Kiosk Solutions Jun-Jul 2016 | Page 28

kiosk software advertising interaction rates and page views via kiosk management tools , which are available through some kiosk software vendors .
GPO The above use case also holds true when a computer is being used to conduct daily work and full access to the operating system is needed . In this scenario , GPOs ( Group Policy Object ) can provide enough restriction to device settings to minimise damage , but leave the device open for the end user to utilise the many programs and files they need to access . This allows the owner of the device to save and access their own files , and is only optimal in a case where the device has only one user ( a desktop device used by one employee , for instance ).
If the computer is a public access device , but behaviour and privacy are not issues , things like restore software ( used to be Windows Steady State ) are also viable options . Again , this does not control user behaviour or protect user privacy , but it does protect the device from inadvertent or purposeful damage . Restore software typically only restores the computer being used , it does not restore or protect network assets or devices attached to the computer . If usage and privacy are not critical to the deployment and network / device data is
not a factor , restore software will serve the need . If usage needs to be restricted and user privacy is a critical concern , kiosk software is a more likely solution .
Digital Signage Software The world of digital signage has long overlapped with kiosk software , though it is typically seen as an add-on feature or application for use with kiosk system software . Digital signage has a long history of non-interactive usage , but only in more recent years have both the deployments and the software needs entered the world of interactive digital signage , allowing users to interact with the application . With the many solutions for digital signage software available , some have expanded into the realm of interactive features , but few have the ability to add external devices for accepting payments , and none have been built with a primary focus on control and security over digital views and advertising functionality . If the signage is intended to be interactive , kiosk software can be used in conjunction with additional custom or out of the box applications built for digital signage functionality , or as a standalone product . It can also monitor
Kiosk Mode Frequently seen in more recent OS releases are features like Kiosk Mode . Kiosk mode is a feature that allows for the device to be set up to only use the browser in the manner allowed ( with restricted or allowed websites made accessible to the end user ). The challenge with kiosk mode is that it typically provides access to the operating system and file system , providing little restriction on other activities ( outside of browser navigation ) or any user management such as automated deletion of the browser history or resetting to the homepage . Kiosk mode serves as an effective way to limit browser / website access , but does not protect the device or the user . Kiosk software typically allows a browser to run in restricted access mode , but also locks users out of the operating system and other activities , as well .
Kiosk System Software Kiosk software focuses on control and security to create a complete locked down self-service kiosk , purposed device , interactive digital signage , public facing device and / or self-service payment system . While other solutions offer some of the features that are included with kiosk software , none of the peripheral solutions focus on security and managing / restrict control to the degree – and with the efficiency – seen in kiosk software . As kiosk software companies like KioWare continue to expand features and capabilities , look for even more feature expansion into the world of interactive digital signage and mobile device management . There are a number of additional opportunities to bring the security , reliability and control of kiosk system software into the worlds of digital signage and MDM .
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