Colibria Simplifies Mobile Social Networking

Colibria, which provides new generation messaging and social networking solutions has announced the launch of a Social Network Gateway to support the growing consumer demand to be constantly connected to their social networks whilst on the move. The solution provides a simple enhancement to an existing mobile IM (Instant Messaging) client that enables the user to access the plethora of social networks from within a single application on their handset. 
Colibria notes that there are a number of mobile social networking solutions currently available, but says that many are not spontaneous, requiring the user to access a bespoke mobile website via a device browser, and only allowing the user to consume content in a very passive fashion. 
The Social Network Gateway will also integrate with a mobile phones 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.
Colibria notes that the social networking phenomenon is forecast to continue to grow from strength to strength. Facebook passed the 100 million active user milestone in August 2008, and Informa predicts that global revenues from mobile social networking will be between $29 billion (19 billion) and $52 billion by 2012, and that 56% of all mobile users will participate in at least two social networks. The need for an integrated solution that provides a simple, consistent user experience is, therefore, of paramount importance to the operator looking to leverage this previously untapped revenue stream, says Colibria.
“The key to the success of mobile social networking is in the provision of a seamless, consistent, rich experience for the user,” says Colibria CTO, Lars Kristian Roland. “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.”