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