Totally agree. Many of the lessons learned in reliable systems on the internet are only beginning to be applied in the POS space. Compared to the pricing that

Totally agree. Many of the lessons learned in reliable systems on the internet are only beginning to be applied in the POS space. Compared to the pricing that retailers are used to paying (easily $5000-$25000 per terminal) an iPad is a deal even if it must be replaced more often. As you say, the depth to replace an entire Micros or Aloha setup would take years of development. (I have extended and developed POSs myself.) That is why I think the POS(s) with open data standards will win out, by integrating with existing inventory and financial tools. There is a ton of room and will be competition, so focus will be key. The POS vendor no longer needs to develop the hardware or database, just the software. But -- high-volume POS UX is unlike any normal web or app UX. A intuitive POS that drives sales and proves it with easily exportable/readable data? I don't think there's a clear leader yet.