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

 

Still Using Microsoft RMS? Just a Few Months Left Before RMS End of Life

 Just a friendly PSA that the July End of Life date for the Microsoft Dynamics RMS/HQ point of sale software is coming up quickly. You need to have a plan in place:

• Gamble and keep using RMS
• Purchase an RMS Maintenance Agreement to keep RMS support running through July 2023
• Replace RMS with either RMH or Cloud Retailer or Dynamics 365

The choice is yours!

My YouTube Channel has some demo and general advice videos specific to RMH and Cloud Retailer.

 Please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 with any RMS or point of sale related questions.

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.

Resellers/Dealers/VAR's/Partners Ending Support for Microsoft RMS

As the July 2021 end of life date comes closer specific to the Microsoft RMS point of sale software, more and more Microsoft RMS Partners/VAR's/Dealers/Resellers are setting firm dates on when they will stop supporting Microsoft RMS and RMS HQ.  So far, the following has been reported to me:

1. Positive Technologies: January 2021
2. Compass/Interdyn: Already ended
3. Retail Technology Experts: Already ended
4. New West Tech: Pending
5. RITE: Will support past July 2021 - no near term plans to end RMS/HQ support

If I come across others - I will be sure to pass along. If you are in need of Microsoft RMS/HQ support and/or are looking for a POS software program to replace RMS, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com. Besides the consulting services that I offer, I also work for a Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partner that will continue to support RMS past July 2021 (but not forever given the resources required to support RMS/HQ once Microsoft officially ends RMS/HQ support).

Last Reminder on Windows 7 End of Life

If you happen to still be using Windows 7 on your point of sale computers, it is important to note that all support for Windows 7 will end on January 14th, 2020. What does this mean? Basically, you will be using an un-supported operating system and will most likely need to upgrade to Windows 10 (and may need to upgrade your computers as well).  Reasons for this include the following:

• Being non-PCI compliant
• Being vulnerable to virus and malware attacks (potential loss and/or compromise of data)
• POS software may no longer be supported if using Windows 7
• Peripherals like receipt printers, payment terminals, scales, customer displays, etc may no longer be supported
• Your point of sale Partner/VAR/Dealer/Reseller will no longer assist you
• You may not be able to use integrated payment terminals 

You may want to take this opportunity to evaluate which point of sale software program to use and see if it is time to make a switch to newer point of sale software as you will likely already be investing in new computers. Keep in mind that the only way to by-pass this would be to use stand alone payment terminals and computers that have no internet access.

Questions or need some advice? Please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

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.

Still using Windows 7 with POS Software? What you need to know about Jan 14th, 2020

If you happen to still be using Windows 7 on your point of sale computers, it is important to note that all support for Windows 7 will end on January 14th, 2020. What does this mean? Basically, you will be using an un-supported operating system and will most likely need to upgrade to Windows 10 (and may need to upgrade your computers as well).  Reasons for this include the following:

• Being non-PCI compliant
• Being vulnerable to virus and malware attacks (potential loss and/or compromise of data)
• POS software may no longer be supported if using Windows 7
• Peripherals like receipt printers, payment terminals, scales, customer displays, etc may no longer be supported
• Your point of sale Partner/VAR/Dealer/Reseller will no longer assist you

You may want to take this opportunity to evaluate which point of sale software program to use and see if it is time to make a switch to newer point of sale software as you will likely already be investing in new computers. Keep in mind that the only way to by-pass this would be to use stand alone payment terminals and computers that have no internet access.

Questions or need some advice? Please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

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.

Still using Windows 7 with POS Software? What you need to know about Jan 14th, 2020

If you happen to still be using Windows 7 on your point of sale computers, it is important to note that all support for Windows 7 will end on January 14th, 2020. What does this mean? Basically, you will be using an un-supported operating system and will most likely need to upgrade to Windows 10 (and may need to upgrade your computers as well).  Reasons for this include the following:

• Being non-PCI compliant
• Being vulnerable to virus and malware attacks (potential loss and/or compromise of data)
• POS software may no longer be supported if using Windows 7
• Peripherals like receipt printers, payment terminals, scales, customer displays, etc may no longer be supported
• Your point of sale Partner/VAR/Dealer/Reseller will no longer assist you

You may want to take this opportunity to evaluate which point of sale software program to use and see if it is time to make a switch to newer point of sale software as you will likely already be investing in new computers. Keep in mind that the only way to by-pass this would be to use stand alone payment terminals and computers that have no internet access.

Questions or need some advice? Please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

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.

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.

Should I Keep Using Microsoft Dynamics RMS Through July 2021? Should I Keep Investing in RMS?

Should I Keep Using Microsoft Dynamics RMS Through July 2021?

The recent slew of payment industry requirements and conflicts with Windows 10, have prompted many of you to contact me regarding whether you will still be able to use Microsoft Dynamics RMS (and HQ) through the final July 2021 end of life date.

This question has been on my mind as I travel to meet with RMS users across the country - especially with those of you on HQ who have 5-40 locations and can't quickly switch to Retail Management Hero (RMH) or Cloud Retailer.

At this time, it appears that the main issues are related to the native payment processing used in RMS as well as outdated payment processing solutions like the 1000 series pin pads and Windows XP. The best short and long term solution here is to put in Card Defender which works with RMS as well as Retail Management Hero and Cloud Retailer. Replacing older Windows XP with Windows 7 Pro or Windows 10 Pro is also required at this point.

We are going to continue to see new industry requirements at least every 3-6 months so eventually the age of RMS will catch up with itself (we are talking about a program that was released in the early 2000's based on a software program from the late 1990's).

Single location retailers can basically make the switch to RMH or Cloud Retailer when time and budget allow or put in Card Defender and deal with RMS come 2020 or 2021.

Chains need a bit more time to plan ahead - any MANY of you have contacted me to discuss via phone or in person. Given that we are seeing issues related to Windows 10, SQL Server, and payment processing hardware, I would highly recommend having a plan "A" and a plan "B". Plan "A" would be to update and replace all hardware as needed now (including adding Card Defender if needed) and plan for the replacement of RMS and HQ come 2019 or 2020 - I would not recommend waiting until 2021 as we don't know what exactly might come around come 2020 and 2021.

Plan "B" would be some sort of contingency plan to switch POS systems sooner that later if some sort of failure occurs. Basically plan "B" would be an expedited version of the second part of plan "A".

So the short answer to my original question is that I am somewhat less confident in RMS being fully functional through July 2021 - especially when it comes to trying to use the native payment processing. Thus, you should have two plans of action - just in case.

Should I Keep Investing in RMS?
This is a tough question. It depends on how much longer you plan on using RMS and what point of sale software program you will be replacing RMS with. An example would be investing in Card Defender for Microsoft RMS. This is a good investment since Card Defender takes some of the security risks out of RMS when it comes to payment industry requirements AND Card Defender works with some of the RMS replacement programs like Cloud Retailer and Retail Management Hero.

If you are looking at 3rd party plugs ins for RMS like age verification or the ability to email receipts, then it depends on how much longer you plan on using RMS. If RMS is being replaced in 1-2 years, then I'd seriously consider the overall cost versus what not having a specific feature/function is costing you in terms of lost revenue or labor for manual processes. However, if you plan on using RMS for another 2+ years, then the investment likely makes sense.

Same for investing in new hardware (computers, cash drawers, receipt printers, etc). If you are incurring a lot of break/fix costs, then investing in new hardware makes sense. Just make sure that you use industry standard hardware that is supported by most POS software programs.

The short answer is basically looking at the investment using the following criteria:

1. Does the investment solve an issue that costs our organization lost revenue or extra labor costs?
2. Will this investment carry through to our next POS software program?
3. When will we be replacing RMS? Will this investment be in use long enough to offer an ROI?

Have I completely confused you? I think that I have confused myself! I have lost count on how many retailers, chains, and franchisee's have contacted me for sales, service and on-site paid consulting.

If I can help related to sales, service or paid on-site consulting specific to RMS and HQ, please let me know by emailing kevinantosh@gmail.com or calling 208-340-5632. I would enjoy the opportunity to learn more about your organization!

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,

What Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users are Doing: 2017 Edition

***Video did not render correctly - yet another problem with my Surface Pro 4***

I will attempt to edit and re-upload  but the video is watchable - just the right side content is cutoff.

I'm in the midst of travel visiting retailers using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software to advise what, if anything, they need to do between now and July 2021. The options are fairly clear cut between Card Defender, Cloud Retailer, Retail Management Hero, Retailer Realm Essentials, Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics 365 which are all covered briefly in this video:

If your store or chain is using RMS, I'm happy to consult with you on options (both short and long term). I can be reached at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632

End of Life Notice Regarding: PAX Terminals & PIN pads

To our Valued Customers and Partners,  

As part of our continued focus toward providing our customers and partners the highest level of service, quality and security, PAX wants to inform you of our plans to End of Life (EOL) certain MT30, S90 GPRS, S90 CDMA and S58, S80 terminals as well as certain R50, SP30 and SP20 Secure PIN pads with PCI versions 2.x and 1.x. Here are the affected part numbers for these models:

• MT30: MT30-00L-052-01EA
• S90 GPRS:S90-SG0-031-01EA, S90-EMG2, S90-EG2
• S90 CDMA: S90-0C0-032-11EA
• S58: S58-M0L-032-01EA
• SP30:SP30-231, SP30- 211A, SP30-00L-132-12EA, SP30-00L-032-13EA
• SP20: SP20-130-4E0
• S80:S80-M0L-063-02EA, S80-EML0, S80-EM0,  S80-M0L-032-11EA
• R50:R50-101-1E0

Note: The S80 (S80-M0L-363-02EA), S90 GPRS (S90-MW0-363-01EA), S90 CDMA (S90-MC0-363-01EA) and SP30 (SP30-00L-263-01EA)with PCI 3.x are not impacted by this announcement.   The important dates listed below signify the termination of device support and availability:  

Final Order Date: PAX will cease taking orders for all configurations of the terminals listed above after April 1, 2017.   

Customers will have the opportunity to submit a final order for the product or for spare parts until the Final Order Date. 

Final Ship Date: PAX's intention is that all orders placed prior to April, 1, 2017 will be shipped no later than April 28, 2017. 

End of Development Date: There will be no new PAX sponsored hardware, application enhancements or software development upon receipt of this notice. Software bug fixes will continue until the End of Service date (below).   

Repair support will be available for customers for two years after the final ship date, as component availability permits, unless otherwise explicitly agreed between PAX and its customers. 

End of Service Date: On April 30^th, 2019, service and repair of all configurations of the aforementioned devices will be discontinued.  Spare parts will not be guaranteed to be available after this date.

PAX recommends and encourages our customers and partners to initiate plans to migrate your end-of-life products and applications to an alternative PAX product. The PAX terminals provide affordable and higher performance successor products that meet today's most stringent PCI security standards. Please contact your local sales person for additional information or visit the PAX web-site at http://paxtechnology.us/#. 

PAX is one of the fastest-growing POS terminal providers in the world. PAX has been serving the global retail marketplace for over ten years and has distribution in over eighty countries shipping over 10 million terminals worldwide in recent years. PAX offers a complete line of products and services supported by extensive R&D capabilities. In addition to a most competitive pricing model, quality assurance is the company's top priority which enables PAX to have a strong advantage in the marketplace.

EMV Options for Microsoft Dynamics RMS (and HQ) Point of Sale Software Users

Update July 2016: Since many Microsoft RMS point of sale software would like to keep using RMS for another couple of years but still need to deal with the EMV Liability Shift Date, visit this post for more information on the Card Defender EMV add-on for Microsoft RMS versions 1.3 and higher (and HQ as well): http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2016/06/card-defender-emv-add-on-for-microsoft.html

Video explaining the different EMV Liability Shift Date options and offering advice for users of the Microsoft Dynamics RMS (and HQ) point of sale programs in the United States. Covers all the options from doing nothing, using separate credit card terminals, using a payment gateway, or switching to a different point of sale system.

Between EMV and the 'end of life' status with RMS and HQ, just about everyone using RMS (including HQ) has to take some course of action.

I have already been contacted by 1102 stores and organizations using RMS (with about 12 also using HQ) for free and unbiased advice and direction so this is real word advice and not sales fluff. If you are in need of free and unbiased advice - including trusted contacts at any of the solutions that I mention in the video of which many are offering significant discounts to RMS users - please contact me via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com or on my cell at 208-340-5632.  You can also visit my contact page for other ways to get in touch with me.

Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ Buying Group

A quick reminder that sales of Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ to new users as well as mainstream support ends next year (2016) so please keep that in mind if you are thinking of purchasing RMS or HQ as point of sale software for your business or organization.

Update July 5th, 2015:  I've now had 731 stores using RMS contact me and, while the "RMS buying group" sounds great, it is proving to be too cumbersome to coordinate.  What I have done instead is work out some discounts for RMS users with various point of sale program that have already proven to be popular replacements for RMS and HQ. Visit my contact page for information on how to reach me for more details and to see how I can direct you to the best resources.

I wanted to pass along this idea: since I'm now in contact with over 720 stores in the United States that currently use the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software (with around 17 also using HQ), would it be good for all of you to connect with each other?

Based on my records, none of you are in competition with each other but all of you are seriously considering replacing RMS/HQ with a different point of sale solution. 720 stores approaching a vendor who can offer a solution to replace RMS/HQ would mean huge buying power (think along the lines of the buying groups that many of you are members of). While its likely that one point of sale program will not meet everyone's needs, the potential for cost savings is huge even if some of you go with one solution and others choose a different solution.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or want to get on the "list" - please get in touch with me using the contact form to the right, via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com, or on my cell at 208-340-5632.

New Option for RMS/HQ Users - Retail Management Hero

Updated information on Retail Management Hero as a direct replacement for RMS as of December 3rd, 2015: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/12/updated-information-on-new-retail.html

New video discussing options for Dynamics RMS and HQ users as of December 5th, 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evVWS7dj0Bs

How to obtain a 30 day trial version of Retail Management Hero: http://www.pospondering.com/2017/01/how-to-obtain-30-day-trial-license-of.html

Wanted to let all of you using the  Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software more about the new Retail Management Hero point of sale software that will be available in late 2015 or early 2016. Please keep in mind that all the information is subject to change as the software is still in development mode.

Retail Management Hero (RMH) is being developed as a solution for single location RMS users and smaller chains using HQ that don't have the size or budget to migrate to Retail Realm Essentials. RMH could truly be considered RMS version 3 as the core database will remain the nearly the same but the user interface will be completely updated and new features will be added.

This is great for RMS users as the plan is that you can transfer your data (inventory, customers, etc) from RMS to RMH.  Even better is that the current plan is to offer free licenses of RMH to RMS users who are current on their software maintenance. Users who have opted not to stay current on their software maintenance will be able to purchase licenses of RMH.

About the only bummer in all of this (for RMS users) is that it appears that RMH will not be available in time to meet the October 1st, 2015 EMV Liability Shift Date in the US. This means that RMS users still need to make arrangements related to EMV along with the associated hardware and software costs.

You can always contact me with any questions related to RMH, RMS or point of sale in general. All advice is free and unbiased (up to 1 hour of my time).

I'm working on getting some screen caps and more details related to RMH and will post more information as it becomes available as I personally know about 700 stores in the US using RMS of which around 15 also use HQ.

Based on the interest from end users as well as Microsoft Partners it looks like the folks at Retail Hero have a goldmine on their hands!  Now they just need to get the software ready for deployment.

Are you  in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice?  I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

Future Option for Microsoft Dynamics RMS Point of Sale Users

Update July 2016, Retail Management Hero demo and overview: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2016/07/new-version-of-rmsretail-management.html

Updated information on Retail Management Hero as a direct replacement for RMS as of December 3rd, 2015: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/12/updated-information-on-new-retail.html

New video discussing options for Dynamics RMS and HQ users as of December 5th, 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evVWS7dj0Bs

Looking towards the end of 2015 or early 2016, it appears that users of the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software will have the option to trade up to new point of sale software. The new point of sale software is currently being written with a target release date towards the end of 2015.  This new software will offer features and functions similar to what RMS offers and will be marketed towards single location and small chain retail businesses.

The good news is that the intention is to offer free licenses of the new software to RMS users who are current on their annual software maintenance. If you are not current on your annual software maintenance then licences of the new software can be purchased at $250.00/lane plus required first year maintenance at $215/lane.. The new software licenses are slated to have a license cost similar to an RMS license.

The bad news is that this new point of sale software will not be available until after the EMV Liability Shift Date has passed so current RMS users still need to make plans related to EMV and chip based credit and debit cards.

Of course, if you have not been staying current on your annual RMS software maintenance then you are behind the eight ball already.

My advice remains the same - now is the time to look at your options related to replacing RMS or continuing to invest in RMS.   Don't wait too long or you will end up end the back of line with the thousands of other RMS users who waited until the last minute.

Are you  in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice?  I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

Take Aways from the 2015 Retail Realm Conference for Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ Users

Updated information on the upcoming Retail Management Hero Software (or what I am coining "RMS 3.0 for 2015 and beyond") can be found here: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/06/new-option-for-rmshq-users-retail.html

The recent Retail Realm Conference in April of 2015 helped clarify the current situation related to the Microsoft RMS and HQ point of sale programs. Here are the highlights:

• Sales of RMS to new users will end July 2016
• Extended support for RMS will end July 2021
• Right now complying with the October 1st 2015 EMV Liability Shift Date in the US can only be accomplished using paid third party payment gateways or using payment terminals that are not connected to RMS
• If you do not stay current on your annual software maintenance agreement, you will not qualify for any updates or license swap options for new point of sale programs
• Retail Realm Essentials is a new point of sale program that is a possible replacement option for stores with multiple locations that also currently use HQ.
• Retail Management Hero is a new program under development that is designed for single location RMS users and they will be offering license swap options to RMS users who are current on their annual maintenance. No word on when Retail Management Hero will be available other than that the software presently is about "40% complete". 

There are obviously some trends that you need to be aware of based on the above information:

• If you are not current on your annual maintenance for RMS and/or HQ - your options are very limited for EMV/Chip Cards and switching to Retail Realm Essentials or Retail Management Hero.
• It does not make sense to invest in RMS at this point if you are searching for a point of sale system for your business or organization (would you buy a car if you knew that you could no longer obtain service for it after a specific date?).
• If you are current on your software maintenance then Retail Realm Essentials might be an option if you presently also use HQ and have multiple store locations.
• Retail Management Hero may be a good option for single stores using RMS or stores that do not use or need HQ and are also current on their annual maintenance agreement. However it is not clear when Retail Management Hero will be available.

My advice to RMS and HQ Users:

1. Make a plan for EMV/Chip Cards
2. If not current on software maintenance, look at either replacing RMS or look at the cost to renew your software maintenance
3. Make a plan as to whether you want to keep investing in RMS/HQ, for how long, and whether Retail Realm Essentials or Retail Management Hero are possible replacement programs
4. Look at other point of sale options just to see what might be of interest to you - a lot has changed over the last couple of years and you may find that a much better option exists for your business or organization that is well worth the cost to switch point of sale systems.

If you need some unbiased advice, please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me. I've worked extensively with QuickSell 2000, QuickSell HQ, QuickSell Commerce, Microsoft Dynamics RMS, HQ, and multiple other point of sale programs and apps. Currently I'm offering  advice and information to around 700 stores in the US using RMS of which around 15 also use HQ.

Are you  in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice?  I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.