IBM has announced a new IBM AnyPlace kiosk model comprising affordable entry-level units that give small retailers access to advanced technology previously only available to large enterprises.

This latest addition to IBM's ultra-compact self-service kiosk line comes with advanced performance capabilities, an energy efficient design and retail-hardening that allow it to be deployed quickly and easily in almost any environment.

Rahul Bindal, vice president, Industry Systems, Systems and Technology Group – IBM India/South Asia said, "A smaller version of the flagship IBM AnyPlace Kiosk, the new system, with its 15-inch screen, is an ideal solution for small independent retailers and departments of large enterprises. It can be used for a variety of entry-level kiosk applications or as a compact point-of-sale system, allowing clients to provide greater service and an increased number of self-service options to customers. In addition, the units are easy to install, service and manage, which allows for increased operational efficiencies in a client’s business."

The IBM AnyPlace entry-level kiosk also comes with an energy-efficient VIA processor and chipset, and built-in power management capabilities to help clients reduce power consumption and run essential applications quickly. The new kiosk is geared toward specialty, food service, gas and convenience retail businesses, but can be used across multiple industries, including travel, transportation, hospitality and healthcare.

Other key elements of the kiosk include a Remote Management Agent (RMA), a component of IBM Store Integration Framework, which allows retailers to achieve end-to-end store system management of retail devices and applications alongside traditional IT deployment. Retailers can configure and monitor the system remotely, distribute software, track assets and determine and diagnose problems with the RMA.