Self-checkout kiosk unveiled

Meridian Kiosks and Nextep Systems are partnering to roll out a line of simple, inexpensive self-checkout kiosks for companies that want to get customers in and out quickly, reports Self-service World.

The new swipe&Go! line of kiosks, which was developed by hardware-provider Meridian and kiosk-software developer Nextep, are distinctive in that they don't handle cash.

Swipe&Go! developers see the removal of cash as an asset and attribute, since research suggests 80% of all self-checkout transactions are actually cashless, and removing cash from the checkout equation eliminates the need for costly bill-and-coin acceptors, says Chris Gilder, Meridian's chief executive.

Certona, a provider of real-time personalisation and revenue optimisation solutions for multi-channel retailers, revealed its sponsorship of Aberdeen's recently unveiled report titled 'Retail On Demand: software-as-a-service takes off', states MSNBC.

The research firm surveyed more than 110 retail enterprises between October and December 2008 to determine the compelling reasons for implementing such technology systems.

"In the present economic conditions, SaaS-based Web commerce applications do support the lean IT initiatives of retailers both in terms of reducing capital infrastructure and associated IT support costs. Best-in-class companies have reduced their IT costs by 17% due to the use of SaaS applications," says Sahir Anand, senior retail analyst and author of the 'SaaS in Retail' benchmark report.

Chinese enterprise management software and e-business application solution provider Kingdee International Software Group is set to acquire the Shenzhen-based Sunsoft Software Technology Company, says China Tech News.

A representative from the Kingdee Group said the acquisition of Sunsoft is a long-term strategic investment by Kingdee.

At the same time, Kingdee will reinforce the bases of its talents, products, and customers by integrating industry manufacturers.