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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
Sweepstakes: Keeping it Legal- Unwired Appeal Adds IVR and Web Interfaces to SMS Marketing Platform
Boston MA November 4, 2004 -- Building on the success of their SMS marketing platform, Unwired Appeal announced the launch of new IVR (Interactive Voice Response) and Web-entry components. These new components allow for toll-free and internet-based "alternate methods of entry" for SMS sweepstakes promotions and tie-ins.
The scalable IVR platform and Web-entry services were developed primarily to assist clients in meeting USA regulatory requirements for SMS sweepstakes. "We have worked closely with our clients’ legal teams in creating a number of high-profile SMS sweepstakes campaigns in the USA," commented Stephen Nye, Unwired Appeal’s director of business development. "We found that real-time alternate methods of entry are the best tools for both enhancing user participation and meeting legal requirements."
Highly popular in Asia and Europe, SMS sweepstakes are beginning to gain traction in the USA. Yet unlike other countries with more relaxed legal environments, the USA has substantial state and federal legislation regarding how sweepstakes must be conducted. One central concept in USA sweepstakes regulations is the "alternate method of entry" requirement, which can present a unique challenge in SMS-based sweepstakes.
While traditional sweepstakes commonly provide an alternate method of entry via standard post, the timing of SMS sweepstakes is often much more immediate, rendering postal entries a non-option. "Take for example a venue-based SMS sweepstakes that is run at a concert or sporting event with winners selected during the event," Nye points out. "The audience can’t send a postcard, so another method of entry is required such as a toll-free call," added Nye. "Our IVR platform fields the calls, processes the user input, and stores the information in a centralized database together with SMS and Web-entry data."
In addition to IVR, Unwired Appeal also employs a versatile Web-entry component. Web-entry is primarily geared toward SMS sweepstakes broadcast live on television and radio where entries must be collected within hours. The web interface can also serve SMS users as a registration point, opt-in/opt-out center, or portal for launching integrated SMS services.
In the coming months, SMS-based sweepstakes are poised to make a major impact in USA marketing. Sizeable revenue streams are also possible using Premium SMS, thus increasing potential misuse and consequently legal scrutiny. Keeping your SMS campaign within the law is critical, and providing appropriate alternate methods of entry is a key component in doing so.
About Unwired Appeal
Unwired Appeal is a leading provider of interactive SMS/MMS marketing services in the USA. From self-provisioning online tools for creating and launching SMS events to fully customized solution, Unwired Appeal consistently delivers the best technology, pricing, and delivery times in the industry. For more information, visit www.unwiredappeal.com.
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