Manage PHOTO PLAY terminals easily and professionally

funservice is funworld’s new, web-based administration tool, which operators can use to easily and quickly make many settings on their own on networked PHOTO PLAY terminals. The online management system gives a detailed overview of the terminal’s performance and makes individual settings possible in the tournament area. It serves to successfully communicate with players and to document current statistics for sustainable player support.

Operators can log on to www.funservice.com at any time and manage their personal PHOTO PLAY settings. “The new remote set-up makes possible extensive problem-free and uncomplicated terminal settings. Play, prize, language, tournament and credit settings can be easily carried out from the office,” declares Josef Öhlinger, CEO funworld ag, and continues:

“Operators can for example activate or deactivate games, create their own tournaments or send messages to players. They hence actively design the PHOTO PLAY game offer and provide their players with a custom-tailored gaming experience.” 

Player communication and long-term bonding
The new funservice is a further development of the 2007 prototype, which was vastly improved and equipped with numerous additional features as a result of incorporating player and customer feedback. In Germany this includes a webshop and news area, where operators can find attractive merchandising items and important news. 

“With the extensive enhanced administration tool operators can however not only manage PHOTO PLAY terminals themselves without a great deal of effort, but also optimally support players via the integrated player database. The messaging function moreover enables players to systematically communicate and keep regularly updated. In addition, their own tournaments are organised effortlessly, which significantly contributes to long-term player bonding,” emphasises Öhlinger.   

The first operators are already intensively using the new online management system and are enthusiastic about the tool’s clear design and ease of use. The payment accounting and tournament organisation options are used most often, and the communication function is also quite appreciated.

Technological forerunner funworld has developed a unique mobile payment solution, which makes it possible for the company to transact cashless mobile phone payments without additional hardware for networked PHOTO PLAY terminals. The mobile form of payment is already being used quite successfully in Finland, where 15,000 transactions were made by mobile phone in the first four weeks.

“We have developed a sophisticated mobile payment solution with know-how and technological expertise, which targets the cashless payment trend and represents an attractive tool for our PHOTO PLAY operators with a high image factor,” emphasises Josef Öhlinger, CEO funworld ag.

Pay by mobile phone
funworld's new mobile payment feature is completely integrated in the online PHOTO PLAY system and needs only be activated on the terminals. It works easily and quickly in cooperation with all mobile network companies. The player can make payments either by SMS or phone call, without surcharges. The game statistics are listed together with the mobile phone invoicing.

Finland is already making mobile payments
The mobile form of payment was perfected in cooperation with funworld’s Finnish general agent PELIKA net OY, following an intensive test phase in Finland.

“Mobile payments have already been quite well accepted by PHOTO PLAY players in Finland. We have been able to record 15,000 cashless transactions in the first month, whereby the tendency is strongly increasing. Players are enthusiastic about the new payment option via mobile phone and above all appreciate its ease of use,” so Öhlinger.

Benefits of mobile payment
Payments via mobile phone are now booming worldwide like never before. “Through the new mobile payment solution PHOTO PLAY operators can profit from this mega trend and offer players a modern service. Moreover, the logistics expenses are significantly reduced and it makes cumbersome loose coins passé,” according to Öhlinger.

 The organizer of the Show is “Smile-Expo” company.   
“This expo project has already proved its topicality and relevance. Economic development of Russian Federation, progressive improvement of common weal ”, has announced CEO of “Smile-Expo” company Anton Loginov.
For experts “EAAPA 2009” Trade Show it is unique place for examination with the novelties as Russian as foreign amusement industry, arrangement of cooperation between producers and for visitors it is opportunity to “taste” novelties of industry.
At Show actively take part producers of attractions, parks and amusement equipment. The participation has already confirmed key companies of this course.
 Exposition of “EAAPA 2009” foresees also stands with special equipment (cash receipt systems, safety and control) and accessories (decorations). 
The total area of the exposition in 2009 will be 8 500 sq. metres.
Business programm provides holding of Congress regarding to issues of amusement industry, its problems and the ways of development. 
Infotainment for “EAAPA 2009” will be presented by magazines “Azart”, “CAI”, “Biliard sport”, “Hot Games”, “E-PLAY”, “Game Time International”, “Yourguides” and another both Russian and international particularized editions.

The second International Amusement parks and Attraction Expo will be open for visitors February 11-13, 2009: February 11-12: from 10.00 a.m. till 18.00 p.m., February 13: from 10.00 a.m. till 16.00 p.m.  

The proposal to launch a coin-op exhibition to run during the same week as ATEI brought a robust response from organisers Clarion Gaming. Although not totally surprised by the announcement, chief executive Peter Rusbridge believes that it is being seen by many in the industry as an unwarranted and potentially divisive move. He explained: "Although the purpose of commercial organisations is to pursue profits, some observers have identified a whiff of opportunism surrounding this announcement.

The view is that it is a divisive move which comes at a time when the industry should be working together to readjust to the challenges presented by the current trading environment. "ATEI has unique heritage, for more than 60 years it has provided the coin-op industry with a vital platform for the launch and demonstration of product. Our duty to the industry is to protect and develop that platform and it is a role that we take very seriously. Every member of my team understands their responsibility and we will compete vigorously."

An alternative London show has been announced for January 2009. InterGame Expo will take place from Monday, January 26 to Wednesday, January 28 at the Ibis Hotel, which is situated in Lillie Road - within 10 minutes' walk of Earls Court, home of the ATEI show.

InterGame Expo is designed as a 'no frills' exhibition, responding to exhibitor demands for a modestly-priced event. InterGame's David Snook said: "We have been asked by a number of companies to prepare an alternative show that will meet their demands: the end of January, all on one level, reasonably priced and marketed globally. That is what we have done."