Retailers Embracing Microsoft Windows NT to Revolutionize Business

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates predicted at the CIES Annual Executive Congress that retailers will be at the forefront in delivering a new breed of customer-facing applications through innovative use of the Internet, commercial online services, kiosks, and interactive TV. Gates highlighted the potential for electronic retailing to grow rapidly, driven by operational efficiencies, convenience, and direct access to the consumer. Retailers are rapidly adopting Microsoft Windows NT-based technologies to reach customers in new ways, transform business-to-business communication, and gain competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft Windows NT-based technologies are being rapidly adopted by retailers to reach customers in new ways and gain competitive advantage.
  • Retailers are using innovative use of the Internet, commercial online services, kiosks, and interactive TV to deliver customer-facing applications.
  • Electronic retailing is expected to grow rapidly, driven by operational efficiencies, convenience, and direct access to the consumer.
  • Microsoft has partnered with retailers and ISVs to develop over 200 Windows-based applications specifically for retailing.
  • Windows NT-based technologies are being used by retailers such as Tesco, Best Buy, Applebee's, and Walmart to improve business processes and customer service.
  • Retailers are implementing Windows NT-based networks to reduce costs and increase customer service, with eight of the top 20 retailers in the US already using Windows NT.
  • Microsoft is working with the Association for Retail Technology Standards (ARTS) to define a development specification for Windows- and Windows NT-based point-of-sale applications.

Statistics:

  • Over 200 Windows-based applications specifically for retailing have been developed by Microsoft Solution Providers and ISVs.
  • Eight of the top 20 retailers in the US are using Windows NT-based networks to reduce costs and increase customer service.
  • 9,300 Amoco gas and convenience-store locations nationwide are rolling out Windows NT-based point-of-sale and back-office systems.
  • 430 Somerfield Stores in the UK are implementing a new inventory management system based on Microsoft Windows NT and custom applications developed by Post Software International (PSI).
  • 3,300 Casino stores in France will use Windows NT-based back-office applications.
  • 160 Lobras/Marisa stores in Brazil are using Windows NT-based point-of-sale terminals and PCs.

Sources:

  • Microsoft Corporation press release, June 26, 1995.
  • CIES Annual Executive Congress proceedings.
  • Association for Retail Technology Standards (ARTS) publications.
  • Post Software International (PSI) publications.
  • Microsoft News Database (go msnews) on CompuServe.
  • Microsoft Solution Providers publications.
  • Articles and press releases by Microsoft Corporation.