The recently released Clarendon Report`s study of the UK PoS market claims that PC-POS has been elevated to second position to IBM against volume shipments of POS terminals in the UK.
This was confirmed by Paul Jules, MD of South African subsidiary, PC-POS SA. "This represents an increase in annual shipments for the international group of 267% in just five years. The dramatic rise in market share is due to the overwhelming success of the DigiPoS range of retail systems. At the launch in 1997 of the DigiPoS range, PC-POS were ranked 19th in the U.K. in terms of installed base," said Jules.
The company has now dramatically surpassed the shipment volumes of the leading industry brands and the innovative technology incorporated in the DigiPoS rivals the traditional manufacturers of retail systems solutions.
Locally the company has sold more than 3 000 DigiPos units during the past three years, landing contracts with some of SA`s largest and most technologically advanced retailers, including Clicks, Vodacom and CNA.
Jules said that PC-POS SA is now the largest supplier of ePoS equipment in SA. "In terms of total revenue from sales of point of sale systems and peripherals, we are the clear leader in Southern Africa. We are also making an increasing impact outside of SA due to strong reseller partnerships built up over the past few years, especially in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia."
Commenting on the latest news, PC-POS UK Managing Director, Ian Patterson said: "We`ve had five exceptional years. It is very gratifying to see that Clarendon`s World Wide Databook - the authoritative source for world ePoS data - confirmed that PC-POS is in such a strong position. Our customers, solutions and staff have got us here and we intend to continue to capitalise on our core strengths and pass those benefits back to our loyal customers." Patterson further commented on the advantages the company offered the UK retail sector:
"We have witnessed retailers selecting PC-POS in preference to other suppliers in response to demand for better value without exposure to risk of purchasing non retail specific PCs. We believe we have a compelling case to offer retailers by providing very high specification hardware solutions at an outstanding price point. I also think there is a great deal of demand for our ability to back up our systems via our nationwide (UK) service capability and the fact that our retail only focus means that we really do understand the changes in market demands and the technology needs of our customers."
In SA, PC-POS recently released the group`s new DigiPos Millenium system, an Intel-based machine with a unique jet stream cooling system designed to keep the PoS terminal running at a much lower temperature. Jules said: "This is just one of a number of unique features designed into the Millenium that differentiates our technology from other standard PC on cash drawer offerings and brings down the total cost of ownership for the retailer."
Commenting further, Jules said the DigiPoS Millenium is a retail hardened solution and because PC-POS owns the intellectual properties it is able to control the manufacturing process and guarantee consistency of system bios and mothercard revision throughout a planned roll-out, something that mainstream PC vendors simply cannot do.
PC-POS also unveiled some new and innovative DigiPoS products at Retail Solutions 2002 (UK), including an IBM migration offering (I-BoX) that allows existing IBM legacy systems to be upgraded to Linux or Windows without sacrificing investment in existing servers, software, peripherals or counter installation. Also the first retail system with remote Web-based diagnostics (PowerPoS) aimed at reducing total cost of ownership and allowing asset tracking and performance monitoring via the Web. Following on from the DigiPoS Millenium, these products will also be introduced into the SA market in the coming months.
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Clarendon Reports Ltd, based in London, is the authoritative source for world ePoS and ECR market data. Clarendon Reports Ltd was established in 1977 when it conducted the first-ever in-depth survey of the European ePoS market. Subsequently, Clarendon`s survey work was extended to include electronic cash registers (ECRs) and later, tracking work was extended to cover the worldwide market, so generating accurate historical records of market share data and forecasts for every country in the world.
Clarendon researchers liaise with manufacturers, third-party suppliers, software houses and services providers, interview end users in various market segments and cross-check findings, as well as evaluating market and segment potential, retirement and acquisition rates. Clarendon can be contacted at clarendo@netcomuk.co.uk
PC-POS
A European based company established in 1994 - the PC-POS Group has experienced an annualised growth rate in excess of 40% and now has a consolidated turnover in excess of $70 million. By carefully selecting acquisitions in Europe, or by establishing a presence in specific countries the company now has operations in 14 countries, which includes servicing the areas of EMEA, North America and Asia Pacific. The company is establishing both its reputation and position as Europe`s largest independent supplier of ePoS solutions, servicing the requirements of the retail, hospitality and leisure markets.