October 19, 2011

NCR and Empower Software Solutions sign referral agreement

DULUTH, Ga. – NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) and Empower Software Solutions, a leading Workforce Management (WFM) software provider, today announced that the two companies have entered into a customer referral agreement.

NCR and Empower Software Solutions sign referral agreement | NCR

Empower specializes in providing WFM and related software and solutions to a variety of businesses, and has developed relationships with thousands of employers throughout the country. Empower’s WFM software is designed to provide customers, particularly in the retail industry, with a strategic resource to help them deploy staff more effectively. In combination with the transactional data gathered from NCR’s technology, the robust analytics of Empower Software enable businesses to make faster, more informed decisions.

“Empower’s technology can create new value for customers, especially when combined with our assisted- and self-service solutions, and is highly aligned with our hardware-enabled, software-driven business model,” said NCR Executive Vice President John Bruno. “Workforce Management technology can be a valuable resource for retailers and other businesses as they look to improve productivity. We are excited to work with one of the leaders in this important market.”

“NCR’s solutions are an ideal complement for Empower. Our relationship has already provided several successful referrals, and we share several large customers today,” said Empower Software Solutions Chief Executive Officer Seth Bernstein. “We are pleased to create a dynamic new sales channel for Empower while providing NCR’s customers with an opportunity to leverage their technology investments.”

About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a global technology company leading how the world connects, interacts and transacts with business. NCR’s assisted- and self-service solutions and comprehensive support services address the needs of retail, financial, travel, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, gaming, public sector, telecom carrier and equipment organizations in more than 100 countries. NCR (www.ncr.com) is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia.

About Empower Software Solutions
Empower Software Solutions is a leading national provider of innovative and state-of-the-art human resources solutions. Thousands of organizations, including many of the largest global companies, rely on Empower’s world-class integrated Human Resources suite providing HR/Payroll, Workforce Management, Time and Attendance, Tax Filing/Processing and Mobile solutions. Our name flawlessly reflects on precisely what we do for your business: empower you with superior technology to efficiently and effectively manage the employee lifecycle, enabling you to focus attention on growing your business.

Find out why so many employers have chosen Empower as their Partner for Life at http://www.empowersoftware.com/

NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.

News Media Contact

Cameron Smith
NCR Corporation
770.623.7998
[email protected]

Ian Sexton
Empower Software Solutions
407.233.2000
[email protected]


NCR and Empower Software Solutions sign referral agreement | NCR

Posted by staff at 11:26 AM

August 05, 2011

Public Library Selects eCrisper as their MAC Kiosk Software

The St. Joseph County Public Library in South Bend, Indiana, selected eCrisper to run on their 50 new Mac kiosks. Eight months after the implementation, they report that they love it and their patrons love it.

Public Library Selects eCrisper as their Kiosk Software

Online PR News – 05-August-2011 –Eight months ago, the St. Joseph County Public Library in Indiana selected eCrisper to run on their 50 new Mac kiosks. Today, they report that the implementation was a complete success.

Robert Roye from the IT department reports: "We love it. The patrons love it. It works very well, is easily configurable and able to handle many types of tasks. It also looks nice. I was able to get everything working fine quickly and easily and when the one issue (with our equipment) came up, you were able to help me get it working within 20 minutes."

eCrisper turns a Mac into a secure public access kiosk. It is ideal for libraries but also for Internet kiosks, schools, museums, cyber cafes, and information terminals. More information can be found at http://ecrisper.com.

Public Library Selects eCrisper as their Kiosk Software

Posted by staff at 03:04 PM

December 23, 2010

Operating Systems - news from Microsoft

A week after MS releases the H.264 plugin for Firefox, without fanfare the Genuine Advantage System (which has been a thorn to IT) is quietly shut down. And at CES in 2 weeks we get introduced to a "njew" Windows OS that run ARM processors (mobiles). What's going on?

Microsoft Shuts Down Windows Genuine Advantage System on the Sly

Microsoft made a bit of an odd move on the quiet last week, and it's leaving industry analysts wondering. The company, without fanfare or publicity, shut down its Windows Office Genuine Advantage program, a proprietary anti-piracy system.

Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) was created by Microsoft (News - Alert) to enforce online validation of the licensing of several recent Microsoft Windows operating systems. The system essentially checked the validity of a user's OS when he or she accessed several services such as Windows Update, or downloaded Windows components from the Microsoft Download Center.

Wrote Ed Bott of ZD Net, “An anonymous tipster informed me on Friday that Microsoft had shut down its Office Genuine Advantage (OGA) program as of Thursday, Dec. 16. Previously, if you wanted to download an Office add-in or template, you had to pass through a validation step first, confirming that your copy of Office was 'genuine.'”

The WGA validation process validates the present installation of Windows and its license key against the detected hardware and determines if the software was licensed from Microsoft.

Bott noted that with a little searching, he was able to find the following “official” notice on the Microsoft Web site: “Notice: The Office Genuine Advantage (“OGA”) program has been retired. For more information about the benefits of genuine Office, please visit the following website: Benefits of genuine Office.”

Bott also noted that in other places on the Microsoft website, it would appear to be business as usual with OGA, except that many of the pertinent links are now dead. Reportedly, the Office Notifier, the OGA ActiveX control for Internet Explorer, and the OGA plug-in for Firefox are also officially retired.

Now maybe someone should inform everyone else at Microsoft.


Microsoft Shuts Down Windows Genuine Advantage System on the Sly

Posted by staff at 01:08 PM

September 24, 2010

Mac Lockdown Kiosk Software Upgraded

The maker of the eCrisper Kiosk software announced the release of eCrisper 1.1, a solution for Mac based Internet kiosks. eCrisper is intended to turn Mac computers into secure public access kiosks. It provides organizations such as libraries, schools, and museums the option to display specific websites

Internet Kiosk Software for Mac Upgraded

It can also be used for Internet kiosks by hotels an cyber cafes either with free access or using pre-paid accounts .

“The gorgeous all-in-one iMac makes a great kiosk but the combination of Mac mini and large HDTV has also proven to be a very popular solution.”
"The unique option to divide the screen into 5 areas has proven very popular. It allows kiosk owners the option to display up to 5 different websites including daily activities, birthdays, weather forecast, etc... "

"The gorgeous all-in-one iMac makes a great kiosk but the combination of Mac mini and large HDTV has also proven to be a very popular solution."

You can find more information about the product at eCrisper website. Articles with useful information is posted on the website Blog.

http://ecrisper.com/


Posted by staff at 11:22 AM

June 09, 2010

New Sitekiosk 7.5 Released by Provisio

New sitekiosk from Provisio includes some very significant improvements & features. New standalone remote monitoring client along with new digital signage options. The file sync (rsync) feature makes updates easy. WIndows-based.

Contents:

* SiteRemote 3 – Remote Maintenance Made Perfect
* SiteRemote Client 1.0 – small, powerful, and extremely affordable
* SiteCaster (Alpha) – Digital Signage & DooH Media Software
* Kiosk Europe Expo 2010 in June – come see us in Essen

SiteRemote 3 was given a design overhaul and now offers even more new features.

See below for a complete list of all new features, or you can also refer to our Version History page.


New user interface

The user interface was redesigned completely and is now clearer and more intuitive.

SiteRemote 3 now boasts improved support of map views and virtual folders and is now fully available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Russian. SiteRemote now also keeps track of user activities (auditing) and Windows system messages.


Genuine Remote Desktop Feeling

It is now possible to establish a secure Remote Desktop connection to individual clients at any time. To assure that such secure connections can be made even in the most disadvantageous circumstances (firewall, subnetworks, etc.), SiteRemote can - fully automatically - establish a direct connection via Teredo or an indirect connection via Repeater.

When connected via a direct remote desktop connection, SiteRemote 3 will automatically display a maintenance dialog box on the clients which prevents users from interfering with the maintenance activity. SiteRemote 3 also allows you to exchange files directly between your local PC and the client.


File administration via synchronization

SiteRemote 3 now has a file manager option that lets you exchange data between clients and server. SiteRemote’s most attractive feature is that you can now automatically sync folders stored on the server across any number of clients. For instance, if you modify files in a folder stored on the server, these changes will be applied automatically on all selected clients.

The necessary data transfer is screaming fast and will not put any more stress on the server than needed thanks to the use of Peer2Peer technology.

If you want to benefit from all new features SiteRemote 3 has to offer, you need SiteKiosk version 7.5 or later or the new SiteRemote Client 1.0.


SiteRemote Client 1.0 is a new PROVISIO product and intended to serve as an affordable alternative to SiteKiosk if you only require remote maintenance functionality. Simply install SiteRemote Client on a Windows computer and start managing the machine conveniently from a remote location via www.siteremote.net (lease) or from your own SiteRemote server (purchase).

The strongest benefits of SiteRemote Client 1.0 at a glance:

No additional license fee for using the client software (lease)
> In contrast to SiteKiosk, the client software does not require any additional license fee per machine provided you use our SaaS (Software as a Service ) solution www.siteremote.net to manage your computers remotely. The only charges you will need to cover are the monthly or yearly SiteRemote leasing fees.

Server version for independent standalone application (purchase)
> Unlike our competitors, we offer you an optional server version for purchase. This version allows you to run your own server and remotely service your PCs independently of PROVISIO. This option only requires a one-time license fee.


SiteCaster (Alpha) – Digital Signage & DooH Media Software

Before the year 2010 is out, PROVISIO will offer its SiteCaster™ on the market for Digital Signage software. SiteCaster offers everything you have come to expect from modern DooH software. We will be presenting an alpha version of the software at Kiosk Europe Expo in Essen.

SiteRemote Client monitors your favorite application
> Do you have a (kiosk) application of your own and want to run it on a terminal? If requested, SiteRemote Client automatically monitors the vitals functions of your applications and transmits status messages to the SiteRemote server. If also lets you create extensive evaluations (reports) for this application.

Free trial version available shortly
> Before long, we will start offering a free trial version of SiteRemote Client 1.0 which you will be able to download from our website!


Kiosk Europe Expo 2010 in June – come see us in Essen

From June 15 through June 17, the Essen exhibition halls will host this year's Kiosk Expo bzw. Digital Signage Expo. As every year, PROVISIO is a gold sponsor of this event.

We would love to welcome you at our booth 4F.14.
> It would our pleasure to show you our latest developments and answer any questions you may have.

Sitekiosk.com

Posted by staff at 03:00 PM

February 20, 2010

Microsoft Marketing for Embedded

Microsoft has new campaign for embedded O/S and all the devices that it is ideal for. Includes kiosks, digital signage, point of service (?), thin client as well as consumer internet devices. They have it framed in comic book hero/cartoon format.

Interesting new approach by Microsoft opting for the comic book metaphor along with videos. I tried viewing the video for kiosks though and it failed. I called it up in Chrome on my XP machines that has no problems with video. Took awhile to download but came down under IE and played under Nero.

Windows 7 is being pushed. Pretty tough on kiosks when you have a ton of legacy devices requiring drivers. You can use XP Mode but that will increase the cost with added RAM. I thought the WEPOS/Point of Service/whatever it is currently called was essentially XP embedded still (just gets new name).

Right now it looks like this might create more confusion than clarity.

MS is advertising it on Bing as a sponsored result. Nothing on Google or Yahoo.

The kiosk video ironically has a picture of a pinball machine off in the distance. Maybe a kid at an Xbox would've been more modern..

Here is the link.

link

Posted by staff at 09:54 AM

December 16, 2008

Browsers - Just when you thought it was safe

topicie.jpgSeriousness of new exploit of Internet Explorer is to the point where users of Microsoft's Internet Explorer are being urged by experts to switch to a rival until a serious security flaw has been fixed.


Source link

The flaw in Microsoft's Internet Explorer could allow criminals to take control of people's computers and steal their passwords, internet experts say.

Microsoft urged people to be vigilant while it investigated and prepared an emergency patch to resolve it.
Internet Explorer is used by the vast majority of the world's computer users.

Q&A: Stay safe online

"Microsoft is continuing its investigation of public reports of attacks against a new vulnerability in Internet Explorer," said the firm in a security advisory alert about the flaw.

Microsoft says it has detected attacks against IE 7.0 but said the "underlying vulnerability" was present in all versions of the browser.

Other browsers, such as Firefox, Opera, Chrome, Safari, are not vulnerable to the flaw Microsoft has identified.
Browser bait

"In this case, hackers found the hole before Microsoft did," said Rick Ferguson, senior security advisor at Trend Micro. "This is never a good thing."

As many as 10,000 websites have been compromised since the vulnerability was discovered, he said.
"What we've seen from the exploit so far is it stealing game passwords, but it's inevitable that it will be adapted by criminals," he said. "It's just a question of modifying the payload the trojan installs."

MICROSOFT SECURITY ADVICE
Change IE security settings to high (Look under Tools/Internet Options)
Switch to a Windows user account with limited rights to change a PC's settings
With IE7 or 8 on Vista turn on Protected Mode
Ensure your PC is updated
Keep anti-virus and anti-spyware software up to date

But Microsoft counselled against taking such action.
"I cannot recommend people switch due to this one flaw," said John Curran, head of Microsoft UK's Windows group.

He added: "We're trying to get this resolved as soon as possible.

"At present, this exploit only seems to affect 0.02% of internet sites," said Mr Curran. "In terms of vulnerability, it only seems to be affecting IE7 users at the moment, but could well encompass other versions in time."
Richard Cox, chief information officer of anti-spam body The Spamhaus Project and an expert on privacy and cyber security, echoed Trend Micro's warning.

"It won't be long before someone reverse engineers this exploit for more fraudulent purposes. Trend Mico's advice [of switching to an alternative web browser] is very sensible," he said.

Read the dot.life blog in full

PC Pro magazine's security editor, Darien Graham-Smith, said that there was a virtual arms race going on, with hackers always on the look out for new vulnerabilities.

"The message needs to get out that this malicious code can be planted on any web site, so simple careful browsing isn't enough."

"It's a shame Microsoft have not been able to fix this more quickly, but letting people know about this flaw was the right thing to do. If you keep flaws like this quiet, people are put at risk without knowing it."
"Every browser is susceptible to vulnerabilities from time to time. It's fine to say 'don't use Internet Explorer' for now, but other browsers may well find themselves in a similar situation," he added.

Posted by staff at 08:29 AM

October 29, 2008

Kiosk Software - New version of KioWare Released

KioWare announced today new version of Lite and Basic (6.4.0). Big changes include: virtual keyboard support inside Flash and PDF formats, PJL printer support, and credit card parsing (Immediately parses mag stripe data and fills in your form with no extra programming required). Very cool software.


A new version of KioWare Lite (6.4.0) and KioWare Kiosk Basic (6.4.0) and KioWare Server (4.3) has been released.

Version 6.4.0 for KioWare Lite and KioWare Kiosk Basic new features include:

Additional memory leak detection - KioWare proactively measures the amount of memory being used and now reboots the PC after the memory reaches a certain threshold of use. Without the PC restart, the system could otherwise become unstable.

Schedule monitor on/off - The monitor power can now be scheduled to turn on or off by the time of day and day of week.

Virtual Keyboard for all formats - The Virtual Keyboard feature now supports field completion in all formats, including Adobe PDF and Flash forms. When a user touches or clicks on the field, the Virtual Keyboard will pop up.

PNG graphic support in toolbar - PNG files can now be displayed as custom graphics in the user interface toolbar.


Additional Version 6.4.0 KioWare Kiosk Basic new features include:


PJL printer support - KioWare now supports a broad range of laser printers that commonly use PJL (Printer Job Language).

Credit card parsing - Immediately parses mag stripe data and fills in your form with no extra programming required.


Finally, Version 4.3 of KioWare Server new features include:


KWS email status scalability - Email notifications/status/alert is now scalable to the project, group, and site level.

Support for 64-bit server - Offering access to more virtual and physical memory, 64-bit processors are quickly becoming the standard; KioWare now supports this server platform.

If you are a current client and your support is current or have purchased in the last 30 days, you can upgrade here: http://www.kioware.com/downloadUpgrade.asp. If you would like to renew your support, visit this link http://www.kioware.com/renewSupport.asp


Christina Hamberger
KioWare Kiosk Software
[email protected]
+1 717 843-4790 x470
877 843-4790 x470 (Toll Free USA)
www.KioWare.com

Still need to download our free demo? Do so at http://www.KioWare.com/download.asp

Posted by staff at 12:30 PM

August 30, 2008

Kiosk Software Case Study - Ticketmaster

Discussion of ticketmaster project. Notes on entry page.


One hour talk at recent conference for Flex. A high-level overview of the new Ticketmaster Kiosk. Covers items ranging from internationalization, security and other items.

This talk by Kevin Fauth provides a rare look under the hood and behind the scenes of fairly massive kiosk software project. Also shows the new gui interface which actually reminds me of the old Novell carousel menu (back when 286 at 12 Mhz was speedster I seem to recall...). Little things here like memory leaks from 3rd party apps and having to accomodate the latest designer fad of reflecting everything are discussed. Nice notes though funniest part is when he notes "some might have been censored out by company since proprietary" and as he scrolls down he begins to see everything blacked out.

Great talk and highest recommendation.

discussion link

Posted by staff at 08:17 AM

July 18, 2008

Remote Monitoring Service for Point-of-Sale & Kiosks

Announcement by LogMein of new remote access tool for point-of-sale and kiosks. We've taken it for a test drive and seen it in action and it's impressive. LogMein has been around for many years (like gotomypc). Comes in several different feature sets (including personal no-cost version). Thef"Pro" version is $70/year subscription. Background on these folks is they came out of Citrix...Good stuff!

LogMeIn (News - Alert) has created a new product that is designed to provide tools for supporting Windows-based interactive kiosks and point-of-sale (POS) systems. This will preclude the need for companies to make arrangements for on-site support, as the system by LogMeIn is a remote support program.

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The advantage provided by the program is allowing the support staff or technicians the flexibility to monitor the systems remotely. They can do more than monitoring; connecting to and managing these devices from a distance is also feasible. It is possible to furnish necessary services and support functions, including but not restricted to features like, repairs, updates to the software and training data. In purely monetary terms, it is beneficial as the cost reduction is quite substantial considering there are less on-site support visits required.

“I believe this is absolutely the right solution for anyone responsible for maintaining remote systems,” said Harry Mitchell, account manager, Armagh Cashier Register. “Not only can we save on support costs, but our customers are happy because we can respond to and deal with issues in a fraction of the time it would take in person. This is a win-win for everyone.”

Purchasing the system in quantities will entail a number of advantages, the first being a discount on the total transaction. Additionally, the providers include a LogMeIn Embedded Device Starter Kit. This kit is designed as an amalgam as the previously successful LogMeIn Information Technology Reach program and a host of smaller tools. The other tools that make up the suite are LogMeIn Rescue, LogMeIn Backup, LogMeIn Ignition and LogMeIn Network Console. The Starter Kit also includes two hours of training.

“We already have customers using LogMeIn IT Reach to effectively support distributed POS systems. Now, system designers can include this capability at the outset and factor it in to how they deliver ongoing support and maintenance services to their customers,” said Andrew Burton, vice president, products, LogMeIn, Inc. “This is a natural extension of LogMeIn's base in providing what we believe to be one of best remote support services on the market.”

LogMeIn is a supplier of on-demand, remote-connectivity solutions to small and medium businesses, IT service providers and consumers.


source links

Posted by staff at 07:43 AM

April 29, 2008

Software - new version Kioware released

New version Kioware 6.3.0 released today. We saw integrated VoIP demo in Vegas and it worked very well. Ability to support up to 10 additional monitors is new feature. Release notes follow.

New KioWare Lite and KioWare Kiosk Basic Version 6.3.0 features include:

Security Audit
Runs a security check on KioWare configuration settings based on kiosk best practices standards. Settings that are not in conformance with these standards are highlighted and can be changed to meet the standards.

Transparent Virtual Keyboards
Modifies the opacity of pop-up virtual keyboards.

Volume Controls
Ability to set a default volume setting when a user session ends. Add Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to the User Interface Toolbar.

Limiting Print Pages Per Session
Limits the total number of pages a user can print during a single session.

Integrated KioWare Restart/Reboot/Shutdown Scheduling
Schedules a daily KioWare restart, kiosk reboot or kiosk shutdown.

Additional Cache Clearing Options
Ability to choose from additional items when clearing cache at user session end. Specifically, to only clear HTTPS data or only keep media files.

Addition of Kiosk Name String Constant to KioWare StartPage URL
Ability to have Kiosk Name added to the query string of the StartPage URL, which is useful for server side scripting.

Additional features specific to KioWare Kiosk Basic Version 6.3.0 include:

New Input Device Hardware Support
Support for all Web Cameras that adhere to the WIA (Windows Imaging Architecture) standard.

New Remote Monitoring Devices Support for:
· US Micro Printer
· Windows Print Queue monitoring (for printers without direct monitoring capability)
· WatchPort Temperature/Humidity Sensor
· WMI Hardware (CPU, Fans, etc)

Additional Second Monitor Support
Support for up to ten (10) monitors in addition to the primary monitor.

Integrated VOIP Support
By either using toolbar dial buttons, a numeric keypad, or embedded scripting, KioWare can dial a telephone number using VOIP. Phone Numbers can be limited to individual domains or pages. Currently Bravora VOIP service is supported.

If you are a current client and your support is current or have purchased in the last 30 days, you can upgrade here: upgrade link. If you would like to renew your support, visit this link .

Christina Hamberger

KioWare Kiosk Software
Analytical Design Solutions, Inc.
+1 717 843-4790 x470
877 843-4790 x470 (Toll Free USA)

Posted by staff at 02:10 PM

November 20, 2006

Internet Explorer 7’s Kiosk Mode

Now that we have IE 7.0, one of the first questions is does it still support kiosk mode. The answer is yes. Still, the kiosk mode doesn't buy you much as that is probably 5% of the solution. The solution is most definitely more along the lines of www.sitekiosk.com and www.kioware.com for a wrapper. Still, the perennial Kiosk Mode cannot be ignored.

helpful link

At work, we frequently get the request from clients to keep internet machines locked onto their website. There are a number of different pieces of software that can do this - and we do use them. Sometimes though, we just need a quick and dirty way to do this. I have discovered a way to do just that! Read on . . .

IE7 does have a “Kiosk Mode” which launches the browser with no tool bars, no address bar, nothing! just the browsing window. Click here for a Firefox How-to.
Method One

You can launch IE7 into Kiosk mode by adding a switch to a command line command!

1. Click Windows Key+R
2. Type: iexplore -k
3. Click OK
To exit, simply hit Alt+F4!

The problem with this method is that people can figure out that hitting Alt+F4 will close the window, and then they double-click IE from the desktop. We can’t simply removed the IE icon because a blank desktop with no way to get back online is unacceptable! We need their website/webapp running! Here’s a way around this issue:
Method Two

We can create a shortcut to IE and pass the “ -k” switch directly!

1. Create a shortcut to IE7 on the desktop and remove the direct link:
Notice the shortcut arrow in the corner

2. Right-click and select “Properties“

3. In the “Target” field, add the “ -k” operator the the command - remember to add a space before the dash:
IE7 Properties
4. Hit OK!
5. Don’t forget to remove all shortcuts to IE in the Start menu and the Quick Launch bar!

Known Issues:

1. Now, users can still open My Computer/My Documents and use the address bar there. As I mentioned, there are many different apps that can really lock the machines down, we use Fortres at work.
2. Users can open a new window, using Ctrl+N. This opens a standard IE window, tool bars and all.
3. You need to adjust the popup setting in IE to “Always open popups in a new tab”.

Unfortunitly this is the best, free method as of this writing -at least until someone creates an addon for IE.

Posted by staff at 03:17 PM

November 20, 2005

Infonox Launches ActiveKiosk Software

Infonox announced the launch of its new ActiveKiosk solution at the Self-Service and Kiosk Tradeshow in San Francisco. Infonox displayed two kiosks (both manufactured by partner Kiosk Information Systems)at the show.

Source Article

Infonox launches ActiveKiosk suite

� 21 October 2005

SAN FRANCISCO � Infonox, provider of turn-key solutions for delivering financial and non-financial services to kiosks, has introduced its ActiveKiosk Suite, designed to simplify the transition from clerk, teller and cashier managed processes to self-service kiosks. With the ActiveKiosk Suite, kiosk deployers can offer multiple fee-based services.

According to a news release, ActiveKiosk Suite can be deployed in locations such as retail stores, restaurants, auto rental outlets, malls, bank lobbies and other customer-facing areas. Based on their business requirements, deployers can brand, co-brand, integrate and select service menus. ActiveKiosk Suite interfaces with existing card and EFT payment infrastructure via Infonox's Active Payment Platform.

"By unifying applications, devices, backend providers and business processes we save deployers both time and money," said Safwan Shah, chief executive officer of Infonox. "Additionally, the creation of this suite addresses multiple issues plaguing the industry, including customer retention and compliance."

Posted by keefner at 08:59 PM

May 27, 2005

Kiosk Software Company Releases Latest Version

Netkey announced at Retail Systems their latest version, Netkey 6.5, is now available. Netkey 6.5 is complete platform supporting development, deployment and operation of retail applications and store technologies including kiosks, digital signs, handheld devices, POS systems, and employee workstations. Netkey is a kiosk software partner of Kiosk Information Systems.

Press Release

Netkey Inc. today launched Netkey 6.5, the latest version of its industry-leading software platform for retail self-service and digital merchandising management. Netkey 6.5 offers the market�s most advanced environment for the development, deployment and operation of retail applications and store technologies including kiosks, digital signs, handheld devices, POS systems, and employee workstations.

The announcement was made at the Retail Systems 2005 Conference and Exposition in Chicago.

Competitive pressures and the need for improved customer service, combined with requirements to cut costs, are driving retailers to increasingly invest in kiosks and self-service technology. To address these operational requirements, Netkey 6.5 debuts new capabilities designed to help retailers increase the performance and reliability of their self-service systems, while at the same time reducing IT burden and mitigating project risk.

�We�ve made significant advancements with this release that meets our customers� need for an enterprise-level self-service management platform that can be easily deployed across a wide range of technologies in the retail enterprise,� said V. Miller Newton, chief executive officer of Netkey. �With a robust application development tool and a single administrative view of the performance and operation of store systems, Netkey 6.5 allows retailers to deliver self-service capabilities to customers and employees in the store by automating the creation of applications and the management of devices.�

Unlike custom-built or homegrown solutions built using generic software tools, Netkey 6.5 is designed specifically to address the challenges found in the retail self-service environment. Comprised of two integrated modules � Netkey Designer, an integrated development environment (IDE) for the rapid creation of self-service applications, and Netkey Manager, for the remote management of self-service applications and devices � Netkey 6.5 delivers innovative features and mission critical performance for demanding retailers, including:

-- Application and interface authoring, and peripheral device integration

-- Device and application security for network and application protection

-- Content scheduling and delivery for simplified application updates

-- Device remote monitoring for increased system uptime and reliability

-- Reporting and analytics for detailed performance and usage metrics

-- Central administration and management for ease of operation

New Features and Enhancements in Netkey 6.5

-- Agent Framework. An innovation found in Netkey 6.5 is the Agent Framework, device-level software components that perform simple tasks and are compact enough to run on small footprint devices. Part of Netkey Manager, Agents perform many of the critical functions relating to the remote monitoring, content and data delivery, communications and messaging. The use of these modular Agents enhances the overall performance, reliability and extensibility of the system.

-- Peer-to-Peer Communication. Content destined for a group of kiosks or devices can be distributed automatically among the devices from a nominated candidate within a store or particular location. Use of peer-to-peer communications reduces the amount of data being sent over busy store networks, and increases the speed of content distribution among kiosks or devices

-- Enhanced Reporting. Netkey 6.5 incorporates an industry-standard report engine and report writer, providing users with maximum flexibility in using reports for ROI and performance analysis.

-- Improved security, scalability, reliability and performance, to deliver maximum uptime for retail kiosk networks.

Netkey 6.5 supports new and existing retail self-service applications including gift registry, job recruitment, employee HR portals, customer loyalty systems, deli and quick-serve ordering, product information and locator, and many others. Netkey 6.5 is available immediately. Contact Netkey for pricing and additional information.

About Netkey
Netkey provides a comprehensive software platform for authoring, securing, monitoring and managing self-service applications delivered on kiosks, computer terminals, digital signs and other retail technologies. Netkey measurably lowers the cost, and increases the value, of interfacing with customers and employees on unattended devices. Customers include BMW, Borders, JC Penney, Menards, Target and the U.S. Postal Service. Contact Netkey at 1-800-443-7924, via e-mail at [email protected], or on the Web at www.netkey.com.

Contact:

Robert Ventresca
Netkey, Inc.
(203) 483-2888
[email protected]

For more information you can visit netkey.com

Posted by keefner at 02:45 PM

April 14, 2004

New Software

WireSpring releases new FireCast Media Appliance player for digital signage and kiosk applications

First deployments of the new media playback technology underway in major sporting goods chains across the US

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (PRWEB) April 14, 2004 -� WireSpring Technologies, a developer of software and technology for networked digital signage systems, today announced the availability of the new FireCast Media Appliance for dynamic digital signage applications. The FireCast Media Appliance features high-quality video output over VGA, S-Video and composite signals, and is optimized for signage applications using high-resolution plasma screens, LCD displays and computer monitors. Designed to run WireSpring�s FireCast OS platform for kiosks and digital signs, the FireCast Media Appliance delivers stunning full-motion video in MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, RealVideo, or QuickTime, plus animation and still images in Macromedia Flash, GIF, JPG and PNG formats. Internet connectivity is provided by an integrated Ethernet port or optional dialup modem or wireless adapter, allowing entire networks of Media Appliances to be monitored and managed remotely. Designed for 24/7 operation in high-traffic environments, the FireCast Media Appliance features a compact, perforated case with ample cooling. The Media Appliance supports a variety of mounting options, including attaching to the back of plasma and LCD displays.

The first commercial deployment of the new FireCast Media Appliance consisted of fourteen sporting goods stores in Southern California. This narrowcasting network, managed by Digital Media Assets of West Palm Beach, FL (www.digitalmediaassets.com), is used to deliver product information and targeted advertisements to shoppers at the point of decision. �We have used FireCast products in a number of key deployments, and WireSpring�s technology and support services have been outstanding,� said Bryan Carmody, president of Digital Media Assets. �The FireCast Media Appliance gives us high quality video and Flash playback in a compact form factor, and delivers the same rock-solid reliability and incredible ease of use that we�ve come to expect from WireSpring�s offerings.�

The FireCast Media Appliance is available now from value-added resellers or direct from WireSpring. For more information and detailed specifications, please visit www.wirespring.com.

About WireSpring Technologies, Inc.
WireSpring develops Linux-based software for self-service kiosks and dynamic digital signage. The company's solutions make it easy and affordable for businesses to bring rich media applications to brick-and-mortar venues. FireCast, the company�s premier software product, offers the most reliable and secure platform for managing interactive kiosks and digital signage networks. WireSpring is headquartered at 2200 West Commercial Blvd., Suite 110, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, USA. For more information, visit www.wirespring.com.


PRESS RELEASE: WireSpring releases new FireCast Media Appliance player for digital signage and kiosk applications

Posted by Craig at 02:51 PM

March 01, 2004

Healthnotes Software

Healthnotes Releases Version 7.8 of Acclaimed Touchscreen Kiosk Applications

PORTLAND, Ore., Mar 1, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Healthnotes Inc. (HNI) today announced the release of Version 7.8 of Healthnotes(R) touchscreen kiosk applications for supermarkets, pharmacies, and health food stores. The five department-specific applications were designed to help retailers offer shoppers quick, reliable health and lifestyle information at the point of decision, including recipes.

Version 7.8 includes new and updated content, and an enhanced Category Management Report. In addition, all three Foodnotes(R) applications -- Foodnotes Grocery, Foodnotes Meat & Seafood, and Foodnotes Fresh Produce -- feature new, simplified main screen designs complete with onscreen user instructions.

"As consumers become more and more interested in healthy living, they need reliable information available to them in-store to help them make confident purchase decisions," stated Schuyler Lininger, HNI president and CEO. "Healthnotes Version 7.8 is the most comprehensive collection of health and lifestyle information available for shoppers in every department -- pharmacy, whole health, general grocery, meat and seafood, and produce."

Information retailers and their shoppers can rely upon

As part of HNI's commitment to providing credible, up-to-date information, all health articles were reviewed and updated based on the latest scientific research. HNI's editorial team, lead by Dr. Alan Gaby, MD, conducts continuous research in more than 550 medical journals to keep the information current, factual, and balanced.

For Version 7.8, two new articles were added to the Vitamin Guide, Coconut Oil and Amylase Inhibitors (starch blockers), and 73 new patient education monographs (covering OTC and prescription medications) were added to the Healthnotes Pharmacy application.

Beginning in 2004, HNI will release updated versions of the kiosk software products via CD in the first and third quarter of each year. The bi-annual update process ensures that the resource is relevant and timely, so that retailers and their customers can confidently depend on the information. For customers with networked kiosks, HNI also has the ability to offer quarterly updates.

Category Management Report provides instant, actionable customer
data

The Healthnotes Category Management Report (CMR), part of the Administration section of the kiosk software, tracks customer use and creates a report outlining the most popular topic areas and products queried. Retailers can use the CMR to better understand their shoppers' needs, allowing them to more effectively merchandise products and run targeted promotions.

New to Version 7.8, the CMR is now viewable onscreen, allowing retailers to immediately review and analyze the data. The CMR can also be printed directly from the kiosk.

Pricing and Availability

Version 7.8 will start shipping to customers mid-March 2004. A preview of Version 7.8 will be available in booth #2812 at Natural Products Expo West, March 5-7, 2004 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Pricing varies depending on the quantity of software subscriptions purchased. Kiosk hardware, including the new EasyAnswers Touchscreen, is also available through HNI at an additional charge. Healthnotes applications are also available for the Web.

About Healthnotes Inc.

Healthnotes Inc. (HNI) is the premier provider of credible, easy-to-use health and lifestyle information for Web and touchscreen kiosk initiatives. More than 6,500 supermarkets, pharmacies, and natural product stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom use Healthnotes(R) Retail Solutions to provide consumers with practical, comprehensive information at the point of decision -- online and in-store. Healthnotes also generates behind-the-counter applications that are licensed to e-commerce and health-related Internet sites worldwide. On the Web: www.healthnotes.com

Note to editors: HEALTHNOTES and FOODNOTES are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.

SOURCE: Healthnotes, Inc.

Posted by Craig at 08:15 PM

January 26, 2004

Software To Go

CompUSA rolls out automated system: Creating software on demand

MERYVILLE, Calif. -- Customers are still trying to figure out what it is. But the whirring machine inside the front door of the CompUSA store here may transform the way software is sold.
ADVERTISEMENT

The SoftwareToGo system is the first in a major US retail chain to create software titles on demand, said its manufacturer and CompUSA. The electronics seller has installed the machines in stores in Seattle, Dallas, and in the San Francisco Bay area, with plans to roll it out nationwide, including in Massachusetts, starting next quarter.

For now, CompUSA and software publishers see the machine as a way to increase the number of titles they sell, without taking up valuable space on shelves. But in the future, its advocates say, systems like SoftwareToGo might reduce inventory problems, keep popular items available for purchase even when they're gone from shelves, and cut down on software theft -- major problems for stores.

As he gave a recent demonstration of the system, Mitchell Rawlings, general manager of the Emeryville CompUSA, was interrupted by an employee bearing an empty box of Microsoft Office Professional software. Someone had sliced the top with a razor, removed the discs, and walked out.

"That's $500 right there. That murders us," he said, then swept his hand toward the SoftwareToGo machine. "Man, I hope it all goes this way."

CompUSA's new system is part of the technology-fueled movement toward delivery of consumer products only after customers have ordered them. Improved data storage and the increasingly digital nature of content are allowing companies to expand their inventory, keep goods in stock, and prevent titles with limited demand from disappearing.

One example is music. Even as they continue to sell compact discs, bricks-and-mortar music stores have recently installed kiosks that sell subscriptions to online music services, which let music fans download songs at home and burn their own CDs. Napster 2.0, a music-download service by Roxio Inc., now sells prepaid gift cards in Target Stores and even gas station minimarts.

Books are also moving in this direction. Barnes & Noble Inc., the largest US bookseller, is quietly but rapidly increasingly its Print on Demand program, in which the company waits for a customer to order a book before it prints and ships it. The book looks the same to customers.

Brewster Kahle, an entrepreneur and philanthropist in San Francisco, has periodically driven his Internet Bookmobile around the country for the past few years, distributing copies of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and other books in the public domain. He downloads the books through a mobile connection, prints and binds them in his van, then hands them out to children.

Protocall Technologies Inc., a closely held company in Commack, N.Y., is taking a similar approach for commercial software in stores. Protocall makes the SoftwareToGo system and has spent the past four years trying to persuade software publishers like Microsoft Corp. to distribute their titles through it.

Customers in the Emeryville CompUSA can find two SoftwareToGo kiosks, one on each end of the two aisles of shelves filled with software boxes. The kiosks work like an ATM: Customers can use a touchscreen to browse through the roughly 1,000 titles by name, category, or publisher.

The offerings are still limited. Microsoft is the partner with the biggest name, but has only made five titles available: four versions of the "Scholastic's The Magic School Bus" game and "Encarta Encyclopedia 2004." Atari Inc., Rand McNally & Co., and Roxio Inc. have software on the system. Adobe Systems Inc., Intuit Inc., and others do not, although Protocall executives say they are in discussions with top publishers.

Customers choose a software title, print an order ticket, and pay at the register. But the real innovation isn't the kiosk -- it's the machine by the front entrance that fulfills the orders.

Inside sit three 250-gigabyte drives that hold master copies of the software. A pair of burners scan the software onto a CD, then press the title, logo, and product key number onto the CD's top. A Hewlett-Packard Co. color laser printer produces the packaging, which a CompUSA employee assembles. The whole process takes about five minutes. Software publishers and CompUSA officials don't anticipate that the most popular titles will be sold exclusively this way.

David Berett, Microsoft's group manager for retail business development, pointed out that assembling the software produced by Protocall's machine is easier than assembling a hamburger at a fast food restaurant. But Microsoft's newest operating system won't get cold sitting on shelves -- keeping inventory makes more sense than spending five minutes burning a copy onto CDs for each customer who wants one.

"Ultimately our interest would be to have all the titles we sell at retail in kiosks," Berett said. "It's not realistic to think we'll be in that mode for quite some time."

In the meantime, the system can dramatically expand the number of software titles sold, making retail stores more competitive with online stores. Retail stores are no longer limited to what they can fit on shelves.

"It's an inexpensive way to expand the offering of software that we make available to customers," said Dewey Thoes, a senior buyer in CompUSA's Dallas headquarters.

That's the approach Barnes & Noble takes. When a customer orders a book online or in a store, Barnes & Noble checks its inventory. If the book is out of stock but the publisher has given permission for on-demand printing, Barnes & Noble will have the book created, usually within 48 hours.

"The worst thing you can say to a customer is, `No, I don't have it,' " said Steve Riggio, chief executive of Barnes & Noble.

He estimates that Barnes & Noble will sell $10 million worth of books printed on demand this year, up 40 percent from last year. The program has been most successful with smaller publishers, such as university presses, which print fewer copies of their books than major publishers.

"It's pointing to the time when a book will never go out of print again," he said.

Chris Gaither can be reached at [email protected].

Boston.com / Business / Creating software on demand

Posted by Craig at 05:46 PM

December 30, 2003

Retailers finding better methods for keeping track of their inventory

...An intranet kiosk inside a store would let shoppers order whatever they want, regardless of the inventory at hand, he said...Walgreens and Sears profiled...

story link

December 30, 2003

BY SANDRA GUY Business Reporter

Shoppers know the dreary drill all too well: A department-store chain has your size or a certain brand at one of its stores -- but it's 30 miles away.

At a time when online sales are booming, why are brick-and-mortar stores still struggling to make merchandise easier to find?

Many retailers still rely on buyers' and merchants' gut feelings when they decide how much merchandise to order and where to display it.

That's slowly changing.

Planning and merchandising software has burst onto the scene, and retailers are starting to use these and other analytical techniques to find out how to give shoppers what they want where they want it.

"Retailers are finding that the cost of carrying inventory is very high, and they are not keeping inventory consistently across their chains," said Ted Dinsmore, president of Conchango Inc. in New York, part of the U.K.-based technology consulting firm.

Retailers are installing software that crunches numbers from store sales, analyzes marketing strategy and spits out inventory-control and cash-register data. It goes beyond the traditional Excel spreadsheet by drilling deeper into sales and supply-chain data in a variety of ways.

"Rather than being reactionary, waiting for an item to sell out, retailers are starting to be analytical," Dinsmore said.

Conchango has a deal with a large bookstore chain that Dinsmore cannot yet identify to use computer technology to analyze the company's sales. The issue arose when the company's executives wanted to confirm their suspicions that they could boost sales by gaining greater insight into hot and slow-selling titles.

Sears Roebuck and Co. evaluates demographics, seasonal weather predictions and each store's location and square footage to figure out the right merchandise mix, said spokeswoman Lee Antonio.

The demographics of Sears' store in the Loop show customers are a multiracial, multicultural mix of urban dwellers.

As a result, a young men's "Urban Shop" occupies a prominent spot surrounding the escalator on the second floor. Its sales are better than the company's average for the 50 shops in targeted stores nationwide.

Sears introduced the Urban Shop this fall to appeal to young men with labels such as FUBU, Icewear and Russell Simmons' Run Athletics sportswear.

The Loop store also carries a larger-than-normal assortment of cold-weather wear such as women's hats, gloves and scarves. As a result, the store has become the chain's No. 1 seller of cold-weather apparel.

The Hoffman Estates-based retailer keeps an eye on local events and happenings to help it keep items in stock.

For example, Sears on State will expand its assortment of church hats next spring because the Goodman Theater will be showing "Crowns," a gospel musical that celebrates African-American women and their church hats.

Walgreen Co. uses a similar approach by using a home-grown strategic inventory management system.

The system comprises hardware and software that analyzes data from cashiers' sales scanners to manage inventory and feed information back into the supply chain so supplies don't run out, said John Gleeson, vice president and treasurer for the Deerfield-based retailer.

Walgreen will enhance the system in February by adding a forecasting tool.

It will feed store sales projections into the company's distribution centers, helping prevent excess or inadequate inventory. Stores also might be able to stop carrying backup stockpiles. And finally, Walgreen hopes the forecasting tool will help it save costs to pay people to handle and stock products a store doesn't sell.

Walgreen also stocks items in different quantities and at varying shelf heights in each store, depending on its demographics. The fast-growing drugstore chain's customers can range from tourists to retirees to wealthy suburbanites.

"A single presentation doesn't provide the flexibility we need to manage our inventory well and to present the right items to the customers," Gleeson said.

Jay McIntosh, a retail analyst for Ernst & Young's Chicago office, sees opportunities for retailers to incorporate more of their dot-com operations into their brick-and-mortar stores.

An intranet kiosk inside a store would let shoppers order whatever they want, regardless of the inventory at hand, he said.

Posted by Craig at 05:52 PM

December 02, 2003

New NetStop PRO 4.0 Kiosk Software Works Seamlessly with MEI Bill Acceptors

MEIGlobal - NetStop_PRO_4.0_Kiosk_Software

Posted by Craig at 07:48 PM

November 17, 2003

Mosaic Software Announces Support for Linux and Oracle

Postilion Realtime 5.0 will be available on Linux in addition to Windows and will support both SQL Server and Oracle.

Postilion EFT Software Available on Both Windows and Linux

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., Nov 17, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via Comtex/ -- Mosaic Software, the global transaction processing solutions provider, today announced the forthcoming release of Postilion Realtime 5.0. The software will be available on Linux in addition to Windows and will support both SQL Server and Oracle.

"This step enables corporations with an investment in Oracle to gain the advantages of using Postilion without the cost of investing in an alternate database," says Johann Dreyer, CEO of Mosaic Software. "In addition, Linux has gained worldwide acceptance as an operating system. We decided to focus on only two operating system platforms -- Windows and Linux -- and two database platforms - SQL Server and Oracle. This focus provides choice, yet allows us to maintain our very high level of quality and client support."

The planned release date for Postilion Realtime 5.0 is Q2 2004.

For more information, please visit http://www.mosaicsoftware.com or stop by the Mosaic Software booth (#2622) during the BAI Retail Delivery Conference being held in New Orleans, November 18-20, 2003, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

About Mosaic Software

Mosaic Software is a global EFT software company with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia. The company has over 500 installations in more than 30 countries, providing leading-edge software solutions to financial institutions, retailers, network processors, mobile operators, and portals.

Mosaic Software's product, Postilion, is at the forefront of next- generation payment processing software. Postilion drives payments and other financial transactions through ATMs, POS terminals, phones, and Internet access points. This multi-channel architecture provides consistent cross- channel branding and integration, consolidated management information, integrated debit card management, EMV enablement, and loyalty software solutions.

Postilion reduces transaction processing costs, speeds time-to-market for new products and offerings, improves analysis of customer transactions and business opportunities, and increases profitability.

SOURCE Mosaic Software

Chris Klein, EVP Marketing of Mosaic Software, +1-954-426-1190,
ext. 205, or email, [email protected]

Posted by Craig at 02:58 PM

October 10, 2003

Lockdown Browsers/Email

Nifty ROI calculator for lost productivity due to non-business surfing/emal (ie justification for lockdown software)

Online Cost Calculator

Posted by Craig at 04:48 PM