Inventory SolutionsSmall retailers can beat the heat this summer by putting their business problems on ICE. Not real ice, of course, but CAM Data System's Retail ICE (Inventory Control Expert) software. Retail ICE is a Windows-based inventory management solution and point-of-sale (POS) software solution designed for small, single-store retailers who are in need of a fast, easy and efficient way to manage their inventory and point-of-sale functions. Retail ICE is valued at $ 3,400, which is based on the value of some of CAM Data's other single-user software. Starting May 4, retailers will have the opportunity to order Retail ICE, free of charge, from CAM Data's Web site. Information about Retail ICE, including sample program screens and an explanation of the product, are also available on the company's Web site.
"This is the best system on the market for a single-store, single-user system," said the chief executive officer of CAM Data Systems, the nation's largest provider of retail automation software and services to the small- to mid-sized retail market. "We are giving away for free what is arguably the premium product in this market with the most powerful technology available to the small retailer. It is the software that most small retailers would purchase if they were aware of the product and could afford it." According to Knapp, Retail ICE will benefit 50 percent of the market that CAM Data currently services, including soft goods and hard goods businesses, but especially apparel, shoe, sporting goods, gift and specialty stores. Retail ICE also includes Centura Software's (Nasdaq: CNTR) SQLBase, a powerful SQL (Structured Query Language) database valued at $ 395. The Retail ICE software is a true 32-bit system, featuring a user-friendly Windows graphical user interface. "There is no hidden gimmick with our giveaway of Retail ICE. By investing in the potential growth of small retail companies, we hope they will grow with us," said Knapp. "Eventually, the customers benefiting from Retail ICE may need to upgrade to our Retail Star system for larger single store and multi-store retailers. As our new customers become familiar with CAM Data's products, they may consider using our future E-commerce offerings for setting up their own Internet store that links directly to their back-office system." Retail ICE requires a Pentium PC with 64 megabytes of memory and a 2 gigabyte hard disk, running Windows 95, 98 or NT. A computer with at least 200 megahertz is also recommended for Retail ICE. Retail ICE users can receive training on how to use the free software through CAM Data's online community of users, online training documentation, comprehensive training classes and the company's service hotline. Users can receive support for and updates on Retail ICE through CAM Data's Web site newsgroups, discussion groups and chat rooms. |