Followap and LocatioNet create the first location-based mobile instant messaging platform
An MOU to integrate LocatioNet's real-time location platform into iFollow — signed two days before the Eircell agreement.
London, England - November 21, 2000 - Followap™, the leading developer of Mobile Instant Messaging platforms to the telecoms industry, and LocatioNet Systems 2000 Ltd., a world leader in real-time location-based integrated platforms, have today signed an MOU to integrate the LocatioNet platform(TM) into Followap's iFollow Mobile Instant Messaging platform.
By installing the combined package, Mobile Operators will now have the ability to offer their subscribers a comprehensive solution for interpersonal communication, real-time mapping and location-based services. Using WAP, WEB, SMS or i-mode, users will be able to use their mobile phones, or any other wireless or wired devices to form communities with people with whom they interact most frequently, such as family and friends.
In addition, users can view each other's presence, status and physical location at all times and interact with each other using various channels. These include instant messaging, e-mail, chat, voice or SMS, enabling interaction with the popular Internet instant messaging users, managing their message archive on highly secured servers and receiving proximity alerts and specific location-based information either automatically or on demand.
"This powerful combination of mobile and location-based instant messaging will have a real impact on the way in which people can communicate with each other," said Ronnie Preiskel, Director of Business Development for Followap. "Its interoperability will enable users to reach one another in real time from anywhere and from any device, and will also significantly increase the revenue streams of mobile operators."
"Followap is a natural partner for LocatioNet," said Danny Cohen, Vice President of Business Development & Marketing for LocatioNet. "By bringing the technology and expertise of our two companies together, we can offer efficient and innovative communications solutions." Further development will include Mobile Commerce advanced tools for fleet management and in-car communication systems.
About iFollow
iFollow is the world's leading platform for mobile instant messaging for the telecommunication industry. Using SMS, WAP, WEB, i-mode and STK, iFollow enables a wide range of instant messaging and messaging services, which generate revenue, provide competitive differentiation, and increase customer acquisition and retention. The services include:
Mobile Instant Messaging, Internet-based instant messaging, full interoperability with Internet communities such as ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, AIM and MSN, device independent and fully customizable telecom grade platforms, Spam filters, personalized features, proximity services and alerts.
About LocatioNet
LocatioNet is a leading provider of comprehensive integrated platforms for location-based services - the LocatioNet Platform (TM). With its nine years of extensive experience and field-tested real-time location-based systems for the military, AVL and currently cellular industries, LocatioNet has become the leader in location platforms.
LocatioNet's new approach, an open, modular platform, enables cellular carriers, portals, and service providers to include any kind of content or application within the scope of their services. Furthermore, application developers can easily integrate their applications into the location platform, share the integrated positioning determination, mapping, and content that are available and contribute to the carriers or portals with value-added services. Visit LocatioNet's Web site at www.locationet.com. LocatioNet is a co-sponsor of the WAP Congress 2000 in Seville, November 27-30, 2000. Come visit us at booth No. 64. LocatioNet is also an exhibitor at the Value-Added Mobile & E-services conference in Lisbon, December 5-6, 2000.
About Followap
Followap is the leading provider of Mobile Instant Messaging Presence and Location (IMPL) platforms for mobile operators. Its flagship product, iFollow, has become the world's first commercially installed IMPL platform in December 2000, when it was launched within Ireland's Eircell Network as its branded e-merge Messenger service. Additional installations and pilot trials of iFollow are currently underway in 15 countries, with additional commercial launches at the world's largest mobile operators expected in the coming months.
With significant telecom and datacom experience, Followap is constantly extending its core technology in new directions and continues introducing additional scalable and reliable telecom-grade products that provide state-of-the-art messaging services to subscribers while incorporating essential carrier interfaces, such as network management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), billing and more.
Headquartered in the USA, the company has an R&D center in Israel, as well as sales and support offices throughout the world. Followap offers full customization and integration services to address the specific requirements of its customers and provides extensive technical support and consulting services.