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| 2010 |
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Working Solutions Showcase Interactive Content at KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2010
Interactive Content from Live Applications will be on show at Booth 3E.17
From 15th to 17th June, Working Solutions will be exhibiting at the KIOSK EUROPE EXPO 2010, demonstrating its ability to develop dynamic, interactive kiosk content applications.
Held at the Messe Essen in Germany, the show is a business-to-business event that connects exhibitors with key decision-makers from major corporations throughout Europe. It also provides a venue for exhibitors to meet with local and Europe-wide partners and resellers. Having recently established a sales office in Germany, Working Solutions will be welcoming enquiries from all potential new partners and resellers.
There will be live demonstrations of interactive content developed for, and running on, large screen kiosks. Visitors will be able to see real world examples of live projects, for example, a shopping mall wayfinding solution and an airport Bluetooth marketing system.
In addition to the content driven applications, there will also be the chance to see KioskMonitor Watchdog. Now in its tenth year and running on over 10,000 kiosks worldwide, this is much more than just a remote access tool. Designed specifically for kiosks, it provides secure lock-down, remote access and advanced management solutions for kiosks. |
June 2010 |
Working Solutions Launch ‘Signage Monitor’ for Digital Signage Networks
Signage Monitor offers extensive monitoring and remote access administration tools for any Windows based digital signage software solution.
Ever seen the ‘blue screen of death’ on a digital sign or a VNC logo when someone is trying to remotely access a screen? It’s surprising that even today this kind of thing can be seen.
The solution is comprised of three key components. First there is the software Watchdog, a locally installed program that locks-down the PC player preventing any unwanted local or remote access to the digital sign. It continually monitors and logs any pre-configured trigger events or errors. In the event of a fault an alert is sent and Watchdog attempts to recover the application by performing automatic remedial actions such as restarting the Windows operating system and/or restarting the PC. Watchdog is available as a standalone LITE version which can be configured to send email notifications to technicians or engineers. Watchdog PRO is designed for digital signage network owners for whom remote access is essential. It enables remote administration, diagnostics and has an optional fully featured support ‘ticketing’ module. It can even provide SMS alerts.
The second component is the Remote Service Manager (RSM) which is installed remote from the PC players and enables support personnel to see a vast array of information about the digital signs in their network. Graphical representations enable PC player health appraisals to be made instantly, so that secure remote access can be carried out. The final component is the PLUS! Network. It is the ‘glue’ that binds the whole Signage Monitor solution together. The PLUS! Network is comprised of hosted secure servers which constantly maintain the integrity of a digital signage network, facilitating the back-up and storage of important data, and providing a secure tunnel by which technicians can remotely operate.
“Consistent with our strategy of offering both SaaS (Software as a Service) and ‘Software plus Services’ solutions, we are providing customers with the choice of either a one-off small licence fee for Watchdog LITE or a complete remote administration solution for a small monthly fee” commented Paul Mayer, Sales & Marketing Manager. |
Feb
2010 |
| 2009 |
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Working Solutions Release New CyberBrowser for Kiosks
Working Solutions have announced the release of the latest version of their award winning, secure internet browser.
CyberBrowser started life almost ten years ago as a plug-in for Working Solutions Acquire software to facilitate internet access for clients such as Microsoft and the BBC. Now, as a proven, low cost, standalone product it can be purchased from its new-look web site.
Because it concentrates on kiosk requirements and not desktop user functions, CyberBrowsers streamlined setup makes for a rapid configuration, providing a user friendly interface that is designed exclusively for interactive, touch-screen kiosks. Capable of displaying exactly the same web content as Microsofts Internet Explorer, CyberBrowser enables the kiosk owner to decide which features and web sites their users will be allowed to access.
In addition to all of the usual features one would expect in a secure kiosk browser e.g. attraction mode, start page, surfing permissions, download management etc. CyberBrowser contains a separate secure lock-down software technology called Sentinel. Sentinel, the security software behind the Acquire Kiosk Developer (KD) solution, locks-down the kiosk and prevents unwanted access from either local or remote agencies.
As with all Working Solutions products, there is a logical upgrade path from CyberBrowser and/or Sentinel. Whilst CyberBrowser can be upgraded to the fully featured kiosk application builder that is Acquire KD, Sentinel can be upgraded to the Kiosk Monitor Watchdog. Designed to empower engineers and technicians who are responsible for kiosks over large geographical areas, Kiosk Monitor Watchdog enables advanced monitoring of errors and trigger events e.g. printers out of paper, faulty Cashmechs etc, sending email and SMS text messages as alerts so that secure remote access can be administered. |
Oct
2009 |
Acquire is Quay to Interactive Digital Wayfinder
Acquires Kiosk Developer software has been used to create a well received interactive digital wayfinder on large display pods at Gloucester Quays UK shopping centre.
Five giant digital six sheet pods running the Acquire KD (Kiosk Developer) software, have been recently installed by ASG Media, at the new Gloucester Quays waterside shopping and leisure centre, adjacent to Gloucesters historic docks.
As part of the ten day opening celebrations, the brand new shopping centre was opened by fashion designer Gok Wan and integrates a designer centre, waterways museum, antiques centre, multi-screen cinemas, bars and restaurants on the quayside. Forty five of the fifty six mall designer shops are now open with the remainder opening soon.
At 2000mm(H)x800mm(W) and just 250mm deep, the double-sided, portrait oriented pods, manufactured by Esprit Digital and Operated by ASG Media, are designed to minimize sightlines whilst ensuring impact and media presence. The pods, using Acquire to display their interactive content, show a mix of advertising and other rich media in order to provide shoppers with a touch-screen enabled digital sign. Integrating two 57-inch full HD LCD panels, the pods feature dynamic content designed and developed by the creative team at Working Solutions.
The interactive mall guide features a host of content innovations all developed by Working Solutions, to maximize communication of the malls products and services. As well as the usual live clock there is a map and store directory wayfinder that allows users to navigate their way around the mall. The Acquire software also interprets and graphically displays the delivery of live internet feeds for weather, traffic and shopping mall news. And, thanks to Acquire, all of this content is able to be configured by the shopping mall personnel themselves. Another very useful feature is the gift card balance reader. In conjunction with VISA, the gift card provider, Working Solutions have developed a secure system which acts in the same way as an ATM, so that Gloucester Quays customers can check their remaining balance before shopping simply by using their card at the kiosk. |
Aug
2009 |
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| 2007 |
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Transitions Optical Kiosks using Acquire Technologies wins the Silver POPAI award
Transitions Optical are the global leader in Photochromics technology, delivering one of the most advanced lens technologies ever developed.
The aim of the project, involved Working Solutions working alongside Sector Design, to introduce potential customers to the benefits of the Transitions technology at, and just before the point of purchase in Optical Express and Pearle opticians stores located throughout the UK and Netherlands.
The system allows potential customers to discover the benefits of Transitions lenses as their choice of eyewear and why they are healthy and of personal benefit.
The kiosks used the Acquire Digital Signage and Kiosk system to manage the playback and interactive system, including presenting the interactive content in multiple languages and collecting valuable usage information used in proving ROI. To ensure that the system was customer-friendly, Sector Design created a kiosk housing which took aspects of the stores, using modern materials, and also managed to encompass features such as height-adjustable screen and camera to create a unit which both complemented any opticians store, whilst being a point of interest to promote the Transitions material.
Working closely with Transitions, the team at Working Solutions took the concepts and developed the interactive system which leads the customer through the process of understanding the benefits, and even provides a simulation of the lenses in different light conditions so that customers can see the effects for themselves. The content was also designed to be used as a sales tool by members of staff at the stores.
Transitions Optical are very happy with the system and based upon the increased sales due to the kiosks are looking towards extending the trial into further sites in 2008. Further features such as virtual mirrors using an inbuilt webcam have also been planned. They have already utilised the content and Acquire application as a screensaver version which can be used at sites where a kiosk would not be appropriate. |
Oct
2007 |
Acquire Drives Giant Interactive Airport Kiosks
If you find yourself kicking your heels at an airport you can sometimes see kiosks and may have even tried to use one. Working Solutions, along with reseller and partner AVS, have just completed a project using three 40” Protouch kiosks at a UK airport. Much larger than usual airport kiosks, it is hoped that these “interactive giants” will provide customers with much needed information about the airport layout, information and facilities. The kiosks, driven by Acquire, also utilise the recently developed Bluetooth transmission plug-in which, when activated on the touch-screen, sends a shopping discount voucher to your mobile phone. This digital voucher can be redeemed for discount at selected airport retails outlets. |
Sept
2007 |
New appointments as Working Solutions focuses on new Digital Channel
Working Solutions (Creative IT) Ltd today announced the addition of Tina Hughes as Marketing Communications Manager. Tina brings with her over 20 years experience in the Retail and Service sectors, including 8 years at Safeway Head Office and 2 years at POPAI UK & Ireland. Bolstering the rapidly expanding marketing team, Tinas main focus will be to leverage her Retail experience in order to promote the successful Working Solutions brands including Acquire, Plus! Network, Cyber Browser and Kiosk Monitor in the Digital Signage market place.
“Tina is a wonderful acquisition for our company. At a time when we are growing so rapidly, it is imperative that we have people on board who are experienced in managing change whilst maintaining focus on our goals.” Said Neil Farr, MD of Working Solutions.” Tina will add a dimension to our team that will enable us to drive our brands forward into the retail sector.”
The continued growth of the client support functions for Digital Signage and Multimedia Kiosks has also necessitated the welcome addition of Jon Wilford as IS & Support Manager. A Microsoft Certified professional, Jon will be heading up the support division, providing after sales support functions and managing third party contractors and hardware suppliers. |
July
2007 |
Bluetooth Plug-In for Acquire
The multiple functions in Acquire keep growing. Public area Bluetooth narrowcasting or Bluecasting has been around for a while now. Many people are saying that it is becoming intrusive. But Working Solutions have recently developed a Bluecasting plug-in for Acquire. This means that data or images can be delivered to mobile phones on request. A typical application might involve a touch-screen kiosk. A user could touch part of a screen and request a specific image to be bluecasted to their mobile phone. The plug-in has varying degrees of control including the ability to stop sending to devices that have refused the first transmission, and the ability to only allow each device to accept a particular image once. |
July
2007 |
Cyber Browser in High Street Retail Stores
Cyber Browser, with its “payment plug-in”, is being used by a well known high street music retailer in order to facilitate in-store CD and DVD purchases. A “transactional kiosk” with built-in credit card reader and chip-and-PIN facility is being used to alleviate the pressure on the queues at the tills. The plan is to trial the system at several stores in the South of England and then roll-out to other stores in time for the Christmas period. |
April
2007 |
“Interactive Map” kiosk for Network Rail
Working Solutions have created an Acquire based solution for a Protouch 40-inch LCD interactive kiosk for Network Rail. In cooperation with the marketing design agency “Clinic”, the “Flash” based interactive map shows the planned redevelopment work for the whole of the UK. The kiosk was highlighted on the Network Rail stand at a large construction exhibition in London. |
March
2007 |
Virtual Receptionist Kiosk for CDEC
Working Solutions were pleased to be able to produce a “Virtual Receptionist”, interactive visitor badge kiosk system for CDEC. The system allows visitors to type in their name, who they are visiting and their car registration number. The system then takes a photograph of the visitor via a webcam and prints out a visitor badge. The system is fully customisable and comes complete with a comprehensive control and configuration web interface. |
Jan
2007 |
More advanced RSS Feeds
Our Acquire V3.0 digital signage software offers users more advanced RSS (Really Simple Syndication) features to make your digital signage content as automated as possible. |
Jan
2007 |
Working Solutions produce an interactive Visitor badge kiosk system for CDEC.
Working Solutions were pleased to be able to produce a simulation system for interactive visitor badge system for CDEC. The system allows visitors to type in their name, who they are visiting and their car registration number. The system then takes a photograph of the visitor via a webcam and prints out the details onto a visitor badge, along with a barcode. |
Jan
2007 |
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| 2006 |
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Working Solutions assist Brakes by updating their Introduction to Brakes eLearning.
Working Solutions were pleased to be able to assist Brakes Foodservice Solutions once more, by using their design and programming experience to update their existing, Intranet based, Induction elearning. |
Dec
2006 |
Working Solutions assist Brakes with scoring modifications to their existing Driver Training eLearning.
Brakes Foodservice Solutions again sought the programming skills of the Working Solutions team to make scoring modifications to their existing Driver Training elearning. |
Dec
2006 |
Working Solutions develop content for an interactive kiosk for Network Rail.
Working Solutions provided a solution for a Protouch 40-inch LCD interactive kiosks for Network Rail to allow users to interact with on-screen content. |
Nov
2006 |
Working Solutions supply and install an interactive kiosk using Acquire - Cyberbrowser for Broadgate Estates in London.
Working Solutions were delighted to supply and install 1 interactive 17" touchscreen kiosks using their Acquire Cyberbrowser secure internet browser, coupled with their remote support Watchdog software at the Pavilion in London. |
Nov 2006 |
Working Solutions design and redevelop the Kinderwait system as a kiosk-based solution.
Working Solutions provided a kiosk-based solution of the Kinderwait system, to be used by the general public to allow them to register and amend information for applications for Child Care and eligibility. |
Nov 2006 |
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