NeuStar Announces Barcode Interoperability

NeuStar today unveiled the first successful demonstration and implementation of technology that enables cell phones to scan and process two-dimensional barcodes - regardless of the mobile service provider, type of bar code symbology, or scanning technology used.

NeuStar's pilot program is based on open standards and demonstrates interoperability among the world's most successful barcode campaign managers, symbologies, and code reader technologies through NeuStar's trusted third party central clearinghouse and registry services. Announced at CTIA, the program currently involves industry-leading companies 3GVision, Mobile Discovery, Mobile Tag, and NeoMedia.

"Each of our current partners brings unique values and capabilities to the market," according to Diane Strahan, vice president of Mobile Services at NeuStar. "Consumers can simply click, send, and enjoy immediate access to cool content. This program is a critical step toward linking various barcode readers and players in the marketplace, and toward creating a seamless, open, and scalable solution for brands, consumers, and mobile operators."

Unlike the linear (striped) EAN/UPC barcodes typically used for inventory and point-of-sale transactions, the more advanced two-dimensional (2D) codes provide mobile consumers with a "shortcut" to access rich content and helpful information, as well as to engage in m-commerce. For mobile consumers, barcodes offer the ability to rapidly discover, interact, and transact with brands without typing out a web address or searching for a website.

NeuStar anticipates that two-dimensional bar codes will be of particular relevance to advertisers and brands, which can immediately leverage their traditional packaging and print - as well as interactive media buys - to reach consumers on the move. More than simply providing mobile consumers with a link to an Internet address, indirect 2D barcode systems can use location, language, or other information shared by the consumer, allowing advertisers to deliver dynamic, individually tailored content. Barcodes offer direct response accountability through measurable ROI, and enable advertisers to adjust their content based on real-time tracking of each campaign's performance.

"Whether the call to action is a short code or a barcode, NeuStar is enabling consumers to opt in to and connect directly with their desired mobile content and interactive experiences," continued Strahan. "The current industry partners in this program are highly successful players in mobile marketing and bar code scanning solutions, as well as intellectual property leaders. These partners have the widest deployment of barcode solutions and penetration in Japan, France, Australia, and other countries. The strength of the open interoperable service we are demonstrating is that it provides the underlying infrastructure needed for brands to confidently deliver a consistent, high-quality customer experience across mobile operators for maximum reach and return."

Interview With NeoMedia CEO Iain McCready

NeoMedia Technologies' CEO Iain McCready talks to bnetTV.com's Michelle Sklar at GSMA Mobile World Congress 2009.

Who Will Be First To License NeoMedia's Patents

The mobile code ecosystem has been a buzz ever since NeoMedia Technologies announced last month that the United States Patent and Trademark Office had ruled in favor of NeoMedia in the reexamination of its U.S. Patent No. 6,199,048 -- System And Method For Automatic Access Of A Remote Computer Over A Network.

NeoMedia currently has 30 active patents spanning 13 countries, with 29 additional patents pending. These patents cover various linkage methods including: Barcodes, RFID, Mag Stripe, Voice, and other machine readable and keyed entry identifiers.

According to NeoMedia's CEO Iain McCready, "A couple of competitors in the USA have already asked us for a free license but we can’t accept that. We are a business and so are they. In a reasonable manner, and at a fair price, we want to move forward with this. I am open to discussion and we want to be seen as fair. We want the whole mobile barcode market to succeed and the license fee model is tried and tested and it works. It can be as simple or as difficult as people want it to be and we aim to keep it simple. We have been working very very closely with both the GSMA and the OMA, and by being connected, the introduction of a license model can and will only succeed."

With the Google backed ShopSavvy and CompareEverywhere barcode applications making strong headway, and the recently launched Microsoft Tag reader carving out its niche, the mobile code ecosystem is quickly attracting major industry players.

Last week France's Mobile Tag announced that former NeoMedia CEO William "Chip" Hoffman had joined the company to head up their US operations. Mobile Tag uses mobile barcode technology patented by NeoMedia, and makes for a very likely patent licensee. Likewise with Google, Microsoft, Scanbuy and Upcode.

In keeping with its vision and commitment to developing an interoperable global ecosystem, NeoMedia is licensing its technology to foster innovation in the creation of exciting new mobile barcode applications and services.

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Dean Wood To Lead NeoMedia Sales Efforts

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, today announced that Dean Wood, former Commercial Vice President at ShoZu Ltd, has joined the company as Vice President of Business Development.

Wood brings a wealth of internet, service provider and mobile sector experience to NeoMedia, having spent the last 10 years specializing in converged web/mobile software and services. He will be responsible for driving business development and sales activities at the company, helping educate the market and drive interest in 2D barcoding solutions within the mobile operator, handset manufacturer, and advertising communities across the globe.

"I am thrilled to be joining NeoMedia at such an exciting time for the company and the mobile barcoding industry in general,” said Wood. “Now that the ambiguity related to our patent situation has been resolved, the industry can move forward and I am sure we will begin to see 2D barcodes appearing everywhere on a daily basis. NeoMedia gives brands a fast, accurate and measurable form of interaction with consumers and I cannot wait to get started to help position the company as the leader in mobile barcode solutions."

Most recently, Wood was responsible for securing strategic partnership and licensing deals with social media sites, media companies, mobile operators and handset manufacturers at ShoZu, the leading mobile social media service. Prior to this, Wood was Director of Mobile and Devices at Macromedia, where he was responsible for driving sales and strategic partnerships within the operator, handset manufacturer and consumer electronics sectors.

Commenting on Woods’ appointment, Iain McCready, CEO at NeoMedia Technologies said: "I have no doubt that Dean’s enthusiasm, dedication and in-depth knowledge of our industry will help NeoMedia develop a rich partner ecosystem and open new revenue opportunities for brands, operators, handset manufacturers and advertising agencies. We are delighted to have him on board and I look forward to working closely with him as our business develops."