Hotels these days offer a wide array of services to their guests, usually through a great number of facilities. In big hotels in particular, communicating to the visitor the availability of all these services or features offered, is a substantial task.

Brochures or booklets, that are currently being handed out, are now used for this task. However, as those of you that have tried exploring a big hotel will know, it is simply inconvenient to be carrying around all of these, all the time.

The opportunity is there to add a proximity marketing element, and make this information available to the guest on their most private electronic device – their mobile phone.

This way the information is made readily available wherever and whenever.

Let’s now take a look at individual ideas:

Service list
Straightforward stuff. Put all your services in an eBrochure, (or simpler an illustrated image) and send it to guests mobile phones. At any time they can then take out their phones and find what they need.

Prices
Hotels charge guests for using their facilities, and sometimes that puts them off using them because they are unaware of the costs involved. By making this information available on the mobile phone, guests can discretely retrieve this information whenever they need it.

Events
Hotels often organise events for their guests. Through proximity marketing via bluetooth it is very straightforward to send guests calendar reminders for the events they are interested, to help them remember, and eventually attend the event.

Map
One of the most obvious pieces of information that can be offered (but one that is also frequently neglected), especially in large hotels / hotel complexes, is the hotel map. If you need this point proven, all it takes is a visit to some of the wonderful village-like hotels you can find on most greek islands. And then, try not getting lost!

Room Service
A very exciting service that mobile marketing can put on the table for hotels, is room service on your mobile phone. When you want to order breakfast, simply take out your phone, have a look at the menu, and place your order using your mobile. Next thing you know the door rings. ‘Room service’…

Stock exchange updates
For business executives, or the everyday guest who owns some stocks, hotels can offer the icing on the cake type of service, by going the extra mile and retrieving for them live stock exchange information, and making it available on their mobile phones.

3rd party promotions
Hotels also offer third-party advertising by providing leaflets and brochures to their guests, for outside activities they can partake in. By offering these promotions on guests’ mobile phones, it is much more probable that they will actually have the information available at the point in time when they need it, and thus increase the conversions.

Hotels are great candidate areas for proximity marketing services, and I’m sure there’s plenty more ideas out there. These are just to get you started. Good luck!

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Athens International Airport

* What is the project about?

The project is about giving interactive mobile services to as many visitors as we can. The first phase is the pilot. AIA and Cytech wanted to test the feasibility of this project as there aren’t many such project all over the world. The aim was to develop a number of simple and valuable services that would be tested by the AIA personnel. Not just IT but also marketing and administrative personnel. We wanted to have feedback so we make any necessary alterations before we go public.
The first thing was to install 7 Bluevibe Hotspots at the departure terminal. These hotspots were not able to cover all the terminal but they are in such locations that cover the cafeterias and the corridors. After the installation we made all the connections to the Bluevibe Server installed at the AIA premises.
There were a number of challenges such as, power over ethernet, remote power cycling, decoration of the hotspots to look pretty and we achieved all these with the aid of the AIA personnel in about two months. Especially the decoration issue was hard as the rules are very strict.
If you visit AIA you can see the blue plaques at the ceiling, these are antenna containers. After the installation we train the AIA personnel to use the Bluevibe Manager, our web based administration and monitoring tool. They now are able to operate it mostly by themselves.
We also developed a special application for AIA for managing their content and of course a special version of the Bluevibe Browser, the mobile application installed in the visitors’ mobile phones.

* What kind of services are you intending to provide?

The most important service during the first phase is the Flight Information. You enter the flight number and get information about the departure/arrival time, status etc. The other service is about the retail shops of the airport.
It is a mobile shopping catalog. All retail shops inside AIA can present their products and offers. The marketing department of the Airport can change dynamically the images, texts etc using a CMS. We also provide a number of information concerning the airport itself, like left-luggage” areas or safety rules.

* Do the users accept to install a Java mobile application?

We ve just ended our test phase so our users were AIA personnel. They dont have serious objection on installing a new application as lons as this application is useful and not create any problems to their mobile phone. When the number of employees started to install this application and they saw that there is no problem and that they are able to use it we overcame any hesitations.
I think that the most important thing when you ask someone to install an application is to give him a good reason why to do it. If it is something really useful and “alive” they’ll accept it and try to install it.
We confront the same hesitations during the DontDrinkandDrive campaign we currently run for Johnnie Walker. We have developed a mobile application containing all the necessary information (taxi call numbers, bus itineraries, metro time tables) so if you decide to drink to take public transportation and not your car.
Most of the people find this application useful and at the moment they undestand what it is, they are willing to install it. It is 100 times better that a piece of paper containing all this information and that you ll probably throw it away after 5 minutes.

* Since it’s not yet public, and you don’t have any numbers on use, do you have any numbers regarding how many users have their Bluetooth turned on?

You will be surprised, and so our partners at the AIA did. More than half a million different devices have been scanned during the last 10 months and only at 7 hotspots at the departures terminal. I have to add that there is currently no signage and no one knows that there is a Bluetooth system active in the area. We know that we will double or triple this number if we cover the whole terminal and inform people about it.

* What would you identify as the main problem with this project?

I think the major problem hasn’t appeared yet. I strongly believe that when we go public there will be such great demand that we ll have problem to serve them. As you understand, our goal is to serve more than 300.000 unique users in a year.
Based on this assumption and some statistics concerning the number of people per hotspot and the time a user browse the services, we make our plans for the full scale installation. But, I am afraid, the real number will be greater. We are trying to be ready for this case also. I ll keep you updated but I am sure you will be informed from your sources when we go public.

Johnnie Walker Mobile Marketing Campaign

* Could you please also describe the JW campaign to us?

The concept is simple. Don’t drink and drive. It is about responsible drinking. Johnnie Walker has great tradition in this kind of events that contain messages like this. This time they have decided to include proximity marketing to the whole scenario. GetItRight marketing services, in cooperation with Cytech have designed a campaign with the following innovation.
Instead of giving people a plain paper with information about the means of transport during late hours, they also send this information to their mobile phones.
This way, this information which includes, taxi call numbers, bus and underground time schedule, is stored at the mobile phone and can be used anytime. The paper version is OK but it is most of the times misplaced somewhere and you can’t find it the next day.
These events take place at crowded squares of Athens from 20:00 till 24:00 just before people enters the bars and pubs for a drink. Everyday we setup a kiosk where promoters call people to play an internet game and win prizes. At the same time Bluevibe is responsible for sending the mobile application to the people as they stop in front of the kiosk.

* Can you share the penetration rate there with us?

I can’t disclose our statistics as the campaign is still running but I have to say that we believe that the penetration rate will be greater than 10%. We can discuss it again when it is over, at the end of May.

* What would you identify as the main problem with this campaign?

The main problem is the infrastructure. As you understand, we are in the open and we have constantly problems with electricity and network. We are lucky to use a system like Bluevibe because it is very versatile.
We use it as we think appropriate during each event day. If we see that the network is not stable enough we operate the Hotspots in standalone mode and when the network is back again they are synchronised with the server, uploading all the statistics and downloading new campaign settings. On the other hand if the network is stable we operate them in Networked mode, having all the advantages like online monitoring and administration and live statistics.

Mr. Antoniadis’ views provide a very interesting inside view on the workings of proximity marketing campaigns. I believe those of you interested in starting out in the bluetooth marketing sector, have plenty to learn and I highly recommend you keep some of these hints in your mobile marketing notebook.

I hope you enjoyed it, and found it valuable as much as I did.. Feel free to share your views, or questions, if you have any. I’m sure Mr. Antoniadis will be more than happy to follow up.

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In the world of rapid changing technology, continuously we are bombarded by names such as Bluetooth, wi-fi and TIVO. Technology has become so advance that people only need to press the button for changing the channel and use the technology of Bluetooth and infrared to transform the data.

So are you looking for creative, cost effective methods to distribute rich media content? Here is the solution for you, Bluetooth marketing is an amazing system that uses wireless Bluetooth technology to target your audience at near proximity to your establishment with direct response message. Bluetooth is the latest and hottest cost effective technology which allows you to exchange data without wasting your money. You can send any sort of data via Bluetooth including images, audio-video, animated images, etc. It can be enable on the Bluetooth handheld devices like mobile, laptops, etc. The formula work when the Bluetooth enabled devices are relatively close “between the distance of 12 meters” to virtually any public and private spaces that are equipped with a Bluetooth MediaServer.

There are lots of advantages of Bluetooth marketing and some of them are listed below:

1.Free message delivery – you can deliver message content on any mobiles and PDA’s quickly. You don’t need to pay any transmission cost, not even by your target audience.

2.24×7x365 data exchange or deliver – the Bluetooth service is enable throughout the day and the whole. Information delivery with little operator intervention required.

3.Fixed cost – Price are fixed whether you send your communication via Bluetooth to 10 to 10,000 customers.

The content that can be delivered with the aid of Bluetooth are – Animated images (animated GIF files), still images like JPEG wall papers, vCal (calendar event files), Audio (as WAV, MP3, MP4, RMF or ringtone files), video (as real media, 3GP or MP4 files).

Bluetooth advertising or marketing can be integrated with other visual communication like billboards, sinages, posters for high impact etc. Bluetoothmarketing.ae is an innovative mobile marketing service offered by Image matters advertising.

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Author: BigTimeWireless

Keywords: sony ericsson w580 w580i walkman cell phone mobile cellular cellphone pda smartphone iphone apple gadget wireless cool 2009 2008 2007

Added: July 7, 2009

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A new trend has set in the mobile marketing from the year 2006 with the Bluetooth marketing or proximity marketing. This new technique is becoming highly popular among the en users of mobile phones. With this technology, users can connect their phone between the distances of 20 meters. Users can share data without paying single penny. There are various advantages of Bluetooth marketing which are listed below:

Free messages sending : Users can send lots of messages to mobiles and PDAs quickly with no transmission cost.

24×7x365 delivery: Users can share their data anytime throughout the whole day. Bluetooth is the effective tool that helps end user to share their data with no cost. Data that you can share through Bluetooth are:

:Audio and video

:vCal

:Images of your own or JPEG files

:Animates moving images or still images

Bluetooth equipments are also available in the market that can also help users to make the calls. While sharing data, a simple question will appears on your phones that is Do you accept the data from someone? You need to do Yes/No to accept the data. If you press yes then the data will download on your phone but if you reject then it will not download on your phone. The data that you share with the help of Bluetooth is totally free. All you need is a phone of Bluetooth feature and enough memory to store the data. With this effective and simple feature of mobile phone, mobile phone users are demanding handset with Bluetooth feature.

Bluetooth tool is continuously growing in the market and there are countless users those are using Bluetooth in their day to day life to share their data. Therefore, there are lots of companies which are promoting Bluetooth in the marketing with various effective tools.

Bluetooth is increasing their popularity in almost every country like India, Dubai, US, etc. Various companies are already involved and some are involving themselves in the sector of Bluetooth marketing in various countries. In developing countries like India, Dubai, etc. companies are doing Bluetooth marketing Dubai, India, US, etc.

Bluetooth Marketing, an astonishing system that uses Bluetooth wireless technology to target your audience at close proximity to your establishment with the direct response message.

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Key fetures: – Transforms your PDA or Smartphone to high-resolution web-camera and microphone! – Can work through any connection: USB ActiveSync, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPRS, 3G, LAN. – Compatible with almost all modern Smartphones and PDAs. – Can be used as web-camera in many programs: Skype, MSN Messager, Yahoo Messager, Virtual Dub and many others. – Can capture device screen and transmit video to Desktop PC.

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The advancement in communication technology can be measured by the successful introduction of Bluetooth headsets on the market. These headsets have changed the way we communicate with the rest of the world. There are several unique and new products that have been successfully introduced by this technology to enhance communication facilities among people across the globe.

The cell phones with Bluetooth technology are compatible and completely wireless. One can easily communicate and work with computer, PDA, mp3 player and the navigational system of the car via Bluetooth technology without worrying about cords.

In earlier days, people used take over a phone and drive. This used to cause road accidents. With Bluetooth it has become extremely easy to stay in touch with your family and friends while driving car. All you require to do is to speak the name of the person you want to talk to and the phone will dial the number for you. You can also take help of an earpiece and microphone or a system routed through your vehicles radio system. With so many excellent communication options, you can easily enjoy the best of wireless phone benefits while driving.

Bluetooth has created a revolution in the field of communication. Want to know how and why? Read on.

The digital pen can be called as another wonder introduced via Bluetooth technology. This pen works with digital paper. You can write just as you would with normal pens. It is easy to write in your own handwriting on the digital paper. Once you place the pen its home via your computer, the computer will uploaded the images from the pen to your computer. Artists can utilize these pens to its fullest. They can easily save the ideas that come on their mind without having to mess with a scanner and copier. This pen is also beneficial for signature pages. Now, you no more require to print or sign. All you need to do is to sign the digital paper and upload on your computer.

If you are looking for something that can navigate well, then TomTom is a great invention of Bluetooth technology. It provides you the most appropriate directions available. With satellite navigation, you can easily locate a particular direction when driving. Bluetooth technology is a great wonder in communication technology. It has actually helped us to enjoy communication and other facilities. There are several things to choose from. It works towards making life easier and better for people across the globe.

Bluetooth technology is the latest and the best invention in the wireless communication industry so far.

Steve Arun is Internet Marketing; Client Account Specialist for http://www.freebluetooth4u.com a resource guide providing information’s about Bluetooth Cell Phones. Go now to BlueTooth Resource guide to learn more about most popular cellphones.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Arun

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Everyone is so excited about the newest wave of technology in cell phones, Bluetooth. By now many of us have started throwing out our old cell phones and updating with this new technology. But the rest of you just have one question …..What is Bluetooth technology? Well you’ve come to the right place, read on to find out more about this exciting new technology and how it could change the way you communicate to the world.

If you hate messy cords then Bluetooth may be just what you’re looking for. This technology works by using radio signals to connect devices in a short range, creating a wireless network. Bluetooth technology is not just for cell phones it also can eliminate the messy bundle of cords you use to connect all of your computer equipment. With the level of technology from a Bluetooth enabled USB adapter you can clean up your workstation and have room to connect more products and hardware to your computer.

The major feature that makes Bluetooth technology so attractive to so many people is its ability to use less power. Using Bluetooth technology is a great way to connect all of the computers in a network. Bluetooth technology can handle both voice and data transmissions simultaneously. Meaning you can enjoy hands free printing and faxing and hands free talking. Other products besides computer and cell phones have began to use Bluetooth technology in innovate ways including digital cameras and MP3P Players. Many new products you buy off of store shelves are coming with Bluetooth technology preinstalled.

Bluetooth technology is here to stay, incorporate Bluetooth into your home and office today! The technology is easy to install, very affordable and can make your technology needs more convenient and hassle free. The technology offered from Bluetooth will only continue to get better so stay tuned!

Jakob Culver is the owner and editor of AZArticles.com, a article directory and search engine where you can find more articles related to The Convenient Technology of Bluetooth Wireless

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jakob_Culver

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A lot of people today wonder about whether Bluetooth Marketing, and proximity marketing in general is legal, as people claim it can be considered as SPAM and annoying.

On the one hand, we must first see whether these marketing approaches are legal. Obviously, if they are not, there is no point discussing it any further, we can simply dismiss the discussion and file a law suit against anyone running such campaigns. The legal framework is different in every country around the world, and in some cases dramatically (take for example the death penalty). However, the European Union, now has some common guidelines across all its member countries, and so do the United States, for each state. Therefore, each country might have its own laws and I would be interested if any of you out there live in a country that has any specific laws about proximity or text marketing, I would be very interested to find out. Please leave a comment by clicking the yellow post-it note.

I am only aware of E.U. regulations by the European Commission, and I also came across this article, by Victoria Southern, a solicitor with Pinsent Masons, discussing the legal framework regarding SMS and Proximity marketing, in the U.K. She concluded that proximity and text marketing are both legal, as long as specific guidelines are adhered to, such as the ability to opt-out for the consumer in SMS marketing, and obtaining the consumer consent before sending them any content.

Even with the legality of the approach established, however, we all know (too well sometimes) that some marketing approaches, though legal, can be extremely annoying. In the case of proximity marketing especially, where the consumer is required to opt-in, we must take special care to ensure they have good reason too, otherwise the campaign is destined to fail miserably. I have written a separate article with some advice and tips on running a successful proximity marketing campaign, but the most important thing is not to pass your service on as spam. Proximity marketing is not just about broadcasting an image on to the passers-by mobile phones. It has a lot to do about the content of the message (be it video, image, audio, etc.) and the value the recipient of your message gets from receiving your message. For example, just sending out your logo via Bluetooth to anyone passing by your shop, might seem like a good way to increase awareness and brand recognition, but things are not always like that.

The first time an end user experiences proximity marketing and receives your message there’s a sense of novelty, and interest about the new way in which the message is received, but the user quickly gets accustomed to this, and sees the message for what it really is. When proximity marketing has become more common though, (which, incidentally, is not too far into the future) messages such as these will be considered spam. What you need is to provide some true value-added services to your customers. Give them some reason to want to use your proximity marketing service.

Among the available online resources is also the Mobile Marketing Association website, which contains a code of conduct for mobile marketers, and also provides a number of other resources such as mobile advertising guidelines, etc. These can be useful tools if you are looking to run a successful campaign, and want to avoid common pitfalls, and it’s a good place to start.

In general, I would say the legal issues are easily overcome. What is more difficult, and also of more value and to the point, is picking the right one out of all the proximity marketing services you can offer to your audience, and run a campaign which benefits everyone: the marketer, the end-user, and the service provider. Happy mobile marketing!

Giorgos Saslis

http://www.mobile-marketing-blog.net/

Mobile Marketing Campaigns & Mobile Advertising News.
Bluetooth Marketing & Proximity Marketing Updates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Giorgos_Saslis

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