October 18, 2001 - National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: NSM) today announced that Olivetti Tecnost has chosen National's industry-leading Geode? technology for its next generation point-of-sale (POS) system targeting the retail industry.
Explor@, the new modular Web POS from Olivetti, introduces a new shopping and retailing concept, proposing enhanced business management capabilities by offering innovative, added-value services. It is ideally suited for point-of-sale terminals or in-store multimedia kiosks that require instant information access and interaction using internet based technologies.
Due to Explor@'s flexible architecture it supports a wide range of functionalities such as cash registration, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM) or e-commerce transactions like ticket reservations and tax payments. The POS system enables applications for remote management and all sorts of interactive services for dealers and customers and brings the shopping experience to a new quality level.
The versatility of Olivetti's Explor@ is a result of its sophisticated hardware and software design. At the core of the POS system is National Semiconductor's x86-based Geode GX1 processor solution. The x86 architecture provides a platform which is highly compatible with the Internet as much of the software developed at the OS, middleware, browsers, plug-ins, and applets are developed first and in many cases only for x86.
"By integrating National Semiconductor's Geode solution into the Explor@ POS system, we can transform the way our customers do business and in turn, give them a true business edge in their marketplace," said Antonio Cesarano, Business Management and Development Manager for shop automation of Tecnost Sistemi, the company of Olivetti Tecnost's Group specialised in automated systems for banking, gaming, retail and ticketing. "Olivetti Tecnost's deep knowledge of retailers' needs, coupled with National's high-performance, power-saving and cost effective Geode technology, makes the Explor@ a perfect match for interactive transactions in the Internet age."
Powering the Explor@ system is National's complete silicon solution that includes the proven Geode GX1 processor, its companion chip and Super I/O device. In addition, the new POS system contains a number of National's industry-leading analog parts, such as the LM4832, an integrated audio system for multimedia, desktop and portable applications. The Geode technology is optimised for internet access devices and provides the best combination of performance, power dissipation and price.
"We are excited about the collaboration between National and Olivetti Tecnost," said Christian Klein, Business Development Manager at National Semiconductor in Europe. "With the combined experience of both companies, we are able to deliver powerful and innovative solutions which maximise the performance of point-of-sale systems. Explor@ is an intelligent, versatile POS platform which will improve customer relationships and enrich shopping experiences for both sellers and buyers."
The first systems of the new POS device from Olivetti will be available in the first quarter of 2002 while installations will be fully deployed in shops and retailers in the second quarter. Explor@ will be sold through dealers initially in Italy, then internationally.
About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is the premier analog company driving the information age. Combining real-world analog and state-of-the-art digital technology, the company is focused on the fast growing markets for wireless handsets; information appliances; information infrastructure; and display, imaging and human interface technologies. With headquarters in Santa Clara, California, National reported sales of $2.1 billion for fiscal year 2001 and employs about 9,700 people worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.
About Olivetti Tecnost S.p.A.
Olivetti Tecnost (100% Olivetti S.p.A.) is specialized in office products, vertical applications, automated gaming systems, home automation and new Internet services. It has 5,400 employees with reported revenues of more than 1,130 million euro in 2000. Olivetti Tecnost operates in more than 70 countries directly and through networks of dealers, distributors and mass merchandising chains. For more information: www.olivettitecnost.com.
Media Contacts: