One of our overseas customers is basing their business model on an
extension of the "Cyber Cafe" concept, which we call the Communications
Kiosk. The concept is to provide a location in urban and suburban areas
in developing nations or those without substantial communications
infrastructure where people can pay to make telephone calls, use
computers, surf the Internet, send faxes, teleconference and send and
receive e-mail.
A suitable store front location would be obtained. A series of
computer terminals are installed, along with one or more servers to
drive them, and provide Internet connectivity. A series of telephones,
either in "booths" or at desks, are installed as well. All of these are
controlled by one or more cashier's terminals, where patrons will
arrange for services. A connection to the Internet is made using the
Sky-Net network equipment. If local electricity is not available, a
solar power system will be installed.
Patrons will purchase computer and phone services, paying either in
advance or on account. Computer time is sold by the minute, and e-mail
and phone is done on a per call + time (or size in the case of e-mail)
basis. Teleconferencing is priced based on time used, faxes on a
per-page basis. Clear instructions and personal help for new users is
also made available.
Internet access through a standard browser allows people direct
access to the entire World Wide Web. The computer terminals can be used
for word processing, spreadsheets, creation of banners, etc. using
printers located in the Kiosk. E-mail also is accessed through the same
computer terminals. Faxes are done through a scanner/printer
combination. Teleconferencing can be used by businesses or individuals
to visually visit with each other over global distances.
Technically, the system will run on a distributed X-Windows based
system of Thin Client terminals connected on a Local Area Network to
Servers which operate the Kiosk. This lowers the cost of the entire
system and requires much less maintenance to keep the Kiosk operating.
Access control and accounting is automatically done on the servers and
little human intervention is required. All components used by the
patrons are easily replaced, low-cost and low-power, allowing the entire
Kiosk to be run off solar panels and batteries.
To reduce the need for local technicians, all system administration
is done remotely over the Sky-Net link. A regional Data Center can be
used to monitor and control many Kiosks over the region. This
dramatically reduces the cost of operating for the local personnel, and
allows the franchisee to concentrate on running the Kiosk business
rather than working on the technical aspects of the system.
All of the hardware and software needed to operate these Kiosks is
based on the new hardware units being developed by Plus Ten for the
Sky-Net system. It is being made available to our Franchisees for
installation in these Kiosks and other data communications systems in
the US and overseas.
We estimate the cost of a complete installation with 8 telephones, 8
terminals, a Fax/Scanner, high speed printer, and one Teleconferencing
system will be less than $6,000 US (not including Kiosk furnishings),
and can be installed in less than a week with semi-skilled labor. All
components are modular, and pre-built cable assemblies are provided to
make field installation easy.
A complete pre-engineered and installed package including equipment,
furnishings, office supplies, locked storage, etc. can be constructed
locally and sold to franchisees as a turnkey system. This would allow
rapid installation with no surprises in the field.
For further information, please contact
us.