NEC Computers, a subsidiary of NEC Corporation, recently hosted Middle East customers at its world-class showcase at the O2 in London, Europe’s most exciting new entertainment destination. As its technology partner, the VIP visits to The O2, highlighted its unique capabilities as a single-point supplier of technologies, integration, expertise and project management.
After the first successful visit with French customers in March 2009, NEC hosted three further international sessions on 28 April, 13 and 14 May for more than 40 customers across EMEA. Six customers from Egypt and one from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were among the attendees.
During these VIP meetings, NEC also shared its strategy on Value Solutions, such as Unified Communications, Virtualisation, Continuity of Service and SAAS, together with a tour of NEC’s solutions showcased throughout the venue. The event also highlighted the importance of data centres and managing energy consumption.
Ahmad Annan, IT manager at National Petrochemical Industrial Co (NATPET) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the guests at the attendees said, ”The visit to O2 in London was a great experience. The venue was very impressive and showcased NEC’s unique capabilities as a single supplier of technology, integration, expertise and project management. I saw the extraordinary Music Stair infrastructure and the big NEC projector."
Most of all, said Annan, he was impressed by the IT infrastructure and equipment such as the servers and computers. "In Middle East, NEC is known for its multimedia or LCD screens, but at O2 I had the opportunity to see NEC as a manufacture and developer of servers and solutions. After this experience (of visiting O2), we ordered two Fault Tolerant servers and are very happy with it. In future, we plan to order more FT servers for our crucial applications infrastructure,” he added.
George Wahib, IT Manager at YKK Egypt agreed. He added, “The visit to O2 was well organized and gave me the chance to familiarise with NEC technology that I was not aware of. It was interesting to watch the NEC Robot for children emotions, its PEN technology to save character recognition data, and the VPCC Notebook. Overall, this visit to O2 in London has superseded all my expectations. We look forward to future opportunities and mutual successful business with NEC Computers.”
Following the visit, YKK Egypt began working with NEC Computers, purchasing its blades enclosure, blade servers and SAN storage. The company will shortly be taking delivery of 11 NEC Versa Notebooks. YKK Egypt is currently studying the feasibility of going virtual with NEC’s Flex Power Box.
Sokol Haxhiu, ICTD Cluster Manager at UNDP Albania said, “This event went beyond my expectations since it was very well organized and gave me an insight into NEC, its products and solutions by being able to see them successfully demonstrated first-hand in the O2 arena."
NEC Demonstration Suite
NEC’s custom Demonstration Suite inside O2 showcased ‘The NEC Experience’. Starting with the biometric reader at the door, visitors are greeted with interactive demonstrations of NEC’s cutting-edge solutions. Engaging, hands-on presentations highlight practical applications in an entertaining and accessible format. NEC solutions, encompassing everything from RFID and CCTV for access control and monitoring, Femto cells, digital cinema, interactive displays and our next-generation network technologies are introduced and made real in the suite.
O2 Infrastructure
The O2 Venue is an excellent example of the NEC’s expertise. As a Founding Partner and official technology solution provider, NEC has delivered technology solutions throughout The O2 in London, the world class state-of-the art entertainment district. From IT and communication to digital cinema, NEC has delivered cutting edge solutions that support the diverse needs and seamless operation of this multi-purpose venue.
The facilities at O2 include an ‘Entertainment District’ that contains a 23,000 seat arena, a 2,000 capacity live entertainment venue, eleven cinemas – three of which are digital, an ice rink, plus bars and restaurants, there’s a Safe Child Protection service, easy access for disabled visitors as well as a sophisticated NEC ‘venue management’ infrastructure to ensure the smooth running of this venue at all times, from telephony, time and attendance systems, wireless functionality, infrastructure, through to networks, digital cinema, and a plethora of venue management solutions.
The O2 partnership drives NEC beyond the standard brand profile-raising exercise. It is NEC technology that works behind the scenes to create a magical experience for hundreds of thousands of people. Annick Reyngoudt, the Senior Marketing Manager at NEC Computers, EMEA, said, “We hope to continue to host both customers and partners from around the region to O2 to share our technological advances and solutions and its direct benefits to everyday business.”
About NEC Display Solutions Europe GmbH
NEC Display Solutions Europe GmbH has its European headquarters in Munich, Germany and is responsible for all business activities in EMEA, divided into the four sales regions Northern Europe, Western and Southern Europe, Central Europe, Eastern and South-East Europe with Middle East/Africa. NEC Display Solutions benefits from the technological know-how and technologies of the NEC Corporation and, with its own Research and Development, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers offering the widest product range of display solutions in the market.
The display product portfolio ranges from entry-level to professional and speciality desktop LCDs, via large-size Public Displays for Digital and Retail Signage. The Projector range offers products for all needs, from portable devices via business projectors to products for permanent operation (such as PoS applications) and digital cinema projectors. Managing Director of the European head office is Bernd Eberhardt.
Further information can be found on-line at: www.nec-display-solutions.com
NEC Corporation is one of the world’s leading providers of internet, broadband network and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of its diverse and global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key fields of computer, networking and electron devices, by integrating its technical strengths in IT and Networking, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through the NEC Electronics Corporation. The NEC Group employs more than 150,000 people worldwide.
Further information can be found on the internet at the NEC website: http://www.nec.com
