UK-based mobile services operator Opera Telecom has launched in SA, offering a range of services and mobile applications geared towards media organisations and broadcasters.
South African country manager Tim Legg says the company essentially bridges the gap between media companies and mobile networks, by driving traffic through a mix of content and services, and providing clients with access to a large-scale mobile marketing and content distribution platform.
This platform - Dragon - says Legg, offers access via the Web to template-driven wizard-based technology to guide users through the content creation process. The content includes votes, competitions, quizzes and interactive media campaigns, all of which are geared to maximising client revenues.
Opera`s mobile communications platform means almost any organisation can create mobile campaigns in minutes, Legg says, adding that the group has one of the largest databases of mobile content in the world, which is continually enhanced by sourcing local content from various markets.
Dragon`s distribution capabilities are compatible with SMS, MMS, video streaming, IVR and audio, he adds. Its direct MMS function allows all MMS to be re-purposed to produce a full-screen image on mobile handsets.
Opera founder and chairman Gary Corbett says Dragon also allows users to develop their own mobile customer relationship management, which can be integrated into other database and contact management systems. This allows clients to build up a unique searchable database of their mobile customers and develop mobile communities based around specific products and services.
Corbett states that the group has 9 000 business clients worldwide, and operates in the US, the UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Australia. The South African market, he says, offers the company many opportunities.
SA opportunities
The company has signed a deal with eTV, and is in talks with several other broadcasters and media in SA.
"In many ways, the mobile market in this country is more advanced than in many other parts of the world, as the launch of 3G and many other applications create many opportunities," Corbett says.
He adds that Opera is also eyeing a role in mobile government services, including education.
Legg notes that Opera South Africa will focus on content provision particularly to the South African mass market, which is focused on lifestyle and local music.
"The aim is to mirror these needs and work with local content providers to provide high-quality and targeted mobile content."
Legg adds that the company has set aside 25.1% of its equity for a black economic empowerment (BEE) partner and is in talks with potential investors. The company has adopted an affirmative action employment policy and is also looking at broad-based BEE through an employee share scheme.
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