NFC rocks at the O2 Wireless Festival, 2008, London
14.07.2008
This year’s O2 Wireless Festival was the first in the UK to use NFC technology. Fortress GB took part in this trial in conjunction with Innovision Research and Technology, The O2 and the Mobile Interactive Group.
As tens of thousands festival-goers gathered in Hyde Park over the 4 days music festival, earlier this month, thousands of happy few were about to engage with NFC trial. Around 2,000 NFC enabled wristbands (featuring a Topaz NFC tag) were handed out as part of some “random acts of kindness” promotion, and 100 O2 customers were able to use their handset to trial NFC applications, providing them with the opportunity to engage with mobile services and benefit from a host of privileges during the event.
By scanning their wristband or their mobile phone against one of Fortress GB’s handheld PDAs dispatched in the venue, these VIP fans were granted exclusive benefits, such as access to the O2 Bus for unrivalled views of the main stage. Other privileges for these happy fews included getting a free cocktail and gaining access to exclusive VIP toilets and cloakroom, again, simply by scanning their wristband / mobile phone using a handheld PDA or an NFC enabled kiosk.
The O2 Wireless Music Festival proved a perfect ground to showcase the versatility and the robustness of these upcoming technology & devices. This context enabled to demonstrate a variety of interactive applications NFC technology can serve - including access, e-purse and interactions - delivering great experiences to the fans, operating 8 hours a day under very rough weather conditions. This trial could lead the way to further NFC applications in future festivals: not only could the technology become integral to mobile ticketing but it could also potentially mark the end of cash at festivals. Festival-goers could buy tickets, gain access to a venue and pay for purchases on the ground, simply by swiping their handsets against a reader.
At Fortress GB, we strive to continually contribute to innovation in this contactless industry. Our Smart Venue modules - including Access, Ticketing, E-Money, Loyalty - are currently being trialed through NFC mobile phones at Manchester City FC. As this recently launched “Orange Wave” develops, we are convinced we can extend further NFC applications across the event industry.
About Fortress GB
Based in the UK, Fortress GB is a leading provider of turnkey, multi-application smartcard solutions and services, aimed at Sports & Entertainment venues worldwide. By combining its consulting expertise, innovative technology and certified partners offerings, Fortress GB offers Sports & Entertainment venues with, customized reliable solutions that can be expanded over time to include additional functionalities such as parking, electronic purse, retail and loyalty schemes.
Fortress GB’s Smart Stadium Solution is a flexible system designed to suit sports and football clubs requirements, and seamlessly integrated into their existing infrastructure. The solution is focused upon increasing stadium security and providing a unique experience for fans whilst maximizing Club revenues. It is the only stadium scheme that has ever won the prestigious Sesame Best Software Award.
For more information about our solutions, please contact:
Richard Pinnick - Global Business Development
richard@fortressgb.com
T: +44 (0)20 7874 1492
M: +44 (0)7967 480361