Zynstra, a provider of automated branch IT solutions, has today announced new capabilities to meet the needs of retail customers. These capabilities include Tier 1 PCI-DSS certification to reduce the cost and effort of achieving compliance across in-store IT systems, and has been subject to the most rigorous audit level across Zynstra’s software architecture, engineering practices, and operations center.

Also included are enhanced cloud management capabilities to reduce the time and effort required to deploy new IT services in store, improved security policies and centralized control of in-store IT infrastructure to reduce security risks and increase operational efficiencies across a distributed IT estate.

“The new IT battleground in retail is at the edge, with retailers wanting to utilize the digitization of the physical store for competitive advantage,” said Nick East, CEO, Zynstra. “This is a customer battle to deliver a differentiated experience across all their channels, an automation battle to drive efficiencies, and a now constant security battle to fight off threats. Our new capabilities drive down costs, automates the deployment of new IT across a distributed branch estate, and is certified to the most demanding PCI-DSS audit levels.”

In addition to PCI-DSS certification, these developments include new control functionality that empowers centralized IT teams with greater control over virtual machines distributed throughout a store network. Also, simplified cloud management functionality that accelerates in-store server deployment, and new centralized management procedures offer hardened in-store security for the hostile environment that can exist at the edge of the network.

“Demand in the retail space is growing for smarter technology solutions in the branch, that can deliver better services to customers with greater efficiency.   At the same time, too many retailers have legacy technology in their stores with vulnerabilities that create substantial risk,” said East.

“Retail Edge IT is at a tipping point, and demands new, innovative solutions, not the force fit of data center solutions or patched up legacy IT. Zynstra is built from the ground up specifically for the retail edge, delivering centralized control over advanced, virtualized in-store IT, and enabling the fast and efficient roll out of new, innovative customer experience applications. We’re optimized for the challenges of an in-store environment, and designed with both security and compliance at the core. Now with Tier 1 PCI-DSS certification, we are taking this vision even further to ensure our customers can streamline their operations, deliver exceptional experiences and, ultimately, boost their competitive advantage,” concluded East.