An instant SMS directory enquiry service, iFind, which offers users access to information about where to find businesses or services, will launch in SA this month.
The listing service will be accessible across multiple platforms, such as SMS, USSD, the Internet and call centres, and will also allow businesses to advertise directly to people with specific needs.
iFind MD, Fanie Venter, says this niche market space has the potential to reach 18 million cellphone users and tap into the existing 300 000 potential advertisers in the South African market.
"Since iFind will make directory service listings that much more affordable, this market of advertisers could grow up to 500 000, to include smaller companies," he says.
"This instant directory service is unique in that it provides location-specific results to a user`s search, meaning they need only SMS the word of the service or product and the desired location to our service number to receive up to eight matching directory listings."
He says that for example, a user can SMS 'Plumber Durban` to 34600 and a number of options will be SMSed back, with the user charged R2 per search.
"The technology behind iFind comes from Cellfind, a company that holds an international technology licence for a location-based service, allowing cellphones and thus cellphone users to be tracked and located," says Venter.
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