Technology Portals Tourism Kiosk This continually expanding network of informational kiosks is the most innovative kiosk within the travel and tourism industry, offering: Central, remotely managed database, giving both varied and shared content to individual, networked kiosks. Information about lodging, dining, shopping, sightseeing, activities, entertainment, events Printed maps and directions Graphically rich, easy to update central files for photos, text, ads, coupons, video, audio Property listings tied to quick, on-screen search as well as event calendars Web connectivity 5-day weather forecast by state region On-demand, automatic telephone connection to all properties from each kiosk Apunix developed the content of these kiosks for Technology Portals Inc. (TPI), whose sister company, Independence Publishing, is the primary supplier of travel brochures to the State of Pennsylvania. As such, they have an extensive database of all hotel, restaurant, entertainment, amusement, and shopping facilities throughout the region. We were able to leverage this database into a network of very graphically rich and easy to use kiosks that are currently deployed in visitor and information centers across the state. At each kiosk, travelers find very detailed information about properties and sites in the local region as well as on a state wide basis, allowing them to plan visits to other regions of the state. Each listing is graphically rich and can accommodate a text overview, picture, audio voice over, video clip, map, directions, access to the listing's web site, coupons, and HTML pages developed by the site for the kiosks. Travelers can print out maps and directions at the kiosk for free as well as print out coupons for discounts at participating locations. In addition, there is an events calendar so travelers can find out what is occurring in both the area and state during the time of their visit. Travelers can also view a five day weather forecast for the region they are in. This kiosk is unique in that all of this information is driven by a master MySQL database running at TPI's headquarters in Philadelphia. This database, maintained on the server, is replicated on each of the individual kiosk units. What is innovative is that the database stores which features each site has provided for their listing. For example, if a site has no video clip, then that button is automatically grayed out when the menu for the site is displayed. This allows all sites to have the same rich look and feel, even if there is simply a text overview of the site with map and directions. In addition, each kiosk has a telephone attached to it. The traveler can hit the phone button and the kiosk will automatically dial the property's phone number allowing them to check availability, make reservations, or find out other information about the site.