| For many retail & hospitality operators, | | | | Windows 2000/XP, or Windows and Linux. For |
| having a choice in operating systems is key | | | | 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 | | | | compatibility, but like Linux, using Java POS |
| server operating system. Issues such as cost | | | | solutions can be cost effective as well, as |
| and flexibility make Linux an attractive | | | | Java allows users the opportunity to save on |
| choice. However, just as many operators may | | | | additional Windows license fees, as an |
| be asking, "what exactly is Linux anyway?" | | | | example. Java's open standard architecture |
| | | | allows the entire system to be compatible |
| Linux is a free Unix-type operating system | | | | with third party industrial applications. |
| originally created by Linus Torvalds. | | | | Users are free to choose their operating |
| Developed under the GNU General Public | | | | environment and are not bound to costly |
| License , the source code for Linux is freely | | | | proprietary restrictions. |
| available to everyone. According to IBM, | | | | |
| Linux is currently the fastest growing server | | | | Volanté also offers integration with |
| operating system. | | | | Windows-based back office applications. This |
| | | | flexibility is rare in the POS industry. For |
| Once businesses have chosen their operating | | | | more information on Volanté's Linux & Java |
| system, the next task is usually sourcing out | | | | POS solutions, visit their website at or in |
| a POS (point of sale) system. At the best of | | | | Asia, at or simply email them at |
| times, sourcing out a POS system for your | | | | |
| business operation can be a confusing, time | | | | From a retail perspective, Linux is |
| consuming and arduous task. Throw in the | | | | definitely catching on. Burlington Coat |
| added obstacle of having to select point of | | | | Factory, for instance, has already rolled out |
| sale software that can actually run on your | | | | Linux in all of their locations, both as a |
| operating system, and it's easy to see why | | | | desktop and POS system. Other retailers |
| business owners shy away from this difficult | | | | restauranteurs currently using Linux in their |
| and often expensive task. | | | | stores include: Papa John's, Garden Fresh, |
| | | | Mark's Work Wearhouse, Home Depot, and Gap, |
| Research has shown that the number of POS | | | | to name a few. |
| terminals running Linux in North America has | | | | |
| increased 80% since 2002. The reason why is | | | | The push for Linux isn't just in North |
| simple; Linux, as an operating system, is | | | | America, either. Asian governments are |
| more cost effective, flexible, and allows for | | | | looking closely at Linux, hoping it will lead |
| greater freedom of choice in software than | | | | to the development of a domestic software |
| more mainstream operating systems. Linux is | | | | industry that isn't hostage to foreign |
| also very cost effective in regards to | | | | licenses. According to Linux Insider |
| licensing, installation, administrative and | | | | International, "Asia is emerging as a key |
| support costs. Linux can offer all these | | | | battleground for the open-source movement. |
| features without sacrificing functionality. | | | | The Japan-China-Korea (JCK) partnership, |
| For retailers and restaurant/hospitality | | | | announced last month in Osaka, is the latest |
| operators alike, cost and ease of use are | | | | in a string of initiatives to promote Linux. |
| king, and reasons such as these can make the | | | | Two weeks earlier, Singapore hosted the |
| difference between a business that succeeds | | | | second annual Asia Open Source Symposium, |
| and a business that fails. | | | | where 20 Asian countries discussed closer |
| | | | collaboration in standardization, |
| POS software providers have been slow, | | | | localization and interoperability of Linux |
| however, to jump on the Linux bandwagon. | | | | software." |
| Currently, there are few well-known or | | | | |
| enterprise-wide POS software packages | | | | So, when choosing an operating system and |
| available for Linux. One company, however, | | | | subsequent point of sale system, consider |
| has seen a niche in the market and has | | | | Linux. Discover for yourself why Linux is the |
| embraced it head on. Volanté POS Systems, | | | | fastest growing server operating system. |
| of Toronto, Canada and Hong Kong, offers a | | | | |
| POS solution that has been developed entirely | | | | Derek Meade is a writer, webmaster, and owner |
| in Java. Java is cross platform compatible | | | | of Meade Internet Services in Ottawa Canada, |
| and operates in multiple environments - this | | | | an internet marketing, website promotion and |
| gives the user freedom to choose Linux, | | | | website design company. |