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."

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.

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.

NeoMedia Appoints New CEO Iain McCready

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated barcode transactions for mobile devices, is pleased to announce the appointment of Iain McCready as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Iain joins to take NeoMedia into the next phase of its growth and to be responsible for day-to-day operations and business strategy.

Outgoing CEO Chip Hoffman, who is moving on to new activities, will help Iain during the transition period.

Iain was previously employed as a consultant for NeoMedia and has extensive experience in successfully growing relevant technology businesses. Most recently, Iain spent three years driving the growth of Mobiqa, the world leader in mobile ticketing and mobile couponing solutions based on the creation, optimization, delivery and redemption of barcodes to mobile phones, from a start-up to the world leader in their field. As CEO, he rolled out the company's strategy worldwide, entered new markets and struck major deals with the biggest companies in their field, including Ticketmaster, Major League Baseball and Nokia.

Previously, Iain was Non-Executive Chairman of Scolocate Limited, a provider of co-location and managed services to the IT marketplace, specializing in IT architecture, design and planning, project management and implementation services. Prior to this, Iain was the Non-Executive Director of Concept Systems Limited, a leading supplier of advanced IT systems, solutions and service to the oil exploration and production industry, appointed to manage the business to a successful exit, which he achieved.

In 2003 Iain served as the Interim Chief Operating Officer at Hanon Solution Limited. Before that, he had an almost 20 year career at KSCL, which was Scotland's largest software house and developed customer care and billing applications for the world's leading mobile phone operators, now part of Convergys. Iain had held a number of roles at KSCL including Chief Operating Officer and Customer Services Director.

George O'Leary, board member said, "We are delighted to welcome Iain on board. Iain comes with direct experience and the proven ability to develop and execute business plans, establish companies internationally and build and lead teams. He was the natural choice for CEO. We have been particularly impressed with his ability to assess and assimilate business issues quickly. His extensive experience leading a top barcode and technology company will provide key direction in developing NeoMedia's strategy and driving the company forward."

Iain McCready said, "Having already worked with NeoMedia, I am looking forward to taking the reins and being operational from day one. At the forefront of a rapidly growing sector, the company's innovative products, exciting solutions and its intellectual property for the mobile market in particular offer impressive potential. I look forward to contributing to its future success."

DIMOCO Powers Mobile Tags With NeoReader

DIMOCO, a full solution mobile service provider offering mobile marketing, mobile messaging and payment, as well as mobile campaigns, has partnered with NeoMedia and Gavitec to provide mobile tagging solutions using the NeoReader.

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, Maxi) 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.

According to DIMOCO's website, "Mobile Tagging offers more mobile experience with only one click. Mobile Tagging shows you a brand new method in communicating with your target group. With taking a picture of the 2D code (the tag) the end-user instantly gets the information (news, coupons, sweepstakes) behind it."

In addition to mobile tagging, DIMOCO is also utilizing Gavitec's mobile ticketing and mobile coupon solutions.

In September 2006, a new world record in mobile ticketing was set by DIMOCO and NeoMedia's Gavitec. The two companies took part in Vienna’s World Records Day, held on the famous Prater on September 19th to showcase attempts at records to be submitted to Guinness® World Records™. Dr. Christian Steinborn, NeoMedia's COO, said more than 10,000 automated tickets were issued for the event, including 7,000 tickets which were “validated,” making them eligible to establish a world mark in mobile ticketing. "The true benefits of new ticketing technology," he said, "are time and cost savings, as well as easy handling for visitors and organizers alike."

“The World Record Day was a day full of records,” said Rudolf Ivancsits, international key account manager of DIMOCO. “For the team of DIMOCO, including NeoMedia’s Gavitec, we were able to demonstrate that mobile ticketing is able to handle an immense number of visitors."

DIMOCO's portfolio includes everything from campaign planning through software development, all the way to providing technical infrastructure. Since every Austrian, German, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, Croatian, Slovenian, Ukrainian and Swiss mobile provider is their partner, DIMOCO can cost effectively apply the most up-to-date mobile telephone technologies and carrying mediums (SMS/MMS).

Gavitec Powers Mobile Ticketing For O2

A new service delivered by O2 for the West End hit, The Lord of the Rings, brings the latest in mobile technology to the theater world.

It is the first major commercial launch of a full scale mobile ticketing service in Europe, which allows customers to buy, receive, and access a show, all using their mobile phone.

The service will allow O2 customers to purchase up to 10 tickets for The Lord of the Rings production, at a preferential rate of £25, compared to the normal price of £60, using a secured credit card transaction over O2's Active Portal.

The virtual ticket will exist in the "my tickets" section of The Lord of the Rings mobile box office, accessed via your phone. The tickets, all for Tuesday night performances, will let you know your seat numbers, opening times, and has a unique 2D barcode which can be scanned in and redeemed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

The mobile ticketing initiative is a collaborative effort between Telefonica O2 Europe, Trinity Mobile, and NeoMedia's Gavitec. Trinity's integrated FoneScan™ utilizes Gavitec's MD20 code scanning technology and can be embedded within an existing point-of-sale, kiosk, entry control system, desk/bar top, or other hardware.

Telefonica O2 Europe comprises mobile network operators in the UK, Ireland and Slovakia, along with integrated fixed/mobile businesses in Germany and the Czech Republic - all of which use O2 as their consumer brand. In addition, O2 has established the Tesco Mobile and Tchibo Mobilfunk joint venture businesses in the UK and Germany respectively.

To access the service, O2 customers can text LOTR to 2020.

NeoMedia Gears Up For CTIA Wireless 2007

With CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2007 just two weeks away, NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, is gearing up to showcase their innovative optical code reading technology and mobile ticketing solutions.

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 qode® platform will be on exhibit at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2007 at the Moscone Center South Hall, San Francisco, CA from October 23 to October 25. NeoMedia will be showcasing their industry leading mobile enterprise and optical code reading technology in booth #1351.

NeoMedia's qode platform includes qode®reader and qode®window, providing One Click to Content™ connectivity for products, print, packaging and other physical objects to link directly to specific desired content via the mobile internet. qode®reader works with camera-enabled phones, letting users "click" on 2-dimensional "smartcodes" for a direct connection to desired multimedia information, advertising, promotions and content, etc., and qode®window lets users enter a key word, slogan, barcode number or other unique identifier, for similar connection. NeoMedia's mobile ticketing and couponing solutions were developed by Gavitec, and consists of a back-end system for ticket/coupon generation and validation as well as readers that can be deployed in a stand-alone configuration, integrated into venue turnstiles/entryways, or combined in point-of-sale systems.

All eyes will be on NeoMedia at this years CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment as many in the mobile industry are anticipating the imminent announcement and launch of NeoMedia's newly developed NeoReader application. Based off the award winning Lavasphere technology developed in Germany by Gavitec, the NeoReader reads all common non-proprietary 2D codes (Data Matrix, QR, Aztec, Maxi) as well as URL embedded 2D codes, and all 1D UPC open source codes. This allows the NeoReader to function as a universal code reader and allows the user to click on a variety of codes with a single application installed.

By utilizing NeoMedia's NeoReader technology, camera phones are instantly transformed into universal code readers that can read UPC barcodes and two-dimensional smartcodes simply by clicking with their installed camera phone application. Users connect directly to the mobile Internet without URLs or manually entered links. The NeoReader ushers in and inaugurates a brand new era of innovative mobile enterprise and optical code reading solutions for the wireless industry.

Please join us at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2007.

Sky Radio Interview With CEO William Hoffman

William J. Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of NeoMedia Technologies was featured in an exclusive interview with Sky Radio that will air on American Airlines for the entire month of October.

The interview covered topics including NeoMedia Technologies' patented qode technology, the values and advantages associated with mobile code reading, growth initiatives, and future market potential.

NeoMedia Technologies is the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices. From RFID and optically initiated wireless transactions to the digital processing of mobile financial transactions, NeoMedia provides reliable high-volume solutions for the processing of universal optical codes and related information for mobile devices. NeoMedia's international office is located in Aachen, Germany. This office, Gavitec AG - mobile digit, is the leading provider of mobile technologies and marketing solutions offering mobile enterprise applications and hardware devices for mobile ticketing and coupon transactions.

To download and listen to the Sky Radio interview with NeoMedia's CEO William Hoffman, please click here.

NeoMedia Appoints Christian Steinborn As COO

NeoMedia Technologies is pleased to announce that Dr. Christian Steinborn, CEO of Gavitec AG - mobile digit, will assume the additional role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NeoMedia. Dr. Steinborn will oversee global sales opportunities and business operations of both NeoMedia and Gavitec.

With a PhD in Banking Operations Law, and an International MBA, Dr. Steinborn is a seasoned executive with years of experience in the wireless industry and demonstrates consistent execution of sales and profitably initiatives.

According to Dr. Steinborn, "The key to future growth is our ability to create high-quality innovative products and to understand our customer's individual requirements and needs."

Gavitec AG – mobile digit is a specialist in designing and manufacturing flexible, easy-to-use, high-quality code readers and in delivering full-service solutions. Our approach is to provide our customers in industry, finance, media, retail and IT with high-quality products, services and integrated solutions. Gavitec brings new impulses to the mobile phone technology and therefore enhances mobile phone user’s convenience in the world with “Gavitec inside”. Network operators, manufacturers, content providers, marketing partners, investors, consulting companies and resellers claim Gavitec AG – mobile digit as the partner of choice for full-service mobile solutions.

Gavitec Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

Gavitec AG – mobile digit, a NeoMedia Technologies company, celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Within the past ten years, Neomedia’s Gavitec evolved from a high-tech service provider of the industry into the market leader in the development of innovative scanner systems that are able to read linear barcodes and 2D-codes (such as Data Matrix) from mobile phone displays. Likewise groundbreaking are Gavitec’s solutions for reading codes by means of mobile phone cameras. The integrated digital cameras transform the mobile phone into a ubiquitary and all-purpose communication tool for mobile marketing and make mobile Internet transactions much easier and accessible all over the world. In addition, Gavitec’s barcode reading technology offers new opportunities for increasing end-users’ convenience, advancing customer loyalty, saving costs and establishing new business models.

Following the successful selling of the industrial division to Cognex in 2003, NeoMedia’s Gavitec concentrated their efforts on their mobile business. Already in the following year, the company won the Ericsson Mobile Application Award, the highly acclaimed "Oscar" of the mobile industry, in the category "Best Enterprise Application". In 2005, the Royal Television Society (RTS) awarded Gavitec’s Lavasphere technology in various categories.

Since 2006, Gavitec AG – mobile digit is a company of NeoMedia Technologies, USA. In the same year, Gavitec AG realized different projects in the field of mobile scanning, such as the development of a mobile couponing system for McDonald’s in Portugal. Digital discount vouchers were sent to registered clients of the Portuguese mobile service provider TMN. These discount vouchers, in form of 2D codes (Data Matrix), could then be redeemed in all participating McDonald’s restaurants at the Gavitec scanners without any operation efforts.

"Especially in the recent past, we proved and strengthened our technology leadership through successful implementation of various mobile marketing projects. With NeoMedia Technologies as a holding company, we will also in the future develop and market innovative cutting-edge technology in order to bridge the physical and mobile worlds. Our goal is to co-determine the developments in the mobile market and to successfully standardize mobile technology worldwide. We want to give new impulses to the marketing industry and thereby maintain the attractiveness for investors and employers," emphasizes Dr. Christian Steinborn, CEO of Gavitec AG – mobile digit, a NeoMedia Technologies company.

Gavitec Powers Raffle For German Soccer League

21 soccer stadiums – 6 vehicles. This is the recipe for success for the advertising and creative agency Zum goldenen Hirschen. The goal is to attract soccer fans to visit the 62nd International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfort, Germany. Together with Gavitec AG – mobile digit, a NeoMedia Technologies company, the agency created the concept for this innovative and well-promoted raffle. Gavitec is a leader in technology provisioning for code-reading systems and software for mobile applications.

In each of the 21 stadiums of the 1st and 2nd soccer league, 5000 car keys have been attached at random underneath the visitor seats. The raffle has been advertised through video trailers, information flyers, promotion teams, as well as the stadium speaker. Six of the keys match to six winning cars. Upon the keys is a barcode, developed by NeoMedia’s Gavitec, which will be read at the IAA through Gavitec scanners. If the scanner accepts the barcode as a winning code, the owner of the key wins one of the six cars that are waiting for their new owner directly at the IAA.

Dr. Christian Steinborn, CEO of NeoMedia’s Gavitec AG – mobile digit, is enthusiastic about the marketing cooperation: "This project proves that mobile marketing is on the rise. Our flexible technology, in combination with such a great raffle, will certainly surprise soccer fans and bring them to visit the IAA." Hans H. Langguth, head of the campaigning unit of the agency Zum goldenen Hirschen is very pleased about the successful cooperation within this project. ”With Neomedia’s Gavitec AG – mobile digit we have found the ideal partner for such an innovative marketing concept. The Gavitec technology has presented our client and us a completely new kind of marketing solution. Now we are interested in the response of the German soccer fans!"

WallSt.net Interview With CEO William Hoffman

William J. Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of NeoMedia Technologies was featured in an exclusive interview with WallSt.net.

The interview covered topics including NeoMedia Technologies' market potential, growth initiatives, competitive edge, recent news, and milestones for which investors should watch for over the new few months.

NeoMedia Technologies is the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices. From RFID and optically initiated wireless transactions to the digital processing of mobile financial transactions, NeoMedia provides reliable high-volume solutions for the processing of universal optical codes and related information for mobile devices. NeoMedia's international office is located in Aachen, Germany. This office, Gavitec AG - mobile digit, is the leading provider of mobile technologies and marketing solutions offering mobile enterprise applications and hardware devices for mobile ticketing and coupon transactions.

To listen to the WallSt.net interview with NeoMedia's CEO William Hoffman, please click here.