Microsoft RMS is a point-of-sale (POS) and retail management application for small and mid-sized retailers.

In addition to offering both companies expanded options to distribute RMS, for distributing, the agreements ease purchasing and selling processes for authorized reseller partners. In announcing the agreements, Microsoft officials said the agreements with proven expertise in meeting the resellers' procurement needs offer resellers more options for order and customer support by offering Microsoft RMS.

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Microsoft RMS offers connectivity between back-office activities and POS functions. It is targeted at special- and general-merchandise retailers that have up to approximately $5 million in annual revenue per store and can serve retailers with 100 or more stores that operate under a decentralized business model.

"The agreements we've made with ScanSource and Tech Data reflect a deep commitment to serving our ecosystem of business partners by expanding the options they have for distribution," said Jeff Riley, general manager of retail product management with Microsoft Business Solutions. "Microsoft respects both ScanSource and Tech Data for their technological and business expertise as well as their passion for the retail sector — a sector Microsoft Business Solutions considers critical. As a result of these agreements, authorized reseller partners will have more options for offering Microsoft Retail Management System to their customers."

Tech Data is a recognized global provider of IT products, logistics management and other value-added services. ScanSource provides POS products and voice, data and telephony products through its Catalyst Telecom and Paracon sales units.

Daymion Rogers, retail product manager with Business Machines Inc., a full-service provider of customized POS systems for restaurants, fast-food and delivery operations, hotels, and retail businesses, said "the distribution agreement with ScanSource gives us greater access to a lot of product information — all from one source point. The business partner's deep level of knowledge is valuable to us. It allows us to respond to customer needs more quickly. It gives us access to product knowledge and expertise in integration with other products, which is important to our customers. In the end, it lets us offer quicker, more efficient sales, deployments and service."

"This announcement from Microsoft regarding their agreement with Tech Data allows us to better manage our operation by using them as our one source for software and hardware," said Shane Arick, president of A.L.S. Computers Inc., a provider of POS solutions for retail and hospitality markets. "In addition, now that the software ordering process will be streamlined by Tech Data, our sales force will have more time to sell."