What is the most appropriate software for my company project to deploy
several thousand internet kiosks. I've heard that Netshift is qyuite
good, but the COO and CEO are both a bit flakey

Good morning, Nigel!

I don't know about you, but I've always been of the opinion that the
best way to decide what product will suit your needs is to be able to
try the product out.  To that end, I went looking for kiosk software
companies that offer a free demo, to help you make an informed
decision.

There are dozens of Kiosk software companies to choose from.  Here are
just a few:

I can't speak to the flakiness (or lack thereof) of the COO and CEO of
Montegonet, but their Netshift software is available as a nearly fully
functioning demo, so you can thoroughly test drive it before you
commit.  They include 30 days of free technical support.
[http://www.montegonet.com/products/netshiftoverview.html]

RockMedia calls their Kiosk-In-A-Box solution "The Ultimate in Kiosk
Software".  The software allows for application creation without a lot
of programming knowledge.  RockMedia offers an almost fully functional
demo of their software - you can do everything except change a certain
graphic, and there's a nag button until you unlock the software:
[http://www.rockmedia.com/kbox.html]

SiteKiosk, based on Microsoft's Internet Explorer, offers a basic site
license, as well as several plug ins.  There is a message board where
SiteKiosk users can discuss problems or solutions, and the company can
help sort out bugs.  They offer a free demo, which includes plug ins.
[http://www.sitekiosk.com/]

NetStop's website presents information for each portion of it's kiosk
software solution, from security, to customization, to remote
maintenance, as well as a free demo download and complete
instructions.
[http://www.sitekiosk.com/]

For reviews to help you decide, I would suggest getting your hands on
a copy of Kiosk Magazine's February 2002 issue, which is their kiosk
software review special.  You can order back issues from Kiosk
Magazine here:
[http://www.kiomag.com]

Search terms used included: "kiosk software" free demo reviews

Hope this helps!

missy-ga

nigel,

The best online source I've found for kiosk information is
"kiosks.org", a trade association of kiosk hardware and software
manufacturers:
http://www.kiosks.org/

Browse through kiosk product categories on their "Solutions" page:
http://www.kiosks.org/prod.html

Links to their featured manufacturers:
http://www.kiosks.org/feat.shtml

Post questions to their discussion forums ("Ask The Experts" is the
best one for your needs) at:
http://www.kiosks.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi

Fill out an online RFP (Request For Proposal) and kiosks.org will pass
it along to their members:
http://www.kiosks.org/rfp.html


Kick The Tires -

As missy-ga emphasized in her answer, you absolutely MUST see a
working demo of any kiosk product, ideally one that is matched to your
specific hardware & software. When you contact vendors, ask if they
have any units installed in your area (in businesses, banks, schools,
cyber-cafes, etc.) that you can see and try out. Note how easy the
units are to use and how well they are holding up under daily use.


Frequently Overlooked Design Issues -

- Keep things simple. Use as much standard COTS (Commercial Off The
Shelf) software as possible. Customized software is expensive to
produce and maintain.
- If you do use custom software, adequate programming documentation
should be written by the original vendor in case another programmer or
firm has to take things over.
- You might buy the kiosk hardware, but who really owns the software?
Be sure that your lawyer closely examines the vendor's licensing terms
and conditions.
- If you have keyboards for user input, they take a real beating and
are often vandalized. Get a tank, and have replacements ready on site.
Design components as much as possible to reduce vandalism or theft.
- Do your kiosks need to meet any special requirements for the
American With Disabilities Act? Check out the "ADA Technical
Assistance Program" Web site (http://www.adata.org/).
- Do your kiosks need to meet any special security requirements?
- Do you need to track the status and usage of your kiosks? How will
this be done?
- Will you provide a Help Line for customers using your kiosks?
- The time and labor required to install and maintain kiosks can be an
unpleasant surprise. Are there qualified technicians to do this? What
do they charge?
- How will your units be shipped and handled on-site? How many warm
bodies will this take?
- How will hardware and software components be replaced, repaired, and
upgraded? Who provides warranty service?
- If your kiosks are no longer needed or desired, who is going to
remove them? How much will removal cost? Are any repairs required to
restore the installation site to its original condition?


Murphy's Law rules here: it WILL cost more, take longer, and be more
complicated than you think!

Good luck, 
huntsman-ga