In phase one of the project, Macalla built the software infrastructure to allow Eircell Vodafone customers use their mobile phones for mPayment purposes. Phase two saw Macalla upgrade the web-based online shopping facility, and bring both mobile and web channels under the robust control of a single software architecture. The new enhanced Online Store incorporates extra functionality including Store Manager administration, Customer Service Representative support, credit card verification, full transaction auditing, and stock control. It is easier for shoppers to use, and provides more information about the products available and how to purchase them. A MyAccount facility has been introduced so shoppers can see their entire transaction history online for both Web and Mobile shopping.

Our relationship with Macalla Software has been in place for the past two years, and we were delighted to ask them to work with us on redeveloping and expanding the Eircell Vodafone Online Store. The relaunch of the Online Store further extends our leadership in this area and will bring greater convenience and choice to our customer base, says Jonathan Byrne, Head of eCommerce, Eircell Vodafone.

Subscribers to the shopping service can access the Online Store via their Internet PC or mobile phone - whether to top-up the credit on their pre-paid phone accounts or to buy new handsets and phone accessories. The authorisation system provided by Macalla validates each user and ensures that all transactions are secure. Following each order, users can elect to receive order verification by SMS or email.
The service enables users to register on the site, fill in personal details (delivery address, credit card details, multiple phone numbers e.g. to allow a parent to top up a childs phone), thus ensuring ease and convenience for repeat users. For users who want to use the service without registering, they can input details and a card number for each transaction.

The launch of Eircell Vodafones innovative mobile shopping initiative, and upgrade of their existing Online Store further reinforces Eircell Vodafones leadership in the Irish marketplace. The service is underpinned by Macallas robust technology solution, which ensures the secure and consistent delivery of information and transaction data, using mobile eCommerce technologies, says Niall OCleirigh, CEO, Macalla Software.

ends

Press queries to:
Sarah Flynn
Director of Marketing
Macalla Software
Tel: + 353 1 664 2240
[email protected]

Joan Keating
Director of Communications
Eircell Vodafone
Tel: +353 1 2037793
[email protected]

About Macalla Software

Macalla Software is Europes leading mobile eCommerce platform provider to the finance and telecoms sectors.

Macallas flagship software product, The Macalla Mobility Platform (Mobility), provides a next-generation software platform for the sourcing and consistent delivery of transactional and payment services across Wireless, Internet, Voice and Interactive Digital TV channels.

Mobility provides multi device, channel and protocol support, including support for PDAs, pocket PCs, SMS, WAP phones, I-Mode phones, GPRS and 3-G devices, Pagers, PC browsers, IDTV set-top boxes. Mobility leverages Macallas core XML, Java, Internet technologies and professional services capabilities, thus providing a secure, scalable and consistent mobile eCommerce platform.

Macalla Software, founded in 1998 and based in Dublin, was recently named as Europes number one wireless technology provider. Macalla conducts its business globally via offices in London, New York, Madrid and Frankfurt, as well as through an extensive partner network around the world. Alliances include Baltimore Technologies, BEA, CMG, eServ, IBM, KPMG, Nokia, Openwave, Sun and Reuters. Macallas customers globally include retail banks, investment banks, broker firms and telecoms companies. http://www.macalla.com

About Eircell Vodafone

Eircell Vodafone is Irelands leading mobile phone operator with a base of over 1.5 million customers and a total of 1,670 employees. Eircell Vodafone holds 60% of the market share in Ireland. On May 11, 2001 Eircell officially became a subsidiary of the Vodafone Group plc, the largest mobile telecommunications company in the world. It has interests in mobile networks in 29 countries across five continents. In October 2001, Vodafone had approximately 95.6 million proportionate customers worldwide.

For further information about Eircell Vodafone, visit: http://www.eircell.ie