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Aruba Releases Smartphone- and Tablet-based Point-of-Sale Solution for RetailersJan 19, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Aruba Networks has announced a new smartphone- and tablet-based point-of-sale (PoS) solution, to support the retail migration from static to mobile PoS. The solution was developed in partnership with Infinite Peripherals and LightSpeed, and the Company said that it enables retail sales staff to execute sales transactions reliably and securely from any location in a store. According to a release, a Dec. 2011-Jan. 2012 survey conducted by Aruba of more than 130 retail IT leaders, 56 percent said that they were upgrading in-store WiFi in 2012 to support applications such as mobile PoS. Fifty-six percent of respondents also said that they would be rolling out Apple iPads and 38 percent said they would be deploying iPhones to their staff as part of these solutions in 2012. "Mobile PoS systems built around smartphones and tablets are changing the way people shop, and offer retailers a number of benefits, including higher volume, an improved customer experience and more usable floor space at their locations," said Sahir Anand, VP and research group director for retail and banking at Aberdeen Research. "In the not-too-distant future, shoppers and retailers will both see smartphone- and tablet-based PoS as the working standard and long checkout lines and crowded aisles will be a distant memory." In a release, Aruba Networks noted details of the PoS solution: The new solution combines Infinite Peripherals' Linea-Pro, a combination barcode scanner/credit card swipe reader with LightSpeed Mobile, a mobile PoS application for the iGeneration, supported by Aruba access networks based on the Aruba Mobile Virtual Enterprise (MOVE) architecture. The Aruba Wi-Fi solution for in-store POS consists of: -Aruba Tablet- and Smartphone-Optimized In-Store Wi-FiAccess networks based on Aruba's context-aware Mobile Virtual Enterprise (MOVE) architecture enables policy enforcement based on device-fingerprinting, application-fingerprinting and location. This enables retailers to prioritize mobile PoS applications over less critical traffic, to ensure a good customer experience. Aruba's Mobile Device Admission Control (MDAC) helps ensure that smartphone and tablets can be shipped directly to stores for self-provisioning by general sales staff. -LightSpeed Mobile - A mobile PoS application for the iGeneration Collaboration between Aruba and its partner LightSpeed, a retail technology company, offers stores a true advantage over competitors with an alternative to traditional retail systems and long, impersonal line ups at the register. Retail sales staff can use LightSpeed Mobile to connect to a LightSpeed database and process sales anywhere in the store with an iPod touch or beyond the store at pop-up locations, trade shows and special events, using iPhone. -Infinite Peripherals Magnetic Stripe Reader Infinite Peripherals' Lina-pro allows mobile workers to convert their iPod touch and iPhone handset into a point-of-sale solution. The Lina-pro includes optional 1D or 2D barcode scanners, 3-tracks magnetic stripe reader, and a rechargeable battery extender in a very compact protective case. "Apple revolutionized the retail industry with the introduction of smartphone-based point-of-sale systems in its stores," said Manish Rai, head of industry and solutions marketing at Aruba. "Having tested the waters there, consumers are increasingly demanding the same experience from other stores where they shop. This solution is designed to ensure that retailers of all types can provide that high level of customer experience and the associated sales uplift." Aruba Networks is a provider of next-generation network access solutions for the mobile enterprise. More Information: www.arubanetworks.com www.arubanetworks.com/pdf/solutions/PPT_InStoreSurvey.pdf ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |