French
Connection breaks free
Posted: i July 2003
Popular Dubai coffee shop and patisserie moves into wireless
age as patrons logon from the comfort of a seat anywhere in the
restaurant
The French Connection, a landmark coffee shop and restaurant at
the foot of the towers of Sheikh Zayed Road has changed the meaning
of the “working lunch” — or “browsing
the selection” when dining.
French Connection contracted Venture Technologies Middle East (VTME)
to design and implement a completely wireless network that uses
access points from Cisco Systems, along with ThinkPad notebooks
from IBM using Intel Centrino mobile technology, giving patrons
complete freedom to work or browse the Web, taking the concept of
“Cyber Café” to a new, more convenient level.
Patrons can now just walk in, switch on their wireless-enabled
notebook, log in and connect to the Internet.
Liberte — the freedom to move
The main benefit of the new system for patrons is that they can
access the ’Net from wherever they choose to sit. “We
regularly have our customers come in, and want a connection. They
are often students and businesspeople, so to be able to connect
while they dine is important to them,” explained Farida Bahar,
Manager of French Connection.
“We don’t want our customers to be forced to stay in
one place, using a wired desktop PC like in an Internet Café.
It’s more comfortable and convenient for them to choose where
they would like to be.”
The IEEE 802.11b wireless network, based on Cisco Aironet 1100
Series wireless access devices, covers the entire restaurant, both
upstairs and downstairs.
“Often people having meetings here, so being able to access
the Internet is very useful for them,” added Bahar.
Egalite — the equality of choice
Customers can use one of the French Connection’s state-of-the-art
IBM ThinkPad notebooks, powered by Intel’s Centrino Mobile
technology.
Alternatively, they can use their own laptops if they have built
in wireless network cards, or borrow wireless network cards from
the restaurant.
This gives Dubai residents the same cutting edge technology that
is just being rolled out in Europe and the US.
“The IBM ThinkPads are excellent for this type of environment.
They’re rugged and reliable, and work without fuss. Our job
at the restaurant is to make our patrons feel at home, and give
them good food, not worry about technology,” said Bahar.
“Intel Centrino Mobile technology gives users wireless connectivity
and performance, as well as a thin, attractive and lightweight notebook,
allowing them to experience the new ‘wireless lifestyle’”,
said Toni Prince, Business Development Manager of Telcos and ISPs
at Intel Middle East and Africa.
“What is great is the enthusiasm we are receiving from business
around the Middle East, like French Connection, who are opening
their arms and implementing wireless hotspots allowing their customers
a greater freedom in work and in leisure.”
Fraternite — socialising and connecting is what it’s
about
VTME has designed this wireless system with the end-user in mind.
The system is straightforward: patrons with the right hardware simply
enter the password and they are connected —
sharing information colleagues over a working lunch, or chatting
to friends in other parts of the world.
“Our system design ensures two things; security and ease-of-use.
We have combined the encryption and security technology built into
the Cisco Aironet wireless systems with the Single Digits Business
Class HotSpot software, allowing us to give the French Connection
the assurance that the network is safe, while allowing customers
access in a way that is really simple for them,” explained
Xavier Moreau, sales manager at Venture Technologies Middle East,
the designer and implementer of the system.
This is the first such system implemented locally, but French Connection
is confident that it will bring in more customers, and give them
more reasons to stay longer. “We’re going to see how
it goes, and then roll it out at our other two branches as quickly
as possible if it is successful,” commented Bahar.
“Wireless hotspots are going to start appearing in more and
more places, from hotels and airports to restaurants and colleges,”
said Sameh Farid, Manager of IBM PC Division - Middle East, Egypt
and Pakistan.
“Being able to connect effortlessly when on the move is very
convenient and is great for improving your personal productivity.
We design our ThinkPads to be reliable and great to work on when
on the road, but we are also putting in security and wireless features
as a standard to make sure our users can operate in the new, ‘connected
anywhere’ world.”
About VTME
Venture Technologies Middle East is a provider of e-business infrastructure
and application services to companies interested in leveraging information
technology for competitive advantage. Utilizing a complimentary
network of partners and suppliers, innovative methods, industry
specialists and best-of breed-products, VTME creates, plans and
deploys mission-critical solutions. For more information on VTME,
visit www.vtme.com.
About IBM
IBM is the world’s largest information technology company,
with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM
offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that
enable telecommunications service providers and equipment suppliers
to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. For more information
on IBM, visit www.ibm.com.
About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems® (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking
for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at http://www.cisco.com/me.
About Intel
Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer
of computer, networking and communications products. Additional
information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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