4INFO announces Mobile Open Platform

Sep 25 2006 - 05:40 PM ET | SMS

4info logo3jam wasn't the only SMS news out of DEMOfall, 4INFO has announced Mobile Open Platform Beta. The program allows developers to create their own mobile services on top of 4INFO's existing technology (SMS and WAP accessible).

After registering there is a menu based system to set up an application. Users choose a keyword to identify their service and then select what type of content they have. It can be as simple as a hardcoded menu or a full fledged XML web application (using REST). MobileTracker tested out the service by setting up a service to track the RSS feed. Keywords take a day or two to be approved, but the setup was very easy.

4INFO is betting that a lot of content owners will not want to go through the hassle of creating or buying a mobile platform. In its current form, use of the platform is free. The website hints at the possibility of monetizing applications through advertising and premium messages.