'The problem is with the availability and promotion of high-quality VAS'

How is IMI Mobile planning to cash in on 3G?

IMI mobile is very positive about 3G being rolled out in India. After voice and data, consumers will now be exposed to video on their mobile phones. Additionally, voice and multimedia are going to play a larger and more vital role.

We are equipped to provide our customers the latest and innovative offerings, which will enable the operators to ensure a high customer satisfaction. Users will be able to access their favorite content through short-code based services, premium content, and video subscriptions through an easy-to-use interface using DaVinci 3G services. Our 3G offerings through our DaVinci Evolved Service Platform (ESP) help the operators to quickly launch their revenue generating services and recoup their investments in 3G infrastructures.

In terms of innovation, what are your key achievements?

With successful technological innovations and global acceptance, IMImobile expanded rapidly both organically and inorganically with strategic acquisitions. IMImobile pioneered the managed VAS model. At the core of IMImobile's managed service model, lies the innovative DaVinci ESP, developed in over 5 years in India at its Hyderabad facility. To delivers carrier grade SLAs and 24/7 support to more than 80 operators globally, IMImobile uses an innovative cloud based service delivery model deployed from its Hyderabad based virtual network operation center (VNOC). The singular VNOC continually manages the company's platform and infrastructure comprising 1,000 high-end servers deployed on multiple operator networks and in 6 data centers spread internationally (India-2, UK-3, USA-1).

Are the operators driving enough
user awareness to promote various
VAS offerings?

Operators, realizing the potential of VAS services, are promoting these offerings. However the problem is with the availability and promotion of high quality of VAS. The current revenue share mindset discourages innovation and thus the real explosion of VAS in India. The operators need to heighten their focus towards VAS as a requirement to sustain revenue growth and monetize the slowing user base expansion. Therefore the operators need to aggressively promote the VAS offerings among the consumers.

How have the tie-up with MTN in Africa and operations in 20 countries, partnering major operations in France Telecom and Zain in Saudi Arabia, fortified the technology backbone of your firm?

Our successful implementation includes the multi-territory telecom operator MTN, which has operations in 20 countries and over 100 mn subscribers. By using IMImobile's platform, MTN has found that the time to market was reduced, the average revenue per user increased, and the local content was facilitated. IMImobile's value proposition and technology services enabled MTN to reduce the time to market for new services, boost ARPUs, and keep MTN at the forefront of innovative services.