NTT Data tests wireless IM technology in baseball stadium - The pulse 2: the best of J@pan Inc's newsletters: gadget watch, wireless watch and music media watch - Brief Article

Japan, Inc., Dec, 2002

EXTRACT: NTT Data Corp. conducted a test of its wireless instant messaging (IM) technology using mobile phones among spectators at a baseball stadium. The experiment was held during the professional game between the Yokohama BayStars and the Yakult Swallows at Yokohama Stadium on Oct. 12. The participants were required to bring either NTT DoCoMo's 503i/504i mobile phone series or KDDI/au's "ezplus"-compatible handsets. Before entering the stadium or during the game, they were required to download, from the Yokohama BayStars' official Web site, the dedicated client software.

More Info: neasia.nikkeibp.com/wcs/leaf?CID=onair/asabt/news/ 211424

*** COMMENTARY: Participants could access real-time information from the dugouts, and, after predicting which player would make the first hit of the game, win prizes (including BayStars-brand products autographed by the team's players). NTT Data's Air Messenger Java client should be available as part of fully-fledged push services at stadiums, concerts, and other large-crowd venues later in 2003. Keep an eye on this one--it's a sure-fire money maker, not the least for DoCoMo (who gets the packet revenues).