EUROPEAN WIRELESS FIRST FROM EMPOWER INTERACTIVE
Added: (Tue Jun 26 2001)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
EMPOWER INTERACTIVE ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN FIRST
TRUE 2 WAY SMS APPLICATION MESSAGING ACROSS DIFFERENT MOBILE NETWORKS
The Empower Virtual Mobile Redirector (VMR)
London, 26th June 2001 – Empower Interactive, a global developer of high performance wireless messaging infrastructure software, has announced the launch of a worldwide first with their Virtual Mobile Redirector (VMR).
The VMR allows mobile users to interact with applications on their own OR ANY OTHER mobile network. This means mobile operators can make money from their own subscribers AND Other Providers Users (“OPU”) Additionally; the corporate clients of the operator will only need one network connection to interact with the entire GSM world – One Number, One Connection, One World.
SERVICES USERS WILL PAY FOR
SMS messaging is the most developed and heavily used wireless channel for servicing existing customers and attracting new clients. According to the GSM Association, upwards of 200 billion SMS messages will be sent each month from December 2001. Gaming, entertainment and information services are in high demand and generate significant revenue.
Corporate Applications – wireless desktop (e-mail, alerts, priority messaging)
Mobile Promotions/Sales – m-commerce transactions, mobile banking, location based and personalized services, marketing
Games/Competitions/Gambling – lottery, quizzes, TV/Radio Interaction, Sports
Voting/Polling – TV/Radio Interaction (e.g. Big Brother, Survivor, Joy of Text), market research, elections
Inbound Roamers – premium rate services, travel information, weather updates, local events.
The VMR allows operators to deliver true two-way SMS application messaging services to subscribers of all mobile networks. Currently, SMS applications are only fully interactive if the end-user is signed up to the network of origin. Interconnects have fuelled the fire; the VMR is the catalyst for explosive growth.
THE VMR OPPORTUNITY
Michael Ohr, CEO and Founder said, “The revenue revolution has arrived! Operators already realize 10-15% of their revenue from SMS. Application driven SMS messaging represents approximately 33% of that and is the fastest growing revenue component. Empower’s VMR drives SMS application volume growth by enabling two-way, cross-network applications for the first time.”
Ian Wood, Chief Technical Officer, said, “The major constraint in launching large scale wireless applications is the need to establish multiple connections to different mobile operators and to publish multiple numbers for the application. The time, cost and difficulty kill many wireless applications. VMR changes all that by lowering the barriers dramatically. The Empower VMR will trigger phenomenal growth in data traffic similar to the establishment of network interconnects and roaming.”
Ohr added, “The VMR addresses the key strategic issues faced by mobile operator board members. The VMR offers an immense opportunity for early adopters to capture market share from their competitors and make more money from existing clients.”
MOBILE OPERATOR BENEFITS
REDUCING CHURN – The VMR makes it possible for VAS subscribers to work exclusively with one operator while providing services to subscribers on all networks. This capability will reduce the churn of existing large corporate clients and VAS providers.
INCREASING ARPU – By opening true two-way VAS access to Other Providers’ Users (OPU), premium service revenue will increase, without increasing the user base. Revenue from transit charges, inbound roaming, and termination charges will also provide several new opportunities.
RAISING BRAND AWARENESS - By provisioning innovative services to a global audience, the operator creates stronger brand awareness at several levels. This awareness should lead to a growing market share.
WIRELESS DATA ROLLOUT – Installing the Empower VMR allows the network operator to provision two-way global corporate data applications and VAS. Establishing increasing acceptance and usage of these types of SMS data applications will smooth the launch of advanced services in the years to come, ensuring a strong revenue stream well into the future.
ABOUT EMPOWER INTERACTIVE GROUP, LTD
Empower Interactive’s high performance messaging infrastructure products are key elements that drive the growth of wireless data revenue for mobile operators. Empower is part of the Telesystem ARGO network of companies which also includes Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom.
The Empower VMR is a major catalyst for SMS traffic and m-commerce. VMR enables true 2 way cross-network interaction between Mobile subscribers and applications with only one phone number.
The mBusiness SMS Gateway connects enterprises and application developers to the networks at the SMSC with familiar IT interfaces. Empower’s mBusiness SMS Gateways readily integrate with a wide variety of Corporate Applications such as Lotus Notes, BEA, IBM, Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, Siebel and thereby extend existing corporate applications to the mobile workforce.
Our Carrier MSP SMS Gateway allows Telco’s and WASP’s to manage their exploding volume of corporate wireless data and provides a secure protective layer in front of the SMSC and core network infrastructure. Billing CDR’s are generated automatically.
Empower Interactive infrastructure products reduce time to market for wireless data services and applications and were developed and tested in conjunction with multiple carrier networks as well as CMG, Logica, Nokia and Sema.
For more information about Empower Interactive, please visit the company’s website at http://www.eigroup.com
Michael Ohr, CEO
Empower Interactive Group, Ltd.
Tel:+44 (0) 20 7920 9400
e-mail: mike@eigroup.com
Edward Lloyd/Simon West/Nicholas Tapper
Barrington Lloyd International
Tel: +44 (0) 1799 506 187
e-mail: Empower@bli.co.uk
web: www.bli.co.uk
Empower Interactive Group, Ltd
UK Headquarters
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7920 9400
e-mail: info@eigroup.com