CounterPoint was first introduced in 2003 at Guernsey Post Ltd. CounterPoint has several unique characteristics that made it suitable for a modern retail operation:

• Look of interface easily accommodates company look and feel, logo, etc.
• Once a register is online any software updates and improvements can be installed centrally.
• A complete array of non-roman character sets is available on the interface.
• Retail staff can use a physical electronic key to activate their register.
• The register interface is suitable for both keyboard and touch screen.
• The system drives the usual array of cash register peripherals, bar code scanners, receipt printers etc.
• Specialized promotions (2 for one, sale on item etc.) can be automatically scheduled.
• The system robustly copes with network failure - registers can operate independently for long periods.
• Credit, debit, and chip and pin payment mechanisms are handled using standard e-commerce techniques.
• 128 bit SSL encryption used as standard (as a secure web site).
• The is highly scalable, from one to thousands of registers.
• Centralized reporting generates spreadsheets directly for administrative staff.
• Direct connections to government organizations for information, overview and regulation is possible if required.
• The system can be customized to meet a firm's precise needs.
• Low cost public network connections (Internet) can be used for communications.

This array of features is made possible by the use of web based technologies. Although a standard web browser is not the only component installed on the register, it is the one item that retail staff interact with on a continuous basis.

The system uses commodity PC components along with standard networking arrangements in order to equip users low cost. The design of the user interface is optimised for touch screen monitors and it operates happily with standard point of sale equipment such as till roll printers and bar code scanners.

Because the system is web based it can be run over the public Internet and can be secured with the usual SSL based secure website technology. It handles cash as a matter of course but the web standards it incorporates also allow debit, credit, and chip/pin systems to be easily accommodated. It is also remarkably easy to modify the look and feel of the system to accommodate corporate design standards.