Article

Wireless kiosks: Is it time to cut the cord?

Find out what's ahead for the wireless kiosk market from those in-the-know at Ventus Networks, KIS and Connectivit-e, Inc.

February 2, 2005

Every day - that's how frequently Keith Charette, chief executive officer of Ventus Networks, fields calls from people interested in wireless kiosks. His company specializes in advanced telecommunication networking solutions, including cellular (wireless) data, Internet and voice services. Ventus Networks has worked with companies including Diebold, NCR and Genpass Technologies to provide wireless services in the ATM space.

"We provide secure cellular transport for debit and credit, and now kiosks," explained Charette. Turnkey kiosk solution providers look to Ventus Networks for wireless solutions and to monitor and service the kiosks as well.

Benefits of a wireless solution

Why go wireless? To provide "mobility and locational edge," pointed out Craig Keefner, channel manager for Kiosk Information Systems. KIS designs and manufactures indoor and outdoor kiosks, public Internet access stations and other electronic self-service terminals.

In some instances, wireless is the only option. "In areas where infrastructure is weak or non-existent (such as rural or Third World nations), normal infrastructure is not even a choice," Keefner explained.

Mike Grubbs is vice president and general manager USA for Connectivit-e, Inc. His company provides public access solutions for voice telephony and Internet services. Connectivit-e offers integrated systems including Internet kiosks and Wi-Fi hot spots.

Grubbs listed several benefits of wireless, including increased revenue to be gained via airport hot spots. He noted increased visibility of wireless service through advertising at hot spots and improved operations by housing Wi-Fi access points within the kiosks.

Lastly, Grubbs pointed to leveraging infrastructure as a benefit of wireless. Internet access and operational infrastructure already in place can be used to support a hot spot. Why not add a revenue-generating terminal at no extra access cost?

Growth for wireless kiosk market

Keefner anticipates continued growth in the market for wireless kiosks. "All types of devices are getting the wireless component and the subsequent ability to conduct transactions locally." He cited as an example using a cell phone to pay for food at McDonald's.

The overall growth in wireless networks will generate more demand for kiosks to serve those who don't have a portable computing device handy, according to Grubbs. Even those with wireless-enabled computers on hand may use kiosks for other tasks, such as printing. Grubbs pointed out that kiosks are useful when a portable device has a low battery or when it is tedious to type on a tiny keyboard or view items on a small screen.

Wireless configuration

How is wireless technology being incorporated into today's kiosks? Keefner explained that the most common configuration for his company is a Wi-Fi card supporting B or G protocols. Another configuration is a Radius-enabled Wi-Fi hot spot. Either option incorporates a detached antenna mounted on the outside of the kiosk. The typical Wi-Fi kiosk offers a limited range, however, said Keefner.

According to Grubbs, Wi-Fi PCI adapters "unleash kiosks from Ethernet cabeling," providing flexibility in kiosk placement within a location. Including Wi-Fi access equipment in the kiosk is a means of offering a "hot spot in a box." This approach simplifies deployment and ongoing support for new hot spots, noted Grubbs.

Communication and wireless systems are getting more complex, said Keefner. As a result, kiosk vendors have to stay current in the various technologies. Contactless systems use a variety of protocols, such as MiFare and HID and include wireless systems and proximity readers. Voice over IP has its own industry protocols which must be supported. Other wireless components from which to select include Bluetooth, IrDA and Firewire.

Marketable wireless

Which markets are right for a wireless kiosk? According to Keefner, these would be "any market where speed of pay and convenience of pay are major factors."Quick service restaurants and vending are better markets than human resources, Keefner noted.

He also pointed out that in addition to speed and convenience, strategic positioning and repositioning of systems factor into a wireless solution. Customer survey or promotional kiosks would be strategically placed or repositioned according to need, for example.

Charette said there is little difference between ATMs and wireless kiosks, other than the size of files being transferred. He pointed out that installation of a wireless solution is easier and less expensive, since inside cabeling costs are eliminated. Moving kiosks outdoors or into parking lots, conventions and fairs is possible with a wireless solution, he said.

"We are security conscious," stated Charette. He explained that his company is connected to all major payment clearinghouses and that they route the transactions. "You have to be in compliance with (clearinghouse) regulations."