POS Terminal Shipments up 8 percent in 2003

Category killers and supercenters - especially Home Depot and Wal-Mart - were the primary drivers of growth in 2003, when these outlets increased their POS purchases by 18 percent. This is just one finding from the IHL market study, 2004 North American Retail Point-of-Sale Terminals, which is available immediately. Additional findings include: -- The overall market value for hardware, software, peripherals and maintenance for North America increased 6 percent to $7.1 billion in 2003. Dell and HP entered the market lowering base unit hardware prices, but peripherals, software, and maintenance prices did not see as significant a drop. -- Shipments of Microsoft Windows 2000/XP systems increased 13 percent and now represent 54 percent of the total shipments to North America. In total, Microsoft Operating Systems represented 70 percent of total shipments. (This does not include DOS systems which a portion would also be Microsoft). -- Shipments of Linux-based POS units increased 19 percent year to year. Lingering issues with driver availability and the threat of SCO lawsuits held back additional growth. The report covers point of sale findings in the United States and Canada, with key insights into industries using POS, such as food/supermarket, drug stores, superstores and warehouse clubs, department stores, category killers, specialty stores, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, table service restaurants and quick service restaurants.