Saltmine(R) Creative, Inc., a software development, visual communications and strategic consulting firm based in Seattle and London, announced today the release of Saltmine(R) Kiosk 3.0, a Windows-based browser application that lets Web site owners turn their existing sites or multimedia projects into secure kiosks, with no additional development (http://products.saltmine.com/kiosk/). Microsoft is deploying ten touch-screen stations with Saltmine Kiosk software at the Retail Solutions 1999 conference, the largest retail IT exhibition in Europe, on May 25-27 in Birmingham, England. The kiosks feature a conference map, schedule, partner information and information about Microsoft's Digital Nervous System (DNS) vision in relation to the retail marketplace. With Saltmine Kiosk, companies can provide secure access to online content in strategic public locations. Kiosk users can view only specified content and are restricted from accessing the computer system or the Internet at large. The software allows site owners to offer access to their content in building lobbies, retail stores, trade shows, airports, shopping malls or out in the field. "Using Saltmine Kiosk, we can automatically post announcements from one central location to kiosk stations on the tradeshow floor, where attendees can easily access information using touch- screen monitors," said Jayne Espley, industry marketing manager for Microsoft's Business Solutions Group. "As the concept of self serve becomes a more popular means of serving customers with a wealth of information at the touch of a button, I am delighted to be working with Saltmine, whose rapid development environment makes retail applications quick and cost effective to deploy." Saltmine Kiosk 3.0 features: * Quick, low-cost deployment -- Designed for the Microsoft(R) Windows operating system, Saltmine Kiosk installs quickly and easily. To deploy kiosks in different locations, site owners can configure one kiosk, then easily update remote stations from a centralized file, minimizing maintenance costs. * Enterprise-level station maintenance -- Advanced maintenance features like scheduled system rebooting, crash monitoring, and restart and resource monitoring ensure stable, enterprise-level use. * Safe and secure user access -- Saltmine Kiosk is designed to be secure, stable, and tamper-resistant. User access is limited to pre-approved Web sites and content. It prevents users from accessing files and applications on the computer system itself, and remains fully enabled after a system reboot. * Easy, flexible interface design -- Kiosk administrators can easily customize the software interface by importing buttons, sounds, animations, and on-screen keyboards, or by selecting from professional interface designs that ship with the product. Flexible layout tools make it easy to preview changes. "Saltmine Kiosk 3.0 is all about flexibility and ease of use," said Pete Gerrald, chief technology officer, Saltmine Creative. "It offers companies a cost-effective, low maintenance way to turn existing Web sites and multimedia content into secure, interactive kiosks." Saltmine Kiosk works on Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 95, Windows 98, Windows NT Server 4.0 and Windows NT Workstation 4.0. For situations where a connection to the Internet is impractical, Saltmine Kiosk can be based on CD-ROM or a local drive, retaining all features of the online version. Saltmine Kiosk is available for immediate purchase using Saltmine's online store. For more information or to download a trial version, visit http://products.saltmine.com/kiosk/. Saltmine Creative is a full-service software development, visual communications and strategic consulting firm specializing in the creation of innovative solutions and products. Saltmine's clients include BP Amoco, The PGA TOUR, General Motors, Microsoft Corporation, C-SPAN, London First Group, National Audubon Society, Muzak, Wizards of the Coast, the Los Angeles Times and Columbia Sportswear. The company's services include online software development, e-commerce and systems integration, consulting, branding, design, editorial services and information architecture, multimedia and games development and mission- critical hosting. For more information, visit www.saltmine.com. NOTE: Saltmine is a registered trademark of Saltmine Creative, Inc. in the United States and other countries. CONTACT: United States Europe Paul Schille Eric Johnson Director of Marketing Managing Director Saltmine Creative, Inc. Saltmine Creative, Ltd. 206-284-7511 +44 (0) 171 692 9992 pauls@saltmine.com eric@saltmine.co.uk ots Original Text Service: Saltmine Creative, Inc. Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Paul Schille, Director of Marketing of Saltmine Creative, Inc., 206-284-7511, or pauls@saltmine.com; or Eric Johnson Managing Director of Saltmine Creative, Ltd., in Europe, 44-0-171-692-9992, or eric@saltmine.co.uk Web site: http://www.saltmine.com