Press Release

January 05, 2000

5 January 2000: On the front end of @pos.com's retail transaction system, devices tap into the @pos.com system using the Java^TM 2 platform Micro Edition.

"Microware's OS-9 provided us with the complete solution we needed to deliver an innovative, Internet-enabled device that will revolutionize the retail consumer experience," said Lavan Fernando, chief technology officer, @pos.com. "Microware's OS-9, their branded PersonalJava^TM technology-based solution for OS-9, and Microware's development environment, not only saved us development time but utilized the advanced operating system functionality such as security, stability, and reliability that are required in a high availability retail device."

According to Alan Anderson, director of Java technology for Microware, "Our proven OS-9 solution and our track record of deployments made Microware the obvious choice for the device side of @pos.com's system."

@pos.com is also using Espial's development tools, based on Sun's PersonalJava technology, and Internet application suite to power its interactive POS transaction device (iPOS TC). Integrated into the device is Espial's Kalos Espresso, the industry's only PersonalJava technology-based GUI toolkit, and Espial Escape, a full-featured Java technology-based Web browser including SSL and JavaScript support into the iPOS TC. The customizable user interface for the iPOS was designed and developed using Espial's Kalos Architect Visual RAD tool using the Kalos Espresso GUI components.

"Both Kalos Espresso and the Escape browser are two crucial pieces of the technology behind the iPOS TC and the suite of POS software products," said Lavan Fernando, chief technology officer at @pos.com. "Espial's tools and solutions accelerated our development efforts and resulted in a first-to-market solution, Web-enabling the iPOS with our Java technology-based platform."

"The iPOS platform demonstrates the power of service-driven smart devices as the foundation for innovative business strategies. Espial's Kalos Architect Visual RAD tool, Kalos Espresso GUI toolkit and Espial Escape Java technology-based browser, provides a graphically rich service-delivery platform for Java technology-bases content and applications that enable @pos.com to offer their customers new and innovative ways to customize the iPOS and deliver new business services around the iPOS platform," says Mal Raddalgoda, senior director of strategic marketing at Espial. "@pos.com will continue to lead the market through increasing brand loyalty to iPOS by enabling their customers to differentiate themselves and staying competitive through innovative services in today's retail industry."

On the back-end, the data center leverages the Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition. @pos.com products developed under Java 1.x technology are currently being migrated to the Java 2 Platform.

@pos.com's transaction computer, the iPOS TC, is equipped with a powerful 190 MHz Intel StrongARM processor and real-time operating system that enable it to display messages in multiple windows in vibrant color on a scratch- and glare-resistant VGA screen. The iPOS TC supports GIF and applet animation and rich audio to give customers a true multimedia shopping experience.

Easy to integrate with leading POS platforms and PCs, the iPOS TC features dual-channel connectivity that enables retailers to simultaneously display messages to customers and capture their payment information, including digital signatures, while sending transaction data to secure storage. What's more, its patented pressure-sensitive screen and passive pen technology make the iPOS TC virtually maintenance free.

iPOS TC Technical Specifications

@pos.com's In-store Solutions Group is committed to incorporating JavaPOS, Jini^TM, and Oracle 8i technologies into a distributed services architecture based on the Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition.

Processor

• Intel StrongARM SA-1100 (190 MHz)

Memory

• 8m flash/16m dram

Terminal Display

• Color LCD, º VGA 320 x 240 pixels

• Image-viewable area: 3.4 W x 4.5 L inches (8.6 x 11.5 cm)

Connectivity

• RS-232, RS-485 and USB Interfaces

• Serial AUX port support for such third-party peripherals as check readers, scanners and printers

Physical Characteristics

• Magnetic stripe reader

• Non-electronic stylus

• Single PCMIA Type II slot

• Secure ISA Bus for @pos.com peripheral connectivity

• 1-RS-232 RJ45 AUX port connector

• 1 Universal Serial Bus Type B connector (option)

Animation & Sound Support

• Sound: AU (native Java format) sound file supports audio clips and jingles

• Animation: supports motion (GIF and Java-based applets)

Real-time Operating System

• Microware OS-9

• PersonalJava Solution for OS-9

Transaction Applications

• posPortal: provides Java technology-based connectivity between register-host and Web-host

• posBrowser: provides browser for HTML, JavaScript and applets

• posClassic: enables backwards compatibility with PenWare3100

Software Development Tool

• posBuilder

Network Dual Connectivity via PCMIA Type 11 Adapter (Option)

• 10-Base-T Ethernet

• Wireless

• Modem

Peripheral (Option)

• Smart Card Interface M700 and M704 (supporting ISO 78116 cards)

About the Author

Jane Christophersen is a free-lance writer based in Northern California who specializes in making complex information easier to understand.

About Microware

Microware (NASDAQ: MWAR) is the technical leader in real-time operating system (RTOS) software for embedded systems. Microware's OS-9 is the fundamental control program managing critical microprocessor functions. Microware's leadership with OS-9, leading components, development tools, support and consulting has been implemented in millions of high-tech applications, including consumer devices, factory automation, wireless products, medical instrumentation, digital television/digital video and multimedia devices. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, Microware was founded in 1977, and has technology and sales offices throughout the United States and in England, France, Germany and Japan. Microware, the Microware logo, OS-9 and DAVID are registered trademarks of Microware Systems Corporation.