NeoMedia Technologies, Inc (NEOM)

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DD Additional functions suit local NeoMedia
By Tim Engstrom
[e-mail]
Originally posted on August 14, 2006

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060814/BUSINESS/608140308/1075


The growing use of cellular telephones for text messaging and entertainment is good news for Fort Myers-based NeoMedia Technologies Inc., founder and chairman Charles Fritz said.

"The cell phone has been kind of a toy, but it should be more of a tool," Fritz said. "Instead of just using it as a voice channel, people are saying, 'What else can I do with this phone?' "

NeoMedia is the parent of several companies in the U.S. and Europe that create software and technology used in marketing campaigns via mobile phones.

The approach is more established in Europe and Asia, where text messaging is more established.

Some recent examples:

• Gavitec AG — mobile digit, a NeoMedia company, collaborated with a Portuguese partner to equip Portugal's leading cinema chain with admission terminals for mobile tickets.

Movie-goers can buy tickets on the Web or from special call centers, and receive an electronic ticket as a text message on their mobile phones. Tickets, displayed graphically on the phone, are read by Gavitec scanners at the entrance to the cinema, letting patrons in without having to wait at the box office.

• ELLE Magazine and Mobot Inc., a NeoMedia company, will create Wireless Wish Lists in the October, November and December 2006 issues.

The readers can use their camera phones to take a picture of any item advertised in ELLE or texts the brand name to EWISH and instantly receives a reply inviting them to log on to their own personal Wireless Wish List on the Web.

The list then directs them to the nearest retailer or online retailers where the items can be purchased, as well as special sales and discounts. One reader will win a $2,500 gift card.

• In another Gavitec campaign, World Cup fans who attended games in Kaiserslautern, Germany, received electronic coupons on their phones for beverage discounts after they sent a certain text message.

"The brands are paving the way to make your phone a more useful device," Fritz said. "The device is turning into the Swiss Army knife of electronics."


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