Build on the most advanced platform in self service.
The next generation of kiosk technology is here. KioskFrame gives developers increased productivity, higher quality results, and a forward-thinking design that turns their code into a smart, lasting investment. Designers enjoy unlimited freedom of expression with Adobe Flash, HTML, WinForms, and Windows Presentation Foundation. And with all the power of Microsoft Visual Studio and .NET, your kiosk applications are free to become anything you can imagine. Since you own the source code, you’re in control.
Spark - UI Automation System
New graphics engine
Make your kiosk stand out with rich animation and seamlessly integrated video. Spark brings self service and Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation together, so you can effortlessly create eye-catching, interactive kiosk applications. Get started with reusable controls like on-screen keyboards and calendars, translate your interface into multiple languages, and support any number of additional, synchronized digital signs.
Best practices for development
When you design your application around KioskFrame’s built-in support for unattended screens, popup windows, and multiple displays, you can immediately take advantage of automatic logging features, inactivity timers, localization support, and usage analysis tools. Plus, you’ll be building on a familiar, supported model derived from years of hands-on experience in self service.
Forward thinking
Spark user interfaces are designed to play well together, letting you load screens from other plugins into your own. You can even define a strict API for other developers to use, so your application can be extended and reused in predictable ways, long after you’ve finished it.
Life Saver – Smart Logging and Error Tracking
Detailed analysis
In addition to the standard debugging tools available for .NET, KioskFrame includes a simple, remarkably useful logging system that makes it easy to find and diagnose bugs in real time. Helpful additions like automatic highlighting and indentation take you directly to what you’re looking for, so you can get right to the source of any issues.
An enlightening view
KioskFrame puts critical, real-time information right where you need it, with convenient search and filtering tools. Visualize events across multiple threads using an intelligent grid view, and jump back to older sessions to compare results.
Safe keeping
Log data is automatically archived and sent to Director Server, so you can make more informed business decisions. Track issues for customer support, and scan across your network to see which machines consistently experience problems with hardware or networking. Most events are logged automatically, but developers can extend the system by adding their own events and error types.
Octane – Plugin Architecture
Built on industry standards
Choosing KioskFrame doesn't mean using an unfamiliar IDE or giving up the benefits of your standard processes and software, because each plugin is a standard .NET project. If you're using source control, unit testing frameworks, or other productivity tools, no problem. To add KioskFrame to the mix, just reference one assembly.
Freedom to choose
Because KioskFrame is built on the .NET framework, you're free to write in any language that works with the CLR. And of course, you can leverage a world of third-party tools; everything from custom UI controls to enterprise integration features. When you're done, you own your code, so it's easy to maintain, sell, or release to the community.
Ready for anything
With the ability to mix and match software, KioskFrame gives you the ability to quickly adapt to changing business conditions. Whether you’ve outgrown a peripheral or are ready to expand into new markets, changing your software only takes a few clicks. Just swap out one of your plugins with a new, drop-in replacement – the rest of your application won’t even need to know the difference.
Catalyst – Automated Testing Platform
Speed to quality
The hours spent debugging and backtracking to find bugs are some of the most tedious and expensive time in a project. Catalyst is an innovative new self-service test platform that lets you work faster, without sacrificing reliability or performance. This powerful technology lets you see how your application behaves under real load, use acceptance tests to track your progress throughout development, and avoid time-consuming regressions that slow you down.
Virtual users help you test
While there’s no substitute for a skilled test engineer, much of the work done during testing is repetitive and requires constant attention to detail. Catalyst lets you create sophisticated tests which take the place of a user at your device, tirelessly completing hundreds of different transactions and watching for unexpected results. Tests can be as simple or complicated as you like, and can reach anything a normal user can, including peripherals and other external systems like point-of-sale networks.
Extensible architecture
It’s simple to extend Catalyst, giving test engineers access to new actions and diagnostic information. If you’re developing a new hardware plugin, it’s easy to add support for Catalyst tests – usually in under a day.
Libra – Pre-built Plugin Library
The tools to get ahead
Whether you need configurable advertising layouts for digital signage and second screens, integration with common payment processors, sophisticated language translation features, or smart diagnostics tools, pre-built plugins instantly add value to your application.
Hardware to go
The vast range of manufacturing options at Flextronics is matched by a collection of hardware plugins that support everything from temperature sensors to barcode readers. Pick the ones which match your project, or start with a certified Jump Start kit, which includes everything you need to start using your hardware from day one.
Add your own
If you’re a hardware vendor, make it easy for other KioskFrame developers to purchase your devices by including a ready-to-use plugin. Take advantage of built-in support for persistent status tracking, advanced logging, and even design a custom branded interface for the dashboard.
For more information about KioskFrame 3 and to receive a FREE PASS to KioskCom Self Service Expo, click here.