The First Data POS Value Exchange replaces a cash register and traditional point of sale terminal with a computer-based system that delivers a complete store management solution with greater information security, speed of transactions and more flexible payment options for customers.

POS Value Exchange leverages the three companies' core competencies:

1. First Data's payment processing power for virtually all forms of payment - from credit and debit to gift cards and checks;
2. Microsoft DynamicsTM - Point of Sale 2.0 software from Microsoft designed to manage inventory, track sales and improve customer management; and
3. a rugged, retail-specific point of sale hardware solution from HP.

The solution will be offered by First Data, along with its participating alliance partners and independent sales organizations. Purchase and lease options will be available, with pricing set by the individual sales channels.

Specialty retailers will find that the system's touch-screen display and ability to accept virtually all forms of payment will improve customer service and speed up transaction time. Retailers also will be able to track purchase behaviors and identify buying trends to improve inventory management and save valuable time.

"The customer experience has improved tenfold with the POS Value Exchange solution," said Byron Borchardt with Bargain Books, one of a number of retailers who have been pilot testing the solution. "Our customers spend less time in the check-out line and the discount the customer received at the store is clearly reflected on the sales receipt. The user-friendly touch-screen display makes employee training simple and seeing a computer at the point of sale projects a professional image to my customers." Bargain Books has also been able to track buying trends in the store to better manage staffing levels.

First Data, Microsoft and HP believe that the product will have benefits for merchants and consumers alike.

"First Data is excited to team with Microsoft and HP to deliver a unique value to small and mid-sized merchants," said Barry McCarthy, president of Product Innovation at First Data Commercial Services. "This single solution enables small merchants to have the power to manage their inventory, understand and track customer buying behavior and offer an enhanced consumer experience by accepting virtually all forms of payment - from credit, debit and gift cards to checks."

"This new solution will revolutionize the way small retailers do business and process payments," said Mike Dickstein, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics at Microsoft. "Now small retailers using electronic cash registers and dial-up connections can easily convert to an affordable, integrated point of sale and payment processing system, and offer the same great customer service and payment options to their customers that the big box stores do."

"Simply put, this solution gives small businesses a competitive edge," said Gayle Papadopoulos, managing director of Worldwide Distribution and Retail Industries at HP. "HP's retail-hardened, industry-standard rp5000 point of sale system adds the flexibility and affordability of a PC architecture with long lifecycles and extended warranties to First Data's payment processing power and Microsoft's software."

POS Value Exchange is designed for smaller retailers, typically with a single store location with up to five lanes.