Capgemini launches @Anyplace Access, introducing a new profitable business model in today’s fragmented Wi-Fi market
Capgemini and partners demonstrate integrated Wi-Fi solution at Wireless Enterprise World and Mobile Content World in London, Sept 21-23
London, 21 September 2004 – Capgemini, one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, has introduced a new business model for the Wi-Fi market. Enterprises that are building integrated Wi-Fi service platforms can reap the benefits of cost-saving enterprise mobility solutions and branded revenue-generating public Wi-Fi services, significantly enhancing their profitability.
@Anyplace Access is a fully secure, end-to-end, integrated Wi-Fi platform solution based upon open standards technology from Cisco and Intel, combined with a portfolio of innovative value-added solutions from four European partners—Appear Networks, Aptilo Networks, Birdstep and The Cloud.
 With @Anyplace Access, enterprises can use a single Wi-Fi infrastructure to deploy services for their guests and their employees. For example, a train operating company can offer public WLAN access inside its stations, to generate new revenues and enhance the quality of its service. Using the same WLAN infrastructure, the company can deliver wireless applications to its frontline personnel, turning the network into a productivity tool. With this concept both guests and employees can remain confident that network connectivity can be maintained as they leave the WLAN zone into zones covered by cellular networks.
 Pieter Zylstra, Head of Capgemini’s global Wi-Fi initiatives, stated “In the coming years the Wi-Fi market will be dominated by services, and access will become nothing more than a commodity. Profitable Wi-Fi operations will require technologies that companies like Appear Networks, Aptilo, Birdstep and The Cloud are offering. In order to sustain our position as a global mobility leader, we clearly view the construction of such an ecosystem as a key component of mobility transformation programs for our customers.”
The @Anyplace Access demonstration will take place at Wireless Enterprise World and Mobile Content World (London, Sept 21-23) on the Capgemini booth – E21.
To speak to the @Anyplace Access team or see the demo during Mobile Content World/Wireless Enterprise World, please contact Penny Stephens (Capgemini), on +44 07801 765 201
About the Capgemini Group: www.capgemini.com
 Capgemini, one of the world’s foremost providers of Consulting, Technology and Outsourcing services, has a unique way of working with its clients, which it calls the Collaborative Business Experience. Through commitment to mutual success and the achievement of tangible value, the company helps businesses implement growth strategies, leverage technology, and thrive through the power of collaboration. Capgemini employs approximately 55,000 people worldwide and reported 2003 global revenues of 5.7 billion euros.
For over 30 years Telecom, Media & Entertainment (TME), a global sector organization of Capgemini, has been helping the telecommunications and media & entertainment industries achieve strategic goals and world-class results. By combining technical expertise and thought leadership with a passion for innovation, TME delivers true value to clients worldwide.
For more information visit http://www.capgemini.com/tme
About Appear Networks: www.appearnetworks.com
Appear Networks is a software provider headquartered in Stockholm and Paris, part of the Remote Reward Group. The company has developed a software platform called APS (Appear Server) that enables the deployment of location-based applications on wireless networks. One of the key features of the Appear Server is its leading-edge context-aware engine, which enables services and applications to be presented automatically to users, depending on their location, but also other criteria such as time, user profile and type of device. This capability turns a standard WLAN hotspot into an intelligent workspace called the Workspot. Here a visitor or an employee can access location and time-sensitive information onto his mobile device. In contrast with a standard Wi-Fi Hotspot, where only simple Internet browsing and emailing can be performed, a Workspot can deliver a much wider range of applications related to local business processes and customer needs, such as maintenance, safety or customer information. Appear Networks is working with leading IT companies such as Capgemini, Cisco, Intel and Fujitsu-Siemens Computers. Its current customers are large corporations such as RATP (French Subway), SNCF (French Railway), SL (Stockholm Public Transportation Authority), CGEA-Connex (Veolia Environment group), FMV (Swedish Defense), Sagem Defense & Security and Telecom Operators such as France Telecom.
About the @Anyplace Access Consortium:
@Anyplace Access is a fully secure end-to-end integrated Wi-Fi platform solution, developed by Capgemini, based upon open standards technology from Cisco and Intel, combined with a portfolio of innovative value-added solutions from four European partners:
- Appear Networks delivers an Application Provisioning Platform for WLAN networks that provides both immediate access to and the "push" delivery of data, services and applications based upon context-defined parameters such as the precise location or personal profile of a user on a Wi-Fi network. Information on Appear Networks can be found at http://www.appearnetworks.com
- Aptilo Networks provides an integrated WLAN Service Management Platform for both enterprises and public services that keeps track of the users and takes care of secure authentication, access handling, payment solutions, billing, statistics and monitoring. Information on Aptilo Networks can be found at http://www.aptilo.com
- Birdstep delivers a Mobile IP Client that interoperates with Cisco equipment and Cisco VPN solutions to allow secure continuous connectivity between WLAN Zones and GSM/GPRS/UMTS/CDMA [1xRTT/1xEVDO] networks. This market leading client allows users to seamlessly connect and re-connect across different types of infrastructures without application downtime, security degradation or user intervention. Information on Birdstep can be found at http://www.birdstep.com
- The Cloud offers a fully hosted public access WLAN platform solution that allows site-owners to quickly launch a branded wireless broadband service to their customers. The Cloud’s solution supports multiple service providers, so users can simultaneously connect via their preferred service provider or via a hosted pay-as-you-go connection. Information on The Cloud can be found at http://www.thecloud.net
Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, this year celebrates 20 years of commitment to technology innovation, industry leadership, and corporate social responsibility. Information on Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com
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 http://www.intel.com/pressroom
Press Contacts
Capgemini: Penny Stephens, +44 (0) 7801 765 201
Appear Networks: Mia Falgard +46 8 545 91 370
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