Softland International, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a subsidiary of the Allegro Media Group, based in Portland, Oregon. Most recently, Softland has developed a cell phone charging kiosk designed for the mobile phone service market with music downloading capabilities and digital media OOH advertising opportunities.
The kiosks capitalize on a consumer’s need to re-charge their cellular phones conveniently, while on the move. Accessibly located in college bookstores, the kiosks serve as a much needed emergency “charging station.” While consumers wait the approximate 15 minutes for their devices to charge, the built-in LCD screen can deliver the captive audience news, weather, sports info and promotions or advertisements.
The digital signage application allows remote management of content on an LCD screen(s) from anywhere in the world. It provides businesses a new way to channel and display dynamic multimedia messages to consumers by the use of a simple LCD screen. With the capability to divide the LCD screen into multiple sections and time slots, companies can provide customers an alternative source of information and an advertising medium for local, regional and national businesses. A 19-inch touch screen is displayed on the top portion of the kiosk where the consumers can browse over 12 million song titles and purchase music on the spot. In addition a 32-inch LCD screen below the charging section allows advertisers to reach a captive audience. All consumers who pass a kiosk will be exposed to the promotions displayed on the LCD screen. 
Softland International has developed a strategic alliance with the National Association of College Stores (NACS), which has relationships with over 1,000 college bookstores in North America. Through this alliance, NACS presents the kiosk program to their member stores and interested stores are then evaluated based on feedback from our advertising partners. In addition, Softland is currently negotiating an agreement with one of the largest bookstore operators in the United States for placement in the largest of their over 300 locations, consisting of 4 year universities and community colleges.
How Impressions are Measured?
Impressions are measured by student population and foot traffic through the bookstores. For example, the kiosk location in one university has 29,000 students of which 19,000 students pass the location daily, resulting in multiple impressions over the course of a day and many more over the course of a week or month. Moreover, over 600 students charged their devices at this kiosk in the month of May. The type of device charged is also able to be identified in a monthly report (i.e. iPhone or Android).
Other Highlights
- The charging kiosk will charge up to 12 devices at once in a 15 minute time frame
- The kiosk stands 73 inches high and is 30 inches wide. The units weight is approximately 200 lbs.
- It is made of high quality steel and has a lockable cabinet
- Our unit comes with a 19-inch HD LCD touch screen on top and a 32-inch HD LCD screen on the bottom
- There is a basic flash drive media player included for the top and bottom screens to display media content
