Netkey and Symbol Technologies Partner to Launch Internet-Based Kiosk and Consumer Scanner System
Monday April 23, 8:49 am Eastern Time
Press Release
GoScan System Premier at KioskCom 2001 To Empower Conference Attendees; Significant Potential for Retail Applications
ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2001-- Netkey, Inc., the leading provider of enterprise software for Internet kiosks and Web-ATMs, and Symbol Technologies (NYSE: SBL - news), the world's leader in mobile data transaction systems, today announced the launch of the GoScan(TM) system, an integrated solution that ties a personal bar code scanning device with Web content delivered via an Internet kiosk.
The announcement was made at KioskCom 2001 in Orlando, the kiosk industry's premier conference and exhibition, where Netkey and Symbol will be demonstrating the capabilities of their award-winning technology at Booth 121.
With the GoScan system, KioskCom attendees are empowered to capture more information about an exhibitor's products and services than has ever been offered previously in a trade show environment. Exhibitors receive the added benefit of detailed data about the specific information requests of event attendees. For the project, Symbol provided its newest consumer handheld bar code scanning appliance, the CS 1504, a device small enough to fit on a key ring, while Netkey configured Netkey Creator(TM) and Manager(TM) software for the project.
Retail Solution
The solution is ideal for the retail industry. Customers using the integrated kiosk and CS 1504 system at their favorite retail store will be able to find additional product information, shop for items that are not on the retail floor and perform self-checkout.
For example, a customer cannot find the size or the color of a sweater they want, they simply scan with the CS 1504, link to the kiosk and a customized web-page appears with that specific sweater in all the sizes and colors available - then they simply order the exact sweater they want and have it sent to their home. When integrated with Netkey Manager software, the system will ``remember'' the customer through analysis of CRM data and offer the size and color that the customer prefers and recommend complimentary accessories.
``There's exciting potential in kiosk-based scanning applications,'' said Brian Viscount, vice president, scanning division, Symbol Technologies. ``It will provide timely and accurate information without consulting a store associate. Customers are always looking for faster and more efficient ways to shop, and retailers are seeking enhanced data on customer needs.''
``We are pleased to be partnering with a company with Symbol's stature and history of innovation,'' said Alex Richardson, Netkey CEO. ``Our joint technology allows exhibitors and retailers to attain maximum leverage with booth visitors and shoppers while enhancing the user experience. The GoScan system is a great example of the power of the self-service platform in bringing added value to both customers and businesses.''
How it Works:
With Netkey software and the GoScan, the power of instant information is in attendees' hands. KioskCom attendees now can choose how they would like to be contacted by exhibitors by simply scanning their requests with the GoScan scanner and uploading the data into specially marked Netkey-powered Web kiosks. Exhibitors and businesses can supplement traditional lead generation and increase their ROI through the kiosk-based data collection system for high-level CRM results.
Attendees simply point and click the GoScan unit at the bar coded sign in an exhibitor's booth. Attendees scan the bar code that corresponds with how they would like to be contacted: ``Call me,'' ``Send me information,'' ``Email me,'' or ``Just looking.'' At the end of the day, attendees go to a dedicated, Netkey-powered kiosk and plug the GoScan back into the kiosk to upload the data into the Netkey GoScan application. The attendees and exhibitors will receive detailed trip reports with contact information, comments and questions.
Why it Works:
Built into every GoScan are Symbol's award-winning quality, reliability and service. Symbol remains a pioneer in creating e-business solutions for almost any application. Symbol wireless networks, advanced bar code technology and net appliances are creating new ways to reach customers online, in the store, and at home.
Netkey's comprehensive software suite includes products that help businesses create and manage a Web kiosk environment using their existing Web assets. Industry analysts Frost & Sullivan have recognized Netkey as the technology and market share leader, ranking the company as ``the premier provider of kiosk software.''
Netkey Creator software was used to create a straightforward, stylish user interface and protect the kiosk from computer hackers, and to integrate the GoScan into the kiosk system. Netkey Manager software is used to control the content of the kiosk network, collect and analyze CRM data, as well as to generate and distribute trip reports to attendees and exhibitors.
The Netkey/Symbol GoScan system at KioskCom was deployed using state-of-the-art kiosk hardware and enclosures from Netkey value-added partners NCR, SeePoint, Streak, PanelTech, and KIS.
About Netkey, Inc.
Netkey, Inc. is the leading provider of scalable software products and services for self-service devices including kiosks, super-ATMs and managed PCs. Netkey offers a comprehensive Internet-based software platform for delivering content, services and applications to a broad range of customer-activated point-of-sale (POS) and point-of-information (POI) appliances. Leading retailers, banks and other organizations use Netkey's technology to deliver rapid return on investment and enhanced customer service. Netkey's software suite has become the authoring and server platform of choice for developers and systems integrators across the globe including NCR. Frost & Sullivan ranks Netkey as ``the premier provider of kiosk software.'' Netkey's list of forward-thinking customers includes Yahoo!, J.C. Penney Co., Microsoft, E-Trade, Borders Group. Inc, Ford Motor Co. and Service Merchandise. Netkey is located in New York, San Francisco, San Diego and Branford, Conn. For more information about Netkey and its award-winning solutions, call 1-800-443-7924, e-mail info@netkey.com, or visit www.netkey.com. |
