Gemalto has revealed that Moroccan mobile operator INWI has successfully deployed its LinqUs SIMessenger, mobile Instant Messaging (IM) solution. INWI launched in February 2010, and has signed up close to 4m subscribers in one year.

Gemalto’s LinqUs SIMessenger is the world’s first Microsoft-certified UICC-based application, enabling mobile chatting through any handset. It offers an intuitive menu that allows subscribers to access their Windows Live Messenger environment with an experience similar to that when accessing it from a PC. The interface enables quick and easy navigation, enabling users to access the messaging service they are familiar with while on the move. It requires no service education, thus guaranteeing high usage. INWI is currently selling more than 250,000 time-limited passes to use the service every month.

“Building on the growing usage of social networking in Morocco, INWI is answering a strong market demand with LinqUs SIMessenger,” says INWI CEO, Frédéric Debord. “Gemalto’s operated services have enabled us to reduce time to market, sign up a significant number of new subscribers, and receive very positive feedback. Our customers do appreciate being able to chat from their mobile phone in a very simple way, regardless of their handset model.”