ELO TouchSystems And IGC International Combine to Produce
Networks of Up to 33 Touchmonitors Operating From a Single PC
(Business Wire; 07/13/98)
FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 13, 1998--
New "Thin Client" System Coupled With ELO Touchmonitors
Dramatically Reduces Cost in Chain Stores and Restaurants
A combination of touchscreen technology from Elo TouchSystems, Inc., and a
low-cost, multi-user operating system from IGC International has led to the
development of a new class of touchscreen-based, point-of-sale (POS) networks
for chain stores and restaurants. IGC's MultiNode operating system for Windows
NT makes it possible to run up to 33 Elo touchmonitors from a single PC in a
"thin client" retail network. The new user-friendly touch network represents a
saving of approximately one-third the cost of using traditional client/server
networking solutions.
"Elo has long been the leader in providing touch solutions to restaurants
and retail businesses," said Mike Lewis, product marketing manager for Elo
TouchSystems, Inc. "Touch is simple, easy to learn and ideal for chain store
and restaurant operations where you need to perform fast, accurate transactions
with minimal employee training. The marriage of Elo's touchmonitors and IGC's
multi-user networking systems provides retailers with a user-friendly,
affordable alternative to networks that rely on keyboards, mice, or a dedicated
PC for each touchmonitor."
Centralized Software Lowers Costs
The advantage of a "thin client" network is that developers of retail POS
applications can configure multiple touchmonitors from a single 486 or Pentium
class PC, each one running a separate application on Windows NT. Unlike
conventional client/server networks which utilize dedicated PCs and software
for each workstation, "thin client" networks place all the software on the
central server which users may access via a local graphics terminal with a
touch, mouse or keyboard interface. Centralizing software to a single server in
this way not only lowers the initial investment, but also drives down both
operation and maintenance costs. Upgrading hardware and software is fast, easy
and economical, and security is enhanced because all key information resides in
one location. In addition, the physical footprint of the client terminal is
smaller than traditional client/server workstations and frees up more valuable
retail space on a bartop or countertop.
"Touch is definitely the simplest user interface," said Tim Millar,
president of IGC International. "This combination of high technology and low
cost now makes touch the best alternative for retail networks. For example, a
fast-food restaurant can now install a single computer to run all of its order
taking terminals equipped with Elo touchmonitors at a fraction of the
traditional cost. Previously, a 5-user touch-based client/server network
configured with a dedicated PC for each touchmonitor could cost as much as
$9,500. Now, using the same touchmonitors on IGC's MultiNode network, the cost
can be reduced to as little as $6,400, a saving of $3,100. Additional cost
savings can be realized due to the lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of a
thin client solution."
Typical Touch-Based Network
To configure touch-based multi-user networks, IGC has licensed and
incorporated Elo's MonitorMouse for Windows NT touchscreen driver software into
the IGC MultiNode operating system. On a typical network, each Elo IntelliTouch
or AccuTouch touchmonitor is connected to an SVGA graphics terminal, typically
a Maxspeed MaxStation. Each terminal can run additional peripherals like card
readers and printers. Individual terminals are then networked via IGC's
operating system to a single host PC server capable of running a Windows NT-
based POS system.
Multi-location retail outlets such as fast food, video rental, auto
rental, auto parts and drug stores will benefit most from installing a network
based on IGC's operating systems and Elo touchmonitors.
Pricing and Availability
Touchmonitors from Elo are available for immediate delivery. Full
compatibility with IGC networks is ensured with built-in support for both Elo's
resistive and surface wave touch technologies. For information on Elo's
touchmonitors and other products and services, contact Elo TouchSystems at
800/ELO-TOUCH (800/356-8682) or visit Elo's Web site at
http://www.elotouch.com. Direct electronic mail inquiries to
[email protected].
Touch-based multi-user networks from IGC are available in base packages of
5- and 9-users with 4-user add-on packages available up to a maximum of 33
users. Software license fees start at $895 for a 5-user network. Delivery will
be one week from the date of order.
For more information on IGC's products and services, contact IGC
International at 800/866-5597 or visit IGC's Web site at http://www.igcinc.com.
Direct electronic mail inquiries to [email protected].
MonitorMouse, IntelliTouch and AccuTouch are registered trademarks of Elo
TouchSystems, Inc. MultiNode and IGC are registered trademarks of IGC. Maxspeed
and MaxStations are registered trademarks of Maxspeed Corp. Windows NT is a
registered trademark of Microsoft. Other products and companies referred to
herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or
mark holders.
Elo TouchSystems
Elo TouchSystems, Inc., the leader in touchscreen technology, develops,
manufactures and markets touchmonitors and touchscreen products to simplify
computers for users worldwide. Founded in 1971, the company operates R&D and
manufacturing centers in Fremont, Calif., and Ottobrunn, Germany. Elo
TouchSystems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raychem Corporation. More
information about Elo is available on the Internet at www.elotouch.com.
IGC International
Founded in 1985, IGC International is the industries leading provider of
multi-user technology. IGC's expertise in multi-user platforms for the POS and
replicated sites markets has led to an installed base of over 550,000 users
which include 1,600 Firestone Automotive Stores, 1,000 Denny's restaurants and
thousands of other mission-critical installations throughout the world. More
information on IGC International is available on the Internet at
www.igcinc.com.
|
