Publix Super Markets Goes Inside-out With HP

LAKELAND, Fla. – Publix Super Markets is continuing its foray into open systems with plans to install more than 16,000 HP rp5000 point-of-sale devices and 2,000 HP ProLiant servers, to support company's growing retail operations.

Publix will also deploy other industry-standard retail solutions from HP across its chain of 800-plus supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee.

"As we keep pace with rapid growth, it's an absolute requirement that we deploy technology that is flexible and cost-effective, to respond to constant changes in our highly competitive business," said Danny Risener, Publix c.i.o. "At the same time, it will reduce IT costs and complexity for store operations, ultimately improving services for our customers."

The privately held supermarket chain selected HP to take advantage of the lower cost of open platforms for its in-store systems. The open environment will also enable Publix to more rapidly and cost-effectively develop and deploy new features and applications, giving the company the flexibility to meet the ever-changing needs of the retail environment.

Industry-standard HP ProLiant servers running Chain Track software will be used for Publix's in-store processing, including pricing and inventory functions. The company also selected HP ProLiant servers to support its expanding pharmacy operations.

In addition, HP will continue to provide notebooks, desktop PCs, monitors, and servers for a variety of corporate uses across the Publix enterprise.

HP offers store-to-headquarters infrastructure and the services expertise to link the systems into a dynamic extended retail enterprise.

Designed to withstand the rigors of the retail environment, the HP rp5000 offers enhanced peripheral support via powered serial and USB ports, as well as enhanced power and cooling capabilities. The product's components combine the functionality of popular proprietary systems with the low price, flexibility, and manageability of PC-based POS systems.

In other Publix news, the grocer is now facing damage and other issues in the aftermath of Hurricane Frances.

"Some of our stores have lost electrical service," the company said in a statement on its Web site. "Though these stores may be open for business, refrigerated or frozen items may be unavailable until electricity is fully restored. Local authorities will be helping us to bring electricity back as soon as possible."

The company also noted that, despite making every effort to stock up in preparation for the hurricane, some items might now be temporarily out of stock due to customers' pre-hurricane preparations.

At the same time Publix addresses its own challenges following the hurricane, the company is also working to help its surrounding communities. It established the Frances Relief Fund and is channeling all the money through United Way and affiliated agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
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