WindWire Unveils Test of Wireless Ad Network
A start-up wireless advertising player breezes onto the scene.
WindWire, a four-month-old start-up firm, rushed onto the wireless advertising scene on Tuesday, with the announcement of the test phase of its new wireless advertising network — WindCaster.
Publisher Nando Media, ad agency M2K, and Alerts.com have signed on to participate in the test. WindCaster is designed to deliver targeted ads, coupons, and promotions to wireless devices, including phones, PDAs and two-way pagers.
“Many analysts predict that by 2003, more people will connect to the Web via their mobile phones than via their PCs,” said Sean Harrison, chief executive officer and president of WindWire.
“As a result, we believe that the wireless medium represents the second coming of the Internet. In response to the wireless revolution, WindWire has worked diligently to ensure that we’re first-to-market with a compelling wireless marketing solution.”
WindWire, like other players such as i3Mobile and Profilium, are working to positioning themselves as early movers in the wireless space, hoping to outmaneuver larger and more established Internet players like 24/7 Media and DoubleClick.
24/7 Media on Wednesday launched a wireless advertising network in Europe.
The WindCaster technology is aimed at delivering targeted ads and coupons to wireless consumers. In addition, the service lets consumers opt-in for real-time offers and information.
“We are very aware that wireless advertising, as with other forms of advertising, has the potential to be somewhat intrusive,” said David Spitz, chief technology officer WindWire.
“For this reason, we have developed advanced, patent-pending technologies that will deliver relevant offers in ways that minimally impact the consumer’s mobile experience. For example, we can deliver ads between page selections or when a phone number is being dialed and connected – all without adding any delays to the user experience.”
WindWire is expected to launch WindCaster officially in the fourth quarter. In the meantime, it is rounding up partners — advertisers, publishers, and carriers — to help it work the bugs out of the system.
