Kaon Interactive, Inc., creators of interactive sales and marketing solutions that bring products to life, today announced that DHS Systems, providers of total shelter system solutions, is employing its 3D interactive technology to illustrate its expansive line of shelter products and accessories – and their numerous configuration options – virtually at tradeshows.
DHS Systems’ high-tech, soft-walled shelters known as DRASH (Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter) are mobile, quick-erect systems that integrate shelter with accessories such as lighting, heating/cooling, power distribution, etc. They are currently being used by all branches of the U.S. Military (extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan) and other militaries around the globe, in addition to medical, government and civilian entities. DRASH features six different series of shelters with 45 models of multiple widths and lengths. Given that all shelters and accessories can be integrated, there are countless configurations. This, coupled with the fact that a 20’x20’ tradeshow floor space is too limiting to physically demonstrate even a single configuration, left DHS Systems with no way to show all of their offerings – until the adoption of virtual products and solutions from Kaon Interactive.
Attending more than 40 tradeshows annually, it was imperative that DHS Systems find a way to show customers actual DRASH applications and how they could solve their real-world problems. Kaon’s 3D interactive technology allows DHS Systems to present all products and configurations virtually, with extraordinary realism and accuracy, while also delivering an engaging and informative customer experience. DHS Systems found the technology to be so dynamic and educational, that it became the foundation for their entire tradeshow marketing campaign.
DHS Systems deployed the Kaon v-OSK® – a large-format, high-definition display appliance with an optical touch screen, built-in computer and high-performance graphics – this past October at the AUSA Expo in Washington, D.C. Code-named VICKi (Virtual Interactive Command Post Kiosk), the appliance lets customers access all shelter solutions and configurations, resulting in a far deeper understanding of the systems overall.
“We were in need of a way to show our potential customers the numerous ways our shelters and accessory products could be configured and integrated,” said Brian Gallagher, Manager of Advertising and Promotions at DHS Systems. “Given the constant logistical and space issues, whether at a tradeshow or a sales presentation, it was fundamentally impossible to precisely and comprehensively demonstrate all of our offerings and their configuration options prior to our use of Kaon’s technology.”
He continued, “The technology allows us to present new perspectives, such as aerial and 360 degree views, and it not only offers our customers an experience that is informative and educational, it’s very engaging and dynamic as well. This gives us an extraordinary competitive edge.”
Once the Kaon virtual product models are created, they can be repurposed across multiple venues including websites, 3D PDFs, sales laptops, and remotely at tradeshows, sales presentations, etc., on the Kaon v-OSK. DHS Systems will next leverage the models on sales associates’ laptops.
“Because of the unique nature and purpose of these types of products, accurately demonstrating how they function and integrate is critical,” said Gavin Finn, president and chief executive officer of Kaon Interactive. “Kaon solutions provide a unique way to combine important product information and visual demonstrations with unprecedented realism, enabling companies to convey complex and sophisticated product stories accurately and in a highly compelling, interactive format. We are gratified that our solutions are being used to help companies such as DHS Systems, whose products play such an increasingly important role.”
About DHS Systems
DHS Systems (www.DRASH.com) is the manufacturer of the Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter, or DRASH, which has been used extensively by military and civilian entities as tactical operations centers, medical facilities, aircraft maintenance facilities and forward operating bases. At present, there are more than 12,000 shelters and 3, 500 powered trailers in service around the globe, including in combat areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
About Kaon Interactive
Kaon Interactive, Inc. creates visually compelling, interactive sales and marketing solutions that bring products to life. Kaon’s 3D realism enables product manufacturers, distributors and retailers to deliver a rich, engaging customer experience by combining compelling product interactivity with relevant product information and messaging, resulting in an experience that is closest to an ‘in-store’ encounter, increasing the likelihood to purchase.
Founded in 1996, Kaon is dedicated to helping companies improve their marketing and sales effectiveness by clearly differentiating and communicating product offerings, shortening the buying cycle, reducing marketing and printing costs, and enhancing the knowledge of customers, sales teams and channels. Kaon has deployed more than 1,000 interactive applications to a wide variety of fortune 500 industry customers including Dell, ViewSonic, Sony, Ricoh, Cisco, Panasonic Systems, Juniper Networks, and Sun Microsystems, among others.
Kaon is privately held, with corporate headquarters in Maynard, Massachusetts and has a West Coast sales and service office in San Diego, California and a Central sales and service office in Austin, Texas