Celltick Software Technologies Ltd., a provider of content marketing infrastructure, has announced a follow-on contract for its LiveScreen Mobile Content Discovery solution with Russia’s VimpelCom (NYSE:VIP). Celltick did not disclose the size of the contract, but two million subscribers will use the service, which means that the contract can be estimated at several million dollars.
Including VimpelCom’s first follow-on contract for LiveScreen in November 2005, the company has now ordered three million licenses from Celltick. The two follow-on contracts to date are part of a contract for LiveScreen signed between two companies. The contract is worth an aggregate $30-40 million. Given the fact that VimpelCom is expanding rapidly, this figure might increase over time.
As a result of the two orders, all new VimpelCom subscribers have access to LiveScreen-based content services. LiveScreen is the basis for VimpelCom’s Chameleon content service.
Celltick said that in less than a year since launch, VimpelCom’s Chameleon service has achieved record demand, and henceforth, all subscribers will have access to the service. Celltick said more than 2.8 million subscribers them use the service regularly, generating more than 400,000 download transactions per day. The Chameleon service makes it possible to send live interactive content directly to millions of subscribers’ handsets. Launched in April 2005, the service sends a flow of news flashes, sports stories, weather reports, gossip, and interactive games to handsets’ screens at no charge. Celltick’s technology makes it possible to send news flashes to idle cellular telephones, similar to screen savers.
The concept underlying the system is to expose subscribers to a broad range of content services and e-commerce, thereby boosting use by making them more accessible and easier to use.
Celltick VP European sales Guy Weiss said, “Our LiveScreen technology has provided Vimpelcom with a huge opportunity to unlock the potential of its content to engage customers and encourage their loyalty. Together we are changing the face of mobile content in Russia.”
Communications operators now using LiveScreen include Thailand’s Advance Info Service plc (AIS), Hutchison India, and Sri Lanka’s MTN Networks. Celltick operates out of its London office, and has development centers in Israel, China, India, and Russia. Founded in 2000 by former CEO Yossi Wellingstein, VP marketing and business development Ran Wellingstein, and VP marketing Ronen Daniel, the company has 60 employees. Investors include Amadeus Capital Partners, Italy’s De Benedetti family, and Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP). Stephen Dunford was appointed CEO in December.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on February 19, 2006