American Retailers Expanding to Canada

The following is an excerpt from an article in:


The New York Times
Saturday, September 15, 2012

American Retailers Expanding to Canada

By IAN AUSTEN and STEPHANIE CLIFFORD

TORONTO — Nordstrom and Target are about to open stores in Canada, J. Crew and Tory Burch just did so, and Ann Taylor and Kate Spade are scouting locations.

American retailers extending their reach northward seems like the most obvious of moves. But until recently, the Canadian market was hard to crack for many companies. The Canadian dollar was weak, costs were higher, and with limited real estate development, it was difficult to find space.

“You can’t just say that we are close in proximity or we both speak English, so it should be the same,” said Blake Nordstrom, president of the Seattle-based Nordstrom chain. “We recognize there are differences. That’s probably why we’ve probably been slow in coming to Canada.”

Now, the door to Canada is opening wider thanks to a stronger Canadian dollar, a relatively robust economy and a loosening of the commercial real estate market, in part because of the downsizing of some longtime retailers like Sears Canada. Nordstrom said this week that it would open four stores in Canada in 2014, three of them in former Sears Canada locations.

For American retailers, Canada’s allure is basic: Sales per square foot at Canadian malls were almost 50 percent higher in 2011 than sales per square foot at American malls, according to Colliers International Consulting, a real estate research firm.

“Major Canadian markets are at historic lows for vacancy rates, and have been for four to five years now,” said James Smerdon, director of retail consulting at Colliers. “We have a much more conservative development financing and development industry in Canada. There’s not as many lenders for retail and large-scale shopping center development, so finding access to capital is trickier.”

Here in Toronto, the Yorkdale mall is adding 145,000 square feet, in part to accommodate American newcomers like Kate Spade New York, Tesla Motors and Ann Taylor. The high-end mall has been a first stop for other American brands, including J. Crew, Crate & Barrel and Apple.

For more, visit www.nytimes.com.

Oracle Press Release

Oracle Upgrades Analytics in Oracle Retail Data Model

Oracle Retail Business Intelligence Platform Delivers Advanced Analytics for Unique Retail Formats

Redwood Shores, Calif. – Aug. 29, 2012

News Facts

Oracle today announced enhancements to Oracle Retail Data Model, a standards-based, enterprise-class data warehouse that helps retailers gain the insight required to improve the customer experience, increase margins and drive profitability.

The latest version of the product incorporates several new forecasting features that provide retailers with actionable insight regarding price elasticity, workforce optimization, customer sentiment, customer segmentation.

To deliver insight and support for a full range of retailers, Oracle Retail Data Model now offers advanced analytics for a broader spectrum of subject areas. In addition to its existing capabilities for grocery, fashion, hardline and more, the latest release includes functionality to deliver insight into:

Quick serve restaurants and fine dining

Consumer goods

Wholesale and private label

Multi-channel

Franchise control

The newly enhanced Oracle Retail Data Model, has also been optimized for Oracle Database, Oracle Exadata Database Machine and Oracle Big Data Appliance to deliver extreme scalability and performance.

Retailers can use the standards-based, pre-built capabilities within Oracle Retail Data Model to accelerate the design, implementation and time-to-value of analytics applications from Oracle or third-parties.

Supporting Quotes

“Using Oracle Retail Data Model as the foundation for Gordman’s data warehousing and business intelligence platform will accelerate the deployment and our return on investment,” said Richard Heyman, chief information officer, Gordman’s. “The latest updates to the Oracle Retail Data Model will significantly improve the ability of our merchandising and planning teams to optimize operations and help Gordman’s grow profitably.”

“The enhancements to the Oracle Retail Data Model provide deeper and broader insight for a wider range of retailers,” said Mike Webster, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Oracle Retail. “By taking advantage of its new capabilities, retailers will have unparalleled access to information that is relevant, timely and actionable.”

Resources

About Oracle Retail Data Model

About Oracle Data Database

About Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition

Oracle Retail on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

Oracle Insight-Driven Retailing Blog

Oracle Retail in the News

Oracle Retail Asset and Centralized Knowledge Portal

About Oracle Retail

Oracle provides retailers with a complete, open and integrated suite of business applications, server and storage solutions that are engineered to work together to optimize every aspect of their business. 20 of the top 20 retailers worldwide - including fashion, hardlines, grocery and specialty retailers - use Oracle solutions to drive performance, deliver critical insights and fuel growth across traditional, mobile and commerce channels. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www.oracle.com/goto/retail

About Oracle

Oracle engineers hardware and software to work together in the cloud and in your data center.  For more information about Oracle (NASDAQ:ORCL), visit www.oracle.com.

About Oracle in Industries

Oracle industry solutions leverage the company's best-in-class portfolio of products to address complex business processes relevant to retail, helping speed time to market, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge.

Trademark

Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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Microsoft Appoints Stephen Schueler as Corporate Vice President of Retail Sales and Marketing

Press release:

Microsoft Appoints Stephen Schueler as Corporate Vice President of Retail Sales and Marketing

Aug 29, 2012

Seasoned retail and consumer marketing executive will drive channel strategy and execution.

inShare1

REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 29, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Stephen Schueler will join the company as corporate vice president of Retail Sales and Marketing. In his position, Schueler will be responsible for driving demand through global retail partners and ensuring customers receive a great service experience.

Schueler joins Microsoft from Procter & Gamble, where he most recently served as general manager for the Global Retail Operations Group responsible for global merchandising, promotion, and the third-party selling organizations. He will report to Chris Capossela, Chief Marketing Officer for Microsoft.

“I am pleased to have someone with Steve’s talent and deep experience leading our retail sales and marketing efforts,” said Capossela. “Steve is joining us at a pivotal moment for the company as we prepare to deliver Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and the new Office, as well as new Xbox 360 and Kinect experiences such as ‘Halo 4’ and ‘Nike+ Kinect.’”

“Microsoft has a strong history of partnering with the world’s most successful retail organizations,” said Schueler. “I look forward to deepening our relationships as we enter the most exciting launch season in Microsoft’s history. This is an incredible opportunity to draw upon my 24 years of retail experience at P&G and apply my learnings to the innovative world of technology.”

Schueler joined Procter & Gamble in 1988. Prior to leading Global Retail Operations he served as general manager of Procter & Gamble’s Eastern Europe Distribution Company, where he helped set the go-to-market strategy, vision, and planning for the organization. Steve has a long history with international business after working in the US, Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Ingram Micro Enhances Retail Portfolio With Additional Support for BrandSource Dealers Nationally, Data Analytics and Market Intelligence Services

Press release from Ingram Micro:

Ingram Micro Enhances Retail Portfolio With Additional Support for BrandSource Dealers Nationally, Data Analytics and Market Intelligence Services

Aug 28, 2012 (Marketwire via COMTEX) --BRANDSOURCE NATIONAL CONVENTION & EXPO - Setting a new standard of excellence in distribution and logistics services, Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM) today announced it is expanding its retail support model to include national warehouse presence for white goods and consumer electronics. Additionally, the global distributor is enhancing its retail-focused, business enablement portfolio with the addition of two game-changing customer service capabilities: data analytics and market intelligence services. Powered by Ingram Micro's Business Intelligence Center (BIC), the new and highly customized data analytics and market intelligence services are readily available to retailers and e-tailers in the U.S. and will be spotlighted this week at the 2012 BrandSource National Convention and Expo taking place in Las Vegas. Since 2011, Ingram Micro has served as the distribution partner of choice for BrandSource, helping the retailer optimize its business model while leveraging its BIC to identify and engage prospective buyers and develop more effective marketing campaigns. Ingram Micro also plays a critical role in the ongoing development, management and expansion of the BrandSource Dealer Network. "From day one, Ingram Micro demonstrated to us why they are the world's leading technology distributor and retail distribution partner," says Bob Lawrence, CEO of BrandSource. "Together, we've strengthened the BrandSource supply chain, optimized our business model and notably increased the value and service we bring to the 4,000-plus members of the BrandSource Dealer Network." "BrandSource has been, and continues to be, a strategic relationship for Ingram Micro as we expand our retail support model to the independent dealer channel," says Keith Bradley, president, Ingram Micro North America. "Coupling the key strengths of BrandSource, such as the company's close relationship with its members and suite of exclusive support services designed to maximize the profitability of the independent dealer, with Ingram Micro's logistical and analytic capabilities, creates a comprehensive best-in-class fulfillment solution that will continue to lead the marketplace." Additional services available to Ingram Micro retail and e-tail customers and channel partners in the U.S. include sales, marketing and technical support, as well as credit, leasing and financial services. Ingram Micro is the only technology distributor with a proven track record for servicing the business needs of brand name technology, consumer electronics and white goods manufacturers. "Ingram Micro is the fulfillment partner of choice for retailers and manufacturers that are looking to gain a competitive business advantage and truly differentiate on service excellence," says Brian Wiser, senior vice president, Specialty Solutions Division, Ingram Micro North America. "The business insight, market precision and overall advantage customers such as BrandSource gain by leveraging all Ingram Micro has to offer is second to none and truly represents a value they simply can't get from any other distributor." Ingram Micro's booth number at the BrandSource Convention is F7, which is located within the Forum Ballroom at Caesars Palace Convention Center. Retailers and e-tailers are encouraged to stop by the Ingram Micro booth for more information about these new retail-focused business enablement services. More information about Ingram Micro is available at http://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=924344&id=1958512&type=1&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.ingrammicro.com%2f andhttp://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=924344&id=1958515&type=1&url=http%3a%2f%2fingrammicroinc.wordpress.com%2f. To learn, see and hear more about Ingram Micro online, follow the distributor on Facebook athttp://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=924344&id=1958518&type=1&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2fIngramMicro; Twitter athttp://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=924344&id=1958521&type=1&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.twitter.com%2fIngramMicroInc; and YouTube at http://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=924344&id=1958524&type=1&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fuser%2fingrammicroinc. About Ingram Micro Inc. As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics, technical and financial support, managed and cloud-based services, and product aggregation and distribution. The company is the only global broad-based IT distributor, serving more than 145 countries on six continents with the world's most comprehensive portfolio of IT products and services. Visit http://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=924344&id=1958527&type=1&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.ingrammicro.com%2f.

GE Capital Retail Bank Employees Support the Akron-Canton Foodbank to Sort and Package over 13,000 Pounds of Food

News release from GE:

21 August 2012

GE Capital Retail Bank Employees Support the Akron-Canton Foodbank to Sort and Package over 13,000 Pounds of Food

 

GE Employees Continue to Support the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, benefitting the Community and the Foodbank’s Member Agencies

CANTON, Ohio – August 21, 2012 –– GE Capital Retail Bank in Canton is working with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to support the Foodbank’s Harvest for Hunger campaign. Harvest for Hunger is a two-month campaign that encourages people to support the Foodbank, either through charitable giving or with donations of non-perishable food.

As part of these efforts, over 60 GE employees volunteered nearly 350 hours over the course of two separate days, with two more volunteer events planned for August 21 and October 24. This will bring the employees involved to an estimated 150, and the volunteer hours are expected to exceed 750.

“Our volunteer efforts with the Foodbank gives us an opportunity to see first-hand how great the need is in our local community,” said project leader and GE Capital Retail Bank employee Nina Barnett.

About Akron-Canton Regional FoodbankThe Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank was formed in 1982 by a group of community leaders who made a commitment to provide emergency food to our neighbors in need. Today, the Foodbank provides food and other essential items to member agencies in eight Northeast Ohio counties: Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne. These member agencies operate more than 450 programs like food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters and other hunger-relief programs in the neighborhoods and communities where people need food. For more information, visithttp://www.akroncantonfoodbank.org/ or call 330-535-6900.

About GE Capital’s Retail Finance businessGE Capital’s Retail Finance business is among the country’s most successful retail lenders, with more than 75 years of experience in consumer financing. The business, which originates loans as a unit of GE Capital Retail Bank, provides customized credit programs to retailers and consumers in the United States and Canada that help drive sales. This includes private label and bankcard credit programs to major national, regional and independent retailers in the U.S., as well as private label credit programs, promotional and installment lending, bankcards and financial services for consumers through dealers; contractors; manufacturers; healthcare practices; and service providers across nearly 20 industries. More information can be found atwww.gogecapital.com and twitter.com/GoGECapital.

GE Capital is one of the world’s largest providers of credit. For over one million businesses, large and small, GE Capital provides financing to purchase, lease and distribute equipment, as well as capital for real estate and corporate acquisitions, refinancings and restructurings. For our 100+ million consumer customers, GE Capital offers credit cards, sales finance programs, home, car and personal loans and credit insurance. For more information, visit www.gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter @GECapital.

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

Finding the Best-Fitting Bra With Technology’s Help

The following is an excerpt from an article in 

The New York Times
Friday, August 17, 2012

Finding the Best-Fitting Bra With Technology’s Help

By ELIZABETH OLSON

ONLINE retailers like HerRoom, True&Co and some stalwarts like Maidenform are trying to reinvent shopping for bras, which account for nearly half of the $14 billion annual lingerie market.

The retailers are vying to draw women away from in-store fitting rooms and persuade them that it is more convenient and private to use new online tools to find the best-fitting bras.

Proper fit is so central for women that 20,000 of them signed up within 36 hours after True&Co, a San Francisco start-up retailer for intimate apparel, opened its Web site in May. Two former Microsoft employees devised a computerized method to connect customers to a correct bra fit.

“It’s one of the most emotional purchases out there,” said Michelle Lam, one of those former employees and chief executive of True&Co. “There are a lot of body image issues around buying a bra.”

Specialty stores, along with outlet stores and Web sites, are siphoning off bra sales from traditional sellers like department stores. Victoria’s Secret and Soma Intimates (owned by Chico’s), which also have Web sites, had $3.6 billion in bra sales last year, according to NPD Group research.

Department stores trailed with $1.1 billion in sales, according to NPD figures. Online sales are still a small percentage of overall bra and intimate sales, NPD estimates. So far in 2012, sales have risen 1.5 percent at outlets, mass merchandisers and the Internet, according to NPD figures.

“E-commerce is becoming more popular because women don’t want the same experience they’ve had” in the stores, said Susan Anderson, a retail analyst for Citi Research. “Department stores haven’t changed their intimates departments in decades, and consumers are more willing to buy now online.”

For more, visit www.nytimes.com.

GE Capital Retail Bank and Discount Tire Renew Consumer Financing Agreement

26 March 2012

GE Capital Retail Bank and Discount Tire Renew Consumer Financing Agreement

Building on their 15 year relationship, the Discount Tire CarCareONE^SM Card is Available Through more than 800 Locations Nationwide

STAMFORD, Conn. and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. –– March 26, 2012 –– GE Capital Retail Bank has announced a multi-year renewal to continue providing financing for customers of Discount Tire, the nation’s leading independent tire retailer. GE Capital’s Retail Finance business, the operating entity that provides financial solutions to retailers and dealers to help grow their customer sales, will continue to manage the Discount Tire relationship and service the account.

The Discount Tire CarCareONE credit card program, which began in 1997, provides customers with convenient payment options and benefits for their full-service tire replacement, wheel, and maintenance and repair purchases at any of the company’s more than 800 stores and online at discountire.comor tires.com. Cardholders* can qualify for rebates, promotional financing terms, exclusive savings, e-bill and e-payment, and other options.

“The CarCareONE financing program is an essential tool for supporting our growth initiatives and an important part of our service offering, giving customers payment options that enable them to budget for planned and unplanned auto care,” said Christian Roe, chief financial officer of finance for Discount Tire. “GE Capital understands the needs of our customers and our business as we continue to evolve.”

Established in 1960 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Discount Tire operates more than 800 stores in 23 states and offers one of the largest selections of leading brand tires and wheels, as well as full service tire service and repair. Over the past half century, Discount Tire has grown to become the world's largest independent tire and wheel retailer today.

“For more than 15 years, we’ve enjoyed working with Discount Tire to build their business and provide their customers with convenient payment options,” said Mike Mattevi, vice president of sales, automotive industry, for GE Capital’s Retail Finance business. “We’re pleased to extend our relationship and continue supporting Discount Tire’s customer service and satisfaction guarantee.”

For more than 75 years, GE Capital’s Retail Finance business has provided billions of dollars in consumer financing through major retailers and more than 200,000 small- and mid-sized businesses throughout the United States. GE Capital is a leading provider of consumer credit in the automotive industry for more than 30 years. The company supports its clients with proprietary online technology such as Business Center, which includes service, marketing and sales tools, as well as the newly launched Learning Center, providing businesses with fast and easy access to training tools and resources on how to better understand and offer financing to consumers.

About Discount TireDiscount Tire, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is America's largest independent tire retailer. Also referred to as America's Tire in Oregon and some parts of California and Washington, Discount Tire currently operates over 800 stores in 23 states across the country. Serving more than 40 million customers, Discount Tire has built its success on the motto, "Be fair, be truthful, work hard, be there on time, and help people." Atdiscounttire.com and tires.com, customers can research, order and make an appointment for service.

About GE Capital’s Retail Finance businessGE Capital’s Retail Finance business is among the country’s most successful retail lenders, with more than 75 years of experience in consumer financing. The business, which originates loans as a unit of GE Capital Retail Bank, provides customized credit programs to retailers and consumers in the United States and Canada that help drive sales. This includes private label and bankcard credit programs to major national, regional and independent retailers in the U.S., as well as private label credit programs, promotional and installment lending, bankcards and financial services for consumers through dealers; contractors; manufacturers; healthcare practices; and service providers across nearly 20 industries. More information can be found atwww.gogecapital.com and twitter.com/GoGECapital.

GE Capital is one of the world’s largest providers of credit. For over one million businesses, large and small, GE Capital provides financing to purchase, lease and distribute equipment, as well as capital for real estate and corporate acquisitions, refinancings and restructurings. For our 100+ million consumer customers, GE Capital offers credit cards, sales finance programs, home, car and personal loans and credit insurance. For more information, visit www.gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter@GECapital.

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com.

* subject to credit approval as determined by GE Capital Retail Bank.

ACI Worldwide Delivers Industry’s Most Powerful Retail Payments Solution with Newest Release of BASE24-eps

Latest Version Expands Offering and Enhances Market-leading, Multi-channel Payment Processing Platform

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

(New York, N.Y. – March 20, 2012) – ACI Worldwide (Nasdaq: ACIW), a leading international provider of payments systems, today announced the availability of the latest version of BASE24-eps®, its integrated payment solution for acquiring, authenticating, switching, and authorizing financial transactions across multiple channels. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience in payments software, BASE24-eps 11.1 demonstrates ACI’s continued commitment to its flagship solution for retail banks, ATM and POS transaction processors and merchant acquirers worldwide.

BASE24-eps 11.1 extends ACI’s market leadership in supporting the global payments market with new connections to support local payment schemes and device types.  Among other benefits, the new version is designed to lower customers’ total cost of ownership while expanding choice, through its enhanced multi-platform architecture that supports various deployment options.  

David Morem, Executive Vice President, Global Products and Maintenance , ACI Worldwide said, “We’re extremely proud of the progress and latest improvements we’ve made with BASE24-eps. The product is now proven in some of the largest environments across a wide range of payment applications, delivering business flexibility without compromising the reliability, scalability and performance our customers expect.”

“In this age of rapid competitive, regulatory and technological changes, the payments business demands increasing flexibility,” notes Rick Oglesby, Senior Analyst, Aite Group.  “With BASE24-eps, ACI has made a significant investment in their payments platform in order to enable users to adapt rapidly to changing conditions domestically and across the global marketplace.”

Customers rely on BASE24-eps for performance and platform flexibility
“BASE24-eps is a proven, scalable solution enabling us to provide our customers with continuous product compliance with regulatory mandates, and adaptability for new market trends. BASE24-eps is recognised for its combination of reliability and flexibility and we are confident this will help us grow our business,” said Yves Perrachon, Head of Operations at Cedicam, the Crédit Agricole Group’s payments platform. “We look forward to the increased support for various platforms and interfaces in this latest release.”

“We are happy to see ACI continue to advance BASE24-eps in support of our payment needs,” said Ray Zapata, Senior Vice President, Frost Bank, one of the largest banks headquartered in Texas.  “BASE24-eps has set a high standard for performance, and we are pleased to take advantage of its platform flexibility.  We look forward to taking advantage of the new capabilities in this latest release.”

Key new features of BASE24-eps 11.1 include:

Flexibility with new platform and technology options – BASE24-eps 11.1 includes new support for DB2® on IBM System p®, which gives customers greater flexibility in their choice of platform and infrastructure, and enables them to leverage existing investments in technology and support resources.

Expanded global capabilities for ATM and POS acquiring – BASE24-eps 11.1 includes new support for NCR’s newest NDC standard message interface, extends EMV and key management support, and adds a new POS ISO acquiring interface. These capabilities enable customers to offer new features and services that increase revenues, through added transaction acquiring and processing flexibility. 

Regional enablement and new endpoints  – BASE24-eps 11.1 now supports 40 global and regional networks and provides enhanced EMV acquiring and key management support. 

BASE24 ® to BASE24-eps migration tools – BASE24-eps 11.1 offers enhanced data conversion support and enhanced ISO Host (1987) Interface features to further enable phased migrations from BASE24 to BASE24-eps.

BASE24-eps 11.1 is available immediately.  BASE24-eps continues to serve as ACI’s flagship solution for serving the most complex global payments needs.  BASE24-eps was named the “Most Innovative Financial Services Solution” at the 2011 Financial World Innovation Awards in December 2011.  

For more information visit: www.aciworldwide.com

About ACI Worldwide
ACI Worldwide powers electronic payments and banking for nearly 1700 financial institutions, retailers and processors around the world. Through our integrated suite of software products and hosted services, we deliver a broad range of solutions for electronic payments, transaction banking, mobile, branch, and voice banking, fraud detection and trade finance. To learn more about ACI and understand why we are trusted globally, please visitwww.aciworldwide.com. You can also find us onwww.paymentsinsights.com or on Twitter  @ACI_Worldwide.

Customer Experience & Growth

News Press Release
Optic 2000 Focuses on Customer Experience and Growth With Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail

France’s leading eyewear-maker chooses Microsoft’s ERP solution for its usability, ease of maintenance and flexibility for future growth. Its objective: to unify its IT solution at 1,850 points of sale.

inShare2

ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX, France — March 20, 2012 — The Optic 2000 group, with more than 1,850 specialty stores for eyewear and hearing devices, has chosen Microsoft Corp.’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail, to manage its sales, supply and inventory across its entire network of operations in France. Usability, simple maintenance, functional excellence and ease of upgrading are the key advantages that led to the company’s strategic decision to adopt the Microsoft business solution. “The choice of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail is part of a comprehensive strategic vision for our company, which sees Microsoft as a key partner for stability, trust and innovation. Our objective is to streamline our resource management with this ERP solution, to deliver a real value proposition to our customers — through the advice and support we offer during the sales process and beyond, as well as by ensuring we are offering real value for the money,” said Didier Papaz, CEO of the Optic 2000 group. “We counted on our IT department to find a unified solution that was innovative and easy for our employees to use. The solution needed to transform IT into a genuine asset for our company, as a way of managing sales and inventory as well as the specifics related to all our lines of business.” “We are excited about the partnership established between Microsoft Dynamics and Optic 2000, who clearly have a vision for the future and are working to offer the best possible level of customer service,” said Michael Griffiths, global product director for retail, Microsoft Business Solutions. “Microsoft is all in when it comes to retail — from our stores and consumer devices to the customer already running Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail in more than 30 countries. We are taking that investment to the next level with Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail and customers such as Optic 2000.” Unify, Simplify and Look to the Future With more than 1,850 stores (cooperatives, franchises and outlets) whose tools were no longer simple and effective to use and which were not able respond to industry developments, Optic 2000 was looking to adopt a unified and easy-to-use solution that could be adapted to the needs of each outlet. After extensive research, the team abandoned the idea of an eyewear-specific ERP solution in order to benefit from the power and flexibility of Microsoft solutions. Over and above the stability, the performance, the ease of maintenance and the wealth of functionality, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail distinguished itself as an innovative and open ERP solution, ideal for developing new tools specific to the eyewear industry. “We wanted a single solution that was easier to manage and that allowed us to optimize the quality of services provided by our IT department to our users,” said Patrick Seux, director of organization and IT of the Optic 2000 group. “By using Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail, we can regularly update the entire system, all the applications on all the workstations. We also wanted to manage, archive and share our data from each point of sale. The data will remain specific to each outlet, but their security features will be centralized. In addition, the Microsoft solution allows us to look to a future in which we will be able to confidently access data on the go from mobile devices and heterogeneous point-of-sale terminals, and this for a price lower than that of the solution currently in place.” An Agile and Flexible ERP Solution Beyond the standard ERP functions of purchasing, inventory and pricing, Optic 2000 wanted to manage requirements that are specific to the optical sector. Glasses and lenses sold by prescription are constrained by prescription management, reimbursement, health insurance and third-party payer regulations. The supply of technical products, such as custom-made lenses, is also particularly complex to manage. This is why Optic 2000 has entrusted Prodware to develop complementary solutions specific to its industry, leveraging the adaptability of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail. “Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail brings us longevity, flexibility and ability to upgrade our technology, which are fundamental for enabling us to anticipate changes in the marketplace, whether in terms of in-store sales techniques or consumer buying preferences,” said Yves Guénin, secretary general of Optic 2000 group. Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

News Release from MICROS Systems

PRESTIGIOUS WYNN LAS VEGAS AND ENCORE CASINO RESORTS TO ADVANCE TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO WITH MICROS SIMPHONY ENTERPRISE SOLUTION IN THE CLOUD

Columbia, MD – March 13, 2012—MICROS Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCRS), a leading provider of information technology solutions for the hospitality and retail industries, is pleased to announce that Wynn Resorts  has selected MICROS’s Simphony™ Enterprise Solution for its Wynn Las Vegas and Encore casino resort properties.  MICROS will complete its enterprise-wide conversion upgrade from the MICROS 9700 Hospitality Management System (HMS) and other Legacy POS solutions to the MICROS Simphony Software as a Service (SaaS) enterprise solution in the cloud on March 31st.  The project encompasses over 100 Revenue Centers located across the two casino resort properties and includes over 500 MICROS Workstation 5A (WS5A) point-of-service terminals.

“Wynn Resorts is already realizing the tangible benefits of Simphony’s advanced technology as well as MICROS’s highly structured project management through this seamless upgrade,” stated James Houghton, Chief Information Officer, Wynn Resorts, Limited.   “Our food and beverage operations now enjoy the benefits of a smooth and uninterrupted technology platform which ensures our guests’ experience remains excellent.”

Wynn Las Vegas and Encore continue to set the bar for luxury and excellence in Las Vegas, earning top honors and recognitions, including the 2012 Forbes Travel Guide Star awards (formerly Mobil Travel Guide Star awards). Wynn Resorts selected MICROS Simphony for its advanced technology and proven capabilities in the industry, which include enterprise configuration and functionality, a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), and inherent offline resiliency and scalability in a global, multi-property casino resort environment.   MICROS Simphony’s SOA approach provides Wynn Resorts management the ability to strategically place critical services across the enterprise.  In the event of a planned or unplanned outage, Simphony is able to operate detached from the hosting center or server.  This design allows all system interfaces to continue to function: credit card authorizations, liquor dispensing systems, posting to the property management system, gaming and video surveillance systems all while remaining able to share checks among terminals and print to the remote service locations.

As the look and feel of MICROS Simphony is similar to the MICROS 9700 Hospitality Management System, Wynn Resorts is able to leverage its employees’ familiarity with MICROS to reduce training time, as well as utilize new screen option layouts to improve guest service.  MICROS Simphony is also highly flexible, offering advanced interface capabilities to third-party peripheral products such as player tracking systems, liquor dispensing systems, and stored value cards.

“We are pleased to be able to offer Wynn Resorts an enterprise solution that offers a multitude of features and benefits and one which will improve the everyday operational efficiency at its properties,” stated Tom Giannopoulos, Chairman and CEO of MICROS Systems, Inc.  “MICROS Simphony will create a smoother interaction between property employees and guests and provide Wynn Resorts management with strong visibility of each property through one centralized set of reports.”

“The scalability of MICROS Simphony is a big factor in our decision to upgrade,” stated James Houghton.  “We have a reputation of pushing the limits in guest service and MICROS Simphony’s next generation solutions will scale to meet our growing demands.”

News Release from AT&T

Samsung & AT&T Deliver Brains and Brawn

Waterproof and Dustproof Samsung Rugby® Smart Available Starting March 4

Dallas, Texas, February 23, 2012


Key Facts

On March 4, AT&T* will begin selling the Samsung Rugby® Smart in company-owned retail stores and online. The smartphone will be sold for $99.99 with a two-year commitment and monthly minimum data plan.
Samsung Rugby® Smart is dustproof, can be submerged in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes, and can withstand extreme temperatures.**
Runs on Android™ 2.3 with 4G capabilities and boasts a virtual QWERTY keyboard, 3.7-inch Super AMOLED™ touchscreen display, 5MP camera and an integrated flashlight.
Samsung Rugby® Smart

The Samsung Rugby® Smart is a rugged, dustproof device designed to handle the elements with water resistance (submergible up to 1m for 30 minutes) and built to mil-std 810f  military spec standards**.The Android 2.3 smartphone features a 3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED touchscreen display and a 5MP camera with HD video recording***. It also supports 4G service, Wi-Fi®, corporate email and the full line of media including location, music and social networking services. From the work site to the camp site and beyond, Rugby Smart fulfills all your smartphone needs with the physical strength to handle whatever life throws at it.

Specifications

Technology: GSM, EDGE, UMTS, HSPA+
Operating System:  Android 2.3
Display:  3.7-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display
External Memory: Supports up to 32GB via microSD™
Internal Memory: 4GB
Dimensions: 122.4mm x 65.9mm x 12.19mm
Weight: 4.2 oz
Camera: 5MP rear facing with flash and auto focus with HD 720p video capture; 1.3 MP front facing camera;
Battery: 1650 mAh LiIon Poly
Talk Time: Up to 8 hours
Standby Time: Up to 16 days
Quotes        

“The Samsung Rugby Smart is perfect for active customers who need another level of durability with their smartphone,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  “It is water and dustproof and has all the features of a leading smartphone.”

“We continue to bring the highest quality devices – the Rugby Smart is the ultimate smartphone to withstand extreme conditions,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. “AT&T customers are now able to stay connected with a durable smartphone while experiencing even the roughest environment.”

4G speeds not available everywhere.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.


** Meets US Mil-STD 810F for Dust, Humidity, Rain, Shock and Temperature. Waterproof against incidental exposure to water when all ports are tightly closed. NOT designed or intended for in water use. Submersible up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Waterproof based on IP67 rating.

*** Screen resolution 480x800

Limited-time offer. New two-year wireless agreement with qualifying voice and data plan required. Terms of service may vary depending on your business agreement. Wireless Service: Subject to Wireless Customer Agreement. Coverage and services not available everywhere. Credit approval required. Activation Fee up to $36/line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in service termination. See store or visit att.com for complete details and coverage maps. Data Requirements: See att.com/dataplans or www.wireless.att.com/businesscenter/plans/data-plans/smartphone-data-plans.jsp for details and overage rates if you exceed your monthly data allowance. Access to corporate email, company intranet sites and business applications requires a DataPro Enterprise Plan Other Monthly Charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges, fees and charges for other gov’t assessments. These are not taxes or gov’t req’d charges.   Early Termination Fee (ETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325 based on device (details att.com/ equipmentETF). Restocking fee up to $35. Taxes and other charges apply. Samsung, Super AMOLED and Rugby Smart are trademarks of Samsung Electronics