Sony Spotlights System Monitoring And Digital Signage Technologies For Retail At NRF Show

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Jan. 16, 2007 – Sony Electronics is featuring new technologies and systems for managing and automating retail environments at the National Retail Federation show being held this week at New York’s Jacob Javits Convention Center.

The company will demonstrate iTRx™, an automated process error remediation system, and its Network Operations Center services. The NOC services incorporate Sony’s StorWatch application to remotely monitor retail locations, initiate and manage daily processes, and communicate with store personnel to remedy store process errors.

“Retail environments are increasingly turning to remote diagnostic and monitoring technologies to lower operating expenses and streamline processes,” said Erwin Ishmael, senior vice president of Sony’s Professional Services group. “The results can be less system downtime, faster response to errors and a reduction in the costs associated with call center operations and manual error remediation.”

The group is also featuring tape-based and tape-less storage devices for remotely managing and storing/restoring retail data such as inventory and point-of-sale and pharmacy data.

Sony’s products and services can also help retailers aggregate and process data more effectively. Ishmael said this technology is useful for keeping supply-chains updated and tracking consumer purchasing patterns.

Sony is also demonstrating its networked digital signage device (model BKM-FW50). Retailers can use it to centrally create, schedule and deliver content to Sony’s large-format displays throughout a store or across multiple locations. Ishmael said with this type of in-store signage network, retailers can change messages easily and quickly according to month, season, or even time of day.

Sony is also showing several of its IP-based security and surveillance technologies.