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| Mforma Powers TXT-411 Service of AT&T Wireless
KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 8, 2003--Mforma Group, Inc., a leading global provider of mobile data solutions for wireless operators, announced today that it is the provider of the technology for the recently launched text-messaging-based directory assistance service of AT&T Wireless. The technology allows AT&T Wireless subscribers to key-in a business or residential listing on their phones and immediately receive -- via text messaging -- phone numbers, locations, and/or driving directions, which can then be stored and recalled by users at any time. The service provides users with expanded directory assistance information for about half the cost of traditional directory assistance service. BizVantage – Serious & personalized business, investment and technology intelligence for a serious advantage. "TXT-411 is a simple, cost-effective way for users to obtain directory assistance from their AT&T phones," said David Bluhm, president of Mforma Americas. "We developed this technology because we know that there is strong demand for it, that users will find it tremendously useful, and operators will find it tremendously valuable in generating new revenues." According to a report authored by Kathleen Pierz, a Zelos Group partner and senior analyst focusing on the directory assistance market, there is pent-up demand for this type of service, which represents a source of new call volumes and new revenues. The report, AT&T Wireless Announces Directory Assistance/Enquiry via Text (May 2003), also states that text-based directory assistance service represents a largely under-appreciated opportunity and that users will welcome a lower-priced option of just $0.40 as compared to $1.25 for live agent directory assistance service. "We worked to make the service both intuitive and simple to use and have accounted for all common user input errors," continued Bluhm. "For example, if a user misspells a business name or even incorrectly enters a city, the system instantly presents the most logical alternative, which is almost always the desired information." Zelos Group reports that the ability of Mforma's technology to interpret subscriber input adds real value to the service and that successful resolution of queries is relatively high. About Mforma Group Mforma delivers the most comprehensive mobile data solution in the industry, providing carriers and their customers with the world's best content, and providing content developers with the shortest route to market. Mforma has driven over 1 billion game transactions for its operator customers, which include the world's largest wireless carriers. The Mforma Mserver Platform is the industry's first independent, open application development platform. It enables wireless service providers to offer premium entertainment, location, and information services that can be easily accessed by users from any device. In addition to the industry's most comprehensive catalog of SMS, MMS, WAP and Java games, Mforma also offers Java, MMS and SMS "Quick Start" programs that include total content management services, companion web sites, and premium branded content. When working with Mforma, wireless operators can choose to utilize any or all of the Mforma resources -- tools, platforms, or content. Please visit www.mforma.com.
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