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HP/Microsoft/First Data Corp.

Palo Alto, Calif.-based Hewlett-Packard (HP), Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft and Denver-based First Data Corp. have teamed up to create a complete PC-based point-of-sale and integrated payments solution. The new solution, which is comprised of Microsoft Dynamics—Point of Sale 2.0 software, HP’s rp5000 industry-standard PC that features a full line of POS peripherals, and First Data’s credit-, debit- and gift-card payment-processing platform, was introduced at the 96th annual NRF Convention & Expo, sponsored by the National Retail Federation, Washington, D.C.www.hp.com; www.microsoft.com; www.firstdata.com

Cognos

Ottawa, Ontario-based Cognos recently launched its newest performance-management solution, The Cognos Strategic Merchandise Planning Blueprint. The new platform provides a framework that helps retail managers and executives meet sales objectives and profitability goals through a merchandising plan that is synchronized with other company departments, including finance, operations and marketing.www.cognos.com

SPSS

SPSS, Chicago, recently announced the newest release of its enterprise data-mining software. Called Clementine 11.0, the enhanced product features new data analytic techniques and innovative graphic capabilities. These additions enable organizations to enhance productivity in customer-relationship management (CRM), marketing and risk analysis, and fraud detection. This release is also integrated with SPSS’ statistical products, giving users easy access to statistical and data-management capabilities.www.spss.com