2 April 2008

Accenture and Avanade have made available their first retail showcase application for Microsoft Surface. The companies claim that this new application has the potential to transform the shopping experience by using Microsoft Surface to improve customer loyalty, allow customers to better understand complex purchases, build customer relationships and increase add-on sales.

Microsoft Surface is a 30-inch surface computing display in a table-like form that’s easy for individuals or small groups to interact with through touch, gestures and by placing objects on the tabletop; rather than through the use of a keyboard or mouse.

“This application can change a store into a destination in its sector and it is one tool that should be in a customer-centric retailer’s arsenal,” said Jeff Smith, managing director of Accenture’s Retail practice. “Surface’s multi-user capabilities allow retailers to share in a collaborative buying experience with customers, providing not just detailed knowledge about products in the store but also how it is going to look, when it can be installed and even where the customer should sit on their sofa for the best view. For the retailer, it can help store associates by supplementing their customer service activities with ‘at your fingertips’ knowledge support.”

“We are pleased to have Accenture and Avanade on board as strategic allies to provide software development and consulting services, and industry specific expertise that large retailers can leverage when integrating Surface into their retail strategy,” said Lotfi Herzi, Microsoft Surface general manager, enterprise division, “We believe Microsoft Surface brings a unique and compelling value to retailers by giving them new ways to differentiate, diversify and delight their customers.”

A demo of the new retail application developed for Microsoft Surface is available at the Accenture and Avanade Solutions Showcase at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington. This area is where Accenture and Avanade present enterprise-class business solutions on Microsoft technology platforms and offer clients the opportunity to participate in workshops to learn how these solutions can benefit their business.