The WEPOS Verification Test for Software Products, administered by VeriTest, ensures that third-party applications install and function smoothly on the WEPOS platform, Ardence says.
WEPOS is a variant of Windows XP Embedded that Microsoft has tailored to the unique needs of retail and hospitality applications. A key benefit of WEPOS, according to Microsoft, is plug-and-play support for retail-oriented peripherals such as barcode readers, receipt printers, and cash drawers.
Ardence describes its
Software-Streaming Platform as an alternative to the traditional client/server computing model. In a client/server architecture, client application software runs on a server; only screen data is sent to the client, and keystrokes and mouse movements are sent to the server, the company explains. Consequently, the client/server approach requires high-performance servers, but uses minimal network bandwidth.
Ardence says that with its software-streaming architecture, the client uses the server as a mass storage device, with both the operating system and the applications streamed to the client on demand. Applications execute on the client as though on an ordinary PC. This technique requires substantially higher network bandwidth, but gets by with fewer -- and less powerful -- servers, Ardence claims.
Stephen Woodard, Ardence's VP of Embedded Products, stated, "The VeriTest certification further strengthens our position as a market leader in enabling dynamic devices -- devices that are easy to configure, deliver, manage, update, and secure. OEMS are guaranteed that an Ardence solution that reduces TCO, increases product reliability and system hardening will function with WePOS based systems."
Ardence (formerly VenturCom) was
acquired last month by Citrix Systems, a well-known supplier of application delivery, security, and networking hardware/software infrastructure.
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