Singapore, 1 March 2000 -- Singapore’s new info-communications company StarHub is pleased to be the first service operator to offer Singaporeans a secured WAP-based e-auction service when it launches on 1st April 2000. This is made possible through StarHub’s partnership with online auction content provider, Allegro Auctions, and global professional services firm, Arthur Andersen who has developed the secured transaction engine for this e-auction application.
Using WAP gateway technology by StarHub, the Allegro Auction application service allows StarHub mobile phone customers to bid and sell online a wide range of goods via their WAP-enabled mobile handsets.
This e-auction service is the first of many WAP applications which consumers can look forward to from StarHub. As of April 2000, StarHub will also offer information-on-demand, personal information management (PIM) and email services.
StarHub will provide the WAP gateway to the world of online auctioning and Allegro Auctions will provide the content for the webpage through its existing website. Arthur Andersen’s professional security services consultancy will ensure that the online bidding process remains secure and non-intrusive, so that StarHub mobile phone customers who participate in the auctions can rest assured that their transactions remain safe and secure.
Mr Peter Kaliaropoulos, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, StarHub said: "Offering consumers an exciting range of WAP interactive applications such as e-auction, demonstrates our innovative approach to the market."
"StarHub is very excited that our first WAP partners, Arthur Andersen and Allegro Auctions, are introducing this innovative auction service via the StarHub WAP platform. We believe this is the first such WAP-internet integrated service available in the region," Mr Kaliaropoulos continued. "With the widespread use of the Internet in Singapore, we feel that this WAP service which duplicates all core Web functions like browsing, bidding and selling capabilities, would form a great extension to their lifestyle."
"Allegro Auctions is thrilled to partner with StarHub and Arthur Andersen to roll-out the first secured transaction-based WAP application in the world outside Germany and Japan. The offering of WAP enabled auction services to customers further enhances Allegro’s position as the leading and most innovative auction company in this part of the world," said Mr Lim Chee Kiong, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Allegro Auctions Pte Ltd.
"Security is vital to the success of any web or WAP-based services," said Mr Uantchern Loh, Director, Arthur Andersen risk consulting. "We are excited over the opportunity to showcase our security capabilities through the tripartite relationship with StarHub and Allegro. Arthur Andersen is committed to delivering services and solutions that secure mobile Internet transactions such as the trading of shares, purchases of goods and services, mobile banking transactions, bill payments and other business transactions."
StarHub will be at e-Festival Asia from 1 to 7 March 2000 and Internet World Asia from 1 to 3 March 2000, both to be held at the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SICEC) in Halls 404 and 403 respectively to demonstrate its WAP-based services.
