An eatery in Hyderabad has found a novel way to take orders and collect money from customers.
SkyPark Cafe uses BlackBerry phones and PlayBook tablets to offer its customers services based on NFC (Near Field Communications), wi-fi and Bluetooth.
While wi-fi and Bluetooth are popular methods to exchange files and data between gadgets, NFC offers a faster and hassle-free exchange of data between two NFC-compatible devices.
SkyPark has used a BlackBerry NFC application that can read plastic cards (loyalty cards for now) and debit customers' accounts to clear the bills.
"BB smartphones are powered with NFC technology that facilitates peer-to-peer content exchange using a feature on the devices called BB Tag. This platform also allows users to play games with friends in the cafe," Annie Mathew, Head of Alliances (Research in Motion India), said.
A BB developer said this application could help businesses get rid of costly information technology infrastructure and concentrate on their core activity.