BUSINESS KIOSKS. Business kiosks are remote locations for
business retail centers. Business kiosks may be unmanned or
satellite offices that require connection to a head office or
stand-alone information centers that require periodic information
updating.
The use of business kiosks allows companies to expand
their market territories without significant risk or capital
investment. By utilizing wireless data connectivity, kiosks can
be installed quickly and at low cost.
Public Internet Kiosks are a type of pay phone booth that contains
a computer terminal that can access the Internet. For a nominal
price, a customer can check email or browse the Internet.
Most public Internet kiosks are scattered throughout public places
such as airports, train stations, convention centers, hotels, office
building lobbies, and shopping malls. These public Internet kiosks
can be used as a media center for information services.
Internet kiosks can be multipurpose or adapted to satisfy
specific needs. They can be used as automated teller machines,
travel service providers, ticket centers, and to provide other
business services.
In 1998, there were approximately 10,000 kiosks in the
United States, and the number is expected to rise to more than
100,000 by 2002. The typical cost of a kiosk is $35,000 to
$55,000, in addition to monthly space rental fees.