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 A
Hong Kong systems integrator (KML
Transtech Limited) that specializes in the integration of
kiosk systems with existing client backend database and transaction
processing systems, is using Advantech products to help achieve
their business goals. With Hong Kong pushing forward with the
latest smart card systems,
realtime online government services and the latest retail and
monetary transaction processing systems, they are in a hotbed
of activity merging innovation with the everyday needs of an enthusastic
population.
Hong Kong just did it!
Hong Kong continues to be a city which is a leader in using technology
to improve quality of life and service to all its people. This
has already been proven by its effective and user-friendly mass
rapid transit system (MTR Corporation Limited), which has long
used an automated 'fee charging" system. Presently, the Octopus™
smart card system is also being expanded upon. Not only can it
be used for the Hong Kong Mass Rapid Transit, this system is also
a popular interface that allows users to make purchases at many
locations throughout the city. Private companies (such as convenience
stores or quick marts) are also using smartcard technology as
transaction platforms that expedite customer order processing
time. The Hong Kong government is considering the use of this
technology to allow the public to view and register for government
services (classes, reservations, activities, etc.). So, all in
all, Hong Kong is a compact metropolitan area that is ripe for
integrated kiosk systems to be part of normal everyday life.
Advantech's
Role
 Advantech's
ES-1615C open-frame PC allowed this systems integrator to more
effectively meet their customers' needs. First of all, it gave
them a strong platform to build their kiosks around. The steel
open-frame concept makes it easy to mount components from the
rear and addresses public use safety (NEMA) concerns. The ES-1615
gives a choice of Celeron/Pentium CPU, a 15" color TFT LCD
display, PCI ethernet controller, four COM interfaces and a dynamic
16-bit stereo audio controller. There is also an option for built-in
CD-ROM and PCMCIA expansion sockets for flexibilty. This open-frame
configuration also allowed this systems integrator to achieve
an extremely fast time to market. For example, they were able
to deliver a prototype model in about two weeks for this particular
project.
Other
Considerations
Since this
particular systems integrator does their own design work, Advantech's
similar system integration experience allows us to understand
their needs better. From engineering dimensions for the enclosure
and front panel covers to the internal hardware and software platform
integration, Advantech helps solve many of the fundamental engineering
issues that allow customers like this to more closely focus on
other important needs of the project and increase their customer
service as well. Also, by providing a dependable and rugged platform
that can handle the problems of high traffic applications, customers
feel confident they are dealing with products and a company with
a long history of operating in challenging environments.
Building
Successful Business Relationships
Feel free
to contact Advantech at http://www.advantech.com/epc
for more information on kiosk integration, other Web Appliance
Division products or other EPC products. We want to tell you more.
Some
related links
http://www.kmltranstech.com
http://www.advantech.com/products/ES-1615.asp
http://www.citybus.com.hk/english/octopus.htm
http://www.hkta.org/airport/octopus.html
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