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HORIZONS 19


INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS


support for Windows Embedded Standard and Windows Embedded Enterprise, Microsoft said Kinect for Windows opens the door for a variety of new data collection and consumption scenarios that introduce these capabilities. For example, the Razorfi sh demo combines an NEC digital sign with Kinect for Windows to engage customers before they even enter the store. Inside, customers encounter the same combination of technologies in a virtual dressing room experience that allows them to view, navigate and see how garments look on a lifelike avatar version of themselves, without having to switch outfi ts or sort through sizes.


The Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface is also part of the mix in this demo, as well as another demo for NRF that Microsoft created with partner IdentityMine. In both cases, customers can immerse themselves in a 40-inch touchscreen environment to fi nd more information on the products that interest them. The Samsung SUR40 also becomes a useful tool for sales associates to upsell or cross-sell by providing visual, on-the-spot comparisons between products.


Gleaning insight from streams of data


Microsoft said the critical component in all the NRF demo scenarios is being able to generate, track and harness a variety


of data streams. Whenever a customer captures a tag with a Windows Phone 7 or other smartphone, it generates a piece of data that helps retailers track what products are attracting the most attention and monitor the preferences of customers that are enrolled in their customer loyalty programme through applications such as Microsoft Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Windows Embedded worked with a Microsoft Gold Certifi ed Partner to create a third proof of concept for NRF around providing executives with better access to real-time data. The potential pitfall with any data stream is being able to glean the golden nuggets of business insight from the extraneous chaff. So Windows Embedded Device Manager was pre-installed on all of the Windows Embedded-based devices featured throughout the three demos, highlighting the ability for IT professionals to gain greater control over the critical devices generating, capturing and analysing data. This control extends to a range of devices including point-of-sale (PoS) systems, handheld devices, digital signs and kiosks.


Once a device has captured data, it can then be consumed and analysed by a variety of Microsoft applications and third- party services that live within a company’s channels, data centres or on a public cloud. These include:


• Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail, Microsoft’s end-to-end application solution for retail, released 1 February.


• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 includes StreamInsight, a tool that helps retailers to more easily harness multiple streams of data, whether structured or unstructured, and to transform the rush of Big Data into a gold mine of business insight.


• Microsoft released Windows Embedded Device Manager to help enterprises get the most out of their data, it provides enhanced insight and control and greater embedded device integration, enabling retailers to easily manage devices including thin clients, PoS, digital signage and kiosks. In addition, Microsoft Windows Embedded POSReady 7 helps retailers that want to increase customer satisfaction, loyalty and staff productivity, while reducing instore operational costs. Ultimately, it concluded, intelligent systems will benefi t everyone along the spectrum, giving retailers the relevant and timely information they need and offering customers the service they deserve.


To fi nd out more, visit: www.windowsembedded.co.uk Or contact: enquiries@windowsembedded.exvm.com


JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 RETAIL TECHNOLOGY


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