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Press Release: Teckwah expands digital contents distribution capabilities with NoriBox solution
NoriBox is a novel digital contents distribution platform that will address IP protection rights and bring latest titles to computer gamers in the region on a pay-per-use basis.
SINGAPORE, 1 October 2004 – Mainboard listed Teckwah Industrial Corporation Ltd ("Teckwah" or "the Group") announced that its subsidiary, Teckwah Online Pte. Ltd. ("TWO") will be launching a new digital content distribution platform. Termed the NoriBox, this platform has the capability to distribute digital contents like games, music, movies, mobile phone ring tones, business software and many other contents that can be distributed digitally.
NoriBoxwill commence as a Business to Business to Consumer ("B2B2C") distribution channel with the capability to eventually evolve into a Business to Consumer ("B2C") distribution platform. The power of the NoriBox solution lies in its ability to house a broad range of software that can be readily accessible on a pay-per-use basis. In the initial phase, NoriBox will serve the needs of the Cybercafe by giving them access to a broad variety of computer games titles. Cybercafe operators who work with NoriBox no longer need to acquire a huge pool of computer games thereby reducing the need to constantly acquire an updated library of the latest and the most popular games titles. This will benefit Cybercafe operators by reducing the financial pressure on their business.
Despite the global proliferation of the internet, consumers in many developing countries are still encountering difficulties trying to obtain the latest titles to games, music, movies and many other education and entertainment software. One of the barriers that may have deterred the speed at which new titles are introduced into developing countries may be the ongoing concern surrounding intellectual property rights protection. According a study by the Business Software Alliance ("BSA") on the trends in software piracy from 1994 - 2002, the top 25 countries around the world that has the highest software piracy rates are developing countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. This is one of the areas that the NoriBox solution aims to address.
By working closely with software developers, NoriBox will be able to ensure that software housed in its system are legally licensed versions. Correspondingly, computer games that are distributed to Cybercafe linked to NoriBox will also be licensed software. Consumers frequenting NoriBox-linked Cybercafe will not only have access to licensed games but will also access the latest titles on a pay-per-use basis.
The NoriBox solution is enabled through the internet and therefore has no geographical limitations. In its initial phase, beta testing has commenced with Cybercafes in Singapore, Malaysia and China. Presently these three countries have a total of more than 250,000 Cybercafes. This exercise is expected to embrace other surrounding Asian countries soon. Plans are underway for NoriBox to be commercialized before the end of 2004 in countries where beta tests have been successfully completed.
NoriBox is developed by NEXTEPMEDIA Inc., a Korean joint venture partner of Teckwah. The solution is licensed to TWO and the distribution rights cover most Asian countries. As a newly introduced concept, NoriBoxis not expected to have any significant impact on the Group's performance for the current financial year.
Commenting on the introduction of Noribox, Mr Jasper Tan, President of TWO, said: "The NoriBox is an innovative online distribution platform that addresses the current needs of Cybercafe owners and gamers. It is a powerful platform that can bring together variety of digital contents into a small PC screen. It is a synergistic fit with our current MMOG products. Together, these services will enable TWO to offer a broad spectrum of services to the rapidly growing online and computer gaming communities."
Global games publisher such as 10tacle Studios are committed to use NoriBox for the distribution and commercialization of their games in the Korean and Southeast Asia Business Markets. Major game publishers, Vivendi Universal Games (VUG) and Eidos are also currently testing the NoriBox technology as an online distribution channel in Asia.
The introduction of NoriBox is in line with the Singapore government's vision to develop the republic into an e-gaming hub.
About Teckwah Online Pte. Ltd.
Teckwah Online ("TWO") is a wholly owned subsidiary of Teckwah Industrial Corporation Ltd, a company whose shares are quoted on the Singapore Exchange. TWO provides digital online distribution and entertainment services emphasizing online distribution and retailing of games, digital content and related services in the Asia Pacific region.
About NEXTEPMEDIA Inc
NEXTEPMEDIA, Inc. is a digital online distribution and entertainment company, which emphasizes online distribution and retailing of games and related services in Korea and in Asia Pacific region. The Company provides game products and related services for purchase, rent, subscription, and various licensing model to Internet Game Room/ Cybercafe (aka IGR) and individual consumers via its game industry specific online distribution platform and network. The Company seeks to provide products and services to IGRs and individual consumers at home enhancing their video game experience. The Company seeks to be the first-mover in providing a unique online distribution gateway distribution/retailing services and platform to the gaming industry.
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