Neustar has announced the launch of its Mobile Barcode Clearinghouse Services, which it says will help expand the reach and targeting capabilities of advertisers and enterprises using 2D Barcodes, and drive adoption among consumers. Neustar says it will also enable interoperability among mobile operators, ad agencies, and application providers.
The clearinghouse is an important component of Neustars mobile Internet solutions strategy, which bridges network operators and enterprises and simplifies their delivery of value to customers. Several of these services have already seen uptake among leading mobile operators.
Neustars barcode clearinghouse solution provides a method for companies that produce and distribute barcode readers to interoperate with other companies who create barcode campaigns. This cooperation will help establish barcode adoption, says Neustar, noting that a centralized, trusted clearinghouse empowers a scalable, competitive and innovative marketplace, and at the same time ensures that any participating campaign enhances the overall ecosystem and educates consumers.
Companies who are already using the clearinghouse include NeoMedia, 3GVision, Mobile Data Systems and Mobile Discovery. The clearinghouse is open to other industry players who wish to benefit from the mass market and scale that can be achieved through an open, interoperable approach.
With our Mobile Barcode Clearinghouse, Neustar can provide both campaign managers and mobile network operators with a rich new approach to accessing mobilized content and services, says Neustar Vice President, Diane Strahan. Barcodes offer direct response accountability through measurable ROI, and enable advertisers to adjust their content based on near-real-time tracking of each campaigns performance. For consumers, barcodes offer an exciting shortcut to accessing rich content, helpful information and m-commerce.
At Mobile World Congress, Neustar is collaborating with Visa to showcase the power of 2D barcodes. Using their cameraphones, Mobile World Congress attendees can download a barcode reader application from www.getreader.com using a mobile browser. As part of their Welcome Packets, attendees will receive a faux Visa gift card, and will be invited to scan the 2D barcode on the back each day to enter a contest to win a 50 gift card. One gift card will be given away every 30 minutes between 10am and 4pm on each day of the show. Winners will be notified by text message, and will be able to claim their prize at the Neustar stand (2D49).
Establishing standards for the interoperability of barcode technology across global networks is a critical step in making large scale mobile services, like mobile offers, a reality, says Prakash Hariramani, Senior Business Leader at Visa. As we work to integrate Visa and Neustar technology, this is but one example of the many mobile services we plan to deliver to financial institutions, merchants, consumers and network operators.
Brands and operators interested in exploring the possible applications of 2D Barcodes are invited to participate in Neustars upcoming commercial pilot program. Theres more information here.