Interesting stuff. The same plans have been rumoured here in the UK but
nothing seems to have happened as yet.
Looking at the setup of Starbucks in the UK, they would have to sacrifice
much of their bums-on-seat space to accomodate all laptop users and i
believe they may only allocate small areas of their trading space for this
service. In addition, i wonder how much of the service they provide will
include having to look at their promotional pages, banners etc..
Here in the UK, i believe it will be some time before they implement this
strategy but i could be very wrong. Even so, I won't be worried until they
start to offer a gaming environment.
Definately worth keeping tabs on.
DaveS
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ray Ford [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: 03 January 2001 18:35
> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject: [cc] Starbucks Goes Broadband
>
> Greetings all:
>
> In the six & a half years I've been contributing to this list, there
> have been many discussions about Stabucks & if or how they factor into
> the cybercafe scenerio. Well, after reading the attached press release
> today, I would say they're about to become a major factor.
>
> Stay well, Ray Ford.
> ------
> SEATTLE and REDMOND, Wash.;Jan. 3, 2001 -
> Starbucks and Microsoft Blend Coffee Retailer's Expertise With
> Technology Leader's Software and Services to Deliver Wireless Cof
> MobileStar to Provide High-Speed Wireless Internet Access and
> Infrastructure
>
> Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq: SBUX) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:
> MSFT) today announced a strategic relationship to create a high-speed,
> connected environment in Starbucks locations across North America using
> MobileStar Network Corp.'s wireless broadband network. Customers will be
> able to access broadband content and services using their own wirelessly
> enabled laptops, smart phones, Pocket PCs and other handheld devices -
> all while enjoying a cup of Starbucks coffee.
>
> The relationship combines Starbucks expertise in creating an inviting
> and relaxing coffeehouse experience with Microsoft's state-of-the-art
> technologies and MSN� content and services. MobileStar, a leading
> wireless broadband Internet service provider, will deploy the network
> infrastructure beginning in late spring, delivering an enhanced consumer
> experience for Starbucks customers. The planned technologies represent
> an early step in Microsoft's delivery on the .NET vision of software
> that empowers users any time, any place and on any device and Starbucks'
> desire to address the changing lifestyles of its customers.
>
> "Starbucks' customers will enjoy an even better in-store experience,
> thanks to our combining Microsoft software and technology with
> Starbucks' focus on serving its customers' needs," said Steve Ballmer,
> president and CEO of Microsoft. "We're really pleased to be working with
> Starbucks on this project. Starbucks is not only a great Seattle
> neighbor, but one of the world's leading retailers and among the
> best-known and best-respected brands on the globe."
>
> During the coming year, the companies will work together to develop
> services that leverage the power of the wireless broadband network. For
> example, customers will be able to download the latest information on
> local arts and entertainment and shop online while enjoying their
> beverage. In addition, customers using the MobileStar wireless broadband
> service will be able to check their e-mail and even access corporate
> intranets to stay connected to the office.
>
> "This 'one of a kind' national wireless broadband network gives
> Starbucks a unique position in the landscape of retailers," said Howard
> Schultz, chairman and chief global strategist at Starbucks. "These new
> relationships will provide us a great opportunity to enhance our
> existing customers' in-store experience as well as attract new customers
> to our retail locations."
>
> The in-store network complements a broader Starbucks effort to update
> store technology to streamline operations and communications. Ongoing
> infrastructure enhancements will support improved labor scheduling,
> planning and training as well as provide a platform for initiatives such
> as the launch of a Starbucks customer card that will speed up in-store
> ordering and payment and the capability for customers to preorder drinks
> over their cellular phones.
>
> "A focus on continually improving store operations and enhancing our
> customers' experience underlies our success as a retailer," said Darren
> Huston, senior vice president of New Ventures at Starbucks. "These
> agreements enable us to take a big step toward both goals at the same
> time. Working with focused, strategic companies like Microsoft and
> MobileStar will ensure that we fully capture this opportunity to improve
> our core business more quickly."
>
> Mark Goode, CEO of MobileStar, said, "Our company is intensely focused
> on meeting the needs of our customers by providing them with
> personalized and distinctive experiences. The agreement with Starbucks
> solidifies our strategic initiatives and supports the growth of our
> network as we continue to provide high-speed wireless broadband Internet
> access and value-added applications to our customers where and when they
> need them."
>
> Terms of the arrangements were not released.
>
> About Starbucks
> Starbucks Coffee Co. is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of
> specialty coffee in the world. In addition to its retail locations in
> North America, the United Kingdom, the Pacific Rim and the Middle East,
> Starbucks sells coffee and tea products through its specialty
> operations, including its online store at Starbucks.com. In addition,
> Starbucks produces and sells bottled Frappuccino� coffee drink and a
> line of superpremium ice creams through its joint venture partnerships
> and offers a line of innovative premium teas produced by its wholly
> owned subsidiary, Tazo Tea Co.
>
> About MobileStar
> MobileStar Network Corp., located in Richardson, Texas, is the leading
> provider of high-speed, wireless Internet access for business travelers
> in hot spots such as airports, hotels, convention centers, restaurants
> and other public places in the United States. Founded in 1996,
> MobileStar currently has the largest and most mature subscriber base and
> also manages the largest number of fully functional points of access.
> Specifically designed for wireless Internet access, MobileStar's
> subscription service includes true authorization and authentication
> functionality. Through roaming agreements, MobileStar offers its
> broadband wireless Internet service globally.
>
> About Microsoft
> Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services
> and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The
> company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower
> people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.
>
> Contact Information:
> Alan Gulick
> Starbucks Coffee Company
> (206) 318-8482
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> Pamela S. Roberts
> MobileStar
> (972) 994-3235
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> Beret Severson
> Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft
> (425) 637-9097
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> --
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>
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>
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