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.

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.

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.

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".

Mobile Ticketing From Omniprime & Gavitec

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.

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."

CITI Telecom Powers Smirnoff With Gavitec EXIO

Gavitec AG - mobile digit, a NeoMedia Technologies company and the leading provider of mobile ticketing and marketing solutions, in conjunction with CITI Telecommunications, an innovative solutions and services company, partnered for the Smirnoff Experience in Dubai.

The CITI Telecommunications mobile ticketing technology was used along side Gavitec's EXIO scanners to enable 4,000+ participants to enter a drawing via SMS. The participants received an entry ticket on their mobile phone in real time at the venue allowing them a chance to win 2 VIP trips to Paris France.

Gavitec’s flexible and easy-to-use technology offers many advantages such as new channels of distribution, a more targeted and directed sales approach and precise response evaluation. The capabilities of the Gavitec product range allow for many other mobile marketing applications: For example, different data contents like tickets, coupons or discount vouchers can be encrypted in the form of two-dimensional codes and sent to mobile phones via SMS. The code appears in the mobile phone display and is then read by Gavitec scanners (EXIO or MD-20). Codes are automatically and securely validated against a database via GPRS. Gavitec’s code-reading technology turns the mobile phone into an ideal platform for the transfer and verification of electronic tickets.

The event was a first of its kind in Dubai and an overall success. Please enjoy the pictures below:

NeoMedia & Gavitec To Attend CeBIT 2008

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, the leading provider of mobile ticketing technologies and marketing solutions, are participating in CeBIT 2008 in Hannover Germany from March 4th - March 9th. NeoMedia and Gavitec will be exhibiting in the Marketing Solutions Area - Hall 4 - booth F58.

CeBIT is the world's largest trade fair showcasing digital IT and telecommunications solutions for home and work environments. The key target groups are users from industry, the wholesale/retail sector, skilled trades, banks, the services sector, government agencies, science and all users passionate about technology. CeBIT offers an international platform for comparing notes on current industry trends, networking, and product presentations.

Consumers everywhere desire the ability to obtain product information and prices quickly and easily – wherever and whenever the need arises. This desire is made possible via scan commerce. With a simple click on a data-enabled camera phone, product data can be accessed from the internet in seconds via a 2D code.

In order to make the scan commerce experience consistent and compelling for consumers everywhere, 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, Inc. 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 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.

Scan commerce has a great deal of potential. The mobile phone is arguably the most personal technology we use in our everyday life. The ability for consumers to turn their camera phone from a communications device into a content acquisition device is powerful. Savvy mobile marketers will leverage this opportunity by delivering relevant and valuable information and content via 2D codes – coupons, tickets, price comparisons, online ordering, special services, etc.

To help make the promise of mobile marketing a reality, NeoMedia also offers Gavitec hardware scanners that are capable of reading 2D barcodes from a cell phone display. For example, instead of purchasing tickets at the box office, movie-goers can obtain tickets through a cash-free Web-based transaction, or from special call centers, and receive an electronic ticket as an SMS on their mobile phones. Tickets, displayed graphically in form of a 2D barcode on the phone, are read by Gavitec scanners at the entrance to the cinema, letting guests in without having to wait at the box office. To gain access, ticket holders simply place the display of their cell phone against the reading lens of the Gavitec scanner. The system compares the electronic ticket with an existing database, where it is verified by GPRS in seconds.

This system dramatically expands the number of people able to use mobile barcodes for ticketing and commerce to any phone that is SMS capable. Currently only 20%-30% of users are able to use mobile bar codes for redemption of tickets and coupons verses nearly 100% of current mobile users with the Gavitec system from NeoMedia. The Gavitec scanners are available as desktop solutions for innovative marketing campaigns and as installation modules for third party providers.

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).

NeoReader Reaches 100 Supported Handsets

NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, are pleased to announce they have expanded the number of supported mobile phones for their co-developed code-reading application – NeoReader – designed to turn a camera phone into a universal 1D and 2D barcode scanner providing one-click access to mobile content.

In addition to the already 78 supported devices, the NeoReader now supports 100 mobile handsets with the addition of the following 22 Nokia Smartphones:

Models: 3250, N91, 5500, N71, N73, N75, N92, E50, N77, E65, E61i, N80, E70, N95, 6290, N76, 6110 Navigator, 5700 XpressMusic, 6120 classic, 6121 classic, E51, N81

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.

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.

NeoReader Featured On Google ZXing Website

NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, are pleased to announce that their co-developed code-reading application – NeoReader – designed to turn a camera phone into a universal 1D and 2D barcode scanner providing one-click access to mobile content, is featured on Google's ZXing website.

ZXing (pronounced "zebra crossing") is an open-source, multi-format 1D/2D barcode reader library implemented in Java. Google's goal is to support the decoding of QR Codes, Data Matrix, and the UPC family of 1D barcodes. It will provide clients for J2ME, J2SE, and Android.

According to Google's Senior Software Engineer and ZXing project owner, Sean Owen, "There are several great readers out there, and there are bits of open-source code already for decoding, but not both at the same time. We want everyone to have access to some great source code to play with, so we decided we'd try an experiment, and open up our in-progress effort. Maybe some of it will be useful to you -- maybe you can help improve it."

"Will this be the best reader ever? Well we hope it gets quite good. Things are far from perfect, and it's hard to top some of the great (native-code) readers out there. No, we primarily hope to provide a solid base of code from which people can derive other implementations, and to which people can submit new, better code. If this helps raise the quality of readers everywhere we've all done our job."

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.

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.

NeoMedia Technologies' NeoServer™-OMS

NeoMedia’s NeoServer™-OMS (Optical Messaging Service) is a complete infrastructure with services for generating printed codes, reading those codes, and then acting upon the codes by delivering mobile content.

By linking barcodes and brand names to targeted URL’s, the NeoServer™-OMS allows mobile marketers to promote their products and services directly to consumers, anytime, anywhere. Employing the rich media capabilities of the mobile web, the NeoServer™-OMS is the pre-eminent enabler for mobile marketing campaigns. Now mobile marketers can offer the consumer instant and effortless access to any marketing activity, including contests, coupons, tracking, polling, events, ticketing, direct purchases, mobile entertainment, real time information and more. NeoMedia’s NeoServer™-OMS reaches as far as our imagination.

The NeoServer™-OMS is a robust, reliable, scalable, and extensible infrastructure leading the way for universal code support and interoperability. This infrastructure includes solutions of access technology and resolution services using carrier-grade infrastructure, architecture, and interoperability.

Components

NeoServer™-OMS is composed of mobile handset software and several web services, all of which combine to provide mobile users with the ability to directly retrieve content by either automatically scanning barcodes, or manually entering keywords or barcode numbers.

* Gateway for routing
* Link Manager for code linking and resolution
* Directory service

Advantages

* Each customer’s codes can be housed on a different Resolution Service, if desired
* Gateways handle sorting out Resolution Services
* Gateways can be regional or in carrier infrastructure, shortening network delay
* No single service instance is critical for entire world

Technical highlights

* Scalable and reliable
* Handles increases in load well
* No single point of failure

* Localizable
* Services can be deployed regionally
* Customers can “own” their services

* Flexible
* Service widest possible variety of handsets
* Act as “front end” for other services

* Standards-compliant
* Use industry-standard protocols and systems

NeoMedia Adds To Strategic Advisory Board

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, recently announced the induction of new Board of Advisors member Joe Gilbride, who brings with him extensive industry experience and is dedicated to the growth and expansion of NeoMedia Technologies.

Joe Gilbride is a senior financial executive who began his career at Ernst and Young. He is a CPA, and has a MBA in Finance from NYU. He has been the VP Corporate Controller of the Interpublic Group of Companies, which trades on the NYSE. Joe was the VP CFO of the Lowe Group, a Global Advertising Company which had offices around the world. He oversaw budgeting, reporting, IT, treasury, accounting and planning. He has also helped take a company through its IPO, and has significant M&A experience, having completed over 100 transactions around the world. Joe has also worked for MDC and Partners expanding its brand in North America, and acquiring Crispin Porter for MDC. He then went on to Euro RSCG, Saatchi & Saatchi, and the digital Marketing agency Avenue A/ Razorfish, which was recently acquired by Microsoft.

"The development of the NeoMedia Technologies Advisory Board has combined many talented and highly qualified executives with much to offer in the technology and telecommunication fields," states William J. Hoffman, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies. "All the members bring extensive knowledge of the wireless and telecom industries. We are happy to have their commitment to NeoMedia Technologies."

Joe Gilbride joins Rich Cremona from Open Wave, Marc Lefar from AT&T, and Clarence Wesley from Xerox Mobile Solutions.

NeoReader Upgrade Available For Download

NeoMedia Technologies and Gavitec AG - mobile digit, recently released an upgrade to their co-developed code-reading application – NeoReader – designed to turn a camera phone into a universal 1D and 2D barcode scanner that provides one-click access to mobile content.

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.

The updated version includes new features and improvements for issues observed just after the release of the previous version of the NeoReader. The new version is free and immediately downloadable for all available handsets. If you already have a former Java version of the NeoReader on your mobile phone, please uninstall it before you download and install the new version.

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.

Gavitec Powers Mobile Ticketing For Spanair

Spanair and Vodafone Spain have joined forces with NeoMedia's Gavitec to save their customers time with a new mobile boarding card service.

At the beginning of November, Spanair launched its new mobile boarding card service, thus becoming the first airline to offer its passengers this type of mobile ticketing service. The Madrid-Bilbao route will deploy this service up to the end of the year, at which point the company will begin rolling out the mobile boarding card on all of its domestic routes.

Focusing primarily on business passengers, this innovative system facilitates receiving a Spanair boarding card via a multimedia message (MMS) sent to a mobile phone. The multimedia message contains an image with a two-dimensional barcode, which transmits all the information necessary to execute automated boarding, as well as a text information section with all travel details. Thus, to obtain their boarding cards, passengers will just need to proceed to the special check-in desks and pass the 2D code over a Gavitec EXIO scanner.

To obtain their mobile boarding card, passengers will be required to check-in using the web-based check-in service at spanair.com, or by connecting to the internet via their mobiles via the new mobile check-in service at spanair.mobi, which will be launched in tandem with the mobile boarding card service. At the end of the process, the passenger is asked for his or her mobile number, to which Spanair will send the corresponding multimedia message (MMS) free of charge.

In order to use this system, passengers simply need to pass the 2D code sent to their mobile phone over the scanners at Madrid and Bilbao airports. In doing so, they will obtain a paper receipt with which they will be able to pass through security and proceed to boarding.

Vodafone's director of innovation and business development, Pedro Fuertes, commented that, "The mobile boarding card and, in general terms, ticketing systems based on mobile handsets, are further evidence that mobile telephones, in addition to facilitating voice-based communication, are making life easier for us by allowing for secure access to endless services, at any time and from anywhere."

Spanair piloted this system in June during the Vodafone innovation show, which also served as the launch for this new service. Pablo Sánchez, Director of E-Commerce at Spanair, stated that, "With this advance, Spanair is laying the foundations for implementation of a boarding card system in the near future that will be 100% paper-less; thereby ensuring greater passenger comfort and a substantial saving of time."

NeoMedia Adds To Strategic Advisory Board

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, announced today the induction of new Board of Advisors member Rich Cremona, who brings with him extensive industry experience and is dedicated to the growth and expansion of NeoMedia Technologies.

Rich Cremona will be a new member on the Board of Advisors for NeoMedia Technologies. He is a well-rounded and talented telecommunications and sales executive. He has had P&L experience and international exposure, as well as comprehensive operational stints in field services and human resources. Mr. Cremona brings 18 years of management experience from AT&T as Sales Manager, GM, International Development Director, and GM of National Sales and Service division. Following AT&T, Cremona was Field Services VP and Region Sales VP of Lucent Technologies in, St. Louis Missouri. In 2000, he became President of Business Sales for Sprint PCS Wireless division where he was accountable for leading Sprint PCS' combined business sales channel distribution and marketing organizations for advanced wireless technology applications. Next, he became executive VP for McLeodUSA where Cremona developed, deployed, and led the strategic sales organization. Prior to NeoMedia Technologies, he was Sales VP of Openwave Systems where he was a member of the sales management team of Openwave and responsible for the sales of advanced software applications, hardware configurations, and professional services engagements.

"NeoMedia Technologies is proud to develop a team with experienced individuals like Mr. Cremona. I believe that with his background knowledge and strategic leadership ability, NeoMedia Technologies will continue to be the global leader in optically initiated transactions and lead the way to interoperability in the industry. We are proud to have him," stated William Hoffman, CEO of NeoMedia Technologies.

Rich Cremona joins Marc Lefar from AT&T and Clarence Wesley from Xerox Mobile Solutions who joined NeoMedia's Strategic Advisory Board last month.

NeoMedia Hires New VP Of Marketing

NeoMedia Technologies, the global leader in camera-initiated transactions for mobile devices, is pleased to announce that it has hired Terry Griffin as the company's new Vice President of Marketing.

Terry Griffin is a multi-dimensional marketing expert who brings over 18 years of diverse industry experience to NeoMedia. Before joining the company, Terry was the Vice President of Marketing for EarthLink and was responsible for the stewardship of the EarthLink brand, and the development and execution of all consumer facing communications and programs designed to increase EarthLink’s overall awareness and profitably through the acquisition of new subscribers. Terry was also the Group Director of National Consumer Promotions for the Coca-Cola Company where he was responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership for a team of 40 marketing professionals who developed and executed world class, strategically integrated national consumer marketing programs for Coca-Cola North America.

A results-oriented senior marketing executive with a successful career in leading change, building and directing organizations, developing innovative marketing strategies and executing programs with distinction to deliver bottom-line results for blue-chip brands, Terry Griffin is looking to jump right in and get her feet wet.

"I am thrilled to be part of the NeoMedia team and think you'll see major progress over the next 6 months as we clarify our vision and begin operationalizing this technology in the marketplace in a meaningful way," Terry exclaimed. "The team that Chip has brought together are aligned and ready for the good fight. I am immersing myself in the many facets of the NeoMedia world to enable a running start when I come on board."