News

Netkey, military bring shopping to front-line soldiers

July 22, 2002

BRANFORD, Conn. - Kiosk software developer Netkey Inc. and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) have joined forces to provide shopping services online for in-field military personnel.

Netkey developed software for the AAFES to use in 10 laptop computers that have been deployed at unspecified military locations. The laptops allow soldiers access to the AAFES Web site. Military personnel can purchased home items, uniforms, gifts, and computer equipment at the Web site.

The Netkey software was originally designed for kiosks at AAFES PX locations. The organization decided to utilize the same technology in laptop format for soldiers in the field.

The software was designed with a security component preventing soldiers from accessing any other Web sites. AAFES chief information officer and senior vice president Lou Merced said this was a critical factor in bringing the program to fruition.

"This new program of laptop catalog access in the field was first developed by AAFES for military personnel during Operation Desert Storm," Merced said in a news release. "But it has been only recently that software technology has advanced significantly to make this new program possible."