Shanghai Daily news

More than 200 experts and officials today discussed the application of new information systems to serve the World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Informatization will be a highlight of the Expo, marking the beginning of a new information era, Qian Chengyuan, deputy director of the Informatization Department of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo, told the forum of officials and experts.

Fifteen experts addressed the one-day conference. Topics ranged from macro views of the Expo's informatization project to cutting-edge technologies, including Wimax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

China Telecom and China Mobile, two of the Expo's global partners, also introduced their plans for Shanghai Expo. Both companies focus on the application of wireless and broadband services, including selling tickets, providing digital site maps and monitoring the flow.

The organisers said they would coordinate with the relevant departments and integrate all resources to secure a "successful, splendid and unforgettable" Shanghai Expo.

"The Expo organisers will create a comprehensive information system, which is safe, advanced and well-organised, to meet the needs of participants and visitors," said Zhou Weidong, director of the Informatization Department of the bureau.

Also during the conference, the forum organisers also honored the authors of outstanding theses on Expo and informatization in a thesis contest, which received 68 articles during two months.

Experts proposed their suggestions to the Expo organisers, such as using electronic fences to stop unauthorised people from entering certain areas and utilising 3D visual digital maps to display the pavilions online.

The forum will be held once a year leading up to the Expo.