IQ.com, Saratoga, CA, an e-marketing infrastructure that allows companies to distribute incentive and loyalty solutions, has partnered with the newly launched Proxio to bring its services to the wireless world. The two are expected to officially announce their partnership Nov. 8 at @d:tech World in New York.
Proxio is a wireless services platform that distributes individualized information to Palm and Handspring devices. The company's SmartApps feature incorporates a consumer's location, situation and the time of day to assist them in achieving a specific goal.
For example, Proxio's Movie SmartApp will allow users to get information about movies playing in their area. For example, users who express an interest in dramas will be served information about that genre.
IQ.com's Open Loyalty Platform will provide iQCoupons from local merchants to coordinate with the information the consumer is seeking. IQOffers such as surveys and sweepstakes and iQRewards, the company's points and loyalty solutions, also can be delivered via the Proxio platform.
“We're pleased we can add additional value to the end-user seeking information by giving them local, relevant offers and coupons,” said Janet Case, CEO of Proxio Inc., San Francisco.
The two companies are working together on an 18-week pilot program that will involve a “couple of hundred” people who will test the product before it is rolled out during the first quarter of 2001.
The pilot will include the Movie SmartApp as well as a SmartApp designed for business travelers who can receive hotel, restaurant and transportation information and offers. The companies plan to allow @d:tech attendees to sign on for the pilot program.
Case said Proxio differs from other wireless platforms because “we're the only application that actually helps the user accomplish a purpose based on user information and their needs.”
SmartApps are “driven by preference. [This information] builds with user experience to get smarter over time,” said Case. “We're relieving the user of having to do their searching for information. With us it takes two taps, not 10.”
Proxio also expects to make its platform available for WAP-enabled cell phones in the near future. The companies refused to reveal which merchants were participating in the pilot.
