14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has recently made a few changes in its retail organizations, including new positions, and the addition of new equipment. The iPod touch-based point-of-sale system (POS) is one of them and, apparently, it has caught the eye of small businesses, larger chains and system integrators.
According to tipsters talking to ifoAppleStore, the source dealing exclusively with information about Apple’s retail establishments, "Since the debut of the iPod POS, inquiries have been coming from all directions, including from end-user small businesses, larger chains and system integrators. Until now, Apple’s response has been that the iPod POS is a proprietary product, unavailable for sale." "But now, tipsters say, Apple retail executives have asked the retail store business specialists to collect contact information from anyone who inquires about the iPod touch system, apparently to create a database of potential customers if Apple decides to commercialize the product," the ifo report says.
Earlier this year, Apple revealed that it would allow software applications running under iPhone OS 3.0 to utilize external hardware that was previously incompatible with the device. Following the move, the company could begin plans to dump Windows-based portable computers in exchange for customized iPod touches to wirelessly process customer credit and debit cards. The method now allows all Apple-store employees to accept cash for purchases.
The EasyPay Touch system not only handles credit, debit and cash transactions, but also certain product returns. Customers write their signature on the iPod touch using a stylus, when doing purchases with a credit card. Last month, ifoAppleStore and AppleInsider gave an exclusive look at Apple's new iPod touch-based EasyPay checkout system, now extended only to some retail locations.
Coincidentally, although not in a related move, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey announced a new start-up and, implicitly, a possible competitor to the iPod POS. Square will market a magnetic strip reader dongle for the iPhone, along with advanced card-processing services. The solution will allow small businesses to easily and quickly accept credit-card payments using a mobile device, while the iPod touch is first on that list.
