As more home users and small business owners begin to explore digital business expansion, one question that always comes to the front is the issue of selecting kiosk software to protect from unwanted digital attacks.
Unlike other open source software, kiosk software varies drastically from each supplier, offering anything from basic functionality like OS wrapping to session wipes after every use.
So, which kiosk software should you consider as you take your business into 2017?
SurferQuest Business Solutions
This is a great solution for business owners looking to protect their physical business against digital attacks.
One of the biggest advantages of the system is that it is designed to wipe shared PC devices regularly, protecting the user against attacks and misuse that might have gone undetected. Ideal for a communal machine!
Designed mostly for use in the hospitality industry, this is a fully-integrated solution that might be too much for a smaller business, but that works well if you need payment solutions as well as basic device protection in a single offering.
It's simple to install and intuitive enough to promote device use instead of making your guests jump through hoops at every turn.
Definitely worth a look.
MzeroPlatform
This is an incredibly versatile cloud-based solution that allows the assigned administrator to set the level of access and security across a variety of operating systems.
It's one of the few kiosk solutions that works on Android, Apple, and Windows platforms. MzeroPlatform offers the benefits of a secure server environment as well as customizable corporate site protection. It allows you to display your products, ideal for a small retail environment, and collect user data without putting sensitive information at risk.
It also includes boot protection, complete kiosk lockdown, and safe search functionality.
Think of this as a bodyguard for machines that makes sure they are only used for their assigned purpose.
GoKiosk
This is the perfect system for assigning different tasks to different devices.
As one of the few mobile-focused kiosk software options, it gives users total and singular control over a device. This is ideal for promoters gathering data, demonstrations, or similarly focused uses.
Most impressive is the peripheral lockdown function, which means your main device becomes the kiosk, but all other linked devices are controlled and protected from misuse at the same time.
Despite this stringent control, GoKiosk is aimed at the business market. It offers the ability to personalize and adapt each screen, meaning your users gets a branded, though structured, engagement.
WebConverger
Arguably the most widely used option, WebConverger is an open-source web-based kiosk option that empowers the user through plug and play installation. It couldn't be simpler to use – download your preferred configuration onto a USB and install as you would any other program.
Apart from widespread positive reviews, WebConverger offers the convenience of online support, and the added benefit of readily-available updates.
The only real downside here is that a lot of prospective clients are still unsure about downloading open source security software. If you have no issue trusting the supplier, this is an option that is worth exploring.
A developing industry
Kiosks are an essential part of the modern user experience, so it's more important than ever to ensure that you protect customer data with a solution that works. Invest some time researching the depth of functionality of the recommended options – you don't want to end up paying for something you don't need.
You will also find that many of the kiosk software's available promote the fact that they're a turnkey system. Hopefully, in 2017 and beyond, we will see the rise of personalized options suited to the needs of your business. Until then, happy hunting and choose wisely.