Deliver Your News to the World

New IBM SurePOS(TM) 300 System Puts Retail Clients’ High Energy Costs to Sleep


WEBWIRE

Breakthrough Energy Saving Technology Helps Reduce Energy Costs up to 66%.
ARMONK, NY .- IBM (NYSE:IBM) today announced the smallest, fastest, most energy-efficient point-of-sale system of its kind as part of a broader strategy to deliver comprehensive “Green” solutions for retailers.

Designed specifically for midsized retailers looking to differentiate their brands, this new line of IBM SurePOS™ systems is first to market with breakthrough deep sleep automation technology capable of helping clients reduce store energy consumption by as much as 66 percent, or about $72,000 in savings for a store deploying 1,500 terminals.

IBM SurePOS 300 deep sleep technology allows clients to place checkout systems in a low-power mode that can save almost as much energy as when the system is completely powered off. The systems can be set to sleep mode during after hours, then “wake up” via a remote cue before employees arrive the next morning. During the work day, the SurePOS units not being used can also be put to sleep and reactivated quickly when traffic picks up.

A recent 2008 Global CEO study found that retail CEOs are increasing investment in green/Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, as percent of total investment by 49 percent, almost twice as much as their cross-industry peers. Nearly 70 percent of retail respondents feel that increasing customer expectations of green/CSR will have a positive impact on their organization.

“The convergence of economic pressures, consumer interest and environmental factors is forcing retailers to take notice and adapt processes, policies and products to become more cost-effective, efficient, and green,” said Leo Suarez, vice president of IBM Retail Store Solutions Marketing & Strategy. "IBM is committed to helping retailers find new, affordable ways to apply new technology to create smarter, greener, more efficient retail operations.

A new IBM SurePOS 300 system, with its energy-saving power supply and mobile processors, by itself can offer clients a 35 percent savings on their energy bills. When deep sleep is enabled, costs can go down another 47 percent. For example, a $100 power bill can be reduced to $65 with a new SurePOS terminal. Deep sleep can bring the total bill down to $34.45, a total of 66 percent off the original expense.

The new point-of-sale systems also come with IBM Remote Management Agent (RMA), IBM’s leadership system management tool, at no additional cost. RMA will allow retailers to place their systems in deep sleep mode remotely, without anyone being on site. Deep sleep automation will also be available on IBM SurePOS 700 systems, IBM AnyPlace Kiosks and AnyPlace Self Check Out systems.

The new systems are 37 percent smaller than previous models, measuring just over 10 inches, which frees up a quarter of a square foot of checkout counter space enabling retailers to sell more impulse items and increase sales by an estimated *$84 per year per system. The small footprint and distributed components also allow for ideal placement to enhance the client’s store image.

Other key features of the announcement include:

* A Remote Management Agent interface that uses a sensor-driver to proactively monitor all systems.
* A highly efficient 80+ power supply and fanless ultra-low volt Intel® Celeron® mobile processor that not only saves energy, but lowers heat, reduces noise and increases reliability.
* Tool-free access to key components to help reduce service time and cost using customer replaceable units.
* IBM’s innovative SurePorts to increase the configuration flexibility, allowing more features to be included in the base system at no extra charge.

Pricing and availability
The SurePOS 300 systems are available on March 20, 2009 at its lowest price ever, with SurePOS 300 Express solutions starting at $1,045.

*Source: HdL Companies: “2007 Retail Store Taxable Sales Estimates,” Sales per gross square foot derived from a variety of similar stores.



WebWireID84253





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.