Jolts & Juice launches cyber link
Tuesday, June 3, 2003 10:00 PM PDT
Java kings adds wireless digital link to already popular cafe
Mardi Ford
Argus Observer
Ontario
Something new has come to stay at Ontario's popular Jolts & Juice Co.
The "global empire" (as they refer to their venture) of Todd Heinz and Dennis Hart is at it again when it comes to trying innovative schemes.
"They always have new ideas," employee Lisa Wood said.
The friends and co-owners put Internet access into place for their customers a couple of weeks ago.
It is an idea they have been working on for a year, Hart said.
This isn't just any cyber cafe, however. Heinz and Hart opted for the 80211B, a state of the art wireless digital interface card.
"We really need to give credit to A and E Consulting," Hart said.
Heinz and Hart went to the computer consulting company to work out the logistics and security concerns in order to put their cyber cafe into place.
Now you can have a cup of coffee while you download your e-mail -- really fast.
"It's a real convenience," Hart said.
Customers appreciate the speed they may not have access to at home or at work, he said.
One happy customer, a newly relocated physician staying in an area motel, had been unable to access his e-mail for three weeks until he discovered digital access at Jolts & Juice, Heinz said.
"He was excited," Hart said. "It's a nice convenience."
Customers must bring in their own laptops with at least Windows 2000 installed.
"We talked about providing laptops, but then you get into a whole other area of concern," Hart said. For now, they are staying with providing access only.
Customers may request the interface card at the counter and exchange a driver's license and credit card for the card. Then, they are free to take that morning cup of coffee, sit wherever they want, insert the interface card into an open port on their laptop and they're on the Net. Customers can download music, pictures, e-mail and more onto their own computer.
When it comes to monitoring pornography or other inappropriate Internet activity, customers requesting wireless digital access must also sign a waiver stating they are at least 18 years of age and willingly assume responsibility for the access.
"It's a pretty small place. Everybody can see what's going on," Hart said.
"If we found out (a customer) was doing something that we deemed offensive," Heinz said, "we'd take the card away. That won't be tolerated here."
"We're doing this as a service to the community," Hart said. "We see the possibilities for students doing research and having a fast, open connection (to the Internet)."
Currently, Jolts & Juice cyber customers have been mostly in their 40's -- business men and women getting the edge on their day while they have that first 'jolt' of caffeine. Response has been good and they are already talking about adding more cards.
Right now, they can serve up to 12 people with the interface cards.
