Japanese information technology giant NEC Corportation has made a telling move to take advantage of preparations for the 2014 World Cup, having recently initiated negotiations to supply one of the host stadia with cutting edge products.
The company has signed a MOU with Arena Pernambuco Consortium, the group behind the massive “City of the Cup” development in the northeastern coastal city of Recife, to implant a range of technologies throughout the new stadium complex, turning the facility into a “Smart City”.
NEC president Nobuhiro Endo travelled to Recife to meet with the President of Arena Pernambuco Consortium, Marcos Lessa, and together they presented the idea to the Pernambuco state government. Specifically, the plan is to use the technology to improve stadium security, mobility and energy consumption.
The NEC deal reinforces the common view that international expertise will be required for the higher end and more complex requirements for Cup and Olympics facilities.