3Com Wireless Solution Provides Backstage Connectivity at Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto Concert ? Featuring the Rolling Stones
Pervasive Wi-Fi Service Delivers Ubiquitous Communications for Clear Channel Entertainment, Tour Promoter for Stones' Worldwide "Licks" Tour
Toronto, ON - July 29, 2003 ? For the past six months, 3Com Corporation's (Nasdaq: COMS) wireless networks have assisted Clear Channel Entertainment and the Rolling Stones set up, support and relocate its worldwide "Licks" tour. Now the legendary band's concert promotion team will put 3Com's wireless network to the ultimate backstage test at the star studded concert event entitled: Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto.
Predicted to be one of the largest outdoor ticketed concerts in history, with anticipated ticket sales of over half a million, the Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto music event will be held on July 30th at Toronto's Downsview Park beginning at 2PM ? with backstage wireless connectivity from 3Com.
"Wireless connectivity is not merely a coffee shop or hotel lobby pastime, it has now become an ingrained necessity for the quick and successful set up, live performance support and teardown of Clear Channel Entertainment's concert venue traveling throughout the world," said Craig Evans, Clear Channel Entertainment's vice president of Tour Operations. "3Com's inconspicuous wireless solution deploys within hours to instantly cast a communications web throughout a concert site, allowing us to transfer stage plots, advanced site reports, changes in seating plans as well as negotiate with venue operators. The wireless network is now one of the first items-to-deploy on our concert support checklist."
Clear Channel Entertainment's wireless network is currently comprised of 3Com's access points, building-to-building bridges, OfficeConnect? Internet Gateways, PC cards and an assortment of omnidirectional antennas to help extend the coverage area. Applications running over the network include: Internet connectivity and transferring files to and from the stage area, dressing rooms, production offices and front-of-house positions controlling the concert's sound, video and lighting. Most unique wireless usage: the rollingstones.com staff leverages 3Com's wireless network to post live concert updates to the Rolling Stones' Web site.
The wireless communications also save the concert promoter thousands of dollars by eliminating the need to purchase and run network cabling throughout a site and the man-hours associated with physically attaching each device to the network.
"Clear Channel Entertainment's reliance on wireless connectivity underscores the importance of Wi-Fi solutions, and helps to illustrate the productivity and cost-saving benefits associated with practical, business applications," said Brent Nixon, 3Com's wireless product line manager. "As the marketplace continues to define the changing landscape for wireless users, several items remain consistent: the need for robust data encryption, faster access speeds and the innovation of a technology bellwether to create and support wireless devices ? 3Com continues to embrace this criteria throughout our entire product portfolio."
About Clear Channel Entertainment
As the world's leading promoter and marketer of live entertainment, Clear Channel Entertainment is about providing fun and exciting experiences to millions of entertainment and sports lovers the world over. Clear Channel Entertainment's unparalleled array of events attracts the best and brightest performers on the planet, from the most celebrated international superstars to the most innovative new talent.
Clear Channel Entertainment, formerly known as SFX, is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. [NYSE: CCU]. Clear Channel is a global leader in the out-of home advertising industry with radio and television stations, outdoor displays and entertainment venues in 63 countries around the world. Including announced transactions, Clear Channel operates approximately 1,213 radio and 19 television stations in the United States and has equity interests in over 240 radio stations internationally. Clear Channel also operates approximately 770,000 outdoor advertising displays, including billboards, street furniture and transit panels across the world. For more information please visit http://www.clearchannel.com
About 3Com
3Com is a tier-one provider of innovative, practical and high-value voice and data networking products, services and solutions for enterprises of all sizes and public sector organizations. For further information, please visit http://www.3com.com
Source: 3Com
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