PARIS — Feb. 9, 2012 — This week at Microsoft TechDays at the Palais des Congres de Paris, several Microsoft partners demonstrated intelligent systems for European retailers. The demonstrations from Psion, Mood Media, Datronic, GlobeCast, WanPulse, Mettler Toledo and IntuiSense illustrated the future of retail technology through visual displays, handheld devices and checkout terminals with integrated data solutions that streamline shopping, purchasing and customer engagement.
Intelligent systems are well suited to retail environments, offering retailers flexibility to tailor the shopping experience to fit customers’ preferences and convenience. Microsoft estimates, based on 2011 IDC semiconductor market data, that by 2015 demand for intelligent systems within the retail industry will grow from its current level of around 15 million units to more than 28 million units.*
“Retailers are beginning to understand the value of intelligent systems,” says Lorraine Bardeen, marketing director for the Windows Embedded business for Microsoft EMEA. “The systems cater to any size or type of retailer, and all connect to the back end to provide the retailer with invaluable business intelligence.”
During the three-day event, highlights included a demonstration of an integrated experience in which ticket purchase and pickup, seat availability, film information, and even playing of the film and trailers are powered by devices and displays from Psion, Mood Media, Datronic and GlobeCast and managed through WanPulse Device Agent and WanPulse Management Server. The demonstration showcased how, in a true intelligent system, devices work together to enable a seamless customer and retailer experience. The integrated demonstrations, along with displays of stand-alone devices and solutions, offered the more than 17,000 visitors a glimpse of the future of retail technology.
* Worldwide Intelligent Systems 2011-2015 Forecast: The Next Big Opportunity, September 2011
Intelligent Systems at TechDays
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Psion, Psion EP10
In the cinema demonstration, a customer buys a movie ticket online, automatically sending a QR code directly to the customer’s Windows Phone. When the customer arrives at the cinema, the QR code on the phone display is scanned using a Psion EP10 running Windows Embedded Handheld, which automatically updates ticket availability for the show. Paris, Feb. 7, 2012.
Mood Media, TeamCo
In the cinema lobby, a Mood Media TV screen, running TeamCo on Windows Embedded Standard 7, displays real-time updates for cinema listings and seat availability for film screenings as customers claim their tickets. TeamCo is a Web-based application that can display any type of visual content, such as live feeds and database links. Paris, Feb. 7, 2012.
Datronic, Cinetic II and Bornetic
Customers who buy advance tickets can also claim them using the Datronic Cinetic II kiosk built on Windows Embedded Enterprise (pictured) or the Bornetic kiosk running Windows Embedded Standard. Cinema employees can select and print tickets for customers and confirm updated seating availability. Paris, Feb. 7, 2012.
GlobeCast, Cinebox
Intelligent systems also streamline the cinema projection room, where the Cinebox running Windows Embedded Standard securely receives feature films, trailers and ads. The technology’s huge file transfer capability enables regular scheduling and eliminates manual distribution, letting cinemas showcase content in a secure environment. Paris, Feb. 7, 2012.
WanPulse, WanPulse Device Agent and WanPulse Management Server
The cinema’s intelligent systems are managed through WanPulse Device Agent and WanPulse Management Server. Hosted on-premises or on Windows Azure, the server manages up to 100,000 devices running Windows Embedded Standard and Windows Embedded POSReady. It enables device discovery and enrollment, memory and app management, task scheduling, and software updates over LAN and WAN networks. Paris, Feb. 7, 2012.
Mettler Toledo, UC HTT Evo Max Line
Beyond the cinema, Mettler Toledo’s high-end measuring scale running Windows Embedded POSReady is targeted at customers looking to boost the sales of fresh foods and sweets. Ads displayed on the customer-facing side of the device enable retailers to cross-sell and upsell their products, encouraging shoppers to spend more in-store. Paris, Feb. 7, 2012.
IntuiSense Technologies, Distributeur automatique interactif
IntuiSense Technologies’ vending machine built on the Windows Embedded platform with Kinect for Windows lets users browse bottled drinks via hand gestures and touch to choose a product, then loads a game of baseball to play. Beverage companies using the new machines report that they have seen vending machine sales double over six months to a year. Paris, Feb. 7, 2012.