OracleMobile Expands Functionality of Wireless Messaging Devices with Ask@OracleMobile Services

Strategic Insights -

OracleMobile, a subsidiary of Oracle Corp., has announced strategic partnerships with wireless communication leaders to promote its offering for two-way wireless messaging devices. These partnerships, in addition to those previously announced with Research in Motion and Metrocall, are expected to accelerate the adoption of OracleMobile's Web information-on-demand services, called Ask@OracleMobile. The services allow users to access the Internet without a browser, transforming their two-way wireless messaging devices into Web devices.

The Ask@OracleMobile services have been extended with the addition of new features, including eBay, news, movie guide, package tracking, and the Oracle "Magic 8-Ball". These new services enable users to access important information directly from OracleMobile's wireless portal, making their two-way wireless messaging devices more valuable. Users can access the services by sending email to Ask@oraclemobile.com using specific keywords, and the service sends back the requested information.

Key Takeaways:

  • OracleMobile has formed strategic partnerships with wireless communication leaders, including Arch Communications Group, Inc., Motient, and Paradigm4, to promote its offering for two-way wireless messaging devices.
  • These partnerships, in addition to those previously announced with Research in Motion and Metrocall, are expected to significantly accelerate the adoption of OracleMobile's Web information-on-demand services, called Ask@OracleMobile.
  • The Ask@OracleMobile services have been extended with the addition of new features, including eBay, news, movie guide, package tracking, and the Oracle "Magic 8-Ball".
  • Users can access these services by sending email to Ask@oraclemobile.com using specific keywords, and the service sends back the requested information.
  • OracleMobile's consumer service supports any wireless device with Web or messaging capabilities.
  • The services are designed to make two-way wireless messaging devices more valuable by enabling users to access important Internet information on demand.

Statistics:

  • More than seven million two-way wireless messaging devices are expected to be in use by the end of the year.
  • OracleMobile's Ask@OracleMobile services have already launched with ten initial services, including stock quotes, traffic, flight information, driving directions, horoscope, lottery, dictionary, translation, UPS tracking, and weather.
  • The new services added include eBay, news, movie guide, package tracking, and the Oracle "Magic 8-Ball".

Sources:

  • OracleMobile press release dated Sept. 5, 2000 (PRNewswire)
  • Oracle Corp. website
  • Arch Communications Group, Inc. website
  • Motient website
  • Paradigm4 website
  • Research in Motion website
  • Metrocall website