History

Mzero is the result of the acquisition of KING Products and Solutions in 2009 by Meridian. With decades of software experience specializing in the self service space and thousands of machines running on the platform, we are bringing this experience to partners in our Mzero suite of products. Below is a history of on of the founding pioneers of this industry.

KING Products + Solutions is a Canadian icon,

with a history dating back to 1944. Since its inception, the company has maintained a fundamental business strategy of creating products with unsurpassed design excellence, innovative functionality and durability. KING has a history of applying innovative technologies to develop specialty products.
Originally, the focus was on the design and manufacturing of static signage and plastics. In 1964, KING designed the world’s first extruded aluminum sign system.

As technology advanced, KING led the market transition to dynamic digital signage. We welcome you to take a quick glance at our innovations and achievements for the past 27 years (1988 – 2015):

1988

KING releases “SmoothScroll”, a solid state electronic directory for large office buildings.

1994

KING pioneered the kiosk industry by engineering the MIKO kiosk based on Apple’s MAC computers.

1995

KING is awarded the MAC USER UK Award of excellence.

1997

KING patented several progressive kiosk designs.

1998

Awarded a contract from British Telecom to manufacture 1,000 multi-media web based “Multiphone” payphones.

Launched Computerized Directory System (CDS), which combines a self-contained computerized information system and user-friendly software with a touch screen interface.

1999

Research & Development (R&D) department created to ensure that KING maintains as the world leader in complete solutions for multimedia interactive touch screen technology.

KING is contracted by MTNL India and SingTel for pilot telephony kiosk projects.

2000

KING signed major contracts with prestigious telco companies including: Teléfonos de México (Telmex), Turk Telecom, Argentina Telecom, and Mauritius Telecom.

2001

Launched leading edge management software package – KINGNET™ – provides customers with the tools to operate and maintain a network of kiosks.

KING emerges as the market leader in multi-media public terminals for the telecommunications sector by signing contracts with Bell Canada and Czech Telecom.

ASP – Application Service Provider: KING provides KINGNET™ based on a monthly connection fee for companies managing network of kiosks.

KING licenses its technology to other suppliers of non-competitive interactive devices.

2002

KING continues its breakthrough in the telecom sector signing new contracts with Bell Canada, Telmex USA, and Czech Telecom.

2003

Announces new successes on the Telco market. The company has been selected to supply multimedia terminals by the 2 largest telecom operators in Thailand and, in Malta, by MaltaCom.

2004

Awarded the contract to supply informational kiosks for the new Terminal 1 at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. Products include the PLYNTH™ and LINK™ kiosks and a comprehensive software suite including KINGNET™ Management Server. Applications includes way-finding, flight information, VoIP telephony, and directories of local hotels and car rental companies.

2005

InComm, distributor of prepaid products and point-of-sale solutions, announced a new partnership with KING. The alliance enables InComm to provide retailers with self-service kiosks to offer prepaid wireless products and bill-payment services. KING custom-developed the kiosk hardware and software for InComm to address the need for a new flexible in-store purchase and payment solution for prepaid and bill payment products.

2006

PLYNTH™ G6 Series released, supports 2nd screens as standard feature along with a series of other peripherals.

Awarded the contract to supply payphone terminals for Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, the world’s second largest single building airport terminal. KING delivers 392 kiosks, each featuring an airport directory, VOIP pay telephony, and Internet access. The system includes a server suite managing all kiosks and transactions centrally.

2007

KING launches new kiosk lines: TAVALO™ LITE, PRESENZA™

KING launches my-KIOSKS. The first total kiosk solution which combines a turnkey kiosk with a web-based approach to kiosk application creation, customization, integration and management.

2008

KING is awarded contract to supply kiosks for the ChamsAccess project in Nigeria. This is a rollout of 3000 self-service banking kiosks.

KING launches PLYNTH™ Classic series of kiosks

2009

Meridian Kiosks LLC acquires KING to create one of the largest end to end suppliers of self service solutions in North America.

2010

Meridian launches mzero software solutions – The zero represents the focus on service with zero degrees of separation between Meridian and their clients. The zero also represented quality — Meridian’s focus on zero defects in kiosk enclosures and software products.

2011

SSTC – Meridian opens doors to the Self-Service Technology Center (SSTC) in Bentonville, Arkansas which is a state of the art facility with the lastest and greatest cutting edge technology from Meridian, HP, Microsoft, Intel, Storm, and Key Innovations.

2012

All Time High – Meridian reaches record high sales growth of over 30%

2014

Meridian undergoes expansion at its headquarters in Aberdeen, NC. The company opens the second Self-Service Technology Center (SSTC), a new 12,000 sq. ft. administration building and an additional 11,000 sq. ft. of assembly space.

Today

Mzero is a standalone brand encompassing decades of knowledge of software development for self service solutions. Available now to developers and a network of partners to enhance their capabilities and tools available to them for successful self service deployments. With iOS and Android management built into the platform Mzero offers scaleable management for a more diverse array of self service solutions.