For immediate release

June 4, 2007

Press Contact:
Alex Fadeyev
Public Relations Manager
press@actualtools.com
Actual Tools

Improving Standalone Kiosk Access to Intranet with Actual Window Manager 4.4

Standalone kiosk access, or simply kiosk access, is a long-standing approach in corporations to providing Intranet access for the field staff in the workplace. The kiosk is typically a standalone computer terminal about 4-5 feet tall with a hard outer case and a touch screen or a keyboard and tracking ball. Usually, the kiosk executes a limited set of tasks at high speed (for example, answering inquiries from corporate clients by phone).

However, Intranet kiosk access has its peculiarities. Although designed for a specific purpose, kiosk terminals work in a usual corporate network and require standard software, such as Windows operating system and any Internet browser. The browser is typically programmed to open particular web pages, so that the field worker can access any required information of a corporate web application.

The limited set of tasks executed on kiosk terminals and their relative simplicity let owners employ the personnel without high qualification to operate such terminals. Because such workers have no deep knowledge of computers, it is necessary to limit standard windows operations to eliminate accidental manipulations, such as those when a worker minimizes a window, closes it, or moves it out of visible area. Such manipulations may be so severe that an unqualified worker will not be able to restore the working environment himself, and it may lead to workplace downtime for hours that will have a negative effect on the speed and quality of customer service, and, thus, on company’s image in general.

The recently released version 4.4 of Actual Window Manager is able to overcome the complications associated with the Intranet kiosk access.

First of all, there is a unique ability to create specific settings for windows with a particular title. From the point of view of ordinary users, the browser windows used to access the Intranet differ only by their titles. This is why this opportunity is essential in placing the browser windows with live web pages in a specific order on kiosk’s desktop.

Then, the program has the Remove Standard Window Parts feature. It allows you to remove standard window management controls in a window, such as Minimize/Maximize/Close buttons, resizable window frame, window caption, etc. Once the standard management controls are removed, you can fix a window on the desktop in a pre-defined position and eliminate the opportunity to move it, minimize it, change its size, or close it accidentally. As a result, the workspace remains steady, stable and reliable.
Also there are many general-purpose features in Actual Window Manager that could help to organize a neat and well-ordered workspace - among them are automatic window alignment/resizing, fixing window placement, etc. To get more information, you can read the “Organizing Standalone Kiosk Access to Intranet with Actual Window Manager 4.4” article at Actual Tools website: http://www.actualtools.com/articles/detail.php?ID=1145.

To summarize, Actual Window Manager’s combined functionality can significantly improve the overall stability and convenience of Intranet access via standalone kiosks.

Pricing and Availability

Actual Window Manager 4.4 runs on all Windows platforms and costs $59.95 (USD) for a single-user license. Discounts for volume buyers are available (please, refer to http://www.actualtools.com/windowmanager/order/). Registered customers are entitled to the unlimited functionality, free minor updates and lifetime technical support. Additional information on Actual Window Manager, a collection of tutorial articles and success stories, as well as a 60-day evaluation copy is available from http://www.actualtools.com/.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Please, let us know if you have questions or would like any additional information about Actual Window Manager 4.4. Contact Alex Fadeyev at press@actualtools.com to get more information. A registration key is available upon request to all editors considering a review.

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