Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), wireless systems ensured that media coverage of the recently concluded Victor Chandler British Masters was more immediate and accurate. The system, which has been used by the PGA European Tour throughout its golfing tournaments this year, has already brought real advantages to the game in terms of speed, coverage and communication.
Symbol is the official wireless data capture sponsor for the next three years of the European Tour. The system, using Symbol's Spectrum24(R) wireless LAN technology and ruggedized wireless handheld computers (SPT 1740), provided the golfing world's most immediate and comprehensive automation of scoring data so far. It deployed handheld computers to scoring staff throughout the course, then linked them through the Symbol wireless network. The scorers recorded and shared details of the game in real-time, allowing a variety of people logged onto the system, such as the TV production team, to turn their attention to the appropriate spot at the right moment.
One of the main benefits of this new technology was the ability to set up a computer network anywhere on the golf course immediately, just before a major tournament.
"In the past, linking remote areas of the course would have meant installing miles of cables within two days on a course that could be up to 15 square kilometres in area," said Mark Lichtenhein, director of IT and New Media, European Tour.
"This meant that a number of key staff didn't have access to the scoring system. Now we can network all 18 holes straight away throughout the 6979 yards (6382 metres) course length, so up to 52 groups of players can all be tracked simultaneously."
One of the other enhancements to the game is the increased productivity of each member of the tournament staff. In the past, the scoring manager would have to gather the scores individually from each scorer on the course. Now rather than collecting them, all scores are received immediately, so that the staff can concentrate on monitoring the information to ensure that everything is correct.
"The system has been in use since the beginning of the continental European season. We are already achieving a success rate of up to 99 percent of all scores arriving electronically. Naturally, we are really impressed with Symbol's system so far," said Lichtenhein.
Statistical information regarding the score for that hole, length of drive and distance to pin was entered in real-time by the scorers and spotters on to Symbol's handheld devices. This was passed to the central server and picked up by the broadcast companies for television. Before the graphics would have been typed in manually -now the TV graphics are automated. In addition, ardent fans can also check all details through any Internet device including suitable WAP phones, wherever they are. For the European Tour, the PGA staff and for committed golf followers, Symbol is making a significant contribution to the game.
A further principal advantage is outlined by Gordon Ambidge, vice-president, Symbol Technologies Ltd, "Symbol is well known for installing its wireless networks within buildings. The new applications that are being applied for sports events are all for outside environments. Symbol provides wireless networks which are rugged enough to withstand the rigours of the elements anywhere in the world."
As a result, Symbol's wireless technologies are being used for a variety of other sporting activities from windsurfing to tennis and car racing, meeting the growing demand for live sports information.
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