Sacramento, Calif. – February 26, 2006 – WebRaiser Technologies, Inc., the leader in software for the self-service economy, launched VendiPix at PMA 2006, the world’s largest photo imaging trade show. VendiPix™ combines WebRaiser’s award-winning VendiSoft™ self-service software with best-in-class Image2Print™ photo processing software. VendiPix is a unique photo and digital signage network designed to meet the demand of resellers and retailers for a store-branded solution that maintains the highest levels of uptime performance. PMA 2006, which is the 82nd annual convention of Photo Marketing Association International, is being held in Orlando, Florida from February 26th to March 1st. VendiPix demonstrations will be available at the Build your own Kiosk Pavilion in Booth# 4372-12.

WebRaiser’s VendiSoft software development environment is at the heart of VendiPix. The software includes an advanced kiosk operating system and remote device management that automatically triggers restocking of paper and toner. VendiPix kiosks are networked together so that a regional or national retailer can have centralized control of all of their devices. Each VendiPix unit also includes a secondary digital signage screen that narrowcasts custom advertising and product messages to consumers.

"For years photo companies have tried to conquer self-service, and kiosk companies have tried to be photo experts, both resulting in limited success. With VendiPix you get the best of both worlds," said Gary De Blaquiere. WebRaiser’s co-founder and Vice President of Business Development, "We designed VendiPix to set new standards in the digital photo space by combining our unmatched self-service architecture with superior photo imaging software."

WebRaiser has integrated Beaufort Solutions' Image2Print imaging software engine. Image2Print makes it possible to customize the look and feel with the ability to easily adapt branding, splash screens, colors, languages, and product output offerings, With Image2Print, VendiPix can be tailored to fit any reseller's market niche.

"We also designed VendiPix as a custom-branded photo kiosk for resellers and retailers who want to control their brand and marketing strategy," added De Blaquiere. "VendiPix is the first photo kiosk that includes a second screen for digital signage and POS advertising as a standard feature. With VendiPix, we made sure that we built a marketing machine, not just a new photo kiosk."

About WebRaiser

WebRaiser Technologies, Inc. makes self-service simple. Through its award-winning VendiSoft™ development platform, VendiStore™ kiosk applications and Method8™ business process, WebRaiser enables self-service success. Founded in 1997, WebRaiser has helped more than 200 companies reduce costs and increase revenue. Customers include AmeriGas AT&T, Red Lobster, Sutter Health, Ghirardelli, Sketchers Shoes, and Lockheed Martin. For more information, go to: http://www.webraiser.com. Information on VendiPix™ can be found at http://www.vendipix.com.

About Beaufort Solutions

Beaufort Solutions Inc. is a world-class provider of open systems software solutions that enable, drive, and support the transformation of digital media into quality prints. As a key kiosk software supplier for large reseller organizations with complementary product and services offerings, Beaufort focuses on delivering innovative and top-quality products to the digital imaging industry. The company can be found on the web at: www.beaufortsolutions.com.

About PMA

Photo Marketing Association International® (PMA®) has more than 20,000 members in 100-plus countries. The 82nd annual PMA International Convention and Trade Show is the world's largest annual photo imaging trade show for the estimated $83 billion worldwide industry. For more information go to www.pmai.org.

Sacramento, Calif. - Sacramento, Calif. - February 23, 2006 - WebRaiser Technologies, Inc., the leader in software for the self-service economy, today introduced Method8™, the first formal self-service business process. WebRaiser, which is known for its award-winning software and kiosk innovations, defines Method8 as a collaborative business process with eight discrete functions that enable self-service success. The company has just published a white paper titled "Method8: Best Practices for the Self-Service Business Discipline".

"Self-service has evolved from vending machines and kiosk deployments to an operational necessity for business success. WebRaiser views it as a core business strategy that can reduce costs and expand revenues while improving the customer experience," said Dave Gonsiorowski, WebRaiser's CEO and Co-founder. "With Method8, WebRaiser has defined an eight-step process that captures its institutional knowledge of the best practices earned through successful collaborations with more than 200 companies over nine years."

The perception that self-service is solely a technology issue has hampered its impact in many organizations. WebRaiser has found that its most successful partners have been companies that view self-service as a new business discipline. These organizations have elevated self-service in much the same way that customer service, human resources, information technology and quality management emerged as new business disciplines in recent decades.

"It's a very positive sign that we are starting to see org charts with self-service titles and departments", added Gonsiorowski. "There's a growing recognition that self-service cuts across many functional areas - including marketing, sales, HR, customer services, and IT. Self-service is a new discipline that goes well beyond responding to what customers want to buy, it addresses how and when they want to buy."

WebRaiser's Method8™ white paper is available as a download at www.webraiser.com.

About WebRaiser

WebRaiser Technologies, Inc. makes self-service simple. Through its award-winning VendiSoft™ development platform, VendiStore™ kiosk applications and Method8™ business process, WebRaiser enables self-service success. Founded in 1997, WebRaiser has helped more than 200 companies reduce costs and increase revenue. Customers include AmeriGas, AT&T, Red Lobster, Sutter Health, Ghirardelli, Sketchers Shoes, and Lockheed Martin. For more information, including the Method8™ white paper, go to: http://www.webraiser.com.

Sacramento, Calif. – January 19, 2006 – WebRaiser Technologies, Inc., the leader in software for the self-service economy, announced VendiPix, as its entry into the fast growing photo kiosk market. VendiPix™ combines WebRaiser’s award-winning VendiSoft™ self-service software with the best-in-class Image2Print™ photo processing software from Beaufort Solutions. VendiPix photo kiosk network has been designed to meet the demand from resellers and retailers for a photo kiosk solution that delivers the highest quality prints in a profitable, easy-to-maintain package.

“VendiPix represents the next generation of photo kiosk technology that combines our unmatched self-service architecture and support with Beaufort’s superior photo imaging software and fulfilment network,” said Gary De Blaquiere. WebRaiser’s co-founder and Vice President of Business Development, “Previous generations of photo kiosks created more headaches than profits for resellers because they only delivered one-half of the solution. VendiPix is the first complete solution that responds to the demands of resellers, retailers and consumers.”

VendiPix is a PC-based digital kiosk application that enables people to create an array of quality photo products simply by touching the screen. Images are quickly loaded from any one of a variety of input devices, including CDs, USB drives, compact flash, xD cards and VendiPix is the first photo kiosk to support the new Apple iPod. Customers' photos can be printed in multiple formats from 4x6 to 8x10. VendiPix makes it simple for the novice to create professional quality results every time including greeting cards, product picture collages, enlargements, DVD viewable disks. The order can then be printed to the store's digital minilab, uploaded to the retailer's website, archived on CD or printed on a built-in kiosk printer.

WebRaiser has integrated Beaufort Solutions' Image2Print imaging software engine that drives the VendiPix consumer experience. Image2Print makes it possible to customize the look and feel with the ability to easily adapt branding, splash screens, colors, languages, and product output offerings, With Image2Print, VendiPix can be tailored to fit any reseller’s market niche.

"WebRaiser is the perfect partner for Beaufort because they bring the highest levels of self-service expertise and kiosk industry credibility to the photo kiosk world," said Todd Hiscock, CEO of Beaufort Solutions, "Integrating our two technologies has created a new standard for digital photo kiosks when you look at photo processing speed, quality combined with kiosk reliability and scalability. VendiPix is the photo kiosk that the resellers, retailers and consumers have all been waiting for."

WebRaiser’s VendiSoft software development environment is at the heart of VendiPix. The software suite includes an advanced kiosk operating system, infrastructure for remote device management and a rapid development platform for creation, aggregation, and presentation of self-service interfaces. VendiPix kiosks are networked together so that a regional or national retailer can have a centralized control and monitoring of their digital photo processing business. WebRaiser's unique remote management capabilities, assures that retail locations are always up, running, and generating revenue. Remote management also tracks on-board supplies - such as paper and toner - and automatically triggers restocking alerts.

About WebRaiser

WebRaiser Technologies, Inc. makes self-service simple. With its award-winning VendiSoft development platform and VendiStore pre-built applications along with its cross-industry experience, WebRaiser removes the complexities of self-service with solutions that are innovative, reliable and easy to use. Founded in 1997, WebRaiser has helped more than 200 companies reduce costs and increase revenue. Customers include Amerigas, AT&T, Red Lobster, Sutter Health, Ghirardelli, Sketchers Shoes, and Lockheed Martin. For more information, go to: http://www.webraiser.com. Information on VendiPix can be found at http://www.vendipix.com.

About Beaufort Solutions

Beaufort Solutions Inc. is a world-class provider of open systems software solutions that enable, drive, and support the transformation of digital media into quality prints. As a key kiosk software supplier for large reseller organizations with complementary product and services offerings, Beaufort focuses on delivering innovative and top-quality products to the digital imaging industry. The company can be found on the web at: www.beaufortsolutions.com.

Sacramento, Calif. – November 1, 2005 – WebRaiser Technologies, Inc., the leader in software for the self-service economy, won two major award categories in the 6th Annual Kiosk Awards competition. The awards, which were announced during the recent Self-Service & Kiosk Show in San Francisco, are given to the most innovative self-service applications for the year. WebRaiser won two of the most coveted awards: Best Retail Kiosk and Best New Kiosk Application. Both awards were earned by WebRaiser’s DekkoMatic-AmeriGas Propane Exchange (PPX®) solution.

WebRaiser teamed up with AmeriGas and Dekko to design the self-service application for propane exchange creates a compelling return on investment for AmeriGas. The self-service system, which the companies call Dekko-matic, delivers these benefits to AmeriGas and its customers:

• 24/7 consumer access eliminating the frantic search for open stores when they have run out of propane for the BBQ.
• Fast transaction time by simplifying the process to the level of a gas pump and reducing the total transaction time is less than filling up a car’s gas tank.
• Safe and compliant by designing in all national, state, and local regulations regarding propane handling. The system is safer than cage systems and actually trains each customer on propane safety during the purchase transaction.
• Controlled inventory and sales data is achieved by networking the PPX® systems giving AmeriGas management access to current sales data in order to schedule deliveries on a priority basis.

"We knew we had created something new and innovative but it is still a pleasant surprise and a great honor to win twice," said Dave Gonsiorowski, WebRaiser's founder and president. "Our challenge was to apply our self-service expertise to help AmeriGas solve a business problem. What we created together provides AmeriGas with a major competitive advantage that is measured in higher revenues, reduced staffing and just-in-time inventory control. The awards are great but the real success is happening everyday with a successful solution that consumers love."

WebRaiser's VendiSoft software development environment and is at the heart of the propane exchange application. The propane solution includes an outdoor touch screen kiosk system with attached secure locker mechanism holding up to 72 tanks of propane gas. Consumers can purchase new tanks or exchange empty propane tanks using a variety of payment methods including credit, debit, gift card, and cash. WebRaiser’s self-service software leads consumers through the process of selecting a product, paying for a tank, selecting accessibility options, watching a mandatory safety video, and exchanging or purchasing a new tank. The entire transaction takes an average of three minutes.

The entire system is driven by a patented non-electric, pneumatic system for opening, closing, and sensing propane tanks in lockers. The pneumatic features of the system provide a safe method for consumers to purchase and exchange propane tanks, unattended.

WebRaiser competed with twenty-six companies that submitted a total of 42 entries. Judging comprised two components: evaluation of the devices based on written answers to questions about them, as well as on-site, hands-on use. The judges for the 2005 Kiosk Awards were included representatives from Forrester Research, Kiosk Magazine, Summit Research Associates, and the Photo Marketing Association.

About WebRaiser

WebRaiser Technologies, Inc. makes self-service business simple. With its award-winning VendiSoft and VendiStore software products along with its cross-industry experience, WebRaiser removes the complexities of self-service with solutions that are innovative, reliable and easy to use. Founded in 1997, WebRaiser has helped more than 200 companies reduce costs and increase revenue. Customers include Amerigas, AT&T, Red Lobster, Sutter Health, Ghirardelli, Sketchers Shoes, and Lockheed Martin. More information about WebRaiser can be found at http://www.webraiser.com.

Sacramento, Calif. - June 19, 2005 - WebRaiser Technologies, Inc. today announced that a new self-service solution will be showcased in the Microsoft Pavilion at the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference in Los Angeles, June 20-23. WebRaiser has partnered with Olea and eCommLink to develop the new solution for Unisys, which plans to target hotels and the hospitality industry. At HITEC, WebRaiser will give live demos which highlight new features, and discuss growing potential in the industry.

The system integrates with hotel check-in systems to provide a convenient user experience, and uses eCommLink’s prepaid Visa platform to dispense stored value cards for patrons. The cards can be loaded with any amount of money via cash or credit, and used anywhere Visa is accepted.

“This is great for travel. When you arrive at the hotel, you can check in and create separate debit cards for everyone in your family, or use one for yourself so you can carry less cash. That makes it easier to track your spending,” said Gary De Blaquiere, co-founder and VP of Business Development at WebRaiser, which developed the core software platform. “We’re working to bring a new level of convenience to the hospitality industry.” The entire process, including check-in, takes about five minutes.

In addition to check-in and stored value card features, the system also provides a concierge feature to assist guests, links to tours and local information, and a filtered web browser which can be customized to display a hotel website. The internet-enabled kiosks can be managed remotely, and include industry-strength security and recovery functions for consistent, reliable performance. All of these functions can be bundled or served a la carte by hotel property.

Unisys selected WebRaiser to provide software for the self-service project, taking advantage of the company’s VendiSoft platform for rapid, secure development. The new kiosk software communicates with back-office financial systems at eCommLink, and integrates smoothly with built-in hardware peripherals, including a bill acceptor for cash transactions, and card dispensers which provide stored value Visa cards and hotel keys. “We needed to deliver a strong, reliable solution for Unisys which worked well with our partners,” said De Blaquiere. “VendiSoft made it simple to bring everything together.”

About WebRaiser

WebRaiser Technologies, Inc. makes self-service business simple. With its award-winning VendiSoft and VendiStore software products along with its cross-industry experience, WebRaiser removes the complexities of self-service with solutions that are innovative, reliable and easy to use. Founded in 1997, WebRaiser has helped more than 200 companies reduce costs and increase revenue. Customers include Amerigas, AT&T, Red Lobster, Sutter Health, Ghirardelli, Sketchers Shoes, and Lockheed Martin. More information about WebRaiser can be found at http://www.webraiser.com.

Things are picking up on the local venture capital scene. Just ahead: a likely deal for WebRaiser Technologies, a Rancho Cordova company that makes software to run self-service kiosks.

Founder and President Dave Gonsiorowski reports the firm has a term sheet - an offer of funding - from one VC. Recent successes have led to "some other bites, some other options," he says.

A deal of some sort could happen as early as this month, he says. Certainly by the end of the third quarter. Size of the deal: Between $2 million and $5 million.

The company was founded in 1997, ran into hard times during the tech crash but has been growing steadily in the past few years, thanks in part to some coaching from the "accelerator" program developed by El Dorado Hills VC Capital Valley Ventures. Revenue tripled last year. They'll do that again this year, Gonsiorowski says.

The company helps produce kiosks for just about any kind of use. One new application, for Amerigas, will allow people to walk up to a kiosk and use a touch screen to exchange an empty tank of propane for a new one. Payment is handled with a credit card. A safety video is shown. The whole process takes about three minutes.

It also is producing kiosks that allow people to apply for jobs at Sutter Health or pay their SMUD bills. Lots of other applications for the technology are being studied.

Given the nature of its business, the firm will never be a huge employer. But it has potential to be "one of the more significant companies" in the area, Gonsiorowski says. How significant? He projects sales in the $50 million to $100 million range.

Las Vegas, Nev. – April 18, 2005 – WebRaiser Technologies, Inc., the innovative leader in software for the self-service economy, announced a new and expanded product line at KioskCom.com 2005. With the release of new versions of its award-winning software, the Company has chosen VendiSoft as the new brand for self-service software development platform. WebRaiser also announced the VendiStore family of pre-built self-service applications for rapid deployment in target market segments such as hair salons, convenience stores, and universities.

Kioskcom.com is also the premiere of WebRaiser’s S3E-Commerce™ which is embedded software that instantly transforms e-commerce web sites into self-service environments. “S3E” is the Company’s acronym for “Simplified Self-Service Enterprise” which captures the vision of a fully-deployed self-service business.

“The self-service market is growing so fast that it needs software which can rapidly deliver high quality applications,” says Dave Gonsiorowski, WebRaiser’s founder and president. “With VendiSoft, VendiStore and S3E-Commerce, we have applied the lessons we learned in developing more than 200 self-service solutions to create software that makes self-service simple.”

VendiSoft, which had previously been marketed as TSS, is the Company’s core software development environment. The VendiSoft modules are:

VendiSoft Deployer OS is an advanced kiosk operating system that resides on each self-service device to provide security, reliability, and interoperability. With Deployer OS, business partners can easily integrate peripherals that make devices transaction-focused and customer-friendly.

VendiSoft Director Server is the industry-leading infrastructure for remote device management. Across even the largest self-service network, Director Server makes it easy to manage everyday updates and resolve mission critical issues.

VendiSoft Developer is a powerful rapid development platform for creation, aggregation, and presentation of self-service interfaces. Developers can adapt pre-packaged controls to speed up the development process and accelerate go-to-market.

“Our vision for self-service includes packaged modules which combine to create complete off-the-shelf solutions,” says Dave Gonsiorowski, WebRaiser’s founder and president. “We created the VendiStore series to make it easy for vertical industry partners to deploy a pre-built self-service solution that generates revenues right out of the box.”

VendiStore, WebRaiser’s new family of pre-built self-service applications, makes it easy for channel partners to generate revenues across a wide range of vertical markets. The initial VendiStore applications include:

• VendiStyle - Self-service hair style application for salons world wide
• VendiCard - Gift card & stored Value dispensing and reloading
• VendiBill - Nationwide bill payment with over 25,000 payees
• VendiAccess - Wi-Fi Internet access
• VendiPin - Prepaid long distance and cellular pin sales
• VendiAd - Interactive digital advertising system

All of the new software is available now and will be demonstrated in Las Vegas at Kioskcom.com in WebRaiser’s booth (#337) as well as in the booths of business partners: APW (#1024), Olea (#600), Ceroview (#824) and DFI (#910).

About WebRaiser

WebRaiser Technologies, Inc. makes self-service business simple. With its VendiSoft software and cross-industry experience, WebRaiser removes the complexities of self-service with solutions that are innovative, reliable and easy to use. Founded in 1997, WebRaiser has utilized its award winning software platform to help over 200 companies reduce costs and increase revenue. Customers include Amerigas, AT&T, Red Lobster, Sutter Health, Ghirardelli, Sketchers Shoes, and Lockheed Martin. More information about WebRaiser can be found at http://www.webraiser.com.

Sacramento, CA - April 14, 2005 – VendiStyle, an innovative new digital hair-styling system from WebRaiser Technologies and The HairStyler.com, shook up the hair-styling world when it is unveiled at the International Salon and Spa Expo at Long Beach, Calif. VendiStyle is a self-service kiosk and digital billboard that offers customers the chance to see themselves in over 2,000 different hairstyles and colors. The kiosk also is an entertainment and commerce center that is targeted at salon customers. With its simple touch screen interface, VendiStyle offers users the ability to connect to the internet, send and receive email, print discount coupons, and entertain themselves with interactive games.

“VendiStyle offers huge benefits to both salons and customers,” says Roy Caccamo, co-founder of The HairStyler.com and 25 year industry veteran. “Since customers are choosing their looks even while they wait, VendiStyle-equipped salons can better help customers match their hairstyle choices with lifestyle needs while getting through more cuts – all within the space of a magazine rack!”

“Digital hair imaging technology is not new, but VendiStyle’s self-service approach is a first-of-its-kind,” says Dave Gonsiorowski, President of WebRaiser Technologies, a company which specializes in self-service solutions. “Previous attempts at hair imaging required salon professionals to become experts in technology and was too expensive for many customer. By offering these services in a self-service format, it is now easy and affordable enough for anyone to use.”

VendiStyle is a revolutionary way for salons to better connect with their clients and promote their entire service offering, Caccamo added. “VendiStyle not only lets customers see what they look like in different styles, it provides valuable information about the time and products required to make the different hairstyles work. VendiStyle is a virtual sales manager that helps salons increase in-store product sales while achieving higher degrees of customer satisfaction.

In 2004, there were 32 million exchanges of empty cylinders for filled ones. Now, three companies are teaming up to make getting that propane more convenient.

The Dekko kiosk system combines an elaborate propane tank storage and dispensing system with a touchscreen kiosk that allows customers to drop off an empty tank and purchase a replacement, any time of the day, any day of the week.

“The machines have been placed at a variety of location types so that we can get a better volume-per-store data base,” said Dave Gonsiorowski, president of WebRaiser Technologies, Inc. “The best locations are the obvious DIY stores that have the greatest foot traffic, sell gas grills, and have been in the exchange business for years. The second level of sales volume comes from grocery stores or malls.”

“The main response we continue to elicit from first-time users is ‘Wow, this is really cool, what a great idea,’” said Dennis Blong, founder of Dekko, the company that invented the system. “We have had many customers thank us for providing this service. To me, this is going to guarantee the success of the program and qualify it as a kiosk that moves the whole field forward.”

And while the system is indeed beneficial to the customer, it is just as helpful to Amerigas, whose propane is being delivered through the Dekko/WebRaiser system. Since each transaction is logged at the kiosk, managers always know the exact quantity of full and empty containers at every location — and can view that information remotely.

“This just-in-time situation will allow us to manage what is the optimum time for the driver to be at the store,” added Dave Pataki, director of marketing for Amerigas.

“If 2 p.m. is the peak sales time for a particular day, then our driver should be there an hour before that, as opposed to arriving at 6 a.m. and then having to go back at 4 p.m. because they have run low.”

“We also can look at the real-time data and develop better routing of the delivery process for an area moving forward,” he added.

That routing and delivery is crucial to any business that ships a product to retail, with real profits on the line. In the case of the Dekko/WebRaiser system, the software automatically alerts Amerigas when a pre-set threshold is hit, initiating a new truck rollout with replacement inventory. “It is all real-time, so if demand were to increase on any given day, the machine alerts Amerigas so there wouldn't be a shortage of gas,” Gonsiorowski added.

Blong is particularly proud of this project, given how tough it was to pull off.

This is the seventh consecutive quarter that SARTA has released the Tech Index, which lists both the leading public and private technology companies headquartered in the nine-county greater Sacramento region, along with their aggregate economic, geographic and industry data. High technology and life science companies headquartered in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties are eligible for inclusion in the Index.

The Pay All Bills Here self-service terminal resembles an ATM, according to a news release, and allows individuals without a bank account to pay bills for utilities and cellular services, to name a few.

According to the release, the kiosk is designed to assist the 24.1 percent of U.S. households that do not maintain bank accounts (according to a study completed by Celent) in paying their bills more efficiently.

The bill-payment feature of the system is powered by the Web-based tool known as EmpaSys, an electronic bill-payment solution from Security Bank. According to the release, the platform enables a merchant to act as a payment agent, allowing walk-in customers to pay any or all of their bills at merchant locations.

The system is built on WebRaiser Technologies’ total self-service platform, which, according to Transaction Management CEO Larry Scudder, allows Transaction Management to reach out to its partners and "quickly add their services to the machines."

"It (Pay All Bills Here) is providing our merchants the functionality necessary to deliver more services so their customers can truly experience a one-stop shop," Scudder added in the release.

As well as providing bill payment services, the terminal shown in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, offered a number of other services, including the issuance of prepaid Visa cards, long distance and cellular PIN codes and wireless Internet access.

Scudder said he expects rollout of the terminals to begin in November and continue for the next 15 months. According to the release, TMLLC has already received orders and commitments for more than 8,000 of the terminals in the United States and Puerto Rico.

WebRaiser Technologies provided the ticketing kiosk for the event. WebRaiser conceptualized a multi-functional kiosk system that would meet a number of needs, according to a news release.

WebRaiser recommended the kiosk dispense a plastic card with the Charitabowl logo on it to serve as the ticket, instead of the traditional paper-based ticket.

"We recommended the plastic card for a number of reasons," said Alex Lowe, WebRaiser chief technologist. "One of the key objectives for the event-management team was to collect spectator data for future marketing of similar events."

The kiosk system stands about 6 feet tall. It’s a cross between a billboard sign and ticketing booth, according to the release. It has a large image of bowling pins being knocked down, a cartoon graphic of Vlade Divac, and the Charitabowl event logo.,/p>

Participants bowl to raise funds for the Group Seven Children’s Foundation, which offers support to children around the world who face isolation, poverty and displacement in war-torn areas and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento.

"EWI is pleased to be collaborating with WebRaiser Technologies, a longtime pioneer in self-service technology," said Patrick Hazel, chief executive officer of EWI Prepaid, in a news release.

"We anticipate a rapid return on this joint marketing agreement in the form of new opportunities for both companies, particularly in the fast-food arena."

Hazel said retailers are recognizing that self-service from kiosks and ATMs is the perfect way to sell prepaid services.

"WebRaiser believes strongly in partnering for success," said WebRaiser president, Dave Gonsiorowski. "The combined market leadership positions held by both companies will accelerate our sales and marketing penetration in our targeted verticals and result in significant success."

EWI’s PinXpress transaction platform provides real-time delivery of PIN codes in the prepaid environment. PinXpress processes an unlimited array of products and services for a diverse client base including retailers, distributors, merchant acquirers and re-sellers both in the United States and abroad, according to the release.

WebRaiser will debut the integrated technology at The Kiosk Show in Long Beach, Calif., Sept. 17-18. WebRaiser will begin shipping the solution under the name VendiAccess as a component of its VendiNet series of digital vending kiosks in September 2003.

With the Airpath/WebRaiser Wi-Fi-enabled kiosk solution, users can now walk up to a public access kiosk, insert cash and receive instant wireless Internet access for laptops and PDAs without signing up for accounts or providing credit information, according to a news release.

"This news will come as a relief to millions of travelers and business professionals who desire Wi-Fi access, but cringe at the thought of signing up for another monthly Internet service account to satisfy an occasional need," said WebRaiser President Dave Gonsiorowski.

Wi-Fi access points and self-service kiosks are two fast-growing technologies riding consumer demand for public Internet access. Tele Analytics predicted that the number of hot spots will reach 580,000 access points in North America by 2007, up from an estimated 90,000 by year-end 2003. Summit Research predicts kiosks will grow to 266,000 installed units in North America by 2005.

Said Airpath President Tim Barrett, "We recognize that many first-time users and users with only an occasional need may forego usage because of the account-activation process and requirements to provide credit card information. The ability to pay with cash will expand the Wi-Fi appeal and be a major factor in fueling the growth of hot spot usage."

Wi-Fi hot spots and kiosks are a logical marriage, the release said. Together, they provide access points for the equipped and non-equipped user through a shared broadband connection. Consumers with laptops and Internet-enabled PDAs can connect to the Internet wirelessly and those without a device can use the PC and monitor on the kiosk to gain access.

Wi-Fi access has traditionally relied on Web pages to sign customers up for accounts or to let them type in credit card information to gain access. Kiosks are traditionally equipped to handle multiple forms of payment including credit card, cash and coins in some parts of the world.

The Wi-Fi cash acceptance system is based on Airpath’s WiBOSS hot spot management system and WebRaiser’s Total Self-Service Enterprise platform.