Navigating the future today

PowaPOS is the payments technology division of London-based Powa Technologies, which was founded by serial entrepreneur Dan Wagner. Wagner is credited with creating innovative e-commerce solutions, including the Venda Inc. software-as-a-service (SaaS) cloud platform upon which PowaPOS is based. With an additional 10 global locations, the company also operates offices in New York, Atlanta, Miami and San Diego.

In early 2014, Powa launched PowaTag, a mobile commerce solution that integrates the physical and online shopping experience. The e-commerce app combines mobile payment, quick response code and audio recognition functions, enabling merchants and brands to target customers in multiple environments to encourage on-the-spot purchases. PowaTags initially appeared in store, print media and online in the form of quick response (QR) codes, but added audio watermarking and in-store beacon technology over time.

In April 2014, the company completed its 360-degree commerce strategy with the introduction of PowaPOS, a fully integrated POS platform built specifically to meet the growing demand for tablet-based POS solutions. Jeff Dumbrell, PowaPOS Chief Executive Officer, now leads the team of highly experienced payment professionals focused upon delivering world class payments technology infrastructure for merchant acquirers, payment processors, hardware value-added resellers (VARs), and independent software vendors (ISVs).

Filling in the missing links

PowaPOS claims to have been the first tablet-based POS platform with universal OS support for iOS, Android and Windows. This flexibility has apparently accelerated tablet adoption among PowaPOS retail users since it provides advanced software integration capabilities.

PowaPOS combines all key peripherals into one space-saving system. It also delivers an open, agnostic platform for software development and integration, without proprietary restrictions.

Powerful components

• PowaPOS T25: An EMV-ready tablet-based POS system that includes thermal printer; expansion ports; universal tablet mount; cash drawer; and bi-directional, hands-free barcode scanner with two-dimensional and quick-response code scanning capabilities.
• PowaPIN: A compact, secure, EMV-ready card reader with Bluetooth connectivity and support for virtually all smartphone and tablet devices on the market today.
• PowaWeb: A SaaS based e-commerce platform that is continually evolving through geographic expansion, market segmentation and advanced merchandising development.

PowaPOS believes in the power of the development community to create POS software applications that appeal to merchants whose needs may vary depending on the vertical markets they serve. They offer a single application programming interface software development kit (API SDK) that allows ISVs to seamlessly integrate operating systems with the T25, PowaPIN, third party PINpads and PowaTag components.

Tablet market continues to expand

PowaPOS said it is on a mission to eliminate the setbacks associated with integrating mobile technologies like tablets, where combining peripherals may not always be a perfect match.

"Our vision for PowaPOS from the beginning was to develop a platform that eliminates the friction that has kept tablet-based POS from reaching its market potential," said Dumbrell. "One of those pain points has been the cumbersome process of integrating advanced software applications into a tablet-based POS environment. With PowaPOS’ open platform and single SDK, that barrier is removed."

And because PowaPOS was also designed to work with any operating system and any mobile or tablet-based application, ISV reaction has been favorable. "Within just a few short months since the unveiling of the PowaPOS SDK, these ISVs and many more have successfully integrated their tablet-enabled applications," the company stated.

According to PowaPOS, they are focused on supporting partnerships with as many ISVs as possible. In the first eight months since the product was launched, the company managed to secure partnerships with such companies as Worldline, Ingram Micro Inc., POS Portal, iConnect POS and e-Nabler, among others. In addition, PowaPOS is working with dozens of ISVs worldwide to integrate their advanced, customizable software into the PowaPOS platform.

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