Telecommunications

Jun 29, 2006
fastmobile Plans Further Expansion

• fastmobile’s IM platform is the first of its kind;
• CDC will support the implementation of IM services to customers worldwide;
• fastmobile plans expansion in Singapore, Paris and Munich;
• MMS is also an integral part of the IM service offered by fastmobile offers.

NEW DELHI -- In an industry where end users are seeking easy-to-use services, operators and portals are keen to develop applications that develop loyal customers and strengthen brands as well as revenue. Service providers are always working toward improving the user experience, driving incremental ARPU and leveraging existing service and infrastructure investment to deliver higher ROI. fastmobile develops platforms that enable mobile network operators and other customers to integrate messaging, content access and other customized features in a single, clear and simple user interface.

In GSMA market research, 85 percent of users endorsed the concept of a single integrated messaging client, while 52 percent believed they would send more messages. Integrated Messaging (IM) supports users by allowing them to compose and read all of their messages in the same location as opposed to single use solutions that have differing applications and 'in boxes' for each messaging type. fastmobile's services platform enables carriers to provide their customers with a simplified way of accessing and using messaging services such as SMS, MMS, e-mail and IM-type services. It also integrates features such as mailboxes and address books across all messaging services.

Convergence Plus met John O’Boyle, head, European marketing, fastmobile, on its recently opened China Development Centre (CDC) in Beijing. Excerpts from the interview.

Convergence Plus: Tell us about fastmobile.

John O’Boyle: fastmobile is the integrated messaging company. fastmobile’s integrated messaging platform, a software-driven product, is the first of its kind for mobile operators, messaging brand owners and handset manufacturers. Just as supermarkets brought convenience to shopping, or Windows made computing easy (for users and application developers) fastmobile’s aim is to make messaging simple.

Integrated messaging is a means of providing a common user interface that enables consumers to easily to control their messaging services. That means, one inbox, one address book and one messaging access point.

fastmobile has a highly experienced management team with a proven track record of delivering solutions to the mobile industry that drive up usage and revenues.

Headquartered in Chicago, IL USA, fastmobile’s technology redefines the customer’s experience of value-added services like mobile instant messaging and interactive gaming. Operating globally on 2.5 and 3G mobile networks, fastmobile has operations based in the US, Europe and Asia.

Investors in fastmobile include DCM - Doll Capital Management, Walden International, Leo Capital Holdings, BlueStar Ventures and Red Barn Investments.

CP: You have recently opened a dedicated China Development Centre (CDC) in Beijing. What will be its focus?

JB: The CDC has been established to meet the increasing demand for fastmobile’s solutions and will support the implementation of fastmobile’s integrated messaging services to customers around the world. The center will focus on J2ME, Symbian and BREW developments, server software development and operator customisation.

CP: Where do you think this exciting opportunity can take your company?

JB: The opening of the China Development Centre is an important step for fastmobile to expand its engineering resources and to support growing demand for its integrated messaging solutions. fastmobile will be able to scale their resources rapidly and leverage the core development teams in the UK and the US

CP: What are fastmobile's expansion strategies? How well are these strategies paying?

JB: Besides the China Development Center, fastmobile plans further expansion with centers in Singapore, Paris and Munich. The presence in China will help fastmobile bring a superior mobile messaging experience to China and a greater international market.

CP: What has been your experience with MMS?

JB: MMS itself is part of fastmobile’s entire messaging suite. It is an integral part of the integrated messaging service that fastmobile offers. It is about providing one user interface that enables consumers to control all their messaging methods and address books.