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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Webraska and Varetis Launch Integrated Enhanced Directory Assistance
PARIS--April 20, 2004--Webraska Mobile Technologies, the pioneering provider of GPS wireless navigation applications and location-based services (LBS) solutions, and Varetis, a world leading provider of professional directory solutions, today announced a strategic partnership and the simultaneous launch of a joint location-based services solution for the directory assistance market.
"These are tough times for the directory assistance industry", says Greg Descamps, VP Sales, Webraska. "Increased usage of on-line directories is eroding call volumes and de-regulation has led to increased competition in many countries. While less-hyped than location-based services accessed via the wireless internet, enhanced Directory Assistance has three major strengths. First, 100% of mobile subscribers know how to make voice calls to directory enquiries services; second, subscribers will pay more for a single premium rate voice call than they will for access to a WAP or i-mode interface and third, carriers can use their existing directory assistance infrastructure to offer location-based services for limited incremental investment."
The integrated solution from Varetis and Webraska enables carriers and other service providers to seamlessly access location-based services from their directory assistance interface. Location-based services include directions for walking or driving, traffic information, and proximity searching for different points-of-interest such as hotels, restaurants, health care centres, petrol stations or shopping centres.
Under the terms of the agreement, the partners will work together to help wireless carriers and other service providers identify revenue opportunities and leverage existing investment in directory assistance infrastructure.
"Being able to find the nearest restaurant, petrol station or chemist and provide directions to get there is a very appealing capability for carriers and directory assistance service operators," said Hans Pokorny, Board Member of Varetis.
"We were looking for the best partner to provide an integrated, seamless solution which included location related information, and we selected Webraska. Webraska offers just the right fit with our expertise and solutions. Their solution provides location-based services through a call centre interface with robust geospatial technology to support it. "
About Webraska
Webraska provides the advanced software solutions required to develop, integrate and deploy location-based and GPS navigation services. Webraska's carrier-grade offering includes the SmartZone(TM) Geospatial Platform, the SmartZone(TM) CallCenter Framework, the award-winning SmartZone(TM) Navigation Suite and the SmartZone(TM) Wireless Application Suite including CityGuide, BuddyFinder, RoutePlanner and MapViewer.
Webraska has its worldwide headquarters in Paris, France, and offices around the world. The company currently powers the LBS and telematics offering of service providers in four continents, including Bell Mobility, E-Plus, Telstra, Telecom Italia Mobile, TMN, O2, Vodafone and Orange, and has partnerships with leading technology and content providers including HP, IBM, NAVTEQ, Nokia, Nortel, Openwave, SAIC and Siemens.
For more information please visit www.webraska.com
About Varetis
Varetis AG is the world's premier provider of professional directory solutions for carriers and information service providers. More than 240 telephone service centers and nearly 18,000 agent positions worldwide have been equipped with products and services from varetis AG. On all continents, distinguished customers such as AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Telkom South Africa, TOT Thailand and Telecom New Zealand benefit from the 20 years of experience the enterprise has amassed. One of the largest providers of directory solutions in the world, varetis AG has its headquarters in Munich and subsidiaries in Great Britain and Singapore. varetis AG (WKN 691 190) is listed in the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange
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