QSR Automations Inc., a provider of automation technology for the hospitality industry, announced availability of a "hospitality controller" based on thin client technology and Microsoft's Windows XP Embedded operating system. QSR's eXpert hospitality controller is part of the company's ConnectSmart Hospitality Automation Solution, and is described as providing...

"superior reliability and enhanced graphical capabilities on an open, standards-based platform for running kitchen management and other hospitality applications."



According to QSR, the eXpert's key selling points are . . .

• Compact design, measuring no larger than the size of most standard networking hubs
  
  
• Thin-client, distributed architecture running Microsoft's Windows XP Embedded operating system
  
  
• Highly reliable design built specifically for the harsh hospitality environment
  
  
• Solid extruded aluminum enclosure, no fans or moving parts, no significant generation of heat, and several mounting options
  
  
• External locking connectors
  
  
• Expandable CompactFlash storage
  
  
• Enhanced support for graphics and multi-media capabilities

QSR says that for complete kitchen management, its eXpert thin client can be used along with the company's KP-3000 keypad, ePic video controller, and the ePic Kitchen Display Software (KDS). The latter is said to provide sophisticated routing of orders and items, as well as the ability to gather speed of service data and events information in real-time. By running an instance of the KDS at each kitchen station, the eXpert provides a distributed architecture for maximum redundancy, as well as the option for multi-media capabilities, such as running training videos, at any of the stations, KDS says. Additionally, the eXpert can function as the backoffice computer within a configuration of ePic ethernet devices used at each of the kitchen stations.

QSR says the eXpert provides an alternative for operators looking to leverage existing investments in electronic cash registers (ECRs), because unlike point-of-sale (POS) terminals, ECRs often don't have the capability to run a kitchen software application and therefore require a backoffice computer to run the software. Instead of using a backoffice computer, QSR's eXpert thin client systems can be installed at each kitchen station, or the devices can function within a network of ePic devices,

"The eXpert can save highly coveted space within the harshest front-of-house and back-of- house locations," QSR says.

What's inside the box?

The eXpert uses an AMD Geode embedded processor. Its embedded software is stored on a CompactFlash card, and its internal RAM memory is implemented as an SO-DIMM module. The device measures 2.4 x 7.0 x 6.7 in. and is constructed out of extruded aluminum, providing a water and grease resistant design. Its external connections include 10/100Mbps Ethernet, dual USB ports, PS/2 keyboard/mouse interface, RS232 serial port, VGA monitor out, and audio out.


Rear panel connections

"The Windows XP Embedded operating system enabled us to select from more than 10,000 software components," a QSR spokesperson said. "This allowed us to customize the OS image for our hardware to run robust multi-media applications on a substantially reduced footprint."

"The hospitality industry demands the most dependable and cost-effective solutions to run mission critical applications in unforgiving environments," noted Tom Litchford, director of marketing and channel, retail, and hospitality industries at Microsoft. "Microsoft is pleased that our proven technology can help leading providers like QSR Automations to offer unique, open solutions like the eXpert controller. Using Windows XP Embedded, the eXpert enables hospitality companies to run robust new software technologies as well as leverage existing investments in applications, all with uninterrupted operation."

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