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Web Café

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PCQ Bureau
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Tracking customer Internet usage in a cyber café is a difficult task, as it can lead to loss of money if not done properly. Web Café is a software that can

manage this. 

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Configuring Web Café is a little time consuming as you have to install the software on clients and the server, create user categories for the cyber café members, define machines to be used for browsing, etc. One good feature that aids set up is the auto search that automatically tracks all clients from the server. There’s also a billing system that not only bills Internet usage, but also other services (such as printing and photocopying) possibly offered by the cyber café. 

Web Cafe works in two modes, members and walk-in users

The software works in two modes: members and walk-in users. The latter can enter their expected client usage time and start accessing the Internet. During usage, a small pop-up window shows details like expense and total time spent. A warning screen appears when the browsing time is almost over, at which point the user can increase it; else he’ll be automatically logged off by the system. The automatic log off can be annoying for the user if he’s in the middle of something important. The system administrator can also manually lock clients if need be. The other usage mode tracks the credit limits of members or pre-paid customers, and logs them off if they surpass it. Unfortunately, the client security system is not very secure as it can easily be bypassed by a determined person. We could do it in just six

secs. 

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Snapshot

Price: Rs 700 per client 



Meant for:
Cyber cafes Key specs Automated client logoff, content filtering, report generation



Pros:
Flexible and easy to use billing system



Cons:
Initial set up takes long, security system not foolproof 



Contact:
Rhombus technologies, Mumbai.Tel: 022- 8501416.



E-mail:
contact@rhombustechnologies.com 

Web Café can also do some basic keyword-based content filtering. The keywords are defined at the server and passed onto the clients. This, however, is only limited to the words contained in title bars of the Web pages being viewed. The good thing is that filtering is done locally by each client, instead of going through a server. 

The software’s other features lincude extensive logging of daily transcation details, expenses and customer details and generating descriptive reports. Another interesting feature is an internal messaging system that lets allows the clients to chat with each other and the administrator. On the flip side, the server can also send html files as ads to clients. The clients can, thankfully, disable this. 

The Bottom Line: The software can be a sound investment for large Internet cafes, but the price of Rs 700 per client can be a deterrent for the smaller ones (<6 clients).

Ankit Khare

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