Paving the way for a lifestyle that is enabled by wireless technologies, HP and its iTrove consortium partners have announced the launch of a first-in-Singapore mobile ticketing service that kicks off with a pilot at Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Singapore`s national performing arts centre.

This service will be the first integrated, end-to-end ticketing system in Singapore that provides users with the convenience of a wireless experience from purchasing of tickets to redemption and entries for various performances and promotions at Esplanade and subsequently at other popular places of interest in Singapore.

Concert goers who choose to use the new service will be treated to a `ticket-less` experience. By providing a mobile phone number online when purchasing tickets at www.esplanade.com
, customers can proceed straight to the entrance of the Recital Studio, call a hotline from the same mobile phone used at the point of purchase, and then gain entry into the Studio. Throughout the whole process, customers do not need to stand in queue at the box office to collect their tickets, making the ticketing experience much more convenient and saving time, without incurring any additional booking charges.

Besides the online ticket purchase option, this mobile ticketing system will eventually support ticket sales through other channels including over-the-counter and mobile.

Esplanade Programming Manager, Mr JP Nathan said “We are always looking to offer an easier, more enjoyable arts and entertainment experience for our patrons. This pilot test facilitates the buying process, making the programme more accessible. I am certain Late Nite concert goers, who are young and `plugged in` will embrace this new service that promises a better night out.”

Said Mr Kelvin Tan, Senior Regional Manager, Marketing, Strategy and Alliances, HP Services Asia-Pacific, “This is but one example of the kinds of innovative value-added solutions that HP and our iTrove consortium partners are intent to roll out to encourage tourists and even locals alike to explore and enjoy Singapore via mobile phones and Pocket PCs. We want to put information-rich content, choice, convenience and flexibility in their hands, so that they can access information and services anytime, anywhere, through one single, easy to access platform.”

Mobile payments facilitator Systems@Work is the consortium partner that provides the payment infrastructure and integration of the components for the pilot.

Said Mr Ng Fook Sun, CEO, Systems@Work, “Under the strategic guidance of consortium lead HP, Systems@Work has worked closely with RegiSoft to customize a wireless ticketing solution that fulfills Esplanade`s desire to make their customers` ticketing experience hassle-free without any additional costs. This service also provides instant assurance to the customer that the ticket has been delivered.”

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