Autodesk(R) and Telecom Italia Mobile Launch First Location-Based Consumer Service in Italy
3gsm Conference, Cannes, France (ots/PRNewswire)
- TIM Enhances Chat Service Using Autodesk's LocationLogic Technology
At the 3GSM conference in Cannes, France, Autodesk, Inc. today announced the integration of Autodesk's LocationLogic solution platform and related content with Telecom Italia Mobile's (TIM) chat application. TIM, a global leader in mobile telephony, is the first carrier in Italy to offer a consumer service enhanced with location technology. With the addition of location to the existing service, daily short message service (SMS) traffic soared, resulting in a substantial increase in average revenue per user (ARPU).
Autodesk's LocationLogic technology gives mobile customers a new way to make timely connections with their families, friends, and acquaintances. Autodesk is building a reputation of real-world success in the location-based services market based on the strength of the company's award winning technology and partnerships.
Today, location technology is delivering on its promise of substantial increases in subscriber numbers and revenue per subscriber. Whether location is an enhancement to an existing service or a component of a new service, it can make a wide range of services more powerful and compelling. TIM's location-enhanced service realizes the full potential of location and is a true success story.
TIM's service is a simple SMS-based matchmaking application for use via mobile phones, which any TIM customer can access. To use the location-enhanced chat service, existing customers opt in and are alerted via SMS when one of their designated matches is in close proximity. To preserve privacy, customers are not "located" without opting in, and they can choose to "hide" at any specified time.
TIM's location-enhanced service is very popular with customers; knowing that chat partners are close by has increased SMS traffic -- proving that proximity awareness matters. Being the first carrier in Italy to add location to community chat, TIM has recaptured the loyalty of former users. TIM also has introduced a related locate-a-friend feature that has motivated customers to stay with the service. Now users invite others to participate in the service as evidenced by a significant increase in the number of unique users.
"Location technology can enhance a broad range of business and consumer services," said Joe Astroth, vice president of Autodesk. "TIM's community chat is the first example of a location-enhanced service that fulfills consumer demand. TIM's advanced application excites users, encouraging them to chat longer and more frequently, and it expands the community of users as existing customers invite their friends to join. The popularity of this location enhanced service adds to TIM's reputation as a leading innovator in the consumer marketplace."
About Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM)
Publicly owned, the TIM Group, is one of the principal global providers of mobile telephony. The company is the leader in the Italian market with more than 26 million lines and a 43% market share as of September 30, 2004. TIM also has a substantial presence in the rest of Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and South America with 52 million lines. In 2004, Business Week included TIM in its Top 50 - Best European Performers; TIM was the sole telecommunications company to be so honored. For more information, visit http://www.company.tim.it/ .
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With six million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage, and share their data and digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency, and maximizing profits. Autodesk Location Services ( http://www.autodesk.com/locationservices ), a division of Autodesk, Inc., provides a complete solution that enables wireless network operators to quickly and reliably offer location-based services to their subscribers.
Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit http://www.autodesk.com .
NOTE: Autodesk is a registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
Contact:
Thierry Derrien
Fleishman-Hillard for Autodesk Location Services
+33-1-53-05-50-60 or 65
derrient@fleishmaneurope.comWeb site: http://www.autodesk.com
Contact:
Thierry Derrien of Fleishman-Hillard, +33-1-53-05-50-60 or 65,
or derrient@fleishmaneurope.com, for Autodesk Location Services