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.

August 1st 2019 Deadline to Replace PAX MT30 Payment Terminals

Wanted to share a note that First Data has communicated to us that retailers can no longer use the PAX MT 30 payment terminals as of August 1st, 2019.  A good replacement option is the PAX S300.

I suspect that other processors like TSYS, Heartland, etc will soon follow suit and set a deadline for PAX MT 30 payment terminals to be replaced.

This is due to PAX no longer offering compliance updates for the PAX MT30 payment terminals.

If you are using the PAX MT30,  be sure to contact your credit card/merchant services salesperson for options.

Is Total Wine Effecting Your Liquor Store Revenue?

Slightly different request today. I've been reading about the effects that Total Wine has been having on independently owned liquor stores. If you own or manage a liquor store, and have any insights that you would like to share, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

None of your information will be shared as this is for research only. I also have a conceptual data analytics product to share with you to see if you would see it a viable marketing tool to increase revenue and compete against Total Wine.

Again - no sales pitches - just some honest feedback.