This new solution provides a simple enhancement to an existing mobile IM client that enables the user to access the plethora of social networks from within a single application on their mobile handset.
The Social Network Gateway will also integrate with a mobile phone’s contact list to provide the user with complete visibility of the social communication of each individual within their contact list. The solution also allows mobile users to control how and when they are updated on the activity within their social network, enabling them to simply and easily update their social network by posting pictures, comment and content whilst on the move.
The social networking phenomenon is forecast to continue to grow from strength to strength, indeed Facebook passed the 100 million active user milestone in August 2008. Informa predicts that global revenues from mobile social networking will be between $29 billion and $52 billion by 2012, and that 56% of all mobile users will participate in at least two social networks. Therefore the need for an integrated solution that provides a simple, consistent user experience is of paramount importance to the operator looking to leverage this previously untapped revenue stream.
There are a number of mobile social networking solutions that are currently available today, however many are not spontaneous, require the user to access a bespoke mobile website via a device browser and only allow the user to consume content in a very passive fashion.
Lars Kristian Roland, CTO of Colibria, commented: ‘‘The key to the success of mobile social networking is in the provision of a seamless, consistent, rich experience for the user. Mobile messaging currently accounts for over 80% of operator data revenues worldwide and mobile social networking is the obvious next step for operators looking to engender customer loyalty, provide a unique user experience and leverage new revenue streams.’’