NCR Corp has signed a deal with UK online local information provider TownPagesNet.com Plc to build, install and maintain a network of 3,500 multimedia kiosks, worth 20m pounds ($32m) over the 18-month roll-out.
TownPages runs a web site that enables users to search for local information about towns and cities in the UK. The service is free, and revenues are created primarily from web site design for companies that list on its Yellow Pages-style business directory. It also carries banners ads, and the company says it is in six-figure talks with a major car manufacturer for kiosk sponsorship. Eventually goods and services will be sold via the machines, starting with nostalgia photographs of local areas, sold by online photo shop Frith Archive Services Ltd.
The kiosk network will offer access to its homepage and the sites of the companies and organizations listed on it, rather than complete net access, so it will not compete against the likes of British Telecommunications PlcÆs Multiphone network.
The kiosks themselves comprise a high spec PC in a NCR casing with touch-screen input and a Netscape browser attached to TownPagesÆ extranet via ISDN lines. The profitable AMEX-listed firm will place the devices in leisure centers, shopping malls and other public places. 25 pilot machines have been installed so far.
