NeoMedia Technologies, Inc (NEOM)

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NEWS 2D Barcodes Come to Latin America
Oct. 13, 2009
Business Editors
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091013005663&newsLang=en


MADRID & ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 2009--Bems, the leading Spanish
company in mobile solutions based on 2D barcodes, has partnered with US-based
NeoMedia Technologies to distribute 2D barcode solutions throughout Latin
America. Earlier today, Bems announced it had been chosen by Telefnica
International as its exclusive partner to develop a 2D barcode business in
Latin America for the next 4 years.

Bems has chosen NeoMedia as their primary technology and platform vendor for
mobile barcode reading and campaign management, with a key focus on the brand
marketing and advertising sectors. In addition, Bems will promote NeoMedia
hardware solutions related to ticketing and couponing. As a key part of this
platform, NeoReader will be the preferred barcode reader for pre-installation
on handsets and all code transactions will be routed through the NeoMedia
infrastructure. The solution will be distributed to markets including
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico,
Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Venezuela and Uruguay.

This initiative to promote 2D barcode technology is part of a wider
strategic plan for the operators to introduce cutting edge tools for mobile to
the Latin-American market. Operators will leverage the expertise the
Bems/NeoMedia partnership provides in areas such as technology, marketing, R+D
and an extensive sales force to enable the widespread adoption of this
technology.

"The alliance with NeoMedia represents an important step towards delivering
the best technology to Bems and providing an advantaged position in the
implementation of the agreements with Telefnica for the Latin-American
market," commented Javier Maas, Chairman of Bems.

Based in Madrid, Spain, Bems is known as the go-to company for 2D barcodes
and has developed solutions for a wide range of brands, distributors,
intermediaries, public and private institutions, retailers and media groups. It
has worked with some of the world's most influential organizations - from
Warner Brothers to Yell and Bacardi. Bems strives to unite best of breed
technology with creativity to achieve the best results for its clients.

NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: NEOM) based in Atlanta, Georgia is the
global leader in mobile barcode scanning solutions. NeoMedia's technology
allows mobile devices with cameras to read 1D and 2D barcodes and provide "one
click" access to mobile content. Combining this technology with advanced
analytics and reporting capabilities revolutionizes the way advertisers market
to mobile consumers.

"As we've consistently maintained, commercialization of barcodes calls for
an open and interoperable market that can provide the scale needed for brands
and advertisers to exploit the benefits of the mobile marketplace. We feel that
our work with Bems and gaining entry to the Latin American market is yet
another step closer to global adoption of this powerful technology," commented
Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia.

The 2D barcode market is increasingly gathering momentum as its potential as
both a valuable marketing tool and the ideal way of delivering services via the
mobile web are being realized.

Bems and NeoMedia will implement the interoperable standard of 2D barcodes
based on the recommendations of the GSM Association, guaranteeing compatibility
with other global operators, not only in Latin America, but also throughout the
rest of the world.

To succeed with this new "2D barcode Ecosystem," the active participation of
all industry players from operators and manufacturers of mobile devices to
developers and mobile marketers is needed. Bems will aim to create models of
collaboration with all of them and to generate the scale that is needed for the
space to develop to its full potential.

It is expected that operators in Latin America signalling their commitment
to an open operating environment via this initiative will lead the way to
unifying the marketplace and encourage other operators and brands to invest in
mobile barcoding as a marketing channel.

Mobile penetration in Latin America (and the Caribbean region) stands well
above the global average - it was judged in early 2009 that penetration stood
at 80% compared to a global average of 58%.1 With 458 million people across
Latin America and the Caribbean owning a mobile phone (more than four times the
number with a fixed line phone), the region holds approximately 12% of the
world's 3.97 billion mobile subscribers.2 Several countries, including
Argentina, Uruguay, and Venezuela have passed the 100% penetration threshold.3
While Latin America's Mobile Internet market is currently not highly developed,
it is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of more than 85 percent through
2012 (compared with a global average of 16 percent).4
1, 2, 3 - budde.com.au
4 - Bain & Co
About NeoMedia Technologies

NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: NEOM) is the global leader in mobile
barcode scanning solutions. Our technology allows mobile devices with cameras
to read 1D and 2D barcodes and provide "one click" access to mobile content.
Combining this technology with advanced analytics and reporting capabilities
revolutionizes the way advertisers market to mobile consumers.

NeoMedia provides the infrastructure to make 2D camera barcode scanning and
its associated commerce easy, universal, and reliable - worldwide. The
company's mobile phone technology, NeoReader, reads and transmits data from 1D
and 2D barcodes to its intended destination. Our Code Management and Code
Clearinghouse platforms create, connect, record, and transmit the transactions
embedded in the 1D and 2D barcodes, like web-URLs, text messages (SMS), and
telephone calls, ubiquitously and reliably.

About Bems
Bems is the leader in the development of 2D mobile barcode solutions in
Spain, helping its clients to extend their brand to mobile and into the world
of technology. Bems is known as the go-to for 2D barcodes and has developed
solutions for a wide range of brands and businesses, including Warner Brothers,
Yell and Bacardi
CONTACT: For Bems:
David Gutirrez, [phone]
[e-mail]
or
For NeoMedia:
U.S.:
Kiersten Williams, + 212 521 4087
[e-mail]
or
Europe:
Louise Ballard, [phone]
[e-mail]
or
Cath Shuttlewood, [phone]
[e-mail]
(TS:NEOM;)