Customers with limited CPU capability, memory or disk capacity who desire to replace their POS system unit with a non-IBM unit while preserving their existing IBM RS-485 POS peripherals can utilize the E3 Retail Device Connect RS-485 PCI adapter to attach legacy POS peripherals.
By leveraging industry standard PC technology, such as the HP rp5700 PC system unit, retailers can cost effectively migrate to the latest hardware technology and operating system while preserving their POS peripherals and delaying the additional acquisition cost of new peripherals.
By utilizing the E3 Retail Device Connect RS-485 PCI adapter, retailers can adopt an incremental hardware upgrade strategy for upgrading legacy POS peripherals to new retail-powered USB peripherals (new POS system unit with both retail-powered USB and RS-485 ports).
Device Connect RS-485 provides retailers with 3, 5 or 6 RS-485 ports to connect existing IBM POS peripherals. Using standard PCI architecture, one can connect +5V, +12V or +38V IBM peripherals to a standard PC with an adequate power supply.
Retailers who purchase PC system units with retail-powered USB ports can coexist the Device Connect RS-485 adapter, by installing it in an available PCI slot. A combination of RS-485 and retail-powered USB peripherals can be used at the same time.
E3 Retail provides industry compatible OPOS drivers to manage the POS peripherals. Retailers can develop new Windows based POS applications to operate with the existing POS peripherals or leverage an existing Windows or 4690 OS-based POS application.
Incremental Migration – Retailers no longer have to do a full scale replacement of the POS hardware. More often than not, expanding your business and providing additional services to your customers requires adding new feature capability to the POS application. Many customers quickly become limited by CPU speed and/or memory. With Device Connect RS-485, one can incrementally upgrade the POS system unit to a vendor of choice.
Re-use – In addition to the existing IBM POS peripherals, retailers can reuse the existing RS-485 cables in place today and to make cabling changes in the wrap stands. The Device Connect RS-485 adapter provides power to each POS peripheral via the existing cable in use.
New Technology / Tools – Retailers who have or want to invest in new POS software technology (latest tools & applications), but are limited by their existing POS hardware now have a cost-effective option with Device Connect RS-485.
Protect Existing Application – Some retailers may want to protect the investment in their existing 4690 OS-based application. With Device Connect RS-485 and QVS Terminal Services, retailers can leverage proven technology to respond to ever-changing business requirements.