The JD Group Chooses Microsoft over Linux for Next-Generation Point-of-Sale
Situation
Innovative retailers are making use of a new generation of Point-of-Sale (POS) technologies. They offer a full range of payments functionality, combined with applications that improve access to real-time information stored in back-end systems. These technologies empower employees to provide better, more timely information for customers. In addition, they enable real-time reporting on performance and greater visibility of stock as it flows through the supply chain.
As the leading furniture retailer in South Africa, the JD Group strives to provide consistently high levels of customer service in-store. The company operates 1,000 stores across South Africa, 22 in Poland, and five in the UK.
The JD Group has traditionally operated its in-store systems using dumb terminals. Its IT infrastructure was complicated further when the company acquired furniture retailer, Profurn, which operated its in-store devices based on the Linux operating system. As a result, the company wanted to upgrade and standardise its in-store devices to simplify maintenance and increase efficiency across the organisation.
With Linux already in place at Profurn, the JD Group investigated the option of standardising on the operating system across all its 1,000 stores. Instead, after in-depth research and testing, the company decided to implement the Microsoft® Windows® XP embedded operating system. This is because it was found to be more cost effective, feature-rich, and well supported.
Solution
The JD Group deployed Microsoft Windows XP Embedded operating system, running on Dell OptiPlex SX260 computers across its 1,000 stores. Microsoft and Dell worked closel...
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...oft was the range of tools available to us. With Windows XP Embedded, we are able to manage and access information much more quickly than we were on the Linux-based system."
The operating system also gives the JD Group access to more third-party software applications than any other operating system. This high level of interoperability gives the company a range of options to deploy new solutions as its needs evolve.
Child says: "The success of this project will give us greater visibility across our operations and help us streamline our business processes. With the Microsoft solution we will cut development time for new applications and reduce the overall costs of running our in-store systems. The new platform is also highly secure and supported on a 24 hour a day, seven days a week basis, ensuring maximum uptime, and the best possible service for our customers."
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