Brendan O’Meara, Microsoft

O’Meara discussed the retail industry’s current focus on the customer experience, embracing digital, and the convergence of online and the store. “Retailers must think about how to create compelling experiences that embrace mobile when in the store,” he noted. O’Meara also talked about the evolution of digital signage, which now offers an interactive mode. Microsoft has introduced Kinect for Windows, which, among other things, allows consumers to “shop from the couch.” Regarding the event, he noted: “NRF this year – the energy level is very high. Real projects, real investments, real deployments being made.” Microsoft also announced an advanced version of its Surface technology, along with Samsung, and the Dynamics AX 2012 solution.