countries with manufacturing plants in Germany and Singapore. Worldwide headquarters are in Paderborn, Germany and North American headquarters are in Austin, Texas. For more information visit www.wincor-nixdorf.com/usa.

Source: Business Wire

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