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"The Best Turn Key Internet Café Solution I've seen!"
Jeff Miller, Computing 101-Poway CA


iCafeCard is a complete Internet and PC access card system designed for cafes, coffee shops, gaming centers, LAN centers, and other public Internet access environments. iCafeCard allows you to control, manage and meter PC/Internet access time by using smart cards and the iCafe Manager Software System. iCafeCard requires very little employee involvement...simply sell your customers the card, and they log in and out of workstations on their own, reducing the load on your employees. iCafeCard is compatible with Windows 2000 and XP.



   Computing 101

   February 2004,
   Computing 101, an
   Internet Cafe located in Poway, CA,
   opened for business. This Internet Cafe
   features high-tech equipment, which
   includes 21 PCs, an XBox, printer,
    scanner, and copier. Read more...


Features

Version 2.0 New Features & Enhancement
  • Easier installation and configuration for PCs connected to a networked system
  • Step-by-step instruction guide includes screen shots
  • Networked real time updating for text, loyalty features and other system configurations
  • Time reloading feature expanded to include minutes, days, weeks, and months
  • Automatic card reloading
  • Loyalty features with automatic time/gift rewards
  • Additional reports for usage and individual log on times
  • Expanded help features in the iCafe Manager software with additional tips and easier to read configuration

    Standard Features
  • Re-usable access cards
  • Easy to use software with step-by-step instruction guide
  • Complete secure system
  • Demographic information gathering feature
  • Customized Interfaces (see picture on the right)
  • Time remaining notification box
  • Pop up advertisements
  • Advertising/Marketing Opportunities

    iCafeCard Features
  • Secure processor card
  • Field for each Card ID# for tracking
  • Field for User Name and Password to control access.(The administrator uses the iCafe Manager
    Software to set the user names and passwords on the cards. All of the user names and
    passwords are set-up to be the same on all of the cards so that they can be used at any PC
    in the system
  • Purse/Counter for setting the metered time on each users card
  • Field for loyalty feature activation or points
  • Field for demographic information (name, e-mail address, etc.)
  • Customer's graphics on the exterior of the card (optional)

    iCafe PC Software Features
  • iCafe PC Software Installation
  • Settings and Control Screen
  • Software Location Set-up
  • Log On Interface
  • Demographic Information Tracking Interface
  • Log Out Interface
  • Status Box

    iCafe Manager Software Features

    System Configuration: The System Configuration is used to set up the usernames, passwords, and other global settings for all of the iCafe cards that you will create. Sections include:

  • PC Log On Information-Username, Password and Location Number
  • Standard card reload amount-time and days

    Card Holder: The Card Reloader is used to read and recharge the iCafe cards based on the settings in the System Configuration. Sections Include:

  • Card Status-Card Id, Time currently on card and E-mail address on card
  • Card Reload-Reload time, and Reload days


    Client Message Set-up: The Client Messages Set-up is used to enter messages that will be displayed on the client PC's informing and instructing your customers about your establishment and how to use the iCafe system. Message screens:

  • Log On Message
  • Log Off Message
  • Welcome Message

    Loyalty/Demographic Settings: The Loyalty/Demographic Settings is used to reward frequent customers by providing incentive based gifts. The Loyalty feature tracks the amount of time a customer has spent logged onto the system, therefore, when the customer accumulates a certain amount of hours (you determine), they are rewarded with a gift (you determine). Features Include:

  • Activate Loyalty
  • Loyalty Bonus Configuration
  • Activate Demographic Tracking Only
  • Demographic/Loyalty Message



    Compare Tx Systems iCafeCard System With a
    Managed Profile-Based System

    Features
    Tx Systems iCafeCard
    (Secured Card-Based System)
    Managed
    Profile-Based System
    Labor Light - only interact with customers to sell or reload cards Intensive - must set up an individual profile for each new user, as well as initialize computers, etc.
    Software Support Free for life Fee-basd, must purchase upgrades
    Ease Of Use for Customers Customers simply insert card Customers must remember login ID and password
    Payment Type Prepaid Postpaid, risk of walkouts
    Advertising Cards act as advertisements, reminding your customers to visit your store None
    Loyalty Program Rewards frequent customers, allows you to collect demograpic information for marketing purposes None
    Remaining Value Stays on card for later use None
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    Advantages
    iCafe comes with so many advantages:
    Easy-to-use software
  • Software comes with user-friendly interfaces and an extensive help menu bar that make set up and card management quick and easy.

    Comprehensive User Guide

  • The iCafe Manager Software comes with a step-by-step user guide that includes screen shots and helpful marketing tips for creating value.

    Demographic information gathering feature
  • You can create a customer database with the information gathered by the iCafe cards. The first time that the customer inserts the card to access the PC, they can be prompted to enter demographic information. (For example: Ask them for their name, e-mail address, etc.) The information can be used in the future to contact your customers about specials or new items. This feature can be turned on or off using the iCafe Manager Software.

    Time remaining notification
  • The Internet user can click on the iCafe icon, located in the lower right of the PC interface, to view the time remaining on the smart card.
  • A time remaining notification box can be set up to automatically appears letting the user know how much Internet or PC access time they have remaining on the smart card.
  • When there is 60 seconds remaining on the smart card, an alert box will appear notifying the user. The user then will be given the option to keep working, or to RESERVE their work, while they buy more time.
  • When the user time expires, a box will read, "Your time has expired. Please see attendant for additional information." (This text can be customized to say whatever you'd like)

    Customized Interfaces
  • Your can customize your iCafe system to create rewards for your customers. (For example: When the time on the smart card runs out, the software can be set up to pop up an alert to inform the user to return their smart card and receive a complementary item. This insures that the cards are returned for reuse.)

    Advertising/Marketing opportunities
  • The Software can be programmed to pop up an advertisement/promotional window every time a customer logs on. Customers can buy cards ahead of time and give them away as gifts (like a gift certificate).

    Completely secure system
  • The iCafe system runs with minimum privileges, so that the user cannot access the control panels or change the PC settings.
  • The secure microprocessor smart cards cannot be assessed or reloaded by users. And, the smart cards controls time to make sure that customers are paying Internet/PC access.

    Wide range of reporting options
  • Demographic information
  • Card in Use
  • System Monitoring
  • Loyalty Bonus Gifts

    Saves time
  • Eliminates the time it takes to file, store, and calculate customers Internet/PC hours.
  • Eliminates the need for Administration. (For example: Employees can do other things, because they do not have to monitor customers Internet and PC access time.)

    Saves money
  • iCafe cards are re-usable. They can be re-programmed over and over again.
  • Customers are served more quickly, because employees do not have to monitor their Internet and PC access time.
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    How It Works

    icafe purchasing cycle
    1. Customer purchases iCafe card from the attendant.
    2. Customer inserts iCafe card into the smart card reader.
    3. Customer enters in name and e-mail address (optional).
    4. Customer is notified when one minute remains on the card.
    5. When time expires, the customer is automatically logged off the PC.
    6. The iCafe card is then returned to the attendant, who reprograms the card for a new customer.



    What you need:

    You will need only one iCafe Manager software pack, then one iCafe PC software, for each individual user PC. For example, one store that has five user PCs (PCs that charge for Internet access), will need: one iCafe Manager software pack and five iCafe PC software packs.

    Two iCafe cards are included in each iCafe PC software pack. Additional iCafe cards are sold separately.

    For example: For one store with five user PCs you will need at least an additional 25 iCafe cards (including the ten you will receive in the five iCafe PC packs), 100 additional iCafe cards is recommended.
    icafe client server model

    The iCafe software requires Windows NT, 2000 or XP. It will currently not operate on Windows Vista.
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    Components
    The iCafe PC software pack includes:

    icafe cards 2-iCafe user cards
    icafe cd iCafe PC software
    chipdrive micro120 Serial reader (Micro 120)
    OR
    scm scr335 USB reader (SCR 335)



    iCafe Manager software pack Includes

    icafe cd iCafe Manager software
    chipdrive micro120 Serial reader (Micro 120)
    OR
    scm scr335 USB reader (SCR 335)
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    Price/Order

    iCafe PC Software Pack
    (2-iCafe cards, PC software, and reader)
    iCafe PC Serial $59.00
    iCafe PC USB $69.95
    iCafe Manager Software
    (Manager Software and reader)
    iCafe Manager Serial $189.00
    iCafe Manager USB $199.00

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    Accessories
    iCafe Card Packs
    10-iCafe user cards $39.95
    25-iCafe user cards $89.95
    100-iCafe user cards $259.00
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    Downloads

    SOFTWARE UPDATES
    iCafe Manager
  • Download the newest version of the iCafe Manager software.

    iCafe PC
  • Downlaod the newest version of the iCafe PC software.

    * To download the above files you must get a login and password. These are available by emailing sales@txsystems.com or calling (858) 622-2012.


    DOCUMENTATION

    iCafe Data Sheet
    Download the iCafe Data Sheet PDF
  • This document gives a good overview of the features and benefits of the iCafe software systems!

    iCafe Instruction Guide
    Download the iCafe User Instruction Guide PDF
  • This document will answer most questions regarding everything from installation, configuration, and management of both the iCafe Manager and PC softwares.

    iCafe Manager Software
    Download the iCafe Manager Software Overview PDF
  • This software is used by the administrator to set up and reload the iCafe cards

  • iCafe PC Software
    Download the iCafe PC Software Overview PDF
  • This software is installed on each PC and secures access using the iCafe cards

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    Custom Printing

    Tx Systems provides custom printed cards that can be personalized with your company name and logo.

    For information regarding: available card printing methods, smart card size & dimensions, examples, artwork requirements, submitting artwork and production & printing time, please download the iCafe Custom Card Printing PDF.

    Pricing for custom printed cards is supplemental to initial card price. The price for custom printing is $99.95 (for Standard Dye-Sub printing only, see examples below) for the first 100 cards and additional $1.00 for each additional card.

    To order iCafe custom printed cards contact sales@txsystems.com or call 858-622-2004.

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    Testimonials

    "The best turn key internet café solution I've seen!"
    Jeff Miller, Computing 101, Poway, CA

    Click here to view Computing 101's complete feedback
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    Product Disclaimer
    With your purchase of the iCafeCard system (iCafe Manager Software and iCafe PC Software) you agree that Tx Systems, Inc. shall not be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, or consequential damages, including, but not limited to, loss of profits, business interruption, loss of information, incurred by using the iCafeCard system. Tx Systems, Inc. does not warrant that the functions contained in the iCafeCard system will meet your specific requirements or that the operation of the product will be uninterrupted or error-free. And, it is the responsibility of the customer that their specific use of all or any portion of the iCafeCard system does not infringe on local laws, acts, regulations, patents or other third party rights. Entering into the purchase of this product constitutes acceptance of these terms by the customer.
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    Copyright © 2004-2005 Tx Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.