'The French Connection' moves into wireless age

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."