NeoMedia & Format Dynamics Join Forces

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, and Format Dynamics, an innovator in online print and ad optimization, recently announced a strategic alliance designed to accelerate innovation in both online and offline advertising.

NeoMedia develops technology that connects 2D barcodes to interactive content served via mobile networks. Format Dynamics has defined a new advertising category by creating ad inventory served only to the printed Web page. Together, NeoMedia and Format Dynamics will provide the publishing and advertising communities with new ways to increase the value of traditional advertising vehicles, both individually and in a strategic alliance.

"Advertisers are demanding more accountability from their media investments as overall ad budgets shrink," said Ethan Holien, CEO, Format Dynamics. "By teaming up with NeoMedia, we are providing advertisers with a unique channel for targeting consumers, yielding precise ROI metrics. At the same time, we're providing Web publishers with net-new, measurable inventory for incremental revenue."

NeoMedia focuses on improving advertising effectiveness via 2D barcodes that "hyperlink" printed materials to interactive mobile web content. Format Dynamics' CleanPrint™ technology reformats the printed Web page into a magazine-like format and digitally serves a targeted ad within each page. In addition, PrintTracker™ from Format Dynamics tracks all browser-based Web printing behavior, helping Web publishers to analyze campaign metrics and identify monetization opportunities.

Format Dynamics will extend NeoMedia's barcode technology to the ads it serves, providing marketers with additional analytics through a new measurable response mechanism with little incremental cost above their initial media investment.

"By working together with Format Dynamics to provide a broader range of media options in the unique niche of integrating offline and online advertising, we hope to draw more attention to our offerings while extending real value and innovation to our advertising clients," said Iain McCready, CEO, NeoMedia Technologies. "Advertisers are still trying to find effective and scalable opportunities in the mobile arena. NeoMedia's mobile barcode scanning solutions deliver engaging, consumer-initiated interactions with brands that leverage existing media investments."

NeoReader Available For The Blackberry

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, is excited to announce that their mobile code reading application -- NeoReader® -- is now available for the Blackberry Curve and Pearl. The NeoReader transforms the Blackberry into a barcode scanner, which provides instant access to mobile content by clicking on 2D barcodes.

The NeoReader application turns the Blackberry into a mobile conduit to interactive content and information. The simple "one click" access makes the mobile internet much more accessible for Blackberry users -- by scanning 2D barcodes via the Blackberry's camera, users avoid typing in long URLs and navigating cumbersome menus. 2D barcodes serve as "hyperlinks" from printed mediums to mobile web content and are activated when and where users choose.

The use cases for mobile barcodes are virtually endless, from advertising or editorial content (e.g. movie trailer, product coupon or video content to accompany a print article) to public service information (e.g. bus schedules or prescription drug information) and personal information (e.g. interactive business card). Blackberry users can even promote themselves with mobile barcodes. By creating personal codes users can link their website to a business card, a t-shirt, a social networking profile or any other creative place a barcode can be printed.

The NeoReader is a universal barcode scanning application that reads all standard 2D barcode symbologies -- QR, Data Matrix, Aztec -- so Blackberry users won't need multiple barcode readers. Many companies are beginning to utilize 2D barcodes in their marketing and communication efforts. By installing the NeoReader, Blackberry users will enjoy the value and convenience of a rich and relevant interactive experience wherever they encounter a mobile barcode.

AT&T & Papa John's Team Up With NeoMedia

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, has teamed up with AT&T and Papa John's to launch a commercial trial in the US using 2D barcodes and mobile code reading software from NeoMedia.

Building on its continued online success, Papa John’s, the world's third largest pizza company and the industry leader in online ordering, recently launched mobile web ordering, a system that enables pizza lovers to set-up an account or place an order right from their mobile phone.

For the commercial trial, 90,000 mailers were sent out to AT&T subscribers in selected markets inviting them to be among the first to use their AT&T phone in a brand new way. Those interested in participating could text PIZZA to 7316, which would deliver instructions on how to download and install the NeoReader onto their iPhone or other AT&T supported device.

Once installed, the 2D barcode could be scanned using the NeoReader, which would provide a link with a built-in promotion code to Papa John's mobile website. Users would then login with their existing Papa John's account information or create a new account to redeem the offer.

"Mobile web ordering is another major step in giving our customers convenient ways to experience the great taste of Papa John's," said Bob Ford, director of online marketing for Papa John's. "The addition of a 2D barcode promotion continues our tradition of industry firsts and creates a new way for customers to engage with Papa John's."

"We were delighted to work with an industry innovator like Papa John's to launch this program," said Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia. "They understand the consumer desire for convenience and mobile barcode scanning is a new way to provide a simple but compelling consumer experience via the mobile phone. NeoMedia makes sure those experiences are secure, fast and reliable. The NeoReader scanning application helps partners like Papa John's deliver an easy and accessible mobile internet experience to their customers."

As the US continues to embrace 2D barcodes, Papa John's looks forward to staying ahead of new and emerging technologies and positioning itself as a leader in the emerging mobile code ecosystem.

NeoMedia & Gavitec To Attend CTIA Wireless

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, the leading provider of mobile ticketing technologies and marketing solutions, are excited to showcase their innovative optical code reading technology at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2008 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA from September 10 - 12.

CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment, the largest wireless data event in the industry, embodies the ever-changing, dynamic, and innovative world of wireless data in enterprise and in entertainment. CTIA Wireless is the one show that brings key audiences such as enterprise users, solution providers, content owners, and mobile distribution channels together to form strategic partnerships, service industry needs, and create new innovations in wireless data. With over 300 exhibitors and special technology pavilions in mobile entertainment, enterprise mobility, M2M and application development, CTIA Wireless is the most comprehensive expo in wireless data showcasing ground-breaking innovations and creative solutions for enterprise and entertainment.

NeoMedia's flagship optical messaging and code reading platform, along with Gavitec's mobile ticketing technologies and marketing solutions will be on display at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment in booth #229.

In order to create a global ecosystem for mobile codes, NeoMedia is collaborating with recognized leaders in telecommunication infrastructure management to create a worldwide infrastructure for the processing of optically initiated transactions - called the Optical Messaging Interchange. This interchange would provide the mass reach required by brands and advertisers to invest in the technology, while enabling operators to leverage their investments in networks and subscribers. By embracing open standards, full interoperability, and by being barcode symbology agnostic, NeoMedia Technologies wants to provide a global infrastructure to insure that all transactions requested by end users “work” as intended, all parties are compensated correctly, and that the technology achieves mass adoption globally. In doing so, NeoMedia enables a seamless, secure, and reliable platform for mobile commerce using 1D and 2D barcodes and mobile devices. NeoMedia’s mission is to offer new ways to make mobile internet transactions effortless and more accessible while enhancing customer value and convenience.