Integra5, the leader in delivering next-generation communication experiences across TVs, PCs, mobile and DECT phones, and Sybase 365,
a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc. announced a partnership to allow mobile
operators to extend their reach with the delivery of social,
SMS-centric applications to multiple devices - based on Integra5's new
MediaFriends application suite.
Deployed
in the mobile operator's network, Integra5's platform is uniquely able
to route SMS messages between the Sybase 365 mobile messaging platform
and users' mobile phones, TVs, PCs and DECT phones. In addition to
mobile operators, the partnership also benefits video providers and
programmers, enabling the deployment of new TV-based services that
incorporate SMS - such as Integra5's MediaFriends TV Chat - with no
wireless network requirements.
Integra5's
MediaFriends is a new suite of social media applications that allows
users to participate in real-time group or one-on-one chats using
mobile phones, TVs, PCs and DECT phones. The first phase of the suite,
MediaFriends TV Chat, delivers a social entertainment experience on
the TV. Using a remote control, viewers can invite friends to watch TV
programming together and engage in chats by sending text messages via
their mobile phone and view the conversation directly on the TV. The
next phase - MediaFriends PC Chat - expands the experience by allowing
users to view and participate in multi-device chats directly from their
PCs.
According
to CTIA, U.S. SMS traffic grew to more than 75 billion messages per
month in 2008 from 7.2 billion per month in 2005. By combining
Integra5's ability to deliver converged communications across multiple
devices with Sybase 365 mobile messaging technology, the partnership
addresses today's evolving communications patterns and provides mobile
operators with new opportunities to drive consumer usage and increase
SMS messaging traffic at an even greater rate than today.
"Our
partnership with Integra5 expands the reach of SMS messaging to a new
realm of devices including TVs and PCs, ultimately driving a better
communication experience for the end user while opening up new revenue
streams for mobile operators," said Gregory Dunn, vice president,
Americas, Sybase 365. "We plan to continue innovation in integrated
mobile messaging, and realize the synergy between social media
networking and SMS as a fertile bed for continued development."
With more
than 40 Integra5 deployments across seven countries, the partnership
with Sybase 365 further extends our leadership in multi-device
converged communications by bringing SMS into the mix," said Meredith
Flynn-Ripley, president and CEO of Integra5. "The relationship is an
important step in creating new revenue opportunities for mobile
operators, video programmers and video providers worldwide."
Integra5 will showcase MediaFriends® TV Chat at CTIA Wireless 2009 on April 1-3 in Las Vegas in Sybase 365 Booth #8644 and at The Cable Show 2009 on April 1-3 in Washington, D.C. in the itaas Booth #1401.