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.
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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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