ÿþ<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <HTML><HEAD><TITLE>The Retail Vantage</TITLE> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.6000.16640" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <STYLE type=text/css> <!-- td { font: 8pt Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; } hr {height: 1px; color: #669BA0;} a { color: #0D719C; text-decoration: none; } a:hover { color: #0D719C; text-decoration: underline; } .headline { font: bold 15pt verdana; text-decoration: none; color: #256025; } .subhead { font: bold 10pt verdana; text-decoration: none; color: #ebebeb; } --> </STYLE> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD colSpan=2><IMG height=112 src="http://image.exct.net/lib/ff021572766403/i/1/73706c90-d.jpg" width=600></TD></TR> <TR background="http://www.webolutions.com/armsys_images/grayline.gif"> <TD vAlign=top colSpan=2 height=23> <TABLE height=23 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" align=center background=http://www.webolutions.com/armsys_images/grayline.gif border=0><TBODY> <TR> <TD vAlign=center width="26%"> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width=14> <CENTER></CENTER></TD> <TD width=28> <CENTER><IMG height=15 src="http://www.webolutions.com/armsys_images/forwardicon.gif" width=19> </CENTER></TD> <TD><A href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3016737666007a741479&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t=">Forward to a Friend</A> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD> <TD vAlign=center width="39%"> <TABLE height=18 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY> <TR> <TD width=30 height=18> <CENTER><IMG height=18 src="http://www.webolutions.com/armsys_images/signupicon.gif" width=23> </CENTER></TD> <TD><A href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3016737666007a741578&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t=">Sign up for our eNewsletter </A></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD> <TD vAlign=center width="35%" height=20> <DIV align=right> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> <P id=text-placeholder style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=center><FONT face=Verdana size=2><STRONG>June&nbsp;2009</STRONG></FONT></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><IMG height=12 src="http://www.webolutions.com/armsys_images/blank.gif" width=12></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD vAlign=top width=138 background=http://image.exct.net/c6190155-f.gif> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width=130 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD vAlign=top> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD vAlign=top align=middle> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=center> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=left><IMG id=image-placeholder title=rpro_logo style="WIDTH: 94px; HEIGHT: 55px" height=55 src="http://image.exct.net/3775552632321.gif" width=94 border=0 thid="1120166"></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=subhead>In This Issue: </TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> <P id=text-placeholder style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><A title="Our New Website" href="#our" alias="Our New Website" conversion="undefined"><FONT color=#ffffff>Our New Website</FONT></A><BR><BR><A title="Customer Summit 2009" href="#Systems" alias="Customer Summit 2009" conversion="undefined"><FONT color=#ffffff>Customer Summit 2009</FONT></A><BR><BR><A title="Current Update Release Cycle?" href="#Are" alias="Current Update Release Cycle?" conversion="undefined"><FONT color=#ffffff>Current Update Release Cycle?</FONT></A><BR><BR><A title="Consumer Confidence Up Sharply" href="#Sharply" alias="Consumer Confidence Up Sharply" conversion="undefined"><FONT color=#ffffff>Consumer Confidence Up Sharply</FONT></A><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1></P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT color=#ffffff></FONT>&nbsp;</P><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><FONT face=Verdana size=1><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><A title="Frequently Asked Questions" href="#Questions" alias="Frequently Asked Questions" conversion="undefined"><FONT color=#ffffff>Frequently Asked Questions</FONT></A><BR><BR><A title="Tech Tips" href="#s" alias="Tech Tips" conversion="undefined"><FONT color=#ffffff>Tech Tips</FONT></A><BR><BR><FONT face=Verdana size=1><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><A title="$500 for 5 Minutes" href="#Minutes%20" alias="$500 for 5 Minutes" conversion="undefined"><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1>$500 for 5 Minutes</A></FONT></FONT><BR><BR><FONT face=Verdana size=1><FONT face=Verdana size=1><FONT face=Verdana size=1><A title="Meet Our Staff" href="#ff" alias="Meet Our Staff" conversion="undefined"><FONT color=#ffffff>Meet Our Staff</FONT></A><BR><BR><A title="Ask an Expert" href="#Ask%20" alias="Ask an Expert" conversion="undefined"><FONT color=#ffffff>Ask an Expert</FONT></A></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><BR>&nbsp;</P></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" bgColor=#1a80a6 border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT face=Arial size=2> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT face="Arial Black" color=#ccffff>Quick Links:</FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">&nbsp;</P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><A title=Contact href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3216737666007a741774&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><FONT color=#ffffff>Contact</A></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT color=#ffffff><BR></FONT><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><FONT face=Verdana size=1><A title="Request Training" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2d16737666007a741078&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><FONT color=#ffffff>Request Training</FONT></A><BR><BR><FONT face=Verdana size=1><A title="Support Services" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2f16737666007a741175&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><FONT color=#ffffff>Support Services<BR></FONT></A><BR><A title="URC History" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2d16737666007a741276&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><FONT color=#ffffff>URC History</FONT></A><BR><BR><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><A title="Order Consumables" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3116737666007a741c70&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><FONT color=#ffffff>Order Consumables</A></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT color=#ffffff></FONT>&nbsp;</P></FONT></FONT> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT face=Verdana size=1><A title="Referral Program" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2b16737666007a741c76&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><FONT color=#ffffff>Referral Program</FONT></A><BR><BR><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><A title="Request Demo" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2e16737666007a741d72&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><FONT color=#ffffff>Request Demo</A></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT color=#ffffff></FONT>&nbsp;</P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><A title="Trade Shows" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3816737666007a771470&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><FONT color=#ffffff>Trade Shows</A></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT color=#ffffff></FONT>&nbsp;</P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><FONT face=Verdana color=#ffffff size=1><A title=Feedback href="mailto:marketing@armsys.com?subject=News Brief Feedback" alias="Feedback" conversion="undefined"><FONT color=#ffffff>Feedback</A></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px">&nbsp;</P> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><A title="URC History" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2d16737666007a741276&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="></A>&nbsp;</P></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD> <TD vAlign=top width=461> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: solid; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: solid; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: solid; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: solid" borderColor=#336699 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=12 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=2> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT style="LINE-HEIGHT: 92%"><FONT color=#0099cc><FONT color=#0099cc><FONT color=#0099cc><FONT color=#0099cc><A class=bookmark title=ARMS style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=ARMS><FONT color=#0099cc> <P align=center></P></FONT></A><FONT color=#000000 size=2><FONT color=#000000> <P align=center><FONT style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" face=Verdana color=#0099cc size=3><U>Announcing </U><A class=bookmark title=our style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=our><FONT color=#0099cc><U>our</U></FONT></A><U> New Website</U></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1>We're pleased to announce our new website which has been many months in the planning </FONT><FONT title=http://www.armsys.com/><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><FONT color=#3366ff><STRONG><A title=http://www.armsys.com href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3416737666007a771573&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t=">http://www.armsys.com</A></STRONG></FONT>.</FONT></FONT> <FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1>&nbsp;&nbsp; We hope that you enjoy discovering our new site and that you find it easy to navigate and informative.&nbsp; </FONT></P> <P><FONT color=black><FONT style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" face=Verdana color=black size=1>Some familiar and new features found on the site and in the Customer Portal: </FONT></FONT></P> <UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type=disc> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Details on Training Courses for Retail Pro</FONT></FONT> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Information on available support plans </FONT></FONT> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Log On to Support Services (for Gold Support Customers - sign up on line) </FONT></FONT> <UL style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type=circle> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Log calls online </FONT></FONT> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Review call history - see your calls and our technician's responses </FONT></FONT> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Review account balances: Client Services minutes used, Gold Support usage and Silver Support Usage &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT></FONT></LI></UL> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Order Consumables </FONT></FONT> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Request on Online Training </FONT></FONT> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Chat with our sales staff </FONT></FONT> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Schedule of 2009 Trade Shows </FONT></FONT> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT face=Verdana><FONT size=1><FONT color=black>In depth product information for Retail Pro, Microsoft RMS and CounterPoint</FONT> </FONT></FONT> <LI style="COLOR: black"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Log a Referral online receive a credit on account or free Client Service hours </FONT></FONT></LI></UL></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> <P align=center><FONT face=Verdana color=#0099cc size=3><FONT color=#0099cc><FONT face=Verdana color=red><STRONG>Advanced Retail Management <A class=bookmark title=Systems style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=Systems><FONT color=#ff0000>Systems</FONT></A> </STRONG></FONT><FONT face=Verdana><BR></FONT><FONT face=Verdana color=black size=1><FONT size=2><STRONG>Customer Summit 2009</STRONG>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></FONT><FONT face=Verdana color=black size=1>&nbsp;</FONT><FONT face=Verdana color=black><BR></FONT><FONT color=#000000 size=1>We are sorry to inform you but we have decided to postpone the Summit this year.&nbsp; As everyone is aware the economy is affecting many businesses.&nbsp; Many of our customers and vendors were reluctant to travel and attend the conference this year.&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank you for your participation in past years' events; we will keep you informed of upcoming events as they are planned. </FONT></P> <P></FONT></FONT><FONT face=Verdana size=1></P></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: solid; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: solid; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: solid; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: solid" borderColor=#006699 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=13 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=2> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT face=Verdana size=1> <P align=center><FONT color=#0099cc size=3><STRONG>&nbsp;<A class=bookmark title=Are style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=Are><FONT color=#0099cc>Are</FONT></A> You on the <A class=bookmark title=Current style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=Current><FONT color=#0099cc>Current</FONT></A> Update Release Cycle of Retail Pro?</STRONG></FONT></P> <P>You may not notice any apparent issues with your software and you may feel that you do not need the current hot-fix or Update Release Cycle (URC), however URC's contain important fixes as well as subtle changes that make Retail Pro perform better.&nbsp; URC's are distributed every couple of months or sooner as needed.&nbsp; In 2008, Retail Pro, Inc. released 10 URC's.&nbsp; For detailed information on what was included in recent URC's <A title="click here - URC History" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3516737666007a771671&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t=">click here - URC History</A>.&nbsp; The URC History document will be updated and available on all Retail Vantage News Briefs under Quick Links (left menu). </P> <P>URC's are only available to customers with current Software Assurance.&nbsp; In addition to being on the most current URC, you should be using the most current version of Retail Pro available through software updates or upgrades. </P> <UL> <LI>Updates are defined as minor modifications made generally available by Retail Pro, Inc. or its licensors designed to make the Software more efficient, easier to operate, remedy defects, or which in some cases enable the Software to perform new functions.&nbsp; <LI>An upgrade, which is the addition of major functions or significant new features to the Software, is defined, at a minimum, as a change in the tenths digit of a products version number. For example, v8.6 over an existing v8.52, would be considered an upgrade to the software. Either upgrade would require current enrollment within the Software Assurance Program. Likewise, migrating a Retail Pro application from version 8 generation to a version 9 generation is considered an upgrade.</LI></UL> <P>Remember, if you have current Software Assurance, you should be on the latest version of Retail Pro, currently V8.52, with the most current URC. </P> <P>For more information about updating your Retail Pro software, contact your sales consultant <STRONG>Stacey Ryan </STRONG>or<STRONG> Andrea Ellerbrock </STRONG>at <A title=insidesales@armsys.com href="mailto:insidesales@armsys.com" alias="insidesales@armsys.com" conversion="undefined"><STRONG>insidesales@armsys.com</STRONG></A> or give us a call at <STRONG>(800) 305-0461.&nbsp;&nbsp; <BR></STRONG></P></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT face=Verdana><FONT color=#0099cc size=3><STRONG>Consumer Confidence Up <A class=bookmark title=Sharply style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=Sharply><FONT color=#0099cc>Sharply</FONT></A> </STRONG></FONT></FONT> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>May 27, 2009 6:00 AM </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana><FONT size=1><B>NEW YORK</B><B> -</B> Consumers appear to be much less pessimistic about the economy than they were a few months ago, according to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index for May, issued Tuesday.</FONT></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>The Index for May measured 54.9, up from 40.8 in April. That included increases in both the Present Situation Index, which was up to 28.9, from 25.5 a month ago, and the Expectations Index, which was up to 72.3, vs. 51.0 in April. </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>"After two months of significant improvements, the Consumer Confidence Index is now at its highest level in eight months [it was 61.4 in September 2008]," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>"Looking ahead, consumers are considerably less pessimistic than they were earlier this year, and expectations are that business conditions, the labor market and incomes will improve in the coming months. While confidence is still weak by historical standards, as far as consumers are concerned, the worst is now behind us."</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>The index was credited with lifting stocks yesterday, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose about 2%. </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Source: <BR></FONT><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Supermarket News&nbsp; </FONT><A href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2d16737666007a771679&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><FONT face=Verdana size=1>http://supermarketnews.com/news/consumer_confidence_0527/</FONT></A></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: solid; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: solid; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: solid; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: solid" borderColor=#006699 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=13 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=2> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT color=#0099cc size=3> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#0099cc><STRONG>Frequently Asked <A class=bookmark title=Questions style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=Questions><FONT color=#0099cc>Questions</FONT></A></STRONG></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1>PCI is new and confusing to most of us.&nbsp; So, we have completed some research and found some very good Frequently Asked Questions.&nbsp; It is important to realize where these compliancy regulations for credit card processing are coming from and why every merchant must adhere to them.&nbsp; In regards to your Retail Pro software, the only way we can guarantee your compliancy to the PCI-DSS regulations is for you to update to Version 8.6.&nbsp; The only way to qualify for this release is by having a current Software Assurance Plan.&nbsp; It is not too late to renew your Software Assurance in preparation of this release.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>Q: What is PCI?</STRONG></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>A:</STRONG> The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of requirements designed to ensure that <STRONG>ALL</STRONG> companies that <STRONG>process, store or transmit</STRONG> credit card information maintain a secure environment.&nbsp; Essentially any merchant that has a Merchant ID (MID).</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>Q: To whom does PCI apply?</STRONG></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>A:</STRONG> PCI applies to ALL organizations or merchants, regardless of size or number of transactions, that accepts, transmits or stores any cardholder data. Said another way, if any customer of that merchant ever pays the merchant directly using a credit card or debit card, then the PCI DSS requirements apply.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>Q: What are the PCI compliance deadlines?</STRONG></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>A:</STRONG> All merchants that store, process or transmit cardholder data must be compliant now.&nbsp; However, as a Level 4 merchant, you will have to refer to your merchant bank for their specific validation requirements and deadlines.&nbsp; All deadline enforcement will come from your merchant bank. </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1>For example, Visa will require that VNPs and agents decertify all vulnerable payment applications by October 1, 2009 (this would include <STRONG>Credit Pro &amp; PPM</STRONG>).</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1>Visa will also require that Acquirers ensure their merchants, VNPs and agents use only PA-DSS compliant applications by July 1, 2010 (<STRONG>only V8.6 or above, in the Retail Pro 8 Series, will be PA-DSS compliant</STRONG>).</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>Q: Do organizations using third-party processors have to be PCI compliant?</STRONG></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>A:</STRONG> Yes. Merely using a third-party company does not exclude a company from PCI compliance. It may cut down on their risk exposure and consequently reduce the effort to validate compliance.&nbsp; However, it does not mean they can ignore PCI.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>Q: What are the penalties for noncompliance?</STRONG></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>A:</STRONG> The payment brands may, at their discretion, fine an acquiring bank $5,000 to $100,000 per month for PCI compliance violations. The banks will most likely pass this fine on downstream till it eventually hits the merchant. Furthermore, the bank will also most likely either terminate your relationship or increase transaction fees.&nbsp; Penalties are not openly discussed nor widely publicized, but they can catastrophic to a small business.&nbsp; </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1>It is important to be familiar with your merchant account agreement, which should outline your exposure. We have also included a few links below for your convenience:</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><A title="PCI Security Standards Website" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2c16737666007a771078&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t=">PCI Security Standards Website</A></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><A title="USA Visa Website" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe2f16737666007a771d70&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t=">USA Visa Website<BR></A><BR></FONT><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1><STRONG>Please contact us today to discuss your Software Assurance renewal so that you are eligible for the pdate to Version 8.6 this summer.</STRONG></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1>Best Regards,</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1>Inside Sales Team<BR>Advanced Retail Management Systems, Inc.<BR>(800) 305-0461<BR><A title=insidesales@armsys.com href="mailto:insidesales@armsys.com" alias="insidesales@armsys.com" conversion="undefined">insidesales@armsys.com</A></FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=#000000 size=1></FONT>&nbsp;</P> <P id=text-placeholder style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"></FONT><FONT style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"></P></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><IMG id=image-placeholder title="Information Super Highway" style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 114px; HEIGHT: 172px" height=172 alt="Information Super Highway" src="http://image.exct.net/6239142184598.jpg" width=114 align=right border=0 thid="755193"> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1><FONT color=#0099cc size=3><STRONG>Tech Tip<A class=bookmark title=s style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=s><FONT color=#0099cc>s</FONT></A>&nbsp; </STRONG></FONT><BR><BR><STRONG>Data Maintenance</STRONG> </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>One recommended strategy for routine file maintenance is to periodically test all files and reconstruct those in which the program found errors. This is easily accomplished by selecting all files and processing them in Test Data Only mode. Afterwards, only those files in which the program found errors will remain in the Selected Files list. Change the mode to Full Reconstruct and select Start to reprocess those remaining files.</FONT><BR></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: solid; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: solid; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: solid; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: solid" borderColor=#006699 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=12 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=2> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT face=Verdana><FONT size=1><IMG id=image-placeholder title="Money 1" style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 5px; WIDTH: 155px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 10px; HEIGHT: 124px" height=124 src="http://image.exct.net/6147157753796.jpg" width=155 align=left border=0 thid="682444"></FONT><B><FONT color=#0099cc size=3><FONT color=#0099cc>$500</FONT> <A class=bookmark title=for style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=for><FONT color=#3399cc>for</FONT></A> <A class=bookmark title=5 style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=5><FONT color=#0099cc>5</FONT></A> <A class=bookmark title="Minutes " style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=Minutes%20><FONT color=#0099cc>Minutes</FONT> </A></FONT></B></FONT> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Receive $500 credit on account or 4 Client Service hours every time you refer a new customer that purchases Retail Pro.<BR><BR>Retail Pro has grown to be the premier Inventory Control / POS software for small to mid-tier retailers. Whether you know a single store or a 100 store chain, Retail Pro provides the technology for retailers to excel.<BR><BR>Call your sales person today at 800-305-0461 or </FONT><FONT face=Verdana size=1><A title="click here" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3316737666007a761474&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t=">click here</A></FONT><FONT face=Verdana size=1> to complete the form to refer another retailer and start earning valuable rewards!&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT>&nbsp;</P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><IMG id=image-placeholder title="Andrea 2009" style="MARGIN: 0px" alt="Andrea 2009" src="http://image.exct.net/lib/ff021572766403/i/1/d8b1e543-a.jpg" align=right border=0 thid="1708925"><FONT color=#3399cc><FONT size=3><FONT color=#0099cc><FONT face=Verdana color=#0099cc><STRONG><A class=bookmark title=Loyalty style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=Loyalty><FONT color=#0099cc>Meet</FONT></A> Our Sta <A class=bookmark title=ff style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=ff><FONT color=#0099cc>ff</FONT></A></STRONG></FONT><FONT color=#0099cc>&nbsp;<BR></FONT><BR><FONT face=Verdana size=1><STRONG><FONT color=#000000>Andrea Ellerbrock</FONT><BR></STRONG></FONT><BR><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana color=black size=1>Andrea is starting her fifth year with Advanced Retail Management Systems. In the first 2 years she was a key player in ARMS' becoming a successful Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Systems managed dealer.&nbsp; From Andrea's sales efforts ARMS has the distinction of reaching Microsoft's President's Club multiple times. In the early part of 2007 Andrea also began selling Retail Pro. She has duplicated that success again. </FONT> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=black size=1>Andrea is a Colorado native and graduated from Colorado State University (Go Rams)!! She enjoys the outdoor lifestyle that Colorado offers and during her free time you will find her rollerblading, water skiing, and biking. </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana color=black size=1>Andrea is a sales professional with 8 years experience in the telecom industry. She also has experience with E-Commerce marketing for small business and has also received her Paralegal certification. Her broad education and business experience give her the ability to relate to a variety of business needs. During her time selling Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Retail Pro Andrea has met a large variety of new clients, and she enjoys the challenges and rewards associated with providing them a Point of Sale/Inventory Control solution. </FONT></P></FONT></FONT></FONT></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> <TABLE style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: solid; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: solid; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: solid; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: solid" borderColor=#006699 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=13 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=2> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT color=#3399cc><FONT face=Verdana><FONT color=#0099cc size=1><STRONG><IMG id=image-placeholder title="Money 1" style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #000000; MARGIN: 0px 0px 5px 10px; WIDTH: 210px; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #000000; HEIGHT: 98px; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #000000" height=98 alt="Money 1" src="http://image.exct.net/lib/ff021572766403/i/1/e55c08ec-1.jpg" width=210 align=right border=0 thid="1708930"></STRONG></FONT><FONT color=#0099cc size=3><STRONG><A class=bookmark title="Ask " style="TEXT-DECORATION: none" name=Ask%20><FONT color=#0099cc>Ask</FONT> </A>an Expert: In this economy, will cutting prices help my business?</STRONG></FONT></FONT></FONT> <P><B><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Q: With business slow, it seems like it might be a good idea to lower prices and cut our fees. However, I am also worried about eating into my profit margin, which is already pretty thin. What do we do? - TJ</FONT></B></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.25pt"><FONT face=Verdana><FONT size=1><B><FONT color=black>A:</FONT></B><FONT color=black>&nbsp; I love this quote from the late, great Paul Harvey: "In times like these, it is good to know. .. that there have always been times like these!" </FONT></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.25pt"><FONT face=Verdana color=black size=1>Sure, we have all heard that this Great Recession is the worst economy in 50 years, and it is, but that does not mean that there have not been equally bad times to be in business, because there have.</FONT></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.25pt"><FONT face=Verdana color=black size=1>And what works in times like these? You bet, discounting.</FONT></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.25pt"><FONT face=Verdana color=black size=1>Consider 1974 if you will. That year, new president Gerald Ford had to deal with an ongoing, expensive conflict in Vietnam, a quadrupling of oil prices, a huge drop in the stock market, and 11% inflation combined with stagnant growth - or "stagflation". </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>With the economy in such bad shape, it hardly seemed like a time to start a new business, but that is exactly what Dennis Brown did, and he succeeded because he tapped into the economics and mood of the time and created a business that offered low, low prices.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Specifically, Brown opened a new motel in Aberdeen, S.D., and set prices at a mere $8.88 a night. By 1979, he had more than 70 hotels in his chain, and today, Super 8 Motels is one of the world's largest discount motel chains with more than 2,000 locations. </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>So yes, low prices can work, and work big time. Many businesses in fact tie their brand to low prices and succeed as a result:</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>" Wal-Mart</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>" McDonald's </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>" Amazon.com</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>So the question is not whether lowering your prices can work, sure it can, instead, the question is whether lowering prices can work for your business.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Lowering prices does not work for every business, and the one time that cutting your fees usually does not help much is when you have a high-end brand. BMW could gain little by suddenly selling their cars for a lot less because its brand is based, at least in part, on expensive luxury. Discounting would cannibalize its brand. </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>That said, the low price strategy often works for plenty of small businesses, especially in this type of economy. People are shopping right now. They want a bargain. If you are not willing to give them one, then they just might take their business elsewhere. </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>I have often said that one key to business is to ask people what they want and then give them what they want. I bet if you asked your customers what they want, today, many would say lower prices. So you better consider giving them that.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>And as you do, you have to be careful how you do it, and how much you do it. Lowering prices will bring in more people, but it will also eat into your margins. Crunch some numbers before diving in.</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>One good way to start is choose a loss leader. That is, pick a product or service that you think would be more popular if you put it on sale, and then put it on sale. The idea is to attract attention and entice customers and clients to your business with a great deal. The loss of profit on that item should hopefully lead to more sales of other things, hence 'loss leader.'</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Aside from the loss leader, discounting prices can take many other forms:</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>" It might be a regular sale</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>" It can mean bidding on projects lower than you normally would</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>" You might even start offering discount coupons</FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Whatever tack you take, be sure that you let your actual and potential customers know that you are in fact giving them a deal. Mention it in your advertising or when you are chatting them up. </FONT></P> <P><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Low prices are a big selling point today, and if you do it, take full advantage of it.</FONT></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.25pt"><FONT color=black><FONT face=Verdana size=1>Source:<BR>USA Today&nbsp; </FONT><A href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3416737666007a761572&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><FONT face=Verdana size=1>http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/strauss/2009-05-18-cutting-prices_N.htm</FONT></A></FONT></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD vAlign=top align=middle> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=center> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD style="FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> <P style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align=center><IMG id=image-placeholder title=mothers-day style="BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM-COLOR: #000000; MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 330px; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: #000000; HEIGHT: 217px; BORDER-RIGHT-COLOR: #000000" height=217 alt=mothers-day src="http://image.exct.net/1de7c706-7.jpg" width=330 border=0 thid="1152197"></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <CENTER> <HR noShade> <A href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3316737666007a761771&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t="><IMG height=85 src="http://image.exct.net/54a80efa-e.gif" width=418 border=0></A><BR><STRONG>8100 Southpark Way # A-10, Littleton, CO 80120<BR>303-738-1800 | Fax 303-738-9563</STRONG><BR>Denver - Chicago<BR><A href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe3316737666007a761771&amp;ls=fdec1078706000757214727c&amp;m=ff021572766403&amp;l=fe9815757065057f7d&amp;s=fdee1571716d007571137977&amp;jb=ffcf14&amp;t=">www.armsys.com</A> </CENTER></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD bgColor=#000000 colSpan=2 height=7></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><IMG height=1 src="http://cl.exct.net/open.aspx?ffcb10-fe7516707465047d7015-fdec1078706000757214727c-ff021572766403-fe9815757065057f7d-fdee1571716d007571137977-ffcf14" width=1> <CENTER> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=500> <TBODY> <TR> <TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER> <CENTER> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=500> <TBODY> <TR> <TD><BR> <DIV align=center><FONT face=verdana color=#888888 size=1>This email was sent by: <B>Advanced Retail Management Systems</B><BR>8100 Southpark Way, Unit A-10 , Littleton , CO, 80120 , </DIV></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></CENTER></BODY></HTML>