Using dumb terminals rather than traditional POS devices provided immediate cost savings and reduced staff workloads, he says. The stock file was immediately updated with each transaction, and each update needed only one entry. The first step was the integration of the group's existing POS devices with the SCO system. This not only protected the hardware investment, it also meant the new system could evolve gradually. The system uses an Ingres database, and each store is linked to the home office IBM mainframes by British Telecom's Global Network Services X.25 network.
Groupwide communication is now both rapid and reliable.
Having a robust open software platform in place means that Dixons can now shop around for the very best available options in hardware and equipment when the demand arises, Owen says. Moreover, because SCO combined with Ingres is extremely flexible, there is plenty of room for growth. As new applications are adopted, more power can be added. Maintaining consistent configurations at each of the group's stores has provided Dixons with substantial benefits, he says. The ability to make use of any mix of old and new equipment has also proven extremely cost-effective, and has demonstrated the advantages of adopting a system as open as SCO UNIX servers.