Solutions

Internet Cafés and Сybercafés

PROFILE

Internet cafés are located world-wide, and many people use them when traveling to access webmail and instant messaging services to keep in touch with family and friends. Apart from travelers, in many developing countries Internet cafés are the primary form of Internet access for citizens as a shared-access model is more affordable than personal ownership of equipment. While most Internet cafés are private businesses many have been set up to help bridge the 'digital divide', providing computer access and training to those without home access.

NEED

While Internet Café industry is growing, it’s also facing new challenges. Tighter governmental controls and regulations, copyright protection lawsuits are among the few factors that are making the internet café owners to review their policies and seek solutions to content control, privacy protection, auditing, and security compliance. Additionally, energy costs are also causing the owners to look for alternatives in green computing.

SOLUTION

Xpack cloud thin client represents represents a great solution for the Cybercafé market as it offers a well-protected desktop system, while meeting the needs of the customers. Xpack’s energy-saving attributes make it a good fit for dense computer environments, and its custom browser OS provides protection from viruses and malware, while built in mechanisms for management and control equip the Internet Café owners with the tools to tighten content access controls as they deem necessary.
Hardware
Moderro Xpack is a small (size of a paperback), low power, silent mini-computer. It weighs around 3 lbs and consumes on average 13W of power. Xpack comes with custom-designed keyboard and mouse, CAT5 and VGA cables, and mounting hardware. Xpack can be placed in a cradle that can stand along-side the monitor, or be attached to the back of the monitor using the VESA bracket (included). The unit comes with optional WiFi connectivity. CPU speed and RAM are configured appropriately for the usage. The keyboard has a built-in USB hub, which provides left or right-side mouse connection and USB media storage drive slot. Xpack is a solid state device, meaning that there are no moving parts (aside from a back-up fan) inside the enclosure.
Management System
Moderro offers hosted and on-premise management options. With the hosted option, there’s no server to install, or upgrades to maintain - the administrator simply logs on to the site to manage Xpacks remotely.
There’s a comprehensive set of tasks that an administrator can perform remotely, such as setting up the desktop, printer, browsing access preferences, switch from single to multi-window browser mode. Additionally, the administrator is able to steer the customer to a page, mute or unmute their speakers, lock or unlock the system, put time limits on sessions, and provide remote assistance through screen sharing. The management system supports multiple levels of ownerships allowing Xpacks to be managed locally or centrally.
Maintenance
System maintenance can be performed automatically and does not require physical access to Xpack. Management system takes care of the upgrade. There is no risk in software incompatibilities as the upgrade images come pre-packaged with tightly integrated system components.
Software
Moderro Xpack is powered by Moderro Browser OS. This innovative OS is built to provide a “desktop-in-a-browser” environment, giving the users a familiar feel of the desktop when interacting with internet resources and applications. Moderro Browser Desktop is compatible with all major internet sites and gives the user a very intuitive and simple way of interacting with web-based content and applications. Each internet resource runs in its own window and is represented by an automatically updating thumbnail ribbon on the bottom of the screen. The user interface is designed for ease-of-use and simplicity. In addition to web browsing the software supports internet telephony client, Java, and PDF viewer. While Xpack itself does not store the files locally, it allows for a USB mass media storage or a camera with USB interface to be connected for file download and upload.
Installation
Installation is quick and straightforward. Administrator sets up and configures the settings for the set of terminals. Installation is quick and straightforward. Administrator sets up and configures the settings for the set of terminals. Once the Xpack and the monitor are connected, Xpack will register itself with the service and pick up its settings online. It will also identify its location and pick up the local settings for clock and weather. Xpack can be connected over CAT5 or WiFi networks.

Recycling
Recycling is easy. There’s no user data stored on the system, so hard disk separation is not needed (unlike personal computers). The whole system can be disposed by sending it back to Moderro. Xpacks are designed to last 5 years or more.

Internet Café Software
While session management controls come standard with the management system, Moderro is working on additional functionality for use in the internet café to support billing and created tiered services. Stand by for announcements.
 





 
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