|
Madrid, Spain, February 23, 2006 — Despite years of build-up and hype, location
based services were still in an early stage of slow growth at the beginning of
2005.
From about the year 2000, only a handful of operators worldwide had launched
location based services for their enterprise and individual subscribers. However,
the recent introduction of 3G network technology in many markets (and many more
to come) coupled with the emphasis on boosting data revenues, it seems like the
stage is finally set for widespread rollouts during 2006 and 2007.
This analysis is backed up by the results of a recent survey carried out by Genasys
in the Latin American telecoms market. According to respondents, 62% of operators
are currently evaluating LBS services, vendors, and business models in preparation
for roll-outs to take place in the next 12-24 months. Highlights of the survey
include:
* Only 31% of respondents who do not currently offer LBS are interested in a
100% onsite installation financed by infrastructure investments. The rest are
interested a mixed-model solution that requires lower capex investment offset
by higher opex.
* Mobile Resource (or Fleet) Management applications, like the TrackWell TracScape,
are the most in demand while local chat seems to holds the least appeal in the
markets where these solutions have yet to be implemented.
* Usability ranked highest as a key factor for the uptake of location-based application.
It was followed closely by reasonable cost and practicality/usefulness.
Fernando Lalanda, Genasys VP of Business Development explains: “We decided to
carry out this survey to bring us closer to the market’s needs, priorities, and
concerns. We had been working on our direct experience with several regional operators
and, as a result, launched our 1·2·3 Hosted LBS solution near the end of 2005.
The survey results show this solution to be ideal for many players in the market
but the results also yielded some surprises. Overall, it was an illuminating experience.”
He adds, We’re pleased with the survey’s outcome and participation level and
plan to run the second annual “LBS in Latin Amerca” survey later this year.”
A summary of survey results are available for free download from www.genasys.com.
About Genasys: In 1994 Genasys was founded with the mission to develop innovative
and intelligent geospatial solutions for the global telecommunications market.
Delivering solutions that range from business-oriented data modeling to mobile
location services, Genasys has kept pace with the new developments in the market
while staying true to its core vision. Working from extensive experience in professional
services and product development, the Genasys team is proud of the relationships
it has built with its clients and of the challenges inherent in the goal of consistently
exceeding expectations in every project they complete. Visit the company web site
at www.genasys.com. |