| For many retail & hospitality operators, having a | | | | choose Linux, Windows 2000/XP, or Windows and |
| choice in operating systems is key | | | | Linux. For many operators, having a choice is key. |
| In a never ending battle to ease costs, many | | | | Not only does Java provide cross platform |
| businesses today are looking at Linux as a server | | | | compatibility, but like Linux, using Java POS |
| operating system. Issues such as cost and | | | | solutions can be cost effective as well, as Java |
| flexibility make Linux an attractive choice. | | | | allows users the opportunity to save on additional |
| However, just as many operators may be asking, | | | | Windows license fees, as an example. Java's open |
| "what exactly is Linux anyway?" | | | | standard architecture allows the entire system to |
| Linux is a free Unix-type operating system | | | | be compatible with third party industrial |
| originally created by Linus Torvalds. Developed | | | | applications. Users are free to choose their |
| under the GNU General Public License , the source | | | | operating environment and are not bound to |
| code for Linux is freely available to everyone. | | | | costly proprietary restrictions. |
| According to IBM, Linux is currently the fastest | | | | Volanté also offers integration with |
| growing server operating system. | | | | Windows-based back office applications. This |
| Once businesses have chosen their operating | | | | flexibility is rare in the POS industry. For more |
| system, the next task is usually sourcing out a | | | | information on Volanté's Linux & Java POS |
| POS (point of sale) system. At the best of times, | | | | solutions, visit their website at or in Asia, at or |
| sourcing out a POS system for your business | | | | simply email them at |
| operation can be a confusing, time consuming and | | | | From a retail perspective, Linux is definitely |
| arduous task. Throw in the added obstacle of | | | | catching on. Burlington Coat Factory, for instance, |
| having to select point of sale software that can | | | | has already rolled out Linux in all of their locations, |
| actually run on your operating system, and it's | | | | both as a desktop and POS system. Other |
| easy to see why business owners shy away | | | | retailers/restauranteurs currently using Linux in |
| from this difficult and often expensive task. | | | | their stores include: Papa John's, Garden Fresh, |
| Research has shown that the number of POS | | | | Mark's Work Wearhouse, Home Depot, and Gap, |
| terminals running Linux in North America has | | | | to name a few. |
| increased 80% since 2002. The reason why is | | | | The push for Linux isn't just in North America, |
| simple; Linux, as an operating system, is more | | | | either. Asian governments are looking closely at |
| cost effective, flexible, and allows for greater | | | | Linux, hoping it will lead to the development of a |
| freedom of choice in software than more | | | | domestic software industry that isn't hostage to |
| mainstream operating systems. Linux is also very | | | | foreign licenses. According to Linux Insider |
| cost effective in regards to licensing, installation, | | | | International, "Asia is emerging as a key |
| administrative and support costs. Linux can offer | | | | battleground for the open-source movement. The |
| all these features without sacrificing functionality. | | | | Japan-China-Korea (JCK) partnership, announced |
| For retailers and restaurant/hospitality operators | | | | last month in Osaka, is the latest in a string of |
| alike, cost and ease of use are king, and reasons | | | | initiatives to promote Linux. Two weeks earlier, |
| such as these can make the difference between | | | | Singapore hosted the second annual Asia Open |
| a business that succeeds and a business that fails. | | | | Source Symposium, where 20 Asian countries |
| POS software providers have been slow, | | | | discussed closer collaboration in standardization, |
| however, to jump on the Linux bandwagon. | | | | localization and interoperability of Linux software." |
| Currently, there are few well-known or | | | | So, when choosing an operating system and |
| enterprise-wide POS software packages available | | | | subsequent point of sale system, consider Linux. |
| for Linux. One company, however, has seen a | | | | Discover for yourself why Linux is the fastest |
| niche in the market and has embraced it head on. | | | | growing server operating system. |
| Volanté POS Systems, of Toronto, Canada | | | | Derek Meade is a writer, webmaster, and owner |
| and Hong Kong, offers a POS solution that has | | | | of Meade Internet Services in Ottawa Canada, an |
| been developed entirely in Java. Java is cross | | | | internet marketing, website promotion and |
| platform compatible and operates in multiple | | | | website design company. |
| environments - this gives the user freedom to | | | | |