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Millennium Dome embarks on multi-million pound IT transformation

Last year's dome prepares for a July rebirth as Europe's leading entertainment venue, supported by state-of-the-art technology from NEC UK

By Maggie Holland, 4 Jan 2007 at 17:18

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The venue formerly known as the Millennium Dome is undergoing a technology makeover as it prepares to re-open its doors to the public in July this year.

Touted as what will become Europe's leading entertainment venue, The O2 will play host to a variety of music, sporting and entertainment attractions, as well as acting as an Olympic venue for the basketball and gymnastics finals in 2012.

The O2 has signed a three-year multi-million pound deal with NEC UK to kit out the venue with innovative solutions spanning security, digital cinema, data and phone networks in addition to PCs and servers.

"We're delighted to be working with NEC," said David Campbell, president and chief executive of Anschutz Entertainment Group Europe (AEG), the venue's parent company.

"We're specifically partnering with companies that are the best in their industries to ensure that The O2 is a world class venue when it opens next year. Using cutting-edge technology is essential for achieving this aim and NEC meets and exceeds our tough requirements. NEC's expertise will help us provide the best facilities, the best entertainment and the best experience for visitors to The O2."

NEC also plans to make double use of the partnership by using the venue as a working demonstration of its technology in action, which will be particularly useful for potential or existing customers and partners.

"Through its 30 year history in the UK, NEC has been investing in developing technologies which enable people to make the most of their work and play," said David Payette, NEC UK's managing director.

"This partnership with The 02 means we are a key part of what will become one of the world's greatest entertainment venues and also provides us with a great platform on which to demonstrate our innovation capabilities and increase awareness of the full range of products and services that we can deliver. 02 is our largest UK customer and we are delighted to be working alongside them on this project."