Trials of new 'Cmode' service to begin in Tokyo September 3
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Tokyo, August 8, 2001 -- Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Ltd., NTT DoCoMo, Inc. and Itochu Corp. today announced the trial launch of a unique consumer service employing cutting-edge computer software that transforms a soft drink vending machine into an information station and services terminal offering fun, excitement and entertainment. The new service, named "Cmode", links a specially developed Coca-Cola vending machine equipped with a printer, sensor and speaker, and connected to i-mode, the Internet-enabling system launched by NTT DoCoMo. Cmode members can accumulate user points that can be exchanged for soft drinks or for one of a variety of Cmode services that are available through i-mode. To help gauge consumer response and to identify additional service options that might be introduced later, the three companies will conduct several months of trials beginning September 3. During the 17-week trial period that ends December 31, a total of 25 Cmode-friendly vending machines will be installed at strategic locations around Tokyo. Cmode is a compound word combining the initial "C", which stands for Coca-Cola, culture and communication, and 'i-mode'. The decision to introduce the Cmode service follows the agreement reached in March by Coca-Cola, NTT DoCoMo, and Itochu to explore the possibilities presented by marrying NTT DoCoMo's cellular phone enabled Internet service with Coca-Cola vending machines. Itochu is coordinating the project and is overseeing content development. The vending machines to be linked to the new service are called "Cmode information terminal vending machines" or Cmo. In addition to being conventional vending machines, Cmo units have an embedded computer that exponentially increases their functionality and allows consumers to reap the rewards of a unique membership-based service. Initially, trial testing of the machines will be possible at "The World of Coca-Cola TOKYO", "Shibuya 109" and the "Shibuya Miyamasuzaka DoCoMo Shop". Later, more Cmo vending machines will be available throughout Metropolitan Tokyo, particularly around Shibuya where Japan's cell-phone toting, i-mode savvy youth gather in large numbers. |
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[Background] Outline of the Cmode trial testing Trial period: September 3, 2001 - December 31, 2001 Areas where testing is to be implemented: September 3 - September 17 |
| "World of Coca-Cola TOKYO" | (Mediage 6F, Odaiba, 1-7-1, Minato-ku, Tokyo) |
| "Shibuya 109" | (Dogenzaka, 2-29-1, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) |
| "DoCoMo Shop" | (1F/2F Waco Miyamasuzaka Bldg., Shibuya, |
| 2-19-19, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) |
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September 18 - December 31 From September 18 to December 31 in addition to the above three locations, the spread of the trial testing will gradually expand across Metropolitan Tokyo centered on Shibuya, and the total of Cmo vending machines installed will reach 25. (A Cmo vending machine will be on display at the World of Coca-Cola TOKYO from around August 20.) Cmode service outline Types of service available:
Verification: To access members only Cmode services, users must first register on the i-menu site "Coca-Cola Moments" provided by Coca-Cola (Japan) Company. The "Coca-Cola Moments" site will open in August. Consumers wishing to enjoy members-only services simply pass their cell phone over the Cmo's sensor. This reads the product verification code plus the mobile phone user's verification code (like a digital bar code) issued by Club Cmode on the i-menu site "Coca-Cola Moments". Both codes are in the form of a 2-dimensional bar code. When buying concert tickets via i-mode for example, a Cmode member simply scans his or her cell phone across the Cmo sensor and the machine then prints a hard copy of the tickets. Method of payment:
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| Trial service contents: | |
| Gourmet Pia Coupon | (Pia Digital Communications Corporation) |
| Pia street map Coupon | (Pia Digital Communications Corporation) |
| TSUTAYA rental ranking + Coupon | (TSUTAYA online Corporation) |
| Future telling Coupon | (Index Corporation) |
| linkage contents with Arcade Games | (SEGA CORPORATION) |
| Consumer inquiries | |
| Free dial: | 0120-156509 |
| Email: | info@Cmode.jp |
| Inquiries regarding Cmode Project | |
| Name: | The "Cmode Project" business office |
| Persons in charge: | Shunsuke Noda, Yasu Takahashi, Yutaka Ebina |
| Address: | c/o Netventure Business Department Office |
| Aerospace, Electronics & Multimedia Company | |
| Itochu Corporation | |
| 2-5-1 Kita-Aoyama Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8077 | |
| TEL: | 03-3497-3435 |
| FAX: | 03-3497-4181 |
| Email: | Cmode@aemc.itochu.co.jp |
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Cmode vending machines (Cmo) Structure: Cmo vending machines are highly computerized and feature a small LCD display, speaker and printer. Buttons on an attached keypad are used to control each of the functions. Cmo machines are also fitted with a sensor that reads the 2-dimensional bar codes that users receive when registering as members. This process verifies a user's identity. Cmode, connected to a server through DoCoMo's packet communications service "DoPa", is a multimedia information terminal that provides a variety of information services while simultaneously keeping track of customer information. Cmo functions: Simply by pressing the 'C' button on the keypad, users can switch the function of a Cmo machine from that of a regular soft drink vending machine to Cmode, enabling consumers to take advantage of the various Cmode services. In addition to being able to purchase coupons, tickets and maps that are issued through a printer, users can facilitate a wide variety of information via the attached speakers and the display panel. Furthermore, in conjunction with i-mode, users can enjoy abundant consumer services such as cashless shopping. |
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| Photo cap: A Cmode information terminal vending machine called Cmo, which Coca-Cola hopes will become a common sight around Japan in future. |
