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Commercial Application:
Communications Kiosk

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.

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