Retail software is computer software especially used duringcheckout time or when a transaction occurs. Therefore it is a type ofelectronic cash register, which can also be used for issuing vouchers andreceipts. The first software, with limited functions, was developed by IBM inthe year 1973.

Earlier, the main users of this software were restaurants. Theywere able to take orders and also have the instructions for food preparationprinted out in the back. This software was also able to print out labor reportsand food costs.

The software that is used today has evolved after the developmentof Windows. The popularity and expansion of the market for this software ismainly due to Bill Gates, for his 'Open Letter to the Hobbyists' in 1976.

The modern software systems are low in cost and easy to use,extremely reliable, and have a high operating speed and rich functionality. Itcan also be operated through a remote control. With the development of theinternet, many web based retail software used for sales work were developed.These types of software need an internet connection for operation. They arecomparatively cheaper than those used at stores.

However the purpose of using retail software can differ. Itdepends on the industry in which it is being used. For example, the medicalindustry requires different equipments and computer networking in addition tothe registers. In the restaurant industry, the electronic registers themselveshave the most use. They have touch screens that increase the efficiency of takingorders and decrease the service time.

The hardware that is used for sale has a credit card reader,printer for receipts, and drawer for cash, barcode scanner and pin pad alongwith a card swipe. These are external hardware and are used with an USB connection.

Choosing the right software can be difficult and requires a lot ofknowledge and research. This is because most of the software offers a lot offeatures that are not actually needed, or are needed as and when your companygrows. There are also web based solutions which are very popular. Thesesolutions are ideal for those businesses that have more than one retail outletsor locations.

The software usually sold to consumers requires a license to beoperated. Earlier, before the development of the internet, the software wasknown as shrink ware because this software was always shipped in a shrinkwrapped box.

Some of the most famous software products are those of IBM PC,Lotus 123, Word Perfect and the Symantec software. These are also the mostsought-after computer programs in the market. The Microsoft Office of MicrosoftWindows is also a kind of shrink ware. However, they are pre-installed incomputers.

The success of the retail software has been mainly due to therapid growth of the internet and the relaxations made in the software licensingschemes. Today, users can find shareware, freeware and many free software. Theymay even use web based retail software. Many producers of this software are nowproviding their products and services via the internet.

Source: www.isnare.com