du Showcases Near Field Communication Mobile Solutions for UAE Businesses During GITEX

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- At the just-concluded GITEX Technology Week in Dubai, du successfully showcased the Near Field Communication (NFC)-based Mobile Solutions for UAE businesses.

Enthusiastic businesses and customers who visited the du stand at GITEX Gulfcomms witnessed the potential and power of this amazing technology. This NFC-based mobile solution is supported by Technology supplier ViVOtech and their Trust Service Manager (TSM) partner TeleTech ME.

Near Field Communication is a next-generation wireless technology that allows transmission of small packets of data via radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders such as mobile phones for contact-less payment transactions.

NFC holds potential use in mobile phone devices whereby customers can conveniently use their mobile phones to make purchases instead of using cash and traditional plastic payment cards. This technology has a variety of applications including transportation, person-to-person payments, identity documentation and mobile commerce.

"It is in our DNA to be innovative and remain at the forefront of technology. This is yet another example of many innovations du brought to UAE. Last year, we introduced this as a concept to be used as an electronic wallet. This year, we are extending the NFC electronic wallet functionality to existing smart phones in a similar fashion, as was being showcased at GITEX this year. As more and more mobile device manufacturers include NFC functionalities directly into their devices, we can quickly make those future devices available in the UAE," said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial officer, du.

"We are delighted to have been associated with du in this GITEX demo," said Michael Mullagh, ViVOtech CEO. "We have  supported du's NFC mobile payment Pilot program and continue to pledge our support to du in their  initiatives towards NFC based mobile-commerce business services."

"I look at NFC, as a technology used in near future widely for various services by almost every industry possible including mobile assisted shopping and payments. This shall be a major step towards better consumer experience," said Niranj Sangal, CEO Teletech Middle East, ViVOtech's partner.

About du

du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du's nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 2008, over 3 million people in the UAE chose to become du customers.

Among du's many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind 'WoW' recharge card (which offers customers the choice between 'more credit', 'more time' and now the 'more international' recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.

For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world-class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.

du products and services for consumers and business are available through du's retail network, currently numbering 34 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, including the recently opened flagship store located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. In addition, customers can access du products and services at more than 3000 authorised dealers or through the du e-shop, accessible at http://www.du.ae/en/where-to-buy/eshop.html. du shops are a one-stop-shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of service bills.

du is 39.5 per cent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 per cent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 per cent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.

Awards to date

• du selected as a UAE Superbrand at the Superbrands awards gala 2010.
• du presented with an award for Best Middle Eastern Local Currency Deal 2008 by UK's EuroWeek
• du won two prestigious awards at UAE Web Awards 2008. du e-shop portal won the best strategic online portal award in the e-commerce category and du media club website won the bronze award in the media and press category.
• du corporate brand launch campaign awarded a Cristal MENA award in 2008.
• du declared 'Best Brand' at Telecoms World Awards Middle East 2007 for innovative branding and outstanding brand success.
• Second place in the New Brand Launch category at the GMR Effectiveness in Marketing Awards 2007.
• Silver Award for the best website in the ICT category at the UAE Web Awards 2007.
• du WoW TV Commercial awarded amongst the best 50 TV commercials in mobile telecom category in the world for 2007.

About Teletech Middle East

Teletech ME is a technology-centric company and is committed to providing the latest in the area of electronic vouchers and other telecom services.  Our product portfolio includes a range of prepaid payment solutions which includes Electronic Voucher distribution, NFC, value added services like MPOS, ECR Integration, Bill Payments etc.

About ViVOtech

ViVOtech is the leading end-to-end enabler of next generation mobile payments, loyalty, and marketing solutions. ViVOtech provides Near Field Communication (NFC) mobile payment solutions, mobile marketing and loyalty applications software, Over-The-Air (OTA) provisioning infrastructure software, NFC smart posters, and contactless terminals. ViVOtech's products are used by most prominent retailers all over the globe; the company has shipped close to 600,000 contactless and NFC payment terminals to more than 35 countries.

SOURCE ViVOtech