Klambt Media Group Selects NeoMedia

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in mobile barcode scanning solutions, and philipp, an Austrian-based mobile solutions and services company, were selected by Klambt Media Group, to provide 2D barcode services for a contest launched last month in Germany's The Star, Style and In magazines.

Readers were encouraged to text NEO via SMS, which linked them to the NeoReader download site. Once the NeoReader code scanning software was installed on their device, readers can scan the Data Matrix code, which connected them to mobile content and entered them into a raffle.

Mazda & NeoMedia Launch QR Code Campaign

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in mobile barcode scanning solutions, has been selected by Mazda to power an innovative QR code campaign in Austrian magazines Sport Week and Format to promote the pre-launch of the new Mazda 3.

Readers of the magazines are encouraged to text CODE to 48000 which will link them to the NeoReader download site. Once the NeoReader code scanning software is installed on their device, readers can scan the QR code which will connect them to mobile content.

Through NeoMedia, traditional advertising is instantly transformed into a multi-media experience when advertisers incorporate 2D barcodes into their marketing mix. Any product, magazine/newspaper, retail display or billboard with a 2D code can provide access to real-time product or service information, downloadable content or mobile commerce transactions.

Nokia & NeoMedia Extend 2D Code Campaign

Due to the overwhelming success of the recently concluded multi-channel Nokia Navigation phone promotion in Austria, Nokia, IQ mobile and NeoMedia Technologies have extended their 2D code campaign to Switzerland.

IQ mobile uses NeoMedia’s patented technologies to provide their customers with mobile advertising campaigns that leverage 2D barcodes. The NeoReader application delivers a fast and accurate scanning experience to consumers and the NeoSphere code management platform provides IQ mobile with a simple but powerful tool to create, track and measure 2D barcode campaigns.

"The performance of the 2D code campaign has far exceeded both ours and Nokia’s expectations. Due to the strong response rates and opt-in interest, Nokia will be incorporating more campaigns with 2D codes in Central Europe. We are currently running a campaign in Switzerland featuring 2D codes to promote the Nokia Music Device 5800 via the Mobilezone^®, a major catalog retailer," said Harald Winkelhofer, Founder & CEO of IQ mobile. "In general, the 2D code technology plays a very important role in all the mobile marketing concepts that we bring to our client base of international brands and agencies."

Alexander Oswald, Head of Marketing - Alps South East Europe for Nokia added, "We are very pleased with the results and being the first one to use this solution. As we are one of the leading mobility brands, using mobile advertising technologies is important as a new and exciting communication channel. And as well part of our brand DNA of connecting people through mobile solutions."

NeoMedia & IQ Mobile Power Nokia Campaign

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in mobile barcode scanning solutions, was selected by IQ mobile, the leading mobile marketing company in Central Europe, to provide 2D barcoding services for their advertising campaigns. The first campaign launched using this technology was an interactive advertising campaign to promote Nokia’s new Navigation phones in Austria, which recently concluded.

IQ mobile uses NeoMedia’s patented technologies to provide their customers with mobile advertising campaigns that leverage 2D barcodes. The NeoReader application delivers a fast and accurate scanning experience to consumers and the NeoSphere code management platform provides IQ mobile with a simple but powerful tool to create, track and measure 2D barcode campaigns.

Nokia recently launched their new line of Navigation phones and IQ mobile wanted to provide an innovative campaign that would garner attention and highlight the navigation features of the new phones. Leveraging NeoMedia’s mobile barcoding solutions, IQ mobile developed a multi-channel advertising campaign that enabled mobile consumers to scan a 2D code for a chance to win a Nokia 6210 Navigation phone.

This heavily promoted launch featured a 2D barcode in full-page print ads placed in the high profile Austrian men’s lifestyle magazine “WIENER” as well as “Weekend,” another popular lifestyle magazine. The campaign was further supported with banners, flyers and posters which were placed in bus stations and city lights across Austria. A digital component featured banner ads across 10 different mobile portals.

"IQ mobile was looking for an innovative solution that would help reinforce Nokia’s ‘pioneering’ spirit as well as provide clear value and results. NeoMedia’s 2D barcode solutions created intrigue for consumers, but more importantly, delivered real added-value to Nokia by "turning on" the printed mediums and delivering real-time results for each element of the campaign. The combination of a qualitative interactive consumer experience with a quantifiable and measurable response mechanism makes mobile barcodes a powerful tool for marketers," said Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies. "IQ mobile understands the power of 2D barcodes and works hard to ensure the experience is easy and intuitive for consumers in order to optimize results for their clients."

IQ mobile conducted in-depth response analysis to understand how each element of the Nokia campaign performed. The response rates were similar to that of SMS campaigns which was very compelling when comparing a new technology with a more mature, highly available technology. Additionally, the re-marketing opportunity proved valuable due to the high rate of consumers who opted-in to receive more information. The additional costs required to include the 2D barcodes in the media campaign were minimal but the interactive dialogue with consumers delivered real value.

"The performance of the 2D code campaign has far exceeded both ours and Nokia’s expectations. Due to the strong response rates and opt-in interest, Nokia will be incorporating more campaigns with 2D codes in Central Europe. We are currently running a campaign in Switzerland featuring 2D codes to promote the Nokia Music Device 5800 via the Mobilezone^®, a major catalog retailer," said Harald Winkelhofer, Founder & CEO of IQ mobile. "In general, the 2D code technology plays a very important role in all the mobile marketing concepts that we bring to our client base of international brands and agencies."

Alexander Oswald, Head of Marketing - Alps South East Europe for Nokia added, "We are very pleased with the results and being the first one to use this solution. As we are one of the leading mobility brands, using mobile advertising technologies is important as a new and exciting communication channel. And as well part of our brand DNA of connecting people through mobile solutions."

NeoMedia Featured In Mobile Entertainment

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.

Quattroruote Selects NeoReader For QR Codes

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, the leading provider of mobile ticketing and marketing solutions, are proud to announce that their mobile code reading application, NeoReader, was selected by Quattroruote Magazine for the Mini Experience QR code campaign in Italy.

Quattroruote is a popular monthly Italian automobile magazine that began publication in 1956.

Readers of the magazine can now use their mobile phones to scan printed QR codes to access specialized mobile content and view rich multimedia.

In order to scan QR codes, readers can download the NeoReader, which is a free mobile code reading application developed by NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit.

Based off the award winning Lavasphere technology developed in Germany by Gavitec, the NeoReader features NeoMedia's patented resolution technology combined with Gavitec's ultra-small footprint and platform independent algorithms. It is able to read and decipher all common non-proprietary 2D codes (Data Matrix, QR, Aztec) as well as URL embedded 2D codes and all 1D UPC/EAN/Code 128 open source codes. The NeoReader supports direct and indirect code linking, which guarantees maximum interoperability with already existing platforms like 2D Data Matrix Semacodes, and Japanese QR links. This allows the user to click on a variety of codes with a single application installed on their mobile device.

The NeoReader ushers in and inaugurates a brand new era of innovative mobile enterprise and optical code reading solutions for the wireless industry. Visit get.neoreader.com to download the free application, and instantly transform your mobile phone into a universal code reader.

INFOBON & Deutsche Post Adopt 2D Codes

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, the leading provider of mobile ticketing and marketing solutions, partnered with INFOBON International and Deutsche Post to launch an innovative mobile marketing campaign in Germany using 2D barcodes.

INFOBON is a high quality print medium reaching annually more than 100 million households in the following European countries: The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary. The Infobon group has over 15 years of experience in the field of household-advertisement and coupon marketing.

Consumers who receive the unique mailing advertisement can now use their mobile phones to scan the printed 2D barcode to access specialized mobile content and view rich multimedia.

To scan these barcodes, consumers can download the NeoReader, which is a free mobile code reading application developed by NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit.

In order to create 2D barcodes and link them to the mobile Web, INFOBON used NeoSphere, NeoMedia’s Code Management Platform. This suite of tools has been designed to easily develop, launch and manage mobile marketing campaigns based upon 2D codes and camera phones. NeoSphere provides a simple way to interact with consumers and offers an enriched mobile experience with brands. Moreover, it allows advertisers, marketing agencies and publishers to better monetize their traditional ad placements, and boost their marketing return-on-investment by providing detailed response metrics for traditional media as well as rich reporting and analytical information.

In combination with NeoSphere and NeoReader, the mobile channel has become a viable new media platform for brands, advertisers, marketing agencies and publishers looking for a new and innovative way to interact with their audience.

Ralph Lauren Launches US QR Code Initiative

Are tech-savvy fashion forward consumers ready to shop by mobile phone? Ralph Lauren hopes so.

Polo is the first luxury retailer to launch a mobile commerce site, hoping to stay ahead of a trend that is making its way from Asia to the United States, said David Lauren, senior vice president of advertising and son of designer and Chief Executive Ralph Lauren.

Using phones to buy items such as train tickets or products in vending machines is commonplace in Japan, but the trend has yet to catch on in the United States.

"We recognize that in America this is going after somebody who is more comfortable with technology," Lauren told Reuters. "The truth is that in other countries, it's becoming a part of their culture. The trend is coming, and as a fashion company it's very important to identify trends and get ahead of them."

While early adopters of new technologies are often young, Lauren said the move is not aimed at a specific age group.

"This is about someone who's interested in our brand and interested in technology, and wherever the two meet, that's what's appropriate," Lauren said.

The apparel maker will begin placing special 2D codes in print ads, mailings and store windows along with its sponsorship of the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, which begins later this month.

Shoppers can download the NeoReader to their iPhone, or to their camera enabled cell phone in order to scan the 2D codes, which will direct them to a phone-friendly version of Ralph Lauren's website, where they can shop, watch tennis videos and read company content.

The NeoReader is a free universal code reading application developed by NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit.

McDonalds Finds Success With 12Snap & Gavitec

Gavitec AG - mobile digit, a NeoMedia Technologies company and the leading provider of mobile ticketing and marketing solutions, in conjunction with 12Snap, an innovative market leader specializing in mobile marketing and customer loyalty solutions for advertisers, partnered with McDonalds to launch a mobile couponing initiative in Germany.

What do 99% of all people have in common? Besides their love for good food, they love to get something for free! With the SMS Lounge, McDonald’s invited customers to save money with their mobile phone. One text message was enough to register at their favorite restaurant for the service. In the following months, people received a mobile voucher directly from the restaurant onto their phone every two weeks. The coupons – embedded in a 2D barcode - could be redeemed by scanning them at the restaurant using Gavitec's EXIO readers.

By establishing a long-term dialogue that drives people to the restaurant and increases sales, not only does it offer people a service that gives them a real value, but it also helps build awareness by using a mechanic that presents McDonald’s as an innovative brand.

"Mobile Couponing continues to develop the idea of the bonus program, by tying to learned consumer behavior, but at the same time, the cost for suppliers and customers is drastically reduced", explained Stefanie Krebs, managing director of 12snap Germany. "The phone is always there and thus the ideal platform for timely actions and coupon offers. Regular Incentives and a clear use promise are the best starting point for a permanent emotional customer connection."

Since its initial launch in July 2007, more than 10,000 participants have used this McDonald’s service. Being the first of its kind mobile couponing initiative throughout Germany, the brand achieved response rates up to 29%.

Nokia and Vodafone assisted 12Snap and Gavitec and helped make this mobile couponing initiative a great success.

NeoReader Available For Apple's iPhone

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, announced today that their mobile barcode scanning application -- NeoReader® -- is now available for the iPhone and free to download from Apple's App Store. The NeoReader transforms the iPhone into a barcode scanner which provides instant access to mobile content by clicking on 2D barcodes.

Available immediately for free download, iPhone users simply install the NeoReader barcode scanning application onto their iPhone via Apple's App Store, either over a cell network or using Wi-Fi. The application is also accessible via iTunes.

The NeoReader application turns the iPhone into a mobile conduit to interactive content and information. The simple "one click" access makes the mobile internet much more accessible for iPhone users -- by scanning 2D barcodes via the iPhone's camera, users avoid typing in long URLs and navigating cumbersome menus. The 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). iPhone 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.

"We are very exited the NeoReader for iPhone has been approved by Apple -- the superior web experience of iPhone translates to an enhanced experience with the NeoReader as well. iPhone users are exactly the type of consumers that can propel mobile barcode usage into the mainstream," stated Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies. "We know the mobile handset is sacred ground for iPhone users and we respect that. The NeoReader empowers consumers to 'take control' of the content that reaches their iPhone -- they choose when and where they want to engage with a mobile barcode. NeoMedia makes sure the experience is secure, fast and reliable. I believe the NeoReader can be the breakthrough needed to deliver the promise of an easy and accessible mobile internet experience."

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

Gavitec Scanners Used By T-Mobile & Vodafone

Gavitec AG - mobile digit, a leading provider of mobile technologies and marketing solutions and a wholly owned subsidiary of NeoMedia Technologies, today announced that its mobile ticketing scanners were deployed last week at the T-Mobile Street Gigs and Vodafone Music Unlimited events. Since the first Street Gig in June 2007, more than 10,000 music fans received access to these unique events by having their mobile tickets redeemed by the Gavitec scanners. In addition, Vodafone Germany adopted mobile ticketing to distribute exclusive tickets for their July 13th event in Leipzig.

Last Summer, T-Mobile put on a series of spontaneous live music events known as Street Gigs in surprising and unexpected locations across Germany. Tickets for the concerts were available to winners of a “mobile ticket lottery” running on the T-Mobile Street Gigs website. All those registering free of charge as a member of the new T-Mobile Street Gigs community at www.t-mobile-streetgigs.de simply gave their mobile phone numbers. The lottery winners were then sent a pair of mobile tickets in the form of a 2D barcode directly to their mobile phone on the day of the concert. At the gig venue, winners had their mobile ticket scanned by the Gavitec scanner linked into a live database. Once the tickets were validated and redeemed, the winners could enter the venue and enjoy a great night in an exclusive location. Since the first gig in July 2007, more than 10,000 winners have attended the T-Mobile events using mobile tickets.

In order to strengthen its commitment to music products, Vodafone Germany sponsored a live concert featuring one of Germany's most popular bands, Ich + Ich, free of charge in Leipzig, Germany. The tickets for this live concert on July 13 in Leipzig's Kohlrabizirkus were available to all-comers registering at www.vodafone.de/music and taking part in a mobile ticketing lottery. The winners received a mobile ticket for 2 persons in the form of a 2D barcode to be redeemed at the concert venue by the Gavitec scanners.

"We are really pleased that music fans can now take advantage of a more convenient ticketing procedure. Our easy-to-use and versatile scanners are already used successfully in other European countries. It is great to bring this fantastic technology to Germany”, says Dr. Christian Steinborn, CEO at Gavitec AG - mobile digit, and continues “Gavitec’s scanners bring not only enormous advantages for mobile phone users, such as improved customer service, reduced queue times, reliable access control, but also provide event promoters with an easy way to collect data and build a personalized customer database. Therefore, it is a remarkable tool to open new distribution channels and to realize mobile marketing campaigns".

Data Matrix Inventor Joins NeoMedia

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, announced today that Dennis G. Priddy, inventor of the Data Matrix symbology, has been appointed to the position of Senior Vice President of Operations. As an innovator in the 2D barcode industry and a pioneer of 2D imaging, Dennis’ global business insights and technological acumen further solidify NeoMedia’s position as a thought leader in the burgeoning mobile barcode scanning industry.

In his new role, Dennis will oversee all technical operations of the business. Since joining NeoMedia in March 2008, he has been working closely with NeoMedia’s Chief Strategist, Dr. Frank Müller, to promote unified standards in mobile barcode reading technology and cooperate globally with the GSM Association (GSMA) and the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), two of the mobile phone industry’s most influential representative bodies. Establishing unified standards to enable global interoperability is a critical milestone to driving worldwide adoption of mobile marketing utilizing 2D barcodes.

“Most people know the name Dennis Priddy as the father of the Data Matrix symbology, but those in the auto-ID industry associate the name with strong operational leadership,” says Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies. “NeoMedia Technologies is proud to have a visionary like Dennis in the organization to help us develop compelling business solutions that leverage barcode scanning technology and navigate the complex global interoperability challenges that lie ahead. It’s great to have someone with his vast experience on board.”

Dennis is world renowned in industry circles for having introduced and led the adoption of the Data Matrix 2D symbology. As a result of Dennis’ efforts, Data Matrix has been established as a national and international identification standard in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, health care, and postal industries, as well as the US Department of Defense, NASA, and the FDA. He was a featured speaker at government and industry forums in the United States, Europe, Japan, and The People’s Republic of China.

He has developed and introduced new technology and established worldwide sales and distribution channels in China and Japan. While serving as Chairman of International Data Matrix, Inc., Dennis coordinated the corporate merger of I.D. Matrix with Robotic Vision Systems, Inc (RVSI) and became CEO of that industry-leading conglomerate. He also participated in the acquisition of Computer Identics Corporation and the subsequent consolidation of Computer Identics with I.D. Matrix to form CiMatrix.

Dennis has served more than 20 years contracting with the federal government with extensive expertise in government contract law and regulation, and is considered a subject matter expert in intellectual property law cases. He is the named inventor on 13 US patents and one patent pending.

NeoMedia's Patent Review Moves To Next Phase

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in mobile barcode scanning, announced today that it will respond to the Office Action recently issued by The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) by vigorously defending a patent that has been undergoing re-examination since July 26, 2007. NeoMedia believes the patent to be valid and will provide the USPTO with the necessary documentation to substantiate that validity.

The USPTO recently issued an Office Action regarding the re-examination of NeoMedia's U.S. Patent number 6,199,048. The re-examination procedure is a standard legal process that occurs in the natural course of business -- this is not an "out of the ordinary" event. It is not unusual for the USPTO to preliminarily reject claims during the re-examination process. This initial action is non-final and will be subject to a review process. The '048 patent is presumed to be valid, intact and enforceable during the re-examination process.

While NeoMedia respects the USPTO's finding, it will leverage the due process opportunity to respond to the ruling and defend the patent that it believes valid under patent law. The company has been requested to respond to the Office Action by providing clarification and comment on the cited prior art references by September 3, 2008. Based on prior successful patent defenses, NeoMedia is optimistic that the single patent in question will be confirmed and the re-examination effort will have served to verify the strength of the patent.

"This is a standard patent process and we simply have to let it run its course. We have successfully defended this type of allegation in the past; it's the challenge NeoMedia faces for being an innovator. Our focus is on enabling interoperability and a viable ecosystem of players needed to support a vibrant and growing mobile barcode scanning business," states Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia. "Our willingness to share our expertise and license our IP are important factors in helping the industry gain momentum right now. We have developed flexible and creative IP licensing models that respond to the varying needs in the marketplace. The opportunity is huge...we just need to get the ecosystem running."

NeoMedia has a strong and valuable patent portfolio in the arena of connecting barcodes to content over networks that has been successfully defended in the past. This re-examination was limited to only one of NeoMedia's many patents, and none of its other patents are affected by the re-examination.

NeoMedia Brings 2D Codes To Hong Kong

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, has teamed up with leading wireless carrier Hutchison Whampoa and New Media Group, to bring mobile codes to Hong Kong.

Hutchison Whampoa, one of the worlds leading telecommunications operators running it's network under the 3 brand, and New Media Group, a leading Hong Kong publisher principally engaged in the publishing and marketing of Chinese language weekly magazines, have deployed NeoMedia's 2D barcodes in New Media's Weekend Weekly and New Monday publications.

Readers of the magazines can now use their mobile phones to scan printed 2D barcodes to access specialized mobile content and view rich multimedia, such as photos, wallpapers, songs, and video clips.

To scan these barcodes, readers can download the NeoReader, which is a free mobile code reading application developed by NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit.

In order to create 2D barcodes and link them to the mobile Web, New Media Group used NeoSphere, NeoMedia’s Code Management Platform. This suite of tools has been designed to easily develop, launch and manage mobile marketing campaigns based upon 2D codes and camera phones. NeoSphere provides a simple way to interact with consumers and offers an enriched mobile experience with brands. Moreover, it allows advertisers, marketing agencies and publishers to better monetize their traditional ad placements, and boost their marketing return-on-investment by providing detailed response metrics for traditional media as well as rich reporting and analytical information.

In combination with NeoSphere and NeoReader, the mobile channel has become a viable new media platform for brands, advertisers, marketing agencies and publishers looking for a new and innovative way to interact with their audience.

Companies Transition To 2D Barcodes

By the end of this year, consumers may notice a new type of barcode printed on popular product packaging. In addition to the traditional one-dimensional UPC codes found on everything, two-dimensional Data Matrix codes are now beginning to emerge.

Colgate Palmolive, an American diversified multinational corporation focused on the production, distribution and provision of household, health care and personal products, and Unilever, a multinational corporation owning many of the world's leading consumer product brands, are two such companies that are making the transition to two-dimensional Data Matrix codes.

Speed Stick and Soft Soap are two brands owned by Colgate Palmolive that have begun printing Data Matrix codes on their product packaging.

As seen in the picture to the left, the barcode contains a unique identifier, 9838450, which is used for tracking the product, collecting data, improving production capabilities and anti-counterfeiting measures.

The second picture displays the bottle of Soft Soap with a two-dimensional Data Matrix code printed on the back. It also contains a unique identifier, 9841645, which is used for product tracking and informational purposes.

In addition to product tracking, data collection, production improvements and anti-counterfeiting measures, Data Matrix codes can open up an entirely new revenue stream for brands and advertisers by utilizing the two-dimensional barcode and the ever popular mobile channel.

One such company, NeoMedia Technologies, has a patented technology that enables print and static media to become interactive with target audiences using two-dimensional barcodes and mobile networks by delivering real-time content that can be carried away with the consumer on their mobile device.

In order to link two-dimensional Data Matrix codes to the mobile Web, Colgate Palmolive and Unilever can deploy NeoMedia's NeoSphere Code Management Platform. This suite of tools has been designed to easily develop, launch and manage mobile marketing campaigns based upon two-dimensional barcodes and camera phones. NeoSphere provides a simple way to interact with consumers and offers an enriched mobile experience for brands. Moreover, it allows advertisers, marketing agencies and publishers to better monetize their traditional ad placements, and boost their marketing return-on-investment by providing detailed response metrics for traditional media as well as rich reporting and analytical information.

The barcode's unique identifier, can now be linked to a mobile website using the NeoSphere Code Management Platform.

Consumers can then use their mobile phones to scan printed Data Matrix codes to access specialized mobile content and rich multimedia, such as product information, special offers, coupons, ring tones, and videos. In order to scan Data matrix codes, consumers can download the NeoReader, which is a free mobile code reading application developed by NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit.

OMA Update On Mobile Code Standards

The OMA recently published a June 2008 Technical Plenary Summary stating that good progress was being made on mobile code standards requirements, and that a consensus has been reached on the definition of an Indirect Mode Ecosystem. The summary also noted that a candidate release was scheduled for second quarter 2009.

Last December the Mobile Codes Consortium (MC2) announced it had carried out initiatives which lead to GSM Association (GSMA) and Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) activities to accelerate mass mobile marketing using 2D barcodes.

The Mobile Codes Consortium, the cross-industry group created to promote unified standards in camera cell-phone barcode reading technology, in conjunction with the GSM Association and the Open Mobile Alliance, continues to bring large scale adoption of mobile codes closer to reality.

The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) delivers open specifications for creating interoperable services that work across countries, operators, fixed and mobile terminals. Driven by users’ needs and the expanding market for data services, the member companies of the Open Mobile Alliance stimulate the adoption of new and enhanced information, communication and entertainment services. The Open Mobile Alliance includes contributors from all key elements of the wireless value chain, and contributes to the timely and efficient introduction of services and applications.

Mobile Ticketing Used At Luxembourg Air Show

Gavitec AG - mobile digit, a leading provider of mobile technologies and marketing solutions and a wholly owned subsidiary of NeoMedia Technologies, announced that its mobile ticketing solution was used for the air show in Bitburg, Germany last weekend. Mocom, a Luxembourg-based provider of electronic tickets, offered this innovative ticketing service using Gavitec technology. It was a tremendous success and 15,000 mobile tickets were scanned and redeemed over one weekend.

Prior to the air show, which took place from the 28th to the 29th of June, visitors purchased their tickets online via the Mocom web portal and received them as a unique and encrypted 2D barcode directly to their mobile phone.

At the entrance, visitors simply held their mobile phone to the Gavitec scanners to gain quick and easy access to the event. The mobile tickets were redeemed by 6 Gavitec scanners working in parallel. This service offers visitors an easy and convenient alternative to conventional printed tickets or vouchers.

The Gavitec technology offers visitors and event promoters enormous advantages: with an easy and reliable admission solution, queuing time is reduced and direct access to the event is possible.
Moreover, this service supplies event organizers with detailed response statistics and rich reporting and analytical information on mobile activities. This allows event organizers to improve and optimize their events. Furthermore, customers can be individually addressed with information, promotion materials, offers of other services and marketing activities. For example, vouchers and coupons can be created according to the customer’s individual needs and be validated using the Gavitec solution. The scanners are specifically designed for cost-effective mobile marketing applications and a targeted customer approach with precise response measurement. Therefore, new sales and distribution channels open up for event promoters.

Gavitec AG - mobile digit is one of the leading providers of mobile solutions worldwide. Its code reading technology is an integral part of a large number of mobile ticket and voucher systems in Europe.

OgilvyOne Adopts NeoReader and NeoSphere

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, today announced that OgilvyOne Worldwide has deployed two of NeoMedia’s innovative mobile products: NeoReader (barcode scanning application) and NeoSphere (code management platform) for the launch of neo@ogilvy, its integrated digital and direct media company in Malaysia. The launch has been planned and managed by Rezonanze, NeoMedia’s strategic partner in Asia and a leading interactive branding and marketing consultancy.

For the launch of its new division neo@ogilvy in Malaysia, OgilvyOne Worldwide invited brands and advertisers to attend a special reception. The OgilvyOne invitation featured a 2D barcode that linked to neo@ogilvy WAP pages. By scanning the code with their camera phones, attendees were able to preview the neo@ogilvy profile on their mobile phones. The NeoReader, NeoMedia’s 2D barcode scanning application, was used to capture the codes and instantly deliver the multimedia information about OgilvyOne’s new division on mobile phone displays.

“This project clearly points out the significant advantages our technology brings to the advertising and marketing industry” says Iain McCready, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies, and continues “with the NeoReader, marketers are able to address specific targeted audience segments with precise response measurement”.

To create the 2D barcode and link it to the mobile Web, Rezonanze deployed NeoSphere, NeoMedia’s Code Management Platform. This suite of tools has been designed to easily develop, launch and manage mobile marketing campaigns based upon 2D codes and camera phones. NeoSphere provides a simple way to interact with consumers and offers an enriched mobile experience with brands. Moreover, it allows advertisers, marketing agencies and publishers to better monetize their traditional ad placements, and boost their marketing return-on-investment by providing detailed response metrics for traditional media as well as rich reporting and analytics information.