New Issues for Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users

 We are just a few weeks away from the July 13th, 2021 official end of life date for the very popular Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software. Based on some recent phone calls and emails that I have had with companies in the US that still plan on supporting RMS, there are a few things that retailers need to be aware of:

1. Plan on support ending for the various plug ins and add-ons for RMS or plan on there being no enhancements to these plug ins and add ons (new versions, bug fixes, etc)
2. Plan on paying double for RMS support - of the few companies that I spoke with, most mentioned charging a premium service rate (eg $135 to $175/hour plus an annual support contract that costs $400 to $1500 for a typical retail store)
3. Plan on longer support response times. With Microsoft no longer offering any resources, each individual company will need to figure out support requests on their own. This could easily take longer for a tech to work through an unusual or unfamiliar support issue/request
4. Any plug ins and add ons for RMS that will not be phased out for another 1-3 years may see a price increase if there is a monthly fee involved. It is just going to cost more to maintain and support anything related to RMS.

Soooo - the idea of using RMS past July 2021 may be less appealing you if support alone costs $1500 a year plus finding someone to support RMS will become more and more challenging over the coming years.

If this is enough to prompt you to take a serious look at replacing RMS, here is a video that might help guide you to which POS system would make a good replacement:  https://youtu.be/fzqc7gmrJ58

Questions, comments, anything that you would want me to share with RMS users in the US? You can reach me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

 

RITE Extends RITE Microsoft RMS Maintenance Program to all RMS Users

As many retailers using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software have expressed interest in using the RMS software beyond the July 2020/2021 end of life date, RITE has extended their RITE RMS Maintenance Plan to be available for all retailers using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software. This is a great way to continue receiving RMS support and is even available to retailers using RMS who are lapsed on their Microsoft Annual Maintenance Agreement (also known as BRAP or annual software maintenance).

With costs starting around $215/lane license if current on maintenance or around $430/lane if lapsed on maintenance, this is a great way to maintain RMS support.

RITE RMS Maintenance includes the following:

• Automatic weekly backups of the RMS database (daily backups are available for an additional charge)
• ESET Antivirus software on each POS computer
• Free clean up of the RMS database (re-indexing, removing un-used files, etc) to help speed up the RMS software and stay under any SQL database size limitations
• 100% discount against the up front license cost of the Cloud Retailer point of sale software (normally $500/lane license). Cloud Retailer is a direct replacement for Microsoft RMS and also works with the very popular Card Defender processing plug in for RMS making for an easier and less expensive transition to a new POS software program. Discount only applies to RMS users who are current on RITE RMS Maintenance and does not include Cloud Retailer hardware, training or related deployment costs)
• Access to our Minnesota and Idaho based support team for RMS support via "pay as you go" or pre-paid discounted blocks of support hours options.

The first steps are to get in touch with RITE to complete a Change of Partner form and obtain a quote based on your lane count and whether you are lapsed on Microsoft RMS Maintenance. Additional options for backups and paid technical support can be discussed at that time as well. 

You can reach the RITE team by calling 888-267-7483 or sales@rite.us. 

Reminder: All Microsoft RMS to Retail Management Hero Discounts End June 2021

Just a quick reminder that all discounts for moving from the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software to the Retail Engagement Hero (RMH) point of sale software will end June 2021 thanks to the folks at RMH extending a 10% discount for all RMS users.

Please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com if you have any questions about Microsoft RMS replacement options.

Setting Up Microsoft RMS for Curbside Pickup / Use of Square

A quick video showing what is needed to set up the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software for curbside pickup. Also how to change tender types to use a Square Device.

This has been highly requested as many retailers adapt to the Coronavirus by offering curbside pickup.

This is only one example as there are many different ways to offer curbside pickup with Microsoft RMS.

Please note that that the POS station(s) will need to be Z-ed out and restarted for the new Square tender type to appear.

For more information, please contact myself or RITE at 888-267-7483 or sales@rite.us

For Montana and Colorado Liquor Stores Using Microsoft RMS

30 Second bullet point summary if you don't have time to read further or watch the videos:

• End of Life for the Microsoft Dynamics RMS software is July 2021
• There are 50+ liquor stores in Montana and Colorado still using Microsoft RMS
• First video covers facts around RMS End of Life, what other retailers using RMS are doing regarding the RMS End of Life Deadline, and general advice
• Cloud Retailer is both a low direct replacement program for RMS and is designed for beer/wine/liquor retailers as show in the remaining videos
• We do plan on supporting RMS/HQ past July 2021 but not indefinitely
• There are support/maintenance plans available for Microsoft RMS that will be available for the next couple of years
• Contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 to chat more about your specific situation. No sales pitches - just a conversation.

My understanding from speaking with liquor store retailers in Montana and Colorado is that at least 50 of you are still using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software.  To help you with the whole Microsoft RMS End of Life deadline, a few resources are below:

Video about RMS End of Life (facts, what other retailers are doing, advice):

In addition to being a direct low cost replacement for Microsoft RMS, Cloud Retailer is also specifically designed for liquor store retailers.  Feature/Function examples include:

Age Verification:

Automatic Cash Discounts:

Supplier Purchase Planning:

Unit of Measure:

Detailed Product Attributes:

If you own or operate a beer, wine or liquor store in Montana or Colorado, and use the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software, then it is worth taking a look at Cloud Retailer.

A quick reminder that 1) Cloud Retailer is a direct replacement for RMS (keep your existing data, possible discounts for RMS users, etc) and that 2) We will continue to support RMS past the July 2021 End of Life date (but will end support at some point).  There are support/maintenance plans available for Microsoft RMS that will be available for the next couple of years - please contact me directly for more information.

Free trial versions of Cloud Retailer are available by contacting me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com (US and Canada only please). I am also available for in person or online meetings as my travel schedule permits.

What other Microsoft RMS/HQ Users are doing for RMS End of Life

NOTE: I am keeping this updated as we move through 2021 as best I can

As a wild 2020 quickly comes to a close, more and more retailers are contacting me for advice specific to the Microsoft Dynamics RMS / HQ point of sale software and the upcoming end of extended support dates.

Many of you have even paid my travel expenses so I could come onsite to advise/consult/meet in person!

A summery of retailers that I've had in person or phone conversations with broken down by whether HQ is being used or not.

Not Using HQ (approx 475 single location stores that I have spoken with):

• 132 of you have upgraded to Retail Management Hero or Cloud Retailer
• 50 of you have replaced RMS with a different POS system (NCR CounterPoint SQL, Bindo, ShopKeep, LightSpeed, LiquorPOS, Netsuite, Epicore, Vend, and Clover appear to be the most popular)
• 125 of you have moved to stand alone payment terminals and will stick with that for the next 2+ years
• 142 of you have put in Card Defender and will stick with that for the next 2+ years 
• The remaining retailers have put in other payment terminal solutions as provided by your merchant services company (eg. Shift 4) or have not communicated back to me what your plans are

Using HQ (approx 57 chains that I have met/spoken with over the last 24 months):

1. 3 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will start exploring options in late 2019
2. 4 location chain: staying on RMS for now but will replace by Oct 2019. Looking at ERP or POS with built in accounting
3. 8 location chain: still on RMS for now. Looking at options but nothing shared back to me.
4. 4 location chain: staying on RMS and no plans to replace at this time
5. 5 location chain: put in Card Defender. Will keep using RMS for another 2+ years
6. 3 location chain: replaced RMS/HQ with SalesPad as they use Dynamics GP for accounting
7. 18 location chain: started replacing RMS/HQ with Netsuite
8. 9 location chain: started replacing RMS/HQ with Netsuite
9. 50 location chain: replaced RMS and HQ with NCR CounterPoint 
10. 2 location chain: staying on RMS for another 2+ years
11. 38 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
12. 8 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
13. 5 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
14. 4 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
15. 14 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
16. 18 location chain: just starting to evaluate options as of late 2018
17. 3 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
18. 6 location chain: Put in Cloud Retailer with Card Defender at all locations.
19. 297 location franchise (technically not using HQ) - put in Card Defender, likely moving to Epicore in 2022.
20. 2 location chain: staying RMS for the time being - looking at Card Defender and updating some hardware
21. 3 location chain: Replacing RMS/HQ with Cloud Retailer and Card Defender
22. 7 location chain: staying on RMS/HQ for now but recently implemented Card Defender at all locations
23. 5 location chain: initiated process to start putting in Netsuite per a franchise agreement.
24. 16 location chain: just starting the process to look at RMS/HQ replacement options
25. 2 location chain: replaced RMS with Retail Management Hero
26. 2 location chain: moving to Cloud Retailer now for deployment in late summer 2019
27. 16 location chain: moving to Cloud Retailer now for deployment in late 2019
28. 34 location chain: exploring options like Cloud Retailer for deployment in 2019 or 2020
29. 18 location chain: exploring options via an RFI to replace RMS/HQ in late 2020
30. 8 location chain: put out an RFI in 1/2019 for RMS/HQ replacement options and still evaluating as of 8/2019.
31. 40 location chain in Oregon: just now starting to look at RMS replacement options - very interested in Retail Management Hero but see no replacement for HQ yet if using RMH and the Retail Management Hero discounts end April 2020.
32. 45 location chain in Illinois: just now starting to look at RMS replacement options - very interested in Retail Management Hero but see no replacement for HQ yet if using RMH and the Retail Management Hero discounts end April 2020.
33. 50 location chain in Ohio: Renewing their maintenance program for RMS/HQ support with RITE. Very honestly told me that there is nothing on the market that matches their size of retail operation that isn't super expensive. They are looking at the Cloud Retailer option as well.
34. 19 location chain in California: just starting their search for RMS replacement options.
35. 3 location chain in Texas: using the DRS Bike Interface for RMS - holding out for RMH Central to be released soon.
36. 5 location chain in Washington State: Moving from RMS/HQ to Cloud Retailer
37. 19 location chain in Washington State and Alaska: awaiting an appointment with me to discuss further.
38. 12 location chain in Oregon: testing out In Store POS in 3 locations as a potential RMS/HQ replacement
39. 2 location chain in California: just starting the search - expressed some interest in Cloud Retailer
40. 2 Location chain in Arkansas: just starting the search - looking at Cloud  Retailer and RMH for now.
41. 4 location chain in South Dakota: just starting to look at RMS replacement options
42. 5 location chain in Alaska: replaced RMS/HQ with Celerant
43. 7 location chain in Canada: looking at options now
44. 4 location chain in AZ: looking at options like Cloud Retailer now
45. 39 location chain across the US: replaced RMS/HQ with RMH and RMH Central (and hate it - see their review here: https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retail-management-hero-profile/
46. 3 location chain in the NE US: Didn't know that RMS was End of Life - not sure what they will be doing
47. 2 location chain in Alaska: hanging on to RMS and HQ for the time being due to negative reviews of RMH Central
48. 2 location chain in Alaska: starting the search for an RMS replacement to put in late 2020. Is looking at Cloud Retailer.
49. 18 location chain in South Dakota: elected to replace RMS/HQ with Cloud Retailer
50. 22 location chain in Oregon:  Replacing RMS/HQ with Cloud Retailer 
51. 29 location chain in the southeast US: replacing RMS/HQ with RMH/RMH Central
    

I have 5 other chains (with 3 to 5 stores each) that I've spoken with but have not been keeping me updated on their plans.

(Disclaimer: Microsoft RMS will not magically stop working come July of 2020 or July of 2021 but it will become more difficult to support over time as technology changes. I will continue to support RMS past July 2021 but this will not be indefinite).

RMS Issues/Motivation to Change

1. End of support for Windows 7
2. End of support for Microsoft RMS
3. Pressure / additional fees from merchant services provider for using an outdated POS system
4. End of Retail Management Hero (RMH) licence discounts for Microsoft RMS users
5. Lack of peripheral hardware support
6. Not able to re-activate license keys
7. Fee's being charged by merchant services provider for using "retired" POS software
8. Fee's being charged by merchant services provider for not paying RMS maintenance ("BRAP")
9. Various integrations no longer working
10. Issues with Windows 10
11. Current Microsoft RMS Partner/VAR/Dealer/Reseller ending support for RMS and HQ.

Footnote on RMS Add-ons:

Some of you rely on various RMS add-on's like PoolCorp, ShipRush or the bike store and service modules from DRS for RMS. At this time, you can't move away from RMS without losing these add-on's. Initial indications are that many of these add-on's will work with some of the RMS replacement programs as we get closer to 2020 and 2021 (subject to change of course).

If you would like to have an in-person or phone conversation about the future of the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software and advice specific to your retail business, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Please do share this post/site with other retailers who are using RMS / HQ as well.

T Minus Less Than1 (or 2) Years to RMS End of Extended Support

OK retailers, we are just over one year away from the end of extended support for the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software.  Two years if you are current on annual software maintenance.  July 2020 and July 2021 are the key dates to remember.

Many of you have been asking me what will and what won't happen on these days. Here is a summary:

What will happen:

• All support from Microsoft will end
• No new feature packs, updates, hot fixes, etc (although we have not seen anything for a couple of years anyway)
• No ability to add new licenses
• No ability to activate licenses whether new or existing (if you replace a computer, you will not be able to activate the RMS POS module)
• Support will be limited as Dynamics RMS Partners/VAR's/Dealers/Resellers will only have their own internal resources

What will not happen:

• RMS will magically stop working
• You will lose all your data (assuming that you are backing everything up daily)

What we don't know just yet:

• Will support for payment processing cease since the software will likely no longer meet compliance with the payment processing industry?
• Will support for the various RMS plug in's and add on's end?
• Will the license swap program end for Retail Management Hero (yes it will! More information coming soon as this will end in 2020!)
• Will RMS be compatible with newer versions of Windows and SQL Server?
• How many current companies supporting RMS will continue to support RMS past 2020/2021?

Summary of what other retailers who use the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software are doing regarding the end of life/end of support dates for RMS:

http://www.pospondering.com/2018/11/what-microsoft-rms-users-are-doing-for.html

What should you do?

Have a plan to replace RMS before the deadline so you are not scrambling at the last minute. I've worked with many retailers to help them migrate to Retail Management Hero or Cloud Retailer over the last year.  If you truly want to hang on to RMS past 2020/2021, then be sure that you are backing up your data and that you have a contingency plan in place should RMS stop working.

Each retailer is different, and I have worked with well over 2000 of you since the late 1990's. Please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for some personalized advice.

T Minus 1 (or 2) Years to RMS End of Extended Support

OK retailers, we are just over one year away from the end of extended support for the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software.  Two years if you are current on annual software maintenance.  July 2020 and July 2021 are the key dates to remember.

Many of you have been asking me what will and what won't happen on these days. Here is a summary:

What will happen:

• All support from Microsoft will end
• No new feature packs, updates, hot fixes, etc (although we have not seen anything for a couple of years anyway)
• No ability to add new licenses
• No ability to activate licenses whether new or existing (if you replace a computer, you will not be able to activate the RMS POS module)
• Support will be limited as Dynamics RMS Partners/VAR's/Dealers/Resellers will only have their own internal resources

What will not happen:

• RMS will magically stop working
• You will lose all your data (assuming that you are backing everything up daily)

What we don't know just yet:

• Will support for payment processing cease since the software will likely no longer meet compliance with the payment processing industry?
• Will support for the various RMS plug in's and add on's end?
• Will the license swap program end for Retail Management Hero (yes it will! More information coming soon as this will end in 2020!)
• Will RMS be compatible with newer versions of Windows and SQL Server?
• How many current companies supporting RMS will continue to support RMS past 2020/2021?

Summary of what other retailers who use the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software are doing regarding the end of life/end of support dates for RMS:

http://www.pospondering.com/2018/11/what-microsoft-rms-users-are-doing-for.html

What should you do?

Have a plan to replace RMS before the deadline so you are not scrambling at the last minute. I've worked with many retailers to help them migrate to Retail Management Hero or Cloud Retailer over the last year.  If you truly want to hang on to RMS past 2020/2021, then be sure that you are backing up your data and that you have a contingency plan in place should RMS stop working.

Each retailer is different, and I have worked with well over 2000 of you since the late 1990's. Please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for some personalized advice.

Travel Schedule and On Site Consulting: 2019

So 2018 was a record year for meeting onsite with retailers looking for help in choosing a POS system. 90% of you are on the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software and the looping end of life deadline has you anxious to come up with a plan to replace RMS at some point in the next 1 to 3 years.  From March 2018 to October 2018, I spoke or met with 421 retailers with a total of 680 stores in the US.

For 2019 I do anticipate more RMS users requesting onsite consulting so please get in touch with me if you are in or within 150 miles of the following areas (or wish to cover my travel expenses for dedicated onsite consulting as 7 retail chains did in 2018):

• Boise, ID
• Salt Lake City, UT
• Denver, CO
• Jackson, WY
• Seattle, WA
• Portland, OR
• Phoenix, AZ
• Dallas, TX
• San Antonio, TX
• Houston, TX
• Austin, TX
• Corpus Christi, TX
• Minneapolis, MN

For more information, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com. Note that I am happy to travel just about anywhere, but, my expertise is best suited for retailers located in the US.

What other Microsoft RMS/HQ Users are doing for RMS End of Life

NOTE: I am keeping this updated as we move through 2019 instead of creating a whole new blog post.

As 2018 quickly comes to a close, more and more retailers are contacting me for advice specific to the Microsoft Dynamics RMS / HQ point of sale software and the upcoming end of extended support dates.

7 of you have even paid my travel expenses in 2018 so I could come onsite to advise/consult/meet in person!

A summery of retailers that I've had in person or phone conversations with broken down by whether HQ is being used or not.

Not Using HQ (approx 400 439 single location stores that I have spoken with):

• 106 of you have upgraded to Retail Management Hero or Cloud Retailer
• 46 of you have replaced RMS with a different POS system (NCR CounterPoint SQL, Bindo, ShopKeep, LightSpeed, QuickBooks POS, and Clover appear to be the most popular)
• 120 of you have moved to stand alone payment terminals and will stick with that for the next 2+ years
• 120 132 of you have put in Card Defender and will stick with that for the next 2+ years 
• The remaining retailers have put in other payment terminal solutions as provided by your merchant services company (eg. Shift 4) or have not communicated back to me what your plans are

Using HQ (approx 38 chains that I have met/spoken with over the last 24 months):

1. 3 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will start exploring options in 2019
2. 4 location chain: staying on RMS for now but will replace by Oct 2019. Looking at ERP or POS with built in accounting
3. 8 location chain: still on RMS for now. Looking at options but nothing shared back to me.
4. 4 location chain: staying on RMS and no plans to replace at this time
5. 5 location chain: put in Card Defender. Will keep using RMS for another 2+ years
6. 3 location chain: replaced RMS/HQ with SalesPad as they use Dynamics GP for accounting
7. 18 location chain: started replacing RMS/HQ with Netsuite
8. 9 location chain: started replacing RMS/HQ with Netsuite
9. 50 location chain: replaced RMS and HQ with NCR CounterPoint - project has been halted for various reasons and they are now searching again for RMS replacement options
10. 2 location chain: staying on RMS for another 2+ years
11. 38 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
12. 8 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
13. 5 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
14. 4 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
15. 14 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
16. 18 location chain: just starting to evaluate options as of late 2018
17. 3 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
18. 6 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020 Put in Cloud Retailer with Card Defender at all locations.
19. 297 location franchise (technically not using HQ) - put in Card Defender, likely moving to Epicore in 2020
20. 2 location chain: staying RMS for the time being - looking at Card Defender and updating some hardware
21. 3 location chain: Replacing RMS/HQ with Cloud Retailer and Card Defender
22. 7 location chain: staying on RMS/HQ for now but recently implemented Card Defender at all locations
23. 5 location chain: initiated process to start putting in Netsuite per a franchise agreement.
24. 16 location chain: just starting the process to look at RMS/HQ replacement options
25. 2 location chain: replaced RMS with Retail Management Hero
26. 2 location chain: putting in Cloud Retailer now for deployment in late 2019
27. 16 location chain: putting in Cloud Retailer now for deployment in late 2019
28. 34 location chain: exploring options like Cloud Retailer for deployment in 2019 or 2020
29. 18 location chain: exploring options via an RFI to replace RMS/HQ in late 2020
30. 8 location chain: put out an RFI in 1/2019 for RMS/HQ replacement options and still evaluating as of 6/2019.
31. 40 location chain in Oregon: just now starting to look at RMS replacement options - very interested in Retail Management Hero but see no replacement for HQ yet and the Retail Management Hero discounts end April 2020.
32. 45 location chain in Illinois: just now starting to look at RMS replacement options - very interested in Retail Management Hero but see no replacement for HQ yet and the Retail Management Hero discounts end April 2020.
33. 34 location chain in Ohio: Renewing their maintenance program for RMS/HQ support with RITE. Very honestly told me that there is nothing on the market that matches their size of retail operation that isn't super expensive. They are looking at the Cloud Retailer option as well.
34. 19 location chain in California: just starting their search for RMS replacement options.

I have 5 other chains (with 3 to 5 stores each) that I've spoken with but have not been keeping me updated on their plans.

(Disclaimer: Microsoft RMS will not magically stop working come July of 2020 or July of 2021 but it will become more difficult to support over time as technology changes. We have 11 support techs and will keep supporting RMS/HQ as along as feasibly possible)

RMS Issues/Motivation to Change

1. End of support for Windows 7
2. End of support for Microsoft RMS
3. Pressure / additional fees from merchant services provider for using an outdated POS system
4. End of Retail Management Hero (RMH) licence discounts for Microsoft RMS users
5. Lack of peripheral hardware support

Footnote on RMS Add-ons:

Some of you rely on various RMS add-on's like PoolCorp, ShipRush or the bike store and service modules from DRS for RMS. At this time, you can't move away from RMS without losing these add-on's. Initial indications are that many of these add-on's will work with some of the RMS replacement programs as we get closer to 2021 (subject to change of course).

If you would like to have an in-person or phone conversation about the future of the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software and advice specific to your retail business, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Please do share this post/site with other retailers who are using RMS / HQ as well.

TSYS, Heartland and Wells Fargo Ending Support for Native Payment Processing in Microsoft Dynamics POS 2.0, 2007, 2009 and RMS / TLS Deadline

If you happen to be hanging on to old credit card swipes and are using TSYS, First Data or Heartland to process payments made via credit card or debit card in the Microsoft Dynamics POS 2.0, 2007, 2009 and RMS point of sale software programs, you will be in for a surprise when your processing is turned off starting June 1st, June 30th, or July 1st 2018. This also somewhat aligns with the TLS deadline for non-secure ways of processing credit cards.

It is simply just not secure or safe to use USB or Keyboard Wedge credit card swipes anymore.  You could be fined and/or lose the ability to accept payment via credit or debit card if caught.

There are multiple options available to you:

1. Look at Card Defender which takes the security risk out of RMS, uses integrated payment terminals to interface with RMS, and you even pick up cool stuff like signature capture and NFC for Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
2. Switch to using stand alone payment terminals. Quickest and least expensive option but leaves you open to entry errors that can cost you over $2080 annually in lost revenue.
3. Look at updating RMS to one of the low cost direct replacement programs like Cloud Retailer or Retail Management Hero 

Those are the main options - you should make a decision no late than the end of May.

***I've also been contact by users of Microsoft Dynamics POS 2007, 2009 and 2.0 stating that they are also losing the ability to process credit cards effective June 1st, 2018. In these cases, you have fewer options since Dynamics POS 2007, 2009 and 2.0 do not have any 3rd party processing interfaces and do not qualify for a low cost replacement program. Contact me as needed***

***New Heartland Deadline: June 1st, 2018. You will need to change hardware/software as need or your processing will be tuned off***

****Wells Fargo and Heartland have also communicated with retailers that they will no longer allow them to use RMS and native processing with USB/Keyboard Wedge credit card swipes****

*****If you are using Windows XP then you can not use any web-based or integrated processing solution as Windows XP does not meet security standards*****

Please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for more information. You should also contact your merchant services company to see which deadline applies to you.

Now Offering Support for the Vantiv / Mercury Microsoft RMS Integration

Due to demand, we are now able to provide support to Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software users who also use the Vantiv/Mercury/WorldPay payment integration along with the VX805 payment terminals (other payment terminals may be supported as well - so far we've only seen the ICS 250's and the VX 805's being used).

I've had around a half dozen retailers contact me as their current provider could not, or would not, provide support. Here are the stipulations:

• This is paid support (can choose pay as you go or pre-purchase discounted labor which lowers the hourly rate from $125/hour to under $100/hour - billed in 15 minute increments).
• A Dealer Change form must be completed in order for our support techs to have access to the information needed to support the system.

Please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for more information. You can also use my work contact information if that is easier for you: 208-994-9404 or kevina@rite.us

Welcome to some new RITE Customers!

A quick shout out to some retailers and organizations that recently signed on with me for point of sale related needs:

Opus One Winery - Card Defecnder - CA

The Range - RMS Plug Ins - CA
Bullet Barn Guns - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - CA
Rietdyk's Milling Co - Service and Support - WA
Quantum Raynbow - Caribian - Cloud Retailer Reseller
Everson Royce - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - CA

Plasticare - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - CO

4 Way Meat Market - Card Defender - CA

1 Stop Pool - Support and Service - TX

Young Life - Consulting Services - CO

The Range of Richfield - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - WI

Marmot Mountain / Newell Brands - RMS Plug Ins - CO

I can be reached directly at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

What Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users are Doing: 2018 Edition

Quick analysis of what retailers are doing specific to the upcoming end of extended support date for the  Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ point of sale software programs:

Whether it be paid onsite consulting or point of sale sales and service, you can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 to have a free initial conversation to discuss your specific situation,

TSYS, Heartland and Wells Fargo Ending Support for Native Payment Processing in Microsoft Dynamics POS 2.0, 2007, 2009 and RMS / TLS Deadline

***New Heartland Deadline: June 1st, 2018. You will need to change hardware/software as need or your processing will be tuned off***

If you happen to be hanging on to old credit card swipes and are using TSYS, First Data or Heartland to process payments made via credit card or debit card in the Microsoft Dynamics POS 2.0, 2007, 2009 and RMS point of sale software programs, you will be in for a surprise when your processing is turned off starting June 1st, June 30th, or July 1st 2018. This also somewhat aligns with the TLS deadline for non-secure ways of processing credit cards.

It is simply just not secure or safe to use USB or Keyboard Wedge credit card swipes anymore.  You could be fined and/or lose the ability to accept payment via credit or debit card if caught.

There are multiple options available to you:

1. Look at Card Defender which takes the security risk out of RMS, uses integrated payment terminals to interface with RMS, and you even pick up cool stuff like signature capture and NFC for Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
2. Switch to using stand alone payment terminals. Quickest and least expensive option but leaves you open to entry errors that can cost you over $2080 annually in lost revenue.
3. Look at updating RMS to one of the low cost direct replacement programs like Cloud Retailer or Retail Management Hero 

Those are the main options - you should make a decision no late than the end of May.

***I've also been contact by users of Microsoft Dynamics POS 2007, 2009 and 2.0 stating that they are also losing the ability to process credit cards effective June 1st, 2018. In these cases, you have fewer options since Dynamics POS 2007, 2009 and 2.0 do not have any 3rd party processing interfaces and do not qualify for a low cost replacement program. Contact me as needed***

****Wells Fargo and Heartland have also communicated with retailers that they will no longer allow them to use RMS and native processing with USB/Keyboard Wedge credit card swipes****

*****If you are using Windows XP then you can not use any web-based or integrated processing solution as Windows XP does not meet security standards*****

Please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for more information. You should also contact your merchant services company to see which deadline applies to you.

Active Microsoft Dynamics RMS / HQ Forum

I wanted to provide a quick link to one of the few remaining active Microsoft Dynamics RMS / HQ user forums:

https://community.dynamics.com/rms/

If anyone else has other forums that RMS / HQ users should know about, please let me know by commenting or contacting me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Pin Debit Error Message with TSYS and Microsoft Dynamics RMS

I've had reports of Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software users receiving the following error message when try to process payments made using PIN Debit:

"Connection Error: Unable to Connect to remote host.  Unable to establish security context for this session  Num=0, Source="

In most cases, transactions run by credit card work fine.

TSYS is looking in to the issue but this is a good example of why RMS users should be looking at Card Defender since Card Defender takes out the old EDC settings in RMS (which is really not secure when it comes to protecting card holder information) and replaces EDC with payment terminals that meet or exceed payment industry security requirements (and still interface directly with RMS).

As a bonus, Card Defender also allows retailers to accept Chip Cards, NFC Payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet, and even works with the low cost replacement point of sale programs for RMS like Cloud Retailer and Retail Management Hero.

More information on Card Defender can be found here or by contacting RITE at sales@rite.us or 888-267-7483.

Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ Support for 2021 and Beyond

The calls have started coming in from retailers regarding Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partners setting cut-off dates for ending support on the Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ point of sale software programs earlier than the official Microsoft end dates of July 2020 and July 2021.

If you wish to keep using Microsoft RMS and are in need of a new Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partner, then RITE is ready to help! Some reasons to consider RITE:

• 24/7 support
• One of the largest Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ Partners in the US
• Team of support technicians
• Many of us have worked with RMS and HQ back to the days when it was QuickSell 2000 and QuickSell HQ from SMS in California
• RITE has written numerous plug-ins and add-ons for RMS over the years
• Discounted support packages are available which can lower the hourly rate for RMS support to under $100/hour
• Card Defender EMV/Chip Card system for Microsoft RMS, HQ, Retail Management Hero, and Cloud Retailer
• Significant discounts for RMS users wanting to migrate to Retail Management Hero or Cloud Retailer
• Commitment to support the Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ user base

I have a bunch of resources that I can send you but the first step is a quick discussion over the phone to see what you may need and how RITE can help. You can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for more information. If you would prefer to contact me via RITE, then use kevina@rite.us or 208-994-9404.

Microsoft RMS vs Retail Management Hero vs Cloud Retailer

***Updated video coming early 2019 as there have been over 60 enhancements to Cloud Retailer like the ability to use purchase planning to auto-generate purchase orders***

Comparing Microsoft RMS vs Retail Management Hero vs Cloud Retailer in the areas of

•  included modules
•  ringing up sales
•  looking at inventory items
•  creating purchase orders
•  running reports
•  merchant services options
• differences between customization and configuration

Helpful not only for Microsoft RMS users seeking low cost RMS replacement programs but also for retailers searching for a new POS system that are not using Microsoft RMS.

You can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for more detailed information or to have a general conversation about your retail business.

Cloud Retailer Discounts for Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users

With more and more retailers looking to replace their Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software, I figured that now is a good time to explain the various discounts offered to RMS users who migrate to the Cloud Retailer point of sale software:

For RMS users who are current on software maintenance:
100% Discount on the up front license cost of Cloud Retailer (normally $500/lane).

Please note the following as well:

• The RMS database can be imported in to Cloud Retailer - including 3 years (or more) of customer purchase history.
• Cloud Retailer includes Card Defender which offers the latest in payment processing technology and security.
• Cloud Retailer is a single or multi-location point of sale program. No additional modules (or servers) are needed to use Cloud Retailer across multiple locations.
• Cloud Retailer is licensed by the number of check out lane licenses that you need. Back office/manager licenses are free.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com. I have also created a couple of videos about Cloud Retailer as a low cost Microsoft RMS replacement which can be found here and here.