NEC Corporation will begin providing low-cost, cloud-based POS systems using smart devices, including NEC's "LifeTouch" tablets and smartphones, from September 2012.

Retailers can launch these cloud POS services the day that a contract is signed and a wide variety of applications can be downloaded from the cloud, such as NEC's shop management (settlement, sales and analysis management), payment (e-money) and CRM (membership, point, coupon management) offerings.

When small sized businesses introduce conventional POS systems, they are faced with a number of challenges that range from the cost and time to install the systems, to the need for customization and system updates.

NEC has addressed these issues by using its POS system know-how and e-money payment technologies to enable smart devices to provide the same kinds of store management and transaction functions as specialized POS systems.

Furthermore, this new system allows users to analyze and manage sales performance and member preferences through NEC's data centers. The system also provides CRM functions, including coupons and points, which contribute to a store's sales performance.

NEC aims to promote these services with small sized food and service related stores in Japan. Globally, NEC aims to provide these services within 100,000 stores by the end of the 2014 fiscal year, while expanding partnerships with leading IT companies and service providers in emerging markets.

These new services were produced as part of NEC's strategic investment toward creating new business, strengthening international business and enhancing its energy related business.

Key features of the new services include the following:

Quick and affordable POS system deployment: Retailers can quickly and affordably deploy these POS systems to provide store management and settlement functions through cloud services using smart devices and cash-drawer printers, thereby freeing retailers from the need to purchase expensive specialized POS equipment.

POS system know-how: NEC capitalizes on knowledge and experience from deploying POS systems globally to create advanced systems with intuitive user interfaces that are easy for employees to master and include features such as integrated sales data and member information analysis.

Multiple settlement options: System supports several e-money settlement options using devices linked with NEC's "MaPS" marketing and payment service.

Provides a variety of CRM services: The system provides a wide variety of CRM services that can contribute to sales, including coupons and point functions that encourage return customers, as well as membership management and seat management.

NEC will continue developing and providing new solutions through the cloud that improve the customer experience and enhance profitability for businesses throughout the world.