Kiosks

A kiosk is an electronic transaction device installed in public places. They can be installed on a base or against a wall, or be built as a stand-alone unit. Their technical specifications depend on their purpose.

In general, kiosks are divided into two basic categories:

Sale and Service Kiosks

Sales and service kiosks are operated by card and cash. They can be used for selling tickets, tokens, telephone cards, digital music (for example in mp3 format) for direct sale and distribution purposes, or for supporting or complementing various self-service applications that may be needed in a public place. They can be used as payment devices to pay dues, installments or bills to public sector or private sector businesses.  They are available in types based on payment by credit card, or payment by cash, like an automatic teller machine (ATM).

These kiosks can be used for services other than direct sales. For example, applications to governmental offices, hospitals, universities, libraries and banks can be made and monitored by means of these kiosks.

Information and Promotion Kiosks

Information kiosks are designed as information applications. They can display information about an institution and the services it provides, or educational information at a museum, exhibition, seminar or school. They are an efficient way to provide accurate information in various languages without a human agent.

Similarly, promotional kiosk applications can be used for marketing purposes, to display detailed information about a company’s products and services. They can be tailored to reflect the corporate identity and brands of a company.