Microsoft Dynamics RMS and POS2009 are software products that have many similar features. However, Microsoft Dynamics RMS is a product that has almost 10 years history while Dynamics POS is a different, newer product developed by Microsoft "from scratch" and which has advanced "look and feel" of a slick, modern software product. However, Dynamics RMS has many advantages compared to POS2009 and so majority of retail customers opt to use RMS. POS2009 is not better, just different.

Many customers confused by existence of these two products, inquire about the differences.

Well, the greater difference is that Microsoft Dynamics RMS is a scalable point of sale and inventory management solution that works in a small individual store but also works for a chain that includes multiple stores. Dynamics RMS can be easily customized: there are available over 300 known third-party add-ons for Dynamics RMS, that provide variety additional functionality: from customer loyalty system, to mobile sales and integration with other software (please review a short list of the known products at: RMS Add-Ons page).

POS2009 is not designed for multi-store environment and is not customizeable to such extent as is Dynamics RMS. There is less industry expertise, due to unpopularity of POS2009.

In mid-late 2013, Microsoft will be releasing Dynamics Retail SMB, alongside AX for Retail - both products being the migration from RMS and POS2009. Users with either current product will be able to migrate to SMB, which is a completely new product that will be superior to both. Although this is happening in 2013, it may be a good idea for merchants to wait until the product has had some time in the market before moving to SMB. Let partners become more familiar before jumping in to be the "first" one with the new product.

The following table shows some differences between Dynamics RMS and Dynamics POS (courtesy of Microsoft Business Solutions):

Features and benefits	Microsoft Point of Sale	Microsoft Retail Management System
Efficiently manage and track inventory within a particular store
Automatically generate purchase orders based on reorder points and restock levels
Import item, customer, and supplier information from Microsoft Excel
View sales and inventory information in immediate, modifiable reports
Print labels for items, shelves, customer mailers, and more
Integrate sales information with Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting
Integrate sales information with QuickBooks accounting software
Use a touch screen to speed transactions
Track customer visits and purchase histories
Speed checkout with built-in credit/debit card processing services
Assign role-based security to employees
Suspend and resume transactions
Track employee hours with time clock
Manage inventory and customer information across multiple stores
Design custom sales and inventory reports
Integrate sales information with Microsoft Dynamics GP Peachtree, MYOB, Blackbaud, and other accounting programs.
Track work orders, quotes, back orders, and layaways
Manage customer accounts receivables
Connect point-of-sale software with e-commerce software through third-party add-ons
Manage multiple item dimensions, including color, size and style
Manage gift cards, assembly, weighed, and gasoline item types
Automatically break down cases into single units
Assign field-level security to employees
Improve cashier accountability by tracking tasks performed