NEW YORK — Jan. 14 , 2013 — It can be hard to work in retail these days. With information so readily available, customers can research products at home, check on a store’s reputation, compare prices right in the aisles and ultimately choose to buy wherever they get the best deal. What can retailers do to influence shoppers who may have already made up their minds?

Greg Buzek, founder and president of research firm IHL Group, says as the line between traditional and online shopping blurs, retailers must adapt to serve the increasingly complex needs of today’s tech-savvy consumer. Fortunately, the right blend of technologies can deliver an even deeper level of information and insight to help stores keep up.

“We have never seen a trend as strong as the store adopting mobile devices for their associates,” Buzek says. “It levels the playing field with the consumers and provides the associates with the tools not only to serve the customer better, but also to do so at the right price to win the sale.”

As part of Microsoft’s strategy, the company’s Windows Embedded Group recently announced its plans to roll out Windows 8-based platforms and technologies that enable industry devices such as digital signage, point-of-service (POS) terminals and kiosks to participate in intelligent systems — moving these devices beyond standalone entities to help retailers strengthen customer experiences and drive operational intelligence.

This week at the National Retail Federation (NRF) Annual Convention & EXPO in New York, the next steps in that road map are taking shape, with the availability of a new release preview for Windows Embedded 8 Industry. (The release preview can be downloaded here.) General availability for the new product is expected in mid-2013.

The next generation of Windows Embedded POSReady, Windows Embedded 8 Industry represents an ideal solution for industry devices that utilize powerful line-of-business applications. The new name reflects an expanded focus on supporting not just POS scenarios, but also the entire range of devices that power retail organizations — as well as devices in manufacturing, health care and any other industry where the ability to perform a specialized function in a secure and reliable way is paramount.

Windows Embedded General Manager Kevin Dallas says using Windows 8-based devices will allow retailers to implement a consistent, connected architecture from the device layer to back-end software and services, resulting in the kind of intelligent system that is steadily transforming the retail industry today.

“In today’s dynamic and multichannel environment, retailers are finding the need for a whole new level of integration to serve customers the way they expect,” Dallas says. “By connecting common devices, enterprise applications and cloud services into an organizationwide intelligent system, retailers can more accurately forecast sales, develop dynamic pricing models, better understand their customers, and realize new value from new streams of information.”

Many stores are reaping the benefits today. In the U.K., for example, the Co-operative Group has created a system that monitors transactions across thousands of stores, with information that can be dialed down to buying patterns for individual customers. Other companies employing an approach that uses Microsoft software include Royal Caribbean International, Carl’s Jr. and Major League Baseball’s oldest franchise, the Cincinnati Reds.

With so many companies already finding success, the opportunity for intelligent systems is huge. In retail, IHL Group’s initial estimates for 2012 indicate that POS shipments were up 5.3 percent over 2011, which saw a 12.3 percent increase from the year before; Microsoft currently powers 88 percent of all POS devices.

Using Microsoft technologies such as Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and Windows Azure, retailers such as the Co-operative Group can process and analyze large amounts of data quickly, making the entire organization much more agile — but it’s readily apparent at NRF this week that the ability of those specialized industry devices to connect and generate new types of data is what’s really changing the face of retail IT.

“Retailers today really can’t afford not to invest in a modern point-of-service platform that goes beyond just the POS terminal,” Dallas says. “An effective platform should include enhanced ease of use through touch-optimized devices and real-time incorporation across all devices and systems in the stores, warehouses and delivery channels. By extending Windows 8 to a new class of devices, Microsoft is delivering the future of retail today.”

Several other manufacturers are on hand at NRF this week to demonstrate new retail devices being built on preview versions of Windows Embedded 8, and anticipation for the product is high. Conference attendees will have a chance to experience firsthand how these new technologies can assist retailers in creating more effective and relevant shopping experiences.

To complement Windows Embedded 8 Industry, Microsoft is also announcing a platform based on Windows Phone 8 called Windows Embedded 8 Handheld and working with leading manufacturers Motorola Solutions, Intermec, Honeywell, Ingenico and Bluebird to bring new devices designed for industry to market.

REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 14, 2013 — Consumers have increased options for how and when they shop. To stay competitive, retailers must put customers at the heart of their businesses and seek new ways to deliver the most value, revenue and loyalty. Microsoft Corp. gives retailers the tools and technology needed to fully implement a customer-centric strategy across the enterprise by increasing efficiency, empowering employees, taking advantage of consumer insights and optimizing operations.

“With our position as a consumer goods company and a retailer, we are uniquely able to help retailers create a connected shopping experience for their customers across multiple channels and touch points, whether it’s at home, in the store or on the go,” said Tracy Issel, general manager, Worldwide Retail Sector, Microsoft.

Engaging Your Customers

In the digital age, the lines between traditional and digital retail channels have blurred. Retailers are seeking new ways to deliver a seamless customer experience across all channels as consumers have more options and greater expectations when they shop and interact with retailers. Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 deliver multiple options for retailers to improve interactions with customers.

The Windows Phone 8 operating system brings real innovation to the experience through built-in near-field communication, a mobile Wallet, an engaging mobile app experience, and Bing local and visual search, while Windows 8 provides the platform for retailers to reach their customers wherever they may be.

With 60 million Windows 8 licenses sold to date and apps that are available in more than 200 markets worldwide, Windows 8 represents unprecedented access for retailers to reach new customers and build stronger relationships. Windows 8 works with different form factors and device sizes, allowing shopping apps to shine on large-screen All-in-Ones, as well as lightweight tablets — ideal for both in-store interactions and at-home catalogue browsing. With top retailers such as Amazon, eBay, Home Shopping Network, Newegg, Dell and Office Depot already in the Windows Store, consumers have a broad selection of apps to find what they are looking for.

Engaging Your Employees

Research shows the need for more consistent store execution/employee productivity and improving customer service are two of the top three challenges for retailers. Faced with increasing online competition, retailers must deliver differentiated and superior in-store experiences that address these challenges by taking advantage of their biggest asset: their people. To do that, retailers must provide the cutting-edge technology tools employees need and the up-to-date, personalized service consumers expect.

Retailers are moving to the cloud to reduce costs, engage employees and improve customer service, and they are increasingly choosing Microsoft Office 365. Six of the top 10 largest retailers in the U.S. use Office 365, including premier retail brands such as BCBG, GAP, Hallmark, Lowe’s, and McDonald’s.

Office 365 provides retailers with flexible, familiar communication and social networking tools that allow store employees to connect and work with one another from virtually any device or location. With Office 365, employees from across regions and time zones can answer customer questions in real time and share best practices. Retail headquarters can roll out new offers and promotions more quickly and easily and get real-time feedback from the front lines to keep their competitive edge to thrive.

Optimizing Your Operators

As technology budgets remain tight in current economic conditions, the need to keep costs down, address competition and customer expectations, and be ever-present on a number of channels and devices have all combined to make it harder for retailers to win and retain customers while remaining profitable. In addition, organizations are looking to better turn big data into meaningful insights, further driving efficiencies, revenue and loyalty.

Microsoft technologies such as SQL Server, Windows Server and Windows Azure allow retailers to address the big data question through quickly analyzing and delivering data to decision-makers, making them agile and efficient in giving consumers what they want. Royal Caribbean International found significant efficiencies with SQL Server, Windows Server and the Windows Embedded platform by optimizing and streamlining operations on its Oasis-class ships, the largest in the world. With 2,700 staterooms, 6,400 passengers and 2,300 employees, Royal Caribbean implemented an intelligent system to streamline the flow of data across vital information and processes at every level of the ships. Crew members can use that data to ensure food safety and quality, respond quickly to service requests, and develop personalized promotions and service offerings to cater to passengers’ individual needs.

Microsoft Dynamics for Retail enables retailers to be connected, empowered and deliver a complete shopping experience through end-to-end, search-based e-commerce; next generation point of service; and a true omnichannel engine. Edwin Watts Golf and Lotus F1 are looking to reduce costs and improve efficiency with an integrated Microsoft Dynamics solution to adapt and serve the needs of an increasingly complex digital consumer and IT world.

“At Microsoft, we are committed to providing a strong consumer experience through each and every product offering available,” Issel said. “We are strong in the retail industry because our technologies serve an end-to-end purpose from the headquarters to the stock room to the store floor. We look forward to seeing how retailers are able to better adapt to the ever-changing economic environment through their partnership with us.”

More information about how organizations are turning to Microsoft technology is available on the Microsoft Customer Spotlight newsroom.

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

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

NEW YORK — Jan. 14, 2013 — At the National Retail Federation’s annual conference today, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) announced the latest release of Microsoft Dynamics for Retail with new capabilities and next-generation innovation to help retailers deliver a complete shopping experience through end-to-end, search-based e-commerce; next-generation point of sale (POS); and a true omnichannel commerce engine. Building on Microsoft’s commitment to retail and delivering a widely available, end-to-end, omnichannel solution, adopted in more than 38 countries, these capabilities further enhance the unique value proposition of Microsoft Dynamics for Retail, helping leading retailers worldwide deliver the connected, personal and relevant experiences their customers expect.

Graeme Hackland, chief information officer of Lotus F1 Team, understands the critical need for speed, agility and delivering a compelling customer experience. Competing in one of the most popular sports in the world can be as challenging off the track as it is on when it comes to managing mission-critical business applications. The Lotus F1 Team is using Microsoft Dynamics to help fine-tune and drive every aspect of its business, from managing the design, manufacturing and testing of the 20,000-plus parts on each car to analyzing real-time data from the racetrack. The team now also plans to use Microsoft Dynamics for Retail to address POS, merchandising, e-commerce and more.

“We want to be in a position to win,” Hackland said. “We’re investing in people and technology, and we need to improve our processes. Microsoft Dynamics for Retail is going to help the team with specific retail challenges in 2014 and beyond.”

Edwin Watts Golf is an example of a true specialty retailer that during the past four years has grown its retail business to more than 90 retail locations in addition to direct mail and Internet sales. The company has also grown in its breadth of offerings with custom golf equipment, trade-ins and specialized customer service that was taxing the capabilities of its aging legacy systems. A leader in customer service, Edwin Watts Golf needed a solution that could offer a seamless customer experience across all its retail channels while also giving it the flexibility and agility to maintain its best practices.

“Many vendors offer strong POS solutions, but Microsoft Dynamics for Retail offered us the complete omnichannel experience — including phone and Internet sales channels,” said Lynda Barr, chief financial officer, Edwin Watts Golf. “Our products, especially golf clubs, are complex in that they are offered in a variety of technical specifications. As a result, we fill a high percentage of custom orders, we offer trade-in credit for old equipment and we have very specific customer service requirements. Thus, we needed the flexibility and ease of customization offered by Microsoft Dynamics for Retail that no other vendor could deliver to meet our business needs.”

Microsoft Dynamics for Retail delivers the future of omnichannel customer engagement with new innovations such as the following:

• Revolutionary e-commerce. Retailers looking for an accurate, timely, consistent online experience for their customers, while reducing complexity for themselves, finally have a solution. Microsoft Dynamics for Retail offers end-to-end e-commerce, based on powerful, next-generation search technology, with a fully integrated Web storefront, complete catalog and real-time order management.

• Next-generation POS. Today’s empowered consumers have access to seemingly endless sources of information through smart devices. Retailers can now be on a level playing field with a POS solution without limits. Custom content, rich product details and critical customer insight can be pulled from any channel to the fully configurable, touch-optimized Microsoft Dynamics Point of Sale. And with full support for POS on Windows Phone 8 and powerful tablet devices such as Microsoft Surface, retailers have the power of choice in the devices they leverage to seamlessly engage with their customers.

• True omnichannel commerce engine. Managing multiple channels for retailers today means inefficiency, since outdated and complex technology solutions rely on multiple commerce engines that require retailers to perform the same tasks over and over in hopes of achieving the desired result. Microsoft Dynamics for Retail uniquely offers an omnichannel commerce engine to manage all of a retailer’s channels. This means creating a promotion, discount or other strategic initiative just one time and having it light up every relevant customer touch point. This allows the retailers to be agile and opportunistic to help them stay ahead of the trends, reduce complexity and reduce costs.

Retailers worldwide, including Diane von Furstenberg, Eason, Fanatics Inc., Marc Jacobs, Mattress Firm and Optic 2000, have chosen Microsoft Dynamics for Retail to take their businesses into the future.

“We work with retailers around the world to help them become Dynamic — connected, personal, agile and opportunistic — but it’s as much about the technology as the strategy,” said Michael Griffiths, global product industry director, Retail & Distribution, Microsoft Business Solutions. “Retailers need innovation and a modern architecture for omnichannel, POS and e-commerce to be about more than just marketing. We invest more than any other vendor in globalization and solution research and development to ensure that we support our customers with an industry-leading solution whose capabilities are built to work together, offering retailers a vision for the future that helps reduce cost and complexity — allowing them to always be ready for what’s next.”

Further Information

More information on the new capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics for Retail can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/retail.aspx.

About Microsoft Dynamics

At the heart of every successful business are the people who make things happen. Microsoft Dynamics designs modern business solutions that empower individuals with intuitive tools that allow them to do their best work. Our proactive, easy-to-use business applications adapt to the way people and systems work, enabling businesses to rapidly deploy and be forward-looking in an ever-changing world.

About Microsoft

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

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

The big blue elephant is making its way to Melbourne (Down Under) for the first time!

We're very fortunate to have Gabriele Bartolini and Josh Berkus from the international PostgreSQL community make their way to Melbourne to share their unique perspectives and experiences with us on the this amazing open source database.

Come join other PostgreSQL enthuisiasts at the first ever Australian PGDay as a kick off to the commencement of the Melbourne PostgreSQL Users Group. This is the first event of its kind in Australia and we're hoping Melbournians, and users Australia-wide, attend the event to help us grow and become a vibrant community in the coming years.

The 2013 Australia PGDay will take place on the 4th of February and will be held at the Experian Hitwise office near St. Kilda. The office is located at Level 6/580 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne - directly opposite Wesley College. You can find the full address together with Google Maps and tram directions on the Meetup group site (see below).

Access to the event is free however we require registration as we only have 60 spots for the day. Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided and we'll be heading over to the Belgian Beer Cafe afterwards.

The event will be an all day affair (starting 10am and finishing at 4:30pm) and will be broken up into two parts to cater to different audiences. The morning session will serve as an introduction to PostgreSQL, detail the features found in the latest version (9.2) and discuss the merits of the project. The afternoon session will be focused on existing users (or keen new users :) and be a look into back-up and recovery, replication and other in-depth topics.

The schedule for the day is still in draft. More information about PGDay AU will be provided on the 2013.pgday.org.au and meetup/melpug websites, the postgresql.org website and on the official Twitter account. Stay tuned and subscribe to the feeds!

Save the date and... see you in Melbourne!

• Website: http://2013.pgday.org.au/
• Registrations: http://www.meetup.com/melpug
• Email: info@pgday.org.au
• Twitter: @PGDayAU