Embedded versus PC-based terminal architecture

Embedded POS Terminals		PC-based POS Terminals
Upfront costs similar to PC-based but total cost of ownership over long period of time is significantly less.		Basically, Upfront costs lower than ROM-based but maintenance/repair costs much higher due to moving parts such as hard disks and CPU fans.
Much more secure - terminal designed specifically for Point of Sale applications. Virus cannot infect ROM-based and no way to download other software not intended for system.		PC not specifically designed for POS applications. Viruses, stolen credit card information, software downloads, etc. can all affect system performance. HDD needs optimization from time to time. Windows updates cause both tentative and constant system slow down.
Designed for harsh restaurant and quick service operation environments with resistance to dust and grease.(Spill-proof with IP rating, no moving parts, solid state technology)		Not designed for harsh environments. CPU fan needed to cool most PC's. A control fan causes dust and grease to enter the PC. Water-cooling system is too expensive.
Support - simple to support with no need for recurring customer maintenance contracts.		Support - ongoing requirement for support with annual maintenance contracts.
Embedded operating system specifically designed for POS applications		Most PC-based systems rely on Microsoft Windows, which opens up the opportunity for technical issues. POS application runs under O/S therefore 2 software packages must be supported.
Firmware upgrades are possible via flash updates. No compatibility issues with Operating Systems.		Software upgrades and Operating Systems occasionally are at conflict with each other, thus requiring a higher level of support when upgrading POS application.
Data integrity/security - high due to design of ROM-based terminals.		Data integrity/security - Most POS applications utilize database system not specifically designed for POS applications, therefore open to corruption and security issues.
Hardware support - Min. 10 year availability of all parts.		Hardware support - Common for PC manufacturers to change boards, assemblies from one production to another, therefore it may be difficult to obtain exact replacement parts. Windows upgrade often requires hardware upgrade because of higher performance requirements as well as POS application upgrade. These ends up in higher costs and shorter product life.

As you see, total cost of a PC POS could sum up nearly double of that of Embedded in the long run.

Why Uniwell? Must be Uniwell!

Security is always one of major concerns in POS systems. For instance, owners are much interested in:

If the machine is simple but can do the jobs they require.
If the machine is high quality, can last for a long time, stable, needs low maintenance, etc.
If an operator cannot cheat and embezzle money by making the computer out of order with sudden intentional power-off or shut down.
If an operator cannot do other things than POS operation itself, cannot browse internet, cannot send/receive emails, etc.
If the machine is free from frequent maintenance, such as HDD defragment or cleanup, Windows updates, anti-virus software updates, etc. Especially the running cost of PC-base PoS is tremedously high comparing with Uniwell Enbedded(almost nothing) because whenever OS is updated the security check and maintenance cost for PC based PoS is huge.
If the machine is free from any conceivable problem that is often known as conflict or compatibility between Windows and each PC software application, or Windows system file corruption, etc.
If there’s no threat of virus infection, information leaks, or system file override by malicious mischief via removable storage devices, etc.

Uniwell Embedded POS systems and Cash Registers can be the answer to these questions. For instance,

Uniwell machines can store the transaction record for sure that has been done just before black out or malicious trick of power down, thus no operator can cheat.
Uniwell machines leave no room for hackers to send virus in, for operators to copy confidential information of customers and sales to any storage devices.
Uniwell HX series offer 'remote access' ability for maintenance, program changes, etc. without visiting the installation sites.
Uniwell machines are totally free from black box of Windows bugs and security holes.

Nowadays, many users look for “thin-clientEPC because of security reasons. It can be said that Uniwell Embedded machines are a kind of “thin-clientEor even step ahead solutions with the above-mentioned advantages.

What are required for POS?

Security is always one of major concerns in POS systems. For instance, owners are much interested in:

If the machine is simple but can do the jobs they require.
If the machine is high quality, can last for a long time, stable, needs low maintenance, etc.
If an operator cannot cheat and embezzle money by making the computer out of order with sudden intentional power-off or shut down.
If an operator cannot do other things than POS operation itself, cannot browse internet, cannot send/receive emails, etc.
If the machine is free from frequent maintenance, such as HDD defragment or cleanup, Windows updates, anti-virus software updates, etc. Especially the running cost of PC-base PoS is tremedously high comparing with Uniwell Enbedded(almost nothing) because whenever OS is updated the security check and maintenance cost for PC based PoS is huge.
If the machine is free from any conceivable problem that is often known as conflict or compatibility between Windows and each PC software application, or Windows system file corruption, etc.
If there’s no threat of virus infection, information leaks, or system file override by malicious mischief via removable storage devices, etc.

Uniwell Embedded POS systems and Cash Registers can be the answer to these questions. For instance,

Uniwell machines can store the transaction record for sure that has been done just before black out or malicious trick of power down, thus no operator can cheat.
Uniwell machines leave no room for hackers to send virus in, for operators to copy confidential information of customers and sales to any storage devices.
Uniwell HX series offer 'remote access' ability for maintenance, program changes, etc. without visiting the installation sites.
Uniwell machines are totally free from black box of Windows bugs and security holes.