European Directory Marketplace (EDM) Conference News

EDM08: MOVING TOWARD EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE

2008-07-12T23:39:00.004Z

OVERVIEW

EDM08, held in London in June, was organized this year with two key objectives in mind. First, we wanted to expand on the previous year's focus on mobile search. We sought to do that by developing a program that addressed what we see as key components of the mobile search ecosystem: operators, advertisers, technology, and content.

Second, we wanted to emphasize the importance of innovation in the directory and search space. Innovation seems particularly important for established firms which are vulnerable to start-ups that adopt technology rapidly. We sought to emphasize innovation by the introduction of an Innovation Showcase at which businesses with innovative products and services could present their concepts to investors and other delegates. Unfortunately, today we are in an extremely difficult investment period, as reflected by the announcement that for the first time in thirty years, not a single venture capital-backed firm raised capital in the US through an IPO in the second quarter of the year. Yet despite these difficulties, and in some instance because of these difficulties, innovation goes on.

This is a period of tremendous uncertainty and transition across a broad range of the information services market, from directories to search to mobile to fixed communications. Though the stock market prices can react to events instantaneously—for instance, when a buy-out offer is announced—stock prices more often adjust to market changes over a period of time. So for instance, we see that the stock price of directory publisher Yell has declined more or less steadily over the twelve months ending July 1, 2008--86.3% over the past year, 84.2% over the past six months, and 61.3% over the past three months. Likewise, shares of directory assistance provider telegate have fallen 52.3% in the past year, 23.5% in the past six months, though it has risen 13.8% in the past three months. Not all directory and search stock prices have fallen, so there is some good news. On the upside, we see that Baidu's stock price has risen 89.1% in the past twelve months, lost 18.5% in the past six months, and gained 16.3% over the past three months.

Stock prices are set based on the market's assessment of future prospects of each organization, though assessments of future prospects may differ more widely in uncertain times. When Bill Gates stated last year that no one under fifty would use yellowpages in five years, many agreed with him, though many—particularly in the yellowpages business—disagreed vehemently. If the declines in prices for Yell and telegate are any indication, it seems that over the past year the market has come to share Gates' opinion, putting tremendous pressure on a wide array of directory firms. While the impact of market perceptions of publicly traded firms are readily visible, market perceptions impact privately held firms as well. A key example of a privately held firm suffering from overall market difficulties as well as from difficulties in the directory space in particular is kgb (nee INFONXX), which filed a registration for public sale on December 14, 2007, and has yet to go public.

While every firm hopes for improvements in overall market conditions, each firm needs to adjust their businesses to reflect not what the realities used to be and not what they wish realities were, but what the business realities are today. Many firms have made these adjustments, though some firms and organizations have yet to do so.

Each of the participants in this space has their own perspective on the market as a whole and on their own offerings in particular, and each positions their offerings and their firm accordingly. How one perceives each offering depends in no small part on how one sees the market.

CONCLUSION

Delivery of phone numbers by themselves is no longer a challenge—the challenge is to employ technology to deliver richer communications and information that was only imagined just a few years ago. Unlike what they say in the movies, if you build it, they may not come, so the challenge everyone faces is how to create services and business models that make delivery of these new services economically viable.

Different participants in different segments of the directory and search space--operators, advertisers, technology providers, and content providers--have different perspectives and strategies, so a good strategy for one firm doesn't necessarily represent a good strategy for another. One of the biggest mistakes we have seen some firms and industry associations make is to view the Internet, WAP, SMS, and other mobile services as a threat. We don't believe it's helpful to view these as a threat, we think they should be viewed as reflections of the future and as opportunities.

Google reported that it has seen fifty times more searches on Apple's first generation iPhones than on any other mobile handset, and the rush is on to deliver more web-friendly mobile phones in the form of next generation iPhones, Android devices, and other competitive handsets. Key to iPhone's success is user experience. We believe that firms who can improve the user experience, through social networking, mobile-specific content, greater relevance, more content, semantic search, targeted ads, and through other means, are on the right track.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information about mobile search and other information services, detailed coverage of each of the EDM08 presentations, or information regarding future conferences and activities, please visit us at www.EuropeanDirectoryMarketplace.com or contact us as follows:

Info at EuropeanDirectoryMarketplace dot com OR +1 (703) 506-1220

Podcast: Peggy Anne Salz at MSearchGroove

2008-06-09T00:00:00.002Z

"PODCAST: Mike Short Speaks Out On Local Mobile Search & Directory Services; Should We Bet On Mobile Sponsorship Instead Of Mobile Advertising?," by Peggy Anne Salz

Press Coverage: Peggy Anne Salz at MSearchGroove

2008-06-05T00:00:00.001Z

"Search In The Mobile Era Kicks Off Monday; You Can Still Register For A Special Discount Offer," by Peggy Anne Salz

Press Coverage: Bena Roberts at GoMo News

2008-06-03T00:00:00.004Z

"Mobile Search EDM08 Conference in London," by Bena Roberts

Press Coverage: Javier Martin at Loogic

2008-06-02T00:00:00.000Z

"European Directory Marketplace 2008 en Londres," by Javier Martin

EDM08--Search in the Mobile Era--Eleven Days to Go!

2008-05-30T00:25:00.003Z

European Directory Marketplace 2008 (EDM08) Conference—Search in the Mobile Era

June 9th, 2008
BAFTA (www.bafta.org/195-piccadilly)
195 Piccadilly
London, England

Program Update—discount still available—register now before the discount expires!
Draft Agenda and Invited Speakers:

A. Introductory Remarks

Mr. Stuart Whitaker, Whitaker Associates

The premise of this new program, “Search in the Mobile Era,” is that mobile search services being delivered today and tomorrow are orders of magnitude more powerful than services being delivered yesterday, and that this increased power will have a revolutionary impact on consumer expectations and market success. We are in the midst of a change that has been underway for some time, and that has no sign of stopping.

B. Keynote

Mr. Mike Short, Vice President of R&D, O2

C. Advertising

- Mr. Russell Buckley, Managing Director, Europe, AdMob
- Ms. Helen Keegan, Managing Director, BeepMarketing
- Mr. James Levey, Director Product Marketing, Digital Advertising Unit, Amdocs
- Dr. Klaus Harisch, CEO, GoYellow Media

While advertising isn’t the only revenue model for information services, advertising is exploding online in both fixed and mobile markets. Some organizations have a long history with advertising, some are transitioning to advertising, and some are so new that they have no practically no revenue model history at all.

D. Content

- Mr. Tommy Ahlers, CEO, Founder, Member of the Board, Zyb
- Mr. Steve Ives, CEO, Taptu
- Mr. Andrew J. Scott, Founder / CEO, Rummble
- Ms. Annie Mullins, Global Head of Content Standards, Vodafone

More content is being demanded—and delivered—than ever before. Not just phone numbers, but whether the desired party is busy; not just the address, but directions, hours of operation, reservations, what’s in stock. Also—information never delivered before, such as user reviews, user-controlled content such as mobile phone numbers, and last but not least—adult content.

E. An Operator's Perspective

- Mr. Carl Taylor, Director of Applications & Services, Hutchison Whampoa Europe

Carriers are a critical piece of the delivery channel. Carriers are looking for ways to increase their ARPU and are reluctant to give up control of their networks lest they become simple communication pipes. This unique session will provide a second carrier's perspective on the issues and opportunities.

F. Technology: Deployment of Capabilities Delivering New Revenues and Services

- Mr. Simon Grice, Founder, Ideas.org
- Mr. Christian Hugonnet, CEO, NovaSys
- Mr. Jussi-Pekka Partanen, Head of Search, Nokia

This is, fundamentally, a technologically enabled industry, and the industry is scrambling to incorporate current and anticipated capabilities as fast as they are created. Some of the key technologies having dramatic impact on this space are being incorporated in handsets and associated infrastructure, voice recognition, search capabilities, 3/4 G, location based services, VoIP, video. This session will look at technologies having some of the greatest impact on the industry.

G. Innovation Showcase: Investors & Demonstration

Innovation is driving the changes that are occurring in this marketplace, and no firm can prevent the changes from occurring. Opportunities exist for firms who recognize opportunities to create new products and services that deliver value. While incumbents have incentives to preserve their status quo, most incumbents recognize that in order to survive in the long run, they need to invest in innovation and new product development. Investors are in the business of investing in products and services that have the potential to capture significant portions of current markets and to create new markets. This session will have veteran investors share their perspectives on today’s market and their thoughts about opportunities that they may be interested in. These sessions will see presentations by firms that have been selected for their promising products and services. Finally, the investors will have an opportunity to comment on the products and services that have been presented.

- Mr. Mike Reid, Director, 3i
- Mr. Dermot Berkery, Delta Partners
- Mr. Raj Raithatha, Chief Executive, Connectivity (Invited)
- Mr. Steve Schlenker, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, DN Capital

H. Reception

----End Agenda----

EDM08 Information:

Homepage: www.EuropeanDirectoryMarketplace.com

Registration: https://www.Whitaker.com/secure/registrationEDM08.htm

Sponsorship Information: http://www.Whitaker.com/conferences/EDM08/opportunities.htm
European Directory Marketplace (EDM) / June 9th / +44 (020) 3239 6934

Market Location www.marketlocation.com/
Inmobile.Org www.inmobile.org
Information Services Monthly www.ISMonthly.com
Loogic http://loogic.com/ Mashable http://mashable.com/
Vator www.Vator.tv

EDM08--Search in the Mobile Era--Less Than Three Weeks to Go!

2008-05-22T22:17:00.004Z

June 9^th, 2008

BAFTA

195 Piccadilly

London, England

Program Update—discount still available—register now before the discount expires—submit Innovation Showcase entries by Monday, May 26.

This market continues to experience great turbulence as customers demand new services, incumbent providers enhance their services, and as new providers enter. One thing incumbent and new providers have in common: all of them are focused heavily on innovation in the realization that innovators are going to be the winners.

HERE'S THE PROGRAM OUTLINE

Keynote: Mr. Mike Short, Vice President of R&D, O2

Information Service Providers: There is no guarantee that the legacy mobile voice Information Service Providers—the directory enquiry providers—will play a significant role, much less that they will dominate the future mobile information service. The same can be said about the legacy fixed information service providers—the yellow pages and the search engines. There are no guarantees because consumer interest in mobile content is different than elsewhere, and evolving even as we speak. This session will have a diverse set of information providers.

Advertising: While advertising isn’t the only revenue model for information services, advertising is exploding online in both fixed and mobile markets. Some organizations have a long history with advertising, some are transitioning to advertising, and some are so new that they have no practically no revenue model history at all.

Operators: Carriers are a critical piece of the delivery channel. Carriers are looking for ways to increase their ARPU and are reluctant to give up control of their networks lest they become simple communication pipes. Yet carriers are feeling pressure from some commercial quarters to open up, and are feeling the watchful eye of regulators. This session will look at carrier perspectives.

Technology: Deployment of Capabilities Delivering New Revenues and Services: This is, fundamentally, a technologically enabled industry, and the industry is scrambling to incorporate current and anticipated capabilities as fast as they are created. Some of the key technologies having dramatic impact on this space are being incorporated in handsets and associated infrastructure, voice recognition, search capabilities, 3/4 G, location based services, VoIP, video. This session will look at technologies having some of the greatest impact on the industry.

Content: More content is being demanded—and delivered—than ever before. Not just phone numbers, but whether the desired party is busy; not just the address, but directions, hours of operation, reservations, what’s in stock. Also—information never delivered before, such as user reviews, user-controlled content such as mobile phone numbers, and last but not least—adult content.

Innovation Showcase: Investors & Demonstration: Innovation is driving the changes that are occurring in this marketplace, and no firm can prevent the changes from occurring. Opportunities exist for firms who recognize opportunities to create new products and services that deliver value. While incumbents have incentives to preserve their status quo, most incumbents recognize that in order to survive in the long run, they need to invest in innovation and new product development. Venture capitalists (VCs) are in the business of investing in products and services that have the potential to capture significant portions of current markets and to create new markets. These two Demo sessions will have leading VCs share their perspectives on today’s market and their thoughts about opportunities that they may be interested in. These sessions will see presentations by firms that have been selected for their promising products and services. Finally, the VCs will have an opportunity to comment on the products and services that have been presented.

HERE'S THE PARTIAL LIST OF SPEAKERS

Mr. Tommy Ahlers, CEO, Founder, Member of the Board, ZYB

Mr. Dermot Berkery, Delta Partners

Mr. Russell Buckley, Managing Director, Europe, AdMob

Mr. Stuart Chapman, Partner, DFJ Esprit

Mr. Eitan Gelbaum, Vice President, Marketing in Advertising, Commerce and Entertainment, Amdocs

Mr. Simon Grice, Founder, Ideas.org

Dr. Klaus Harisch, CEO, GoYellow Media

Mr. Christian Hugonnet, CEO, NovaSys

Mr. Steve Ives, CEO, Taptu

Ms. Helen Keegan, MD, BeepMarketing

Ms. Annie Mullins, Global Head of Content Standards, Vodafone

Mr. Mike Reid, Director, 3i

Mr. Andrew J. Scott, Founder / CEO, Rummble

Mr. Steve Schlenker, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, DN Capital

Mr. Mike Short, Vice President of R&D, O2

Innovation Showcase entries yet to be selected—entry deadline is May 26—why don't you enter?

This just in on the innovation front: Vodafone Group will acquire 100% of Denmark-based ZYB for € 31.5 million. ZYB provides social networking and online management tool enabling mobile phone users to back-up and share their handsets’ contact and calendar information online. Tommy Ahlers, ZYB CEO, Founder, Member of the Board, will be speaking at EDM08.

SUMMARY

Submit an Innovation Showcase entry by May 26.

Best Regards,

Stu Whitaker

European Directory Marketplace (EDM) / June 9th / +44 (020) 3239 6934

http://www.europeandirectorymarketplace.com/

Market Location www.marketlocation.com/
Inmobile.Org www.inmobile.org
Information Services Monthly www.ISMonthly.com
Loogic http://loogic.com/
Mashable http://mashable.com/
Vator www.Vator.tv

+1 (703) 506-1220 / Skype:whitaksm / TheOperatorOnline

Invitation to Participate in the EDM08 Innovation Showcase

2008-05-15T14:11:00.002Z

We would like to invite you to participate in the Innovation Showcase at EDM08. Recognizing the dramatic changes that are underway in this industry and the importance of innovation to success in the directory and search space, this year's Innovation Showcase represents an evolution from our awards program, first introduced in 2006. Last year's winners were WDN Europe and Apptera.

This year, successful entries will have an opportunity to present on June 9th in London at the EDM08 Innovation Showcase session and to discuss their innovation with investors 3i, Delta Partners, DFJ Esprit, DN Capital, and the audience.

Organizations are invited to submit entries, describing the innovation that has made or that will make their product or service successful in this market. Entries are invited in what we see as five key areas of the directory and search ecosystem that we have identified (information service providers, advertising, operators, technology, and content) or in other areas.

TO ENTER. Email the following information to info at whitaker dot com by Monday, May 26:

* Your name;
* your company;
* name of the product or service;
* your email;
* your phone number;
* a description in 250 words or less about your product or service and why it should be selected for presentation at the Innovation Showcase;
* a web link to the product, service, or company for further information.

We will post information, including the name of your product or service, the description of the product or service, and the web link for further information on the Innovation Showcase site. (Note: one entry per company, please.)

Selection for presentation will be made by the Advisory Board and Whitaker Associates. One person from your organization must be registered for EDM08 for your entry to be considered.

REGISTER NOW to take advantage of the current discount on EDM08 or contact us for information about the Innovation Showcase, Sponsorship, Registration, speaking, or other matters.

JORDAN COMMUNICATIONS / INFORMATION SERVICES MONTHLY (ISM) PARTNERS WITH WHITAKER ASSOCIATES / EUROPEAN DIRECTORY MARKETPLACE (EDM).

2008-05-09T15:33:00.001Z

Jordan Communications and Whitaker Associates have agreed to a media partnership involving the European Directory Marketplace 2008 (EDM08) (www.EuropeanDirectoryMarketplace.com) conference and Jordan's new publication, Information Services Monthly (ISM) (www.ISMonthly.com).

The launch of the ISM brand includes the magazine and the portal ismonthly.com. The timing is significant as both ISM and EDM see information services evolving in the coming year or two, as demand drives the mobile internet and providers are engaged in a race to develop innovative applications to increase usage, whilst revenue is expected to grow 500% over the next five years.

Press Coverage: Tamar Weinberg at Mashable

2008-05-09T02:43:00.002Z

"EDM08: Search in the Mobile Era Conference, London," by Tamar Weinberg

Press Coverage: Marketingservicestalk

2008-05-09T00:00:00.002Z

"Jordan Communications backs EDM08," Marketingservicestalk

Press Coverage: How-Do

2008-05-09T00:00:00.000Z

"Jordan Communications partners European Conference," How-do

EDM08: SEARCH IN THE MOBILE ERA CONFERENCE TO BE HELD JUNE 9TH, 2008 IN LONDON

2008-04-21T18:58:00.000Z

Growth in mobile penetration leading to increased use of mobile devices for information access, leading to more mobile applications, leading to further increased use of mobile devices for information access; providers race to develop innovative applications to increase usage; revenue to grow 500% in five years.

London (PRWeb) April 21, 2008 -- Whitaker Associates (www.whitaker.com) has announced that this year’s European Directory Marketplace 2008 (EDM08) conference, Search in the Mobile Era, to be held on June 9^th, 2008 in London, will focus on the explosive mobile search market. This market is the focus of broad and high level interest, as reflected by Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin’s recent call for wireless operators to become the primary vehicle by which to access information.

Mobile search can be conducted using voice (voice search), telephone keypad, telephone touchpad (data search), or some combination. Users search for a wide range of information, including “buddies,” business listings, movie listings, restaurant reviews, music, video, pictures, news, sports, maps, directions, and mail. Revenue from mobile search is being generated increasingly by advertising, as well as by subscriber fees.

Driven by increased mobile penetration, deployment of more sophisticated handsets, development of more sophisticated applications tailored to the mobile environment, 3G, and other factors, some estimate that data mobile search revenues will rise by over 500% during the next five years to over US$ 5 billion. This growth is expected to offset revenue from traditional voice mobile search.

Mobile search is one of the most hotly contested markets today. Market participants include leaders from multiple segments, including the information service providers (Google, Yahoo!, Yell, BT, The Number, etc.), operators (Vodafone, BT, O2, etc.), technology providers (Nokia, Google, Apple, etc.), content providers (yellow pages, social networking sites), and advertisers (yellow pages, other advertisers). Market participants also include numerous “disruptors,” new firms eager to seize the opportunities that this market presents. The EDM08 conference sessions will cover:

Information Service Providers: what will be the mix of voice versus data search, who will be the information service providers of the future, what will they be delivering?

Advertising: what role will advertising play?

Operators: what role will operators play and how will they work with other participants?

Technology: what technologies will have the greatest impact on information service?

Content: what content will be in demand, and how can one deliver it?

Save The Date for EDM08: June 9th: Search in the Mobile Era

2008-03-27T22:42:00.002Z

June 9th, London--register now--prices increase March 31!

Mobile directory and search services are HOT HOT HOT! Three of the five top stock market gainers in our directory and search services ecosystem are mobile: Research in Motion (RIM), Nokia (NOK), and Apple (AAPL). Come to EDM08 and learn about the transformation from legacy services to tomorrow's services and how you can join in!

Agenda: EDM08 will bring together under one roof the FIVE key components of the mobile search ecosystem:

- Information providers;- Technology providers;- Carriers;- Advertising;- Content.

Innovation Showcase: building on past Global Directory Awards, EDM08 will host the first Innovation Showcase of products and services, with presentations and comments by leading venture capitalists.

Advisors

Sponsors: Soleo, Nuance, Market Location.

Register now--prices increase March 31!

EDM08 Registration is Open!

2007-12-03T15:12:00.000Z

I am delighted to announce that registration for the European Directory Marketplace 2008 (EDM08) conference is now open and that we have already been taking registrations!

While "no one under 50" will be using legacy yellow pages and directory assistance services in five years, everyone will be depending more than ever on rich and powerful directory and search services.

EDM08 will help you make the difficult and complex strategic decisions that have to be made in order to navigate this changing and converging market.

We have decided to make a limited number of registration tickets available at the incredible price of US$ 500.00--but these are on a first come, first served basis, and when they they are gone, they are gone--So hurry!

To register, please click here.

For more information about EDM08, please visit the EDM08 Conference site, this EDM08 Blog, send an email or call us at +1 703 506 1220.

To sign up for our free daily headline service covering the directory and search services market, please visit The Operator Online.

EDM08: Update

2007-09-23T00:00:00.000Z

I want to provide a brief update on plans for the next EDM conference.

First, I have been talking with a lot of people and have begun to get a lot of good feedback. The foremost issue raised so far is that we need to move this event back. For a number of years, we have scheduled the program the week before 3GSM so that people could attend EDM one week and 3GSM the next. However, recent discussions make clear that many people are heavily focused on 3GSM the week fore 3GSM. Now that the mobile market has become so important to the directory and search market, we need to avoid a conflict with 3GSM. We will be announcing a new date soon.

Second, consumers are gaining an increasing amount of choice in the services they consume. This is great for consumers but makes it even more important for service providers to be innovative in order to deliver what consumers want. Facebook and other social networking services are a prime example of new services that consumers are flocking to. (If you have not yet signed up for the EDM facebook group, let me encourage you to do so right away at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4803202308.)

Third, I have gotten nothing but positive response from our use of Facebook. I recognize that Facebook isn’t the only social network and, according to the story we ran last week (www.theoperatoronline.com), Comscore recently reported that Facebook is nowhere near the lead in a number of countries, including Germany and France. Nevertheless, social networking is very real, very disruptive, and needs to be incorporated in information service strategies.

Fourth, user-pay call service is going to continue its decline. Consumers want value for money and are being presented with a wide range of new and alternative services that give them greater value than ever before. A combination of free voice information services and smart handsets will continue to eat away at user-pay call services. The days when providers could form exclusive clubs and expect to keep newcomers out are coming to an end.

Fifth, consumers want more than just numbers. The Mobile Entertainment Forum recently launched a mobile search and discovery initiative to better understand mobile consumer behavior. What they found is this: premium, paid-for content tops the list of mobile search terms: 56% of those surveyed searched for ringtones and 47% searched for music downloads. Less than 20% of the consumers said they search for local information.

Sixth, I don’t think you can ignore the fact that devices are becoming every more powerful and the ways in which consumers reach each other and reach businesses is changing. IM, VoIP, Internet, smartphones, are all playing significant role in the changes underway.

Seventh, last but certainly not least, when you put it all together, all service providers are looking for new ways to monetize their services. This goes for entertainment content as well as other content. Advertising services and other means of delivering ROI to content providers are tremendously important.

Keep your feedback coming and be sure to invite your clients and colleagues to participate in this discussion.

See you soon!

Directories and Search is Dead--Long Live Directories and Search!

2007-09-06T13:18:00.000Z

When Bill Gates recently forecast that print directories will be dead in five years, he caused some consternation. Yet now even our friends at Kelsey ask whether "Yellow Pages" are still relevant. We believe that traditional directory assistance is dying even faster.

Replacing these legacy services will be new, rich and powerful information services delivering far more than the legacy products ever dreamed.

Social networking sites, such as Facebook (www.facebook.com), are having a great impact on personal and business behavior. The Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com) recently reported that there are 2,000 applications on Facebook that regularly attract more than 100 users and that one venture capitalist, Bay Partners, has raised US$ 300 million for companies developing Facebook applications. Facebook had 30.6 million visitors in July.

We have decided to test the power of open social networks by establishing a European Directory Marketplace (EDM) conference group on Facebook. Anyone interested in learning more about and contributing to plans for EDM08, February 4-5, is welcome to join the conversation. To participate, sign up at www.facebook.com, search for the European Directory Marketplace group, and join the conversation!

EDM07 Wrap-up

2007-03-16T21:00:00.001Z

We have seen a precipitous drop in legacy voice Directory Enquiry (DQ) volume over the past few years but a corresponding increase in the delivery of richer information via newer delivery vehicles. We call this broader market for the delivery of richer information the Directory and Search Services (DSS) market. Accordingly, we made a very conscious effort this year to move the European Directory Marketplace (EDM) conference content forward to keep in step with changes in the market, and we see two indicators that this movement makes sense.

First, we set out this year to limit our focus on legacy DQ services to 50% of the EDM07 conference in order to explore existing services outside DQ and to explore new and innovative DSS services. The two most highly rated conference sessions this year were not legacy DQ sessions at all. In fact, the most highly rated session was arguably the most far afield from legacy DQ: "Web 2.0 and Enhanced Services: New Models and Opportunities for concierge, Social network, and VoIP Services." In this session, Simon Grice from Midentity explored Digital Lifestyle Aggregators (DLAs), Song Huang from SoonR explored Web 2.0 business models, and Steve Isaac from Responsa explored ways to deliver value-added services.

Also highly rated was the session titled "Opportunities in the Mobile World: Content, User Experience, Local Search." Jens Andersen from mobilePeople explored white label mobile search, Supratim Biswas from Infospace discussed improving delivery of mobile content, Christian Hugonnet from NovaSys discussed delivering content across platforms, Hermann Hüni from GLUE explored how to improve mobile service via client software, and Bryan Stockwell from Mobile Commerce discussed monetizing mobile search.

Second, our Global Directory Award program, introduced last year, continued to focus on innovation and was expanded. Sixteen entries were received this year—from Responsa, WDN, Deutsche Telekom, eStara, EDA, Market Location, Call Genie, Yellow Pages Group, Midentity, soonR, Apptera, Itesco, mobilePeople, Newsphone, MobileGates and Slovak Telekom—up from nine entries last year. This year's People's Choice award was selected by conference delegates after the entries were posted on our website and after entrants had the opportunity to make a sixty-second "elevator pitch" to conference delegates about their service. We know from the presentations and from the ballots that there were a lot of great entries, but the People's Choice award went to WDN Europe for their ComNote Secure SMS Notification Service, which may significantly expand the mobile directory market by allowing users to reach mobile subscribers whom the users have been unable to reach up to now.

We also introduced a specific Innovation Award intended to recognize innovation in this market. This selection was based on five criteria: service "newness," service uniqueness, value to the service provider, value to the user, and impact that the service is likely to have. While the selection was difficult, Apptera received the award.

Thanks to all the participants. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Global Directory Award (GDA) Winners: WDN Europe and Apptera!

2007-02-06T12:00:00.001Z

The Global Directory Award program, introduced in 2006, continued in 2007 to focus on innovation and was expanded. Sixteen entries were received this year—from Responsa, WDN, Deutsche Telekom, eStara, EDA, Market Location, Call Genie, Yellow Pages Group, Midentity, soonR, Apptera, Itesco, mobilePeople, Newsphone, MobileGates and Slovak Telekom—up from nine entries last year. This year's People's Choice award was selected by conference delegates after the entries were posted on our website and after entrants had the opportunity to make a sixty-second "elevator pitch" to conference delegates about their service. We know from the presentations and from the ballots that there were a lot of great entries, but the People's Choice award went to WDN Europe for their ComNote Secure SMS Notification Service, which may significantly expand the mobile directory market by allowing users to reach mobile subscribers whom the users have been unable to reach up to now.

We also introduced a specific Innovation Award intended to recognize innovation in this market. This selection was based on five criteria: service "newness," service uniqueness, value to the service provider, value to the user, and impact that the service is likely to have. While the selection was difficult, Apptera received the award.

Invitation to Participate in the Global Directory Awards at the European Directory Marketplace 2007 (EDM07) Conference

2007-01-26T12:48:00.000Z

Global Directory Award

Whitaker Associates' second annual Global Directory Award (GDA) is being expanded to two categories: a "People's Choice" award and an "Innovation" award.

The People's Choice award, given last year for the first time, will be chosen this year by EDM07 delegates only. The 2006 recipient was 892 892 Il Numero.

The Innovation award, which will be given for the first time this year, will be awarded to the product or service that demonstrates the greatest innovation in this rapidly changing market.

TO ENTER. Entry is simple and free. Simply send an email to info at whitaker.com by Wednesday, January 31, with the following information:

- Your name;

- your company;

- name of the product or service;

- your email;

- your phone number;

- a description in 250 words or less about your product or service and why it deserves to be receive the Global Directory Award;

- a web link to the product, service, or company for further information.

We will post information, including the name of your product or service, the description of the product or service, and the web link for further information on our site, at www.whitaker.com/conferences/edm07/awards.htm. (Note: one entry per company, please.
JUDGING. The People's Choice award will be chosen by ballot by EDM07 delegates.

The Innovation award will be selected by Whitaker Associates.

AWARD. The awards will be given at the EDM07 Awards Dinner in London, February 5, 2007. Participants must be present to win. The Awards Dinner is included in the conference registration.

STAY INFORMED. To stay informed about the latest developments, visit the EDM07 site or sign up for email notification here.

Agenda and Speakers Announced for EDM07!

2007-01-23T21:20:00.000Z

We have now the agenda for the European Directory Marketplace 2007 (EDM07) conference, to be held on February 5-6, 2007 at the Millennium Mayfair Hotel in London!

Conference sessions will cover:

- Future of Directories and Search Services;
- Data breadth & depth, sources & relevancy: delivering the information users are looking for;
- DA / DQ: Free, Advertiser Based, and Other Services;
- Opportunities in the Mobile World: Content, User Experience, Local Search;
- Delivering information in a Multi-Modal Environment;
- New Models and Opportunities for Concierge, Social Network, and VoIP Services;
- Search Engines and Yellow Pages.

Technology is enabling the delivery of enhanced services that were infeasible before, legacy services are being offered using new business models, and new services are being introduced that weren’t imagined before. Industry leading speakers, delegates, and organizations will meet to learn and explore business opportunities.

There are a number of market trends that are driving this transformation. Internet usage, mobile subscriptions, mobile search, and electronic self-search are growing at robust rates while social networks and User Generated Content (UGC) are exploding. Some key indicators:

- Search engine growth continues in the 25% range;
- European broadband penetration is up 14%, according to the European Interactive Advertising Association (EIAA);
- 3GSM subscribers were growing at 330%, according to Wireless Intelligence;
- ComScore reported in October that 29% of Europeans in six countries surveyed access Internet content from their mobile phones.

Future developments—including increased wireless broadband penetration and delivery by 2008 of handsets with the processing capability of today’s portable computers—will further these trends. As a result of these and other factors, the directory and search services market is being redefined by new business models with a mix of advertiser-paid and user paid components.

Gold Sponsors of this conference include:

- BTSLogic
- Call Genie
- Local Matters

The EIDQ, the Association for the Directory Information Industry, is a Partner Sponsor for this conference. LSSi is a Silver Sponsor.

Whitaker Associates has extensive experience in the directory and search services industry, offering conferences, The Operator Online (www.theoperatoronline.com) news service, and consulting. EDM is an annual event that was first held in 2001. For more information, visit www.whitaker.com.

Stuart M. Whitaker
+44 (020) 8133 8278

###

Sponsor / Exhibitor News

2007-01-03T19:47:00.000Z

This just in: we are delighted to announce that Soleo Communications has become a Silver Sponsor and exhibitor at EDM07! Soleo Communications Inc. is a privately-held systems integration company dedicated to Directory & Operator Services.

Start The Year Off Right!

2007-01-03T19:43:00.000Z

There is still time to save hundreds of € £ $ on the European Directory Marketplace 2007 (EDM07) Conference, February 5-6 in London, but hurry!

Register now!

Covering: Directory and Search Services.

Get more information here or email stu at whitaker dot com or call +44 (020) 8133 8278.

Happy New Year!

Latest News from EDM07

2006-12-19T16:44:00.000Z

Here is the latest news about EDM07:

DIRECTORY AND SEARCH SERVICES CONFERENCE TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 5-6, 2007 IN LONDON

As the leading event for the converging Directory and Search Services industry, the European Directory Marketplace 2007 (EDM07) conference will explore developments and opportunities including Free directory enquiry (DQ), enhanced voice services, mobile subscriber services, mobile listing services, other mobile information services, and the integration of print, voice, and online service.

London (PRWeb) December 19, 2006 -- Whitaker Associates (www.whitaker.com) announces the agenda for the European Directory Marketplace 2007 (EDM07) conference, to be held on February 5-6, 2007 at the Millennium Mayfair Hotel in London.

Conference sessions will cover:

- Future of Directories and Search Services;

- Data breadth & depth, sources & relevancy: delivering the information users are looking for;

- DA / DQ: Free, Advertiser Based, and Other Services;

- Opportunities in the Mobile World: Content, User Experience, Local Search;

- Delivering information in a Multi-Modal Environment;

- New Models and Opportunities for Concierge, Social Network, and VoIP Services;

- Search Engines and Yellow Pages.

Technology is enabling the delivery of enhanced services that were infeasible before, legacy services are being offered using new business models, and new services are being introduced that weren’t imagined before. Industry leading speakers, delegates, and organizations will meet to learn and explore business opportunities.

There are a number of market trends that are driving this transformation. Internet usage, mobile subscriptions, mobile search, and electronic self-search are growing at robust rates while social networks and User Generated Content (UGC) are exploding. Some key indicators:

- Search engine growth continues in the 25% range;

- European broadband penetration is up 14%, according to the European Interactive Advertising Association (EIAA);

- 3GSM subscribers were growing at 330%, according to Wireless Intelligence;

- ComScore reported in October that 29% of Europeans in six countries surveyed access Internet content from their mobile phones.

Future developments—including increased wireless broadband penetration and delivery by 2008 of handsets with the processing capability of today’s portable computers—will further these trends. As a result of these and other factors, the directory and search services market is being redefined by new business models with a mix of advertiser-paid and user paid components.

Gold Sponsors of this conference include:

- BTSLogic (www.btslogic.com);

- Call Genie (www.callgenie.com);

- Local Matters (www.localmatters.com).

The EIDQ, the Association for the Directory Information Industry, is a Partner Sponsor for this conference. LSSi is a Silver Sponsor. Other organizations will also be exhibiting.

Whitaker Associates has extensive experience in the directory and search services industry, offering conferences, The Operator Online (www.theoperatoronline.com) news service, and consulting. EDM is an annual event that was first held in 2001. For more information, visit www.whitaker.com.

Stuart M. Whitaker

+44 (020) 8133 8278

###

Sponsor / Exhibitor News

2006-12-18T16:12:00.000Z

We are delighted to report additional participation at EDM07:

LSSi will be participating as a conference Silver Sponsor.

Market Location has signed up to be an exhibitor.

Register soon for the best rate!

Registration and Preliminary Sponsors

2006-11-29T05:00:00.000Z

As you wrap up what we hope was a terrific 2006, we want to let you know that we are in full swing arranging next year's European Directory Marketplace 2007 (EDM07) conference! EDM07 will deliver the best insight into the all-new and converging world of Directory and Search Services (DSS). What is DSS?

It is not: Standalone directory assistance or standalone Internet search or standalone Internet Yellow and White pages.

It is: Fixed and mobile service delivered via voice telephones, smart handsets, and other computer devices.

EDM07 will focus on three key areas: Directory Enquiry, Search, and the Internet.

We are delighted to announce the following early-sponsors for EDM07:

Gold Sponsors: BTSLogic, Call Genie, and Local Matters.

Partner Sponsor: EIDQ, the Association for the Directory Information Industry.

Volt Delta International is an exhibitor.

What to do now?

First: Save the date: February 5-6, 2007 in London.

Second: Register Now! Registration fees are scheduled to go up soon, so register right away.

Third: Stay Informed! To stay informed about EDM07 developments, sign up for email notifications.

Regards,

Stu Whitaker

Preliminary Announcement and Registration

2006-10-06T01:36:00.000Z

The seventh European Directory Marketplace (EDM) conference, EDM07, will be held February 5-6, 2007 in London!

Past EDM conferences have succeeded in drawing delegates from 32 countries and 200 organizations, and has been the most significant directory assistance (DA) gathering in Europe. As anyone can tell, the marketplace is radically different that it was in the past—we say it is converging—and EDM07 will be radically different as well.

First and foremost, the EDM07 content will reflect this radically different market. We define the following key characteristics of the market:

- What: Directory and Search Services (DSS);
- Where: fixed and mobile environments;
- Devices: voice telephones, smart handsets, and computers.

While directory assistance (DA) was the clear focus of past EDM conferences, at EDM07 we plan to focus on three areas: DA, mobile and Internet. More information will follow soon--sign up here to receive email updates when they become available, or contact us at info at whitaker dot com.

In the meantime, registration is now open . . . sign up early for the greatest value!

European Directory Marketplace Conference 2007 (EDM07)

2006-04-28T12:22:00.000Z

EDM07 will be held February 5-6, 2007. Come back soon or sign up here to stay informed!

Global Directory Award (GDA) Winner: Il Numero!

2006-02-07T08:00:00.000Z

Thank you to the nine GDA entries and thank you to all those who participated in this year's SMS text voting. This year's People's Choice Award winner is:

892 892 Il Numero!

We congratulate Il Numero and all the other participants, and look forward to more innovation and success in the directory market!

Voting Instructions

2006-02-06T08:01:00.000Z

Voting for the Global Directory Award (GDA) is being conducted by SMS messaging through February 6th.

Please cast your vote for the entry which you feel is the most innovative product or service in the global search directory marketplace.

To cast your vote:

- Prepare an SMS text message indicating your choice, "entry #1" or "entry #2" or "entry #3" or "entry #4" or "entry #5" or "entry #6" or "entry #7" or "entry #8" or "entry #9."
- Send the message to: +39 338 3767581.

The award will be presented at the Awards dinner in Rome, February 6.

NINE ENTRIES INTO GLOBAL DIRECTORY AWARD COMPETITION

2006-02-06T08:00:00.000Z

Nine entries have been made into the first Global Directory Award (GDA) competition, and we think that is terrific! The GDA is being introduced by Whitaker Associates at the European Directory Marketplace 2006 (EDM06) conference in order to help stimulate growth and development of the search directory industry by providing greater visibility to, and recognition of, significant products and services.

We believe that innovation is critical to the growth of this industry. Entries were encouraged of innovative directory products and services. We are very excited to have received so many entries involving unique and innovative offerings. The entries are:

#1: 1313 Reverse Lookup (in French, “L’annuaire inversé du 1313”)
#2: 89.24.24 Pronto Pagine Gialle
#3: Midentity Deskbar with Directory Enquiry Plugin
#4: Maponair on the Move
#5: Eniro 118 118
#6: 892 892 Il Numero
#7: LSSi Global Gateway Service
#8: HelloYellow
#9: BTS-Open Middleware

We call GDA a "people's" award because selection of the award recipient is not chosen by a panel of experts but by a much broader group--everyone who chooses to participate in the selection process. While participation in the selection is open to anyone, we have not broadcast the Award to the general public and do not anticipate that thousands of people will participate in this voting. We do anticipate that a limited number of knowledgeable industry participants will participate in the process.

To participate in the selection, visit http://www.whitaker.com/conferences/edm06/awards.htm. Voting ends in the afternoon of February 6th. The Award will be presented in the evening of February 6th.

Details for the entrants follow.

ENTRY #1

1313 Reverse Lookup (“L’annuaire inversé du 1313”)

Description: In Belgium, EDA provides “regular” DA/DQ services on the shortcode 13-13, and in addition offers a Reverse Lookup service. Nicknamed “L’annuaire inversé” (i.e. “The inversed phonebook”), it is fully automated since it makes use of advanced XML and Text-to-Speech technologies.

Also called “number identification,” Reverse Lookup allows a user to find out to whom belongs a specific telephone number. Here, a 13-13 caller simply needs to type the number to-be-identified, by using the touchtone keys of his/her telephone, and the full name & address of the registered owner will be read to him/her immediately in TTS. For instance, on the number 02 333 4444, L’annuaire inversé will reply: “This number belongs to Mr. Alex Gaschard, 1 Europe street, in Brussels”.

EDA’s service is unique in the following 3 key respects:

1. If the caller queries on a number which turns out to be a company direct extension, a “standard” reverse lookup service would often come up with no answer; here, the system is able to come up with one or two answers which actually correspond to the nearest 2 switchboard’s number(s), therefore offering the caller possible answers, rather than no answer at all.

2. The system does not only query the Belgian telephone database, but several other European databases;

3. Finally, if the caller queries on a number that is neither a Belgian number nor a European number, he/she will be told at least about the country of origin, often the city, and sometimes even the neighbourhood.

ENTRY #2

89.24.24 Pronto Pagine Gialle

Description: Seat Pagine Gialle was the first company in Italy to launch in 2000 the DA service 89.24.24 ProntoPagineGialle.

From a simple “Talking Yellow Pages” concept, it has developed into an advanced system based on a very valuable database with a large team of dedicated “personal assistants” on the phone: it is a 24/24h, 365/365d service that gives answers on addresses, locations, opening hours, facilities, products and services offered, etc., on more than 3 million Italian businesses. Besides this, it provides a value-added service, giving information such as weather and road conditions, train and flights, news, TV programmes, information on movies and booking tickets for theatres, concerts and museums and all info can be get in English as well.

89.24.24 Pronto PagineGialle is well known to Italians, thanks to its long-time and famous testimonial, Claudio Bisio, and a catchy advertisement jingle.

Finally, we can say that the success of 892424 is based on a new way of listening to people and solving their problems: Seat’s call center operators are skilled personal assistants skilled to find the ideal solution in order to solve customers' needs.

The result is a number of calls that increases daily (more that 20 million calls per year) along with an increasing number of advertisers.

89.24.24 ProntoPagineGialle has created a new business and a new market, open nowadays to many players.

ENTRY #3

Midentity Deskbar with Directory Enquiry Plugin

Description: Midentity Plugins are a distribution mechanism for new services that interact with users’ calendars and contacts to offer innovative new services tailored to the individual, without compromising their personal data or data protection legislation.

Midentity Plugins are designed to meet the needs of:

- ISPs;
- Fixed line and mobile telephony networks;
- Directory enquiry(DQ) providers;
- Search engines;
- Media and digital content owners;
- Networking service providers

Midentity Plugins fit within the extensible framework of the Midentity Deskbar, which is a component of the Midentity Contacts solution.

Midentity Deskbar and Plugins makes a great contribution to the industry in terms of innovation by allowing DQ providers to integrate directly into PC users' desktops. This integration has a number of significant benefits:

- it creates a significant branding and loyalty opportunity;
- it enables users to ClickDial the numbers that are found;
- it enables DQ providers to generate a new revenue stream by allowing advertisers to pay for calls made to them;
- it enables users to transfer the numbers to their mobile phone using SendToMobile;
- it enables users to easily add the numbers to their personal address books with one click.

To better understand the service, download a demo version (http://deskbar.midentity.com/), try the 118118 Plugin, using 'pizza' in 'CO10' or something else UK based. Or, contact us for a demo and further information.

ENTRY #4

Maponair on the Move

Description: Novasys is a market leader in developing solutions and products in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and is also a value added information content aggregator.

At Novasys, we believe in synergies between content, maps and routes. More specifically, intelligence can be delivered through aggregated information.

We strongly believe that more and more people will need information while on the move. "Maponair on the Move" is therefore an extension of our convergent Geocentric platform Maponair. It includes Value Added content for Enhanced Directory Assistance Services. The content is delivered on any available support using Internet, mobile handsets, PDAs, etc. Thanks to "Maponair on the Move", Operators can increase the level of both the service they offer to their clients and the loyalty they receive.

"Maponair on the Move" is an ASP service which can be easily plugged to the call centre platform. It does not need high investments as the business model is based on revenue sharing.

With "Maponair on the Move", the DIS operator informs the mobile end users about the nearest restaurant according to its type of cuisine, the nearest hotel based on price or number of stars or even the nearest ATM machine according to the bank he uses, etc... Driving directions are also provided over voice or SMS.

For more information, please call Ali Hussein:

+41 216 513 030 or email: ahu@novasys.ch

For special access to a demo link please send us a request and we will forward you a login and password.

ENTRY #5

Eniro 118 118

Description: Eniro 118 118 AB is the leading provider of DA Services in Sweden offering the most innovative and complete DA Services in the world.

In 2004 Eniro 118 118 was awarded “Best European DA Service” and in 2005 “Best Mobile Service” at an industry event organised by 118tracker.com in the UK.

Broad and innovative:

Eniro 118 118 have very successfully made the journey from “looking up telephone numbers” to an innovative cutting edge high quality service that offers directions, distances, nearby search, maps and more.

We offer the mobile customer a premium service with call completion to the enquired number in Sweden or abroad and provide contact details through any preferred medium; voice, SMS, SMS with wap-link, fax or e-mail, all without any extra charge.

Eniro 118 118 is also the only DA service on the Swedish market that offers International DA and access for Swedish mobile customers from abroad.

Excellent content:

Our database contains all available mobile, residential, business and “government” numbers in Sweden from all fixed and mobile networks plus additional information such as www and email addresses, opening hours, cash machines etc. Eniro 118 118 is also the only DA service in Sweden where Eniro Gula Sidorna (Yellow Pages) data is available.

Available to all:

Eniro 118 118 is available from every phone in Sweden regardless of network operator (fixed or mobile). Our customers represent in large the Swedish population and our service portfolio handles around 60 million requests per year.

ENTRY #6

892 892 Il Numero

Description: 892 892 is the pioneering innovative new enhanced DA service in Italy, launched in July 2005 to coincide with deregulation in its first 6 month it has already introduced Italy’s first money back guarantee if you are unhappy with the service for any reason.

892 892 was the first provider in Italy to introduce the only fixed fee for a DA service including unlimited searches and unlimited call completion all for one fixed price.

Just a few month after the launch the 892 892 has become the best known service in Italy offering basic and enhanced information on subscriber listings plus a wide range of value added services such as weather conditions, traffic info, flight info, cinemas, routing and ticketing for social and sports events.

892 892 has the shortest call handling time, waiting time and get through rate and excellent accuracy results, thanks to our long international experience in the DA industry.

ENTRY #7

LSSi Global Gateway Service

Description: An increasing number of regulators in European countries are deregulating DQ services, and independent DQ Service Providers are seizing the opportunity to expand their DQ service offering in multiple countries. Equipping a call center, staffing and training operators, and building a directory database consumes both time and capital.

LSSi’s Global Gateway Service and National Directory Databases enable DQ service providers to enter new DQ markets quickly while controlling costs. The LSSi Global Gateway Service and National Directory Databases provide high-speed access a multitude of foreign telephone listing telco-fresh databases through a single LSSi-brokered agreement, rather than having to set up separate, unique agreements with the individual telecoms around the world. The Global Gateway Service is an integrated solution that provides access to more than 250,000,000 listings in 26 telco-fresh listing databases maintained by LSSi and by carriers in Europe, North America and the Pacific Region. LSSi operates and maintains listing databases in five countries – US, Canada, UK, Ireland and France – built from service-order-level data supplied electronically to LSSi, direct from the carriers on as fast a delivery schedule the carrier can provide – in almost all cases daily.

While DQ service providers expand into a growing number of deregulated DQ markets, the LSSi Global Gateway and LSSi hosted national Databases can provide time-to-market and cost advantages. When using LSSi’s Global Gateway Service and National Directory Databases, DQ service providers can focus their efforts on providing premium customer service and building their brand.

ENTRY #8

HelloYellow

Description: Strategy

Call Genie has pioneered the world’s first voice-enabled search of the Yellow Pages, in partnership with the Yellow Pages Group of Canada. The service boosts Yellow Pages value by giving access through simple voice commands to anyone with a telephone – mobile, landline or VoIP. Consumers use the service by dialing 310-YELO (local toll free number), #YELO on their mobile phone, or selecting “category search” from the 411 Directory Assistance service.

This creates an attractive new medium for merchants to reach consumers, particularly mobile phone users.

Execution

The HelloYellow service was launched in 2005 as an extension of the Yellow Pages brand. State-of-the-art voice technology fully automates the search, but gives an experience close to live operator assistance. The HelloYellow database contains more than 400,000 business listings, the equivalent of the 17 printed Yellow Pages directories. It covers the Greater Toronto Area in Canada, a diverse, multicultural marketplace of 5.5 million people.

Consumers can search all popular consumer headings, browse a list of merchants in their chosen location, listen to merchant information and connect through to the merchant. As well as name, address and phone number, merchants can promote themselves through messages such as directions, promotions, credentials, advertising jingles and more.

HelloYellow lets callers search by city, neighborhood, landmark or street intersection. Need to find the closest Starbucks – no problem. HelloYellow automatically detects the caller’s network location, and suggests this as a default, but callers can override the default with their location of choice.

ENTRY #9

BTS-Open Middleware

Description: BTS-Open Middleware brings DA/DQ and online YP publishers out of the age of isolated and closed systems, and enables them to compete on equal terms with new web-based players by harnessing the power of open standards such as SOAP/XML and J2EE interfaces that have enabled web-based players to rapidly cut into the information services market with new services. BTS-Open enables DA/DQ service providers to quickly and economically add new services including Location Based Services, POI, Driving Directions, Comparison Shopping, even open search through 3rd party search and content provider engines such as eBay and Google.

The service thus introduced can be delivered to the customer using BTS-OpenClient agent desktop, through SMS, MMS, Speech Automation, or even through 3rd party client interfaces developed by other vendors.

BTS-Open not only makes it feasible to introduce new services, it also dramatically cuts the cost and time needed. Additionally BTS-Open also enables the service providers to end the cycle of dependence on a single vendor. Using BTS-Open the services providers can introduce new services using their own IT team, 3rd party IT companies, or BTS-Logic team.

BTS-Open is based on Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE), provides for several points of access to reach information resources connected to the Unified Access Layer. This allows 3rd party clients to connect to the search engine and conduct 2 way searches via an XML/SOAP interface.

Scheduled Announcements for EDM06: EMBARGOED!

2006-01-29T20:05:00.000Z

We are expecting two major industry announcements to be made at EDM06. We can't tell you what those announcements will be . . . we can tell you that the best way to get the latest and most up-to-date industry news is to be there!

EDM06: Registration Savings

2006-01-29T20:03:00.000Z

It's not too late to save on EDM06 Registration! Register by February 3 and save US$ 200 off the full registration price!

EDM06: Changes and Additions

2006-01-29T20:01:00.000Z

We are delighted to announce three new speakers to our EDM06 program. The following individuals, not mentioned on previous announcements, will be presenting:

- Ms. Gloria R. Reese, President, BellSouth Operator Services;
- Mr. Paolo Landi, Segretario generale, Adiconsum;
- Mr. Massimo Bonelli, Telecom Italia.

Please visit our EDM06 Conference Agenda page for the latest information.

We are also delighted to announce the addition of another exhibitor, PocketThis.

GDA: Schedule

2006-01-29T18:38:00.000Z

The Global Directory Award (GDA) is as follows:

August 8, 2005: Initial Announcement
January 12, 2006: Entry Guidelines
January 30, 2006: Begin Posting Entries
February 3, 2006: Entry Deadline
February 3, 2006: Voting Begins
February 6, 2006: Voting Ends
February 6, 2006: Award Presented

La European Directory Marketplace Conference (EDM06) anunciará los ganadores del premio de directorios

2006-01-13T08:00:00.003Z

ROMA, January 13/PRNewswire/ --

- La European Directory Marketplace Conference (EDM06) anunciará los ponentes, el programa y los ganadores del premio de directorios

Whitaker Associates se complace al anunciar la primera edición de su premio anual Global Directory Award. Este premio, que se dará a conocer durante la celebración de la European Directory Marketplace Conference 2006 (EDM06), tiene como objetivo realizar un reconocimiento de los innovadores productos y servicios, que son claves en el éxito de los actuales mercados globales de directorios. Los detalles relacionados con el registro de solicitudes están disponibles en la dirección de Whitaker Associates. Las solicitudes se deberán enviar para su posterior estudio a la página web de Whitaker Associates. Se trata de un premio "elegido por la gente", que permite la votación de cualquier persona a través de un mensaje de texto SMS.

Entre los ponentes de la conferencia estarán algunos de los principales líderes y expertos nacionales e internacionales. Entre todos ellos destacan:

Doctor. Andreas Albath, consejero delegado de telegate
Guy Birenbaum, consejero delegado de L'Annuaire Universel
Dario D'Aleo, responsable de asuntos reguladores de TI Wireline, Telecom Italia
Michael E. Durance, consejero delegado y director de Call Genie
Ludwig Finkenzeller, responsable de la gama de productos de varetis solutions
Alexandre Gaschard, fundador y consejero delegado de EDA
Patrick Geiger, division legal de Austrian RTR
Jean Gonde, de Le Numero France
Simon Grice, fundador y consejero delegado de Midentity
Klaus Harisch, consejero delegado de varetis
Tom Latinovich, fundador y vicepresidente senior de Jingle Networks, Inc.
Ing. Vincenzo Lobianco, de Italian AGCOM
Masoud Loghmani, responsable tecnológico de BTSLogic
John A. McMaster, director general y consejero delegado de LSSi
Giuseppe Pane, delegado administrativo de InfoCall
Luisa Piazza, responsable de SEAT PG
Avv. Marco Pierani, oficina de relaciones públicas de Altroconsumo
Gloria Reese, directora general de servicios operativos de BellSouth
Michael Reuter, vicepresidente ejecutivo de Deutsche Telekom T-Com
Valerie Shwartz, directora de los servicios de asistencia y voz de PagesJaunes
Harjinder Singh-Heer, director administrativo de Heernet Ventures Limited
Stuart M. Whitaker, director general de Whitaker Associates

Se han producido importantes cambios en los mercados de la información, principalmente debido a los avances de Internet, buscadores, la transición de un sistema por cable a un sistema móvil, el despliegue de terminales de mano inteligentes y otros factores. Los objetivos de la conferencia de este año incluyen una mayor visibilidad del directorio de los proveedores de servicio, una mayor participación de los administradores senior y una mejor oportunidad de interacción entre el personal con los ponentes y el resto de participantes. La rueda de prensa se centrará en las oportunidades y retos en el complicado mercado de los servicios de directorio e información.

Entre los principales patrocinadores de la conferencia están BTSLogic (http://www.btslogic.com), ISX (http://www.isxinc.com), LSSi ( http://www.lssi.net), vaaretis solutions y Call Genie.

EDM06 se celebrará el 6 y 7 de febrero de 2006 en Roma (Italia). Más información sobre la conferencia o sobre cómo registrarse o asistir en la página web http://www.whitaker.com.

Página web: http://www.whitaker.com
http://www.whitaker.com/conferences/edm06/awards.htm

Source: Whitaker Associates

Stuart Whitaker, +1-703-506-1220 de Whitaker Associates

edm06Pr2Spanish

Le concours pour le prix de l'annuaire téléphonique, les orateurs, et les programmes de la European Directory Marketplace Conference (EDM06) sont anno

2006-01-13T08:00:00.002Z

ROME, January 13/PRNewswire/ -- Whitaker Associates a le grand plaisir d'annoncer le premier prix annuel Global Directory Award. Ce prix, qui sera décerné lors de la European Directory Marketplace Conference 2006 (EDM06), a pour but de reconnaître l'innovation en matière de produits et de services, la clé du succès dans une place du marché internationale qui évolue à grande vitesse. Les détails concernant la participation sont disponibles sur le carnet Web de Whitaker Associates. Les candidatures seront postées sur le site Web de Whitaker Associates pour y être évaluées. Il s'agit d'un prix "choix du public", qui permet à quiconque de voter - bien que le vote doive se faire par message SMS.

Les orateurs participant à la conférence incluent des leaders et des experts nationaux et internationaux du secteur, à savoir :

Dr. Andreas Albath, président-directeur général, telegate
M. Guy Birenbaum, président-directeur général, L'Annuaire Universel
M. Dario D'Aleo, affaires réglementaires, TI Wireline, Telecom Italia
M. Michael E. Durance, président-directeur général et directeur, Call
Genie
M. Ludwig Finkenzeller, directeur des lignes de produits, varetis
solutions
M. Alexandre Gaschard, fondateur et président-directeur général, EDA
M. Patrick Geiger, Division juridique, Austrian RTR
M. Jean Gonde, Le Numéro France
M. Simon Grice, fondateur & président-directeur général, Midentity
Dr. Klaus Harisch, président-directeur général, varetis
M. Tom Latinovich, fondateur et vice-président directeur, Jingle
Networks,Inc.
Ing. Vincenzo Lobianco, Italian AGCOM
M. Masoud Loghmani, directeur de la technologie, BTSLogic
M. John A. McMaster, président-directeur général, LSSi
M. Giuseppe Pane, Ammistratore Delegato, InfoCall
Mme Luisa Piazza, directrice, SEAT PG
Avv. Marco Pierani, Bureau des affaires publiques, Altroconsumo
Mme Gloria Reese, président des services opérateurs, BellSouth
M. Michael Reuter, vice-président à la direction, Deutsche Telekom T-Com
Mme Valérie Shwartz, directrice, Unité d'Affaires Voix et Services,
Pages Jaunes
M. Harjinder Singh-Heer, directeur général, Heernet Ventures Limited
M. Stuart M. Whitaker, président, Whitaker Associates

Des changements dramatiques s'annoncent dans les marchés de l'information, propulsés par un certain nombre de facteurs dont les avances de l'Internet, les moteurs de recherche, la transition du service câblé au mobile, le déploiement de combinés plus intelligents. Les objectifs de la conférence de cette année incluent notamment une visibilité accrue des prestataires de services d'annuaire, une plus grande participation des cadres supérieurs, et une meilleure occasion d'interagir en personne avec les orateurs et les autres participants. La conférence portera son attention sur les opportunités et les défis que présente ce marché changeant des services d'annuaire et d'information.

Les sponsors de la conférence, des leaders du secteur, incluent BTSLogic (http://www.btslogic.com), ISX (http://www.isxinc.com), LSSi (http://www.lssi.net), varetis solutions, et Call Genie.

EDM06 se tiendra du 6 au 7 février 2006, à Rome, en Italie. Pour obtenir un complément d'information ou pour enregistrer votre participation, veuillez consulter http://www.whitaker.com.

Site Web: http://www.whitaker.com
http://www.whitaker.com/conferences/edm06/awards.htm

Source: Whitaker Associates

Stuart Whitaker, +1-703-506-1220 de Whitaker Associates

Directory Awards Wettbewerb, Redner und Programm für die European Directory Marketplace Conference (EDM06) angekündigt

2006-01-13T08:00:00.001Z

ROM, January 13/PRNewswire/ -- Whitaker Associates freut sich, den ersten jährlichen Global Directory Award bekannt zu geben. Diese Auszeichnung, die im Rahmen der European Directory Marketplace Conference 2006 (EDM06) verliehen wird, soll Produkt- und Serviceinnovationen anerkennen, die einen wesentlichen Erfolgsfaktor für den sich schnell wandelnden globalen Directory-Markt darstellen. Details über die Teilnahme stehen auf der Blogsite von Whitaker Associates unter zur Verfügung. Teilnehmer werden auf der Website von Whitaker Associates zur Bewertung aufgelistet. Diese Auszeichnung spiegelt die "Wahl des Volks" wider. Dies bedeutet, dass jeder zur Teilnahme an der Wahl berechtigt ist. Die Abstimmung muss jedoch über eine SMS-Kurznachricht stattfinden.

Zu den Rednern bei der Konferenz zählen nationale und internationale Branchenführer und Experten. Dazu gehören:

Dr. Andreas Albath, CEO, telegate
Herr Guy Birenbaum, CEO, L'Annuaire Universel
Herr Dario D'Aleo, Regulierungsangelegenheiten, TI Wireline, Telecom Italia
Herr Michael E. Durance, CEO und Direktor, Call Genie
Herr Ludwig Finkenzeller, Product Line Manager, varetis solutions
Herr Alexandre Gaschard, Gründer und CEO, EDA
Herr Patrick Geiger, Rechtsabteilung, Austrian RTR
Herr Jean Gonde, Le Numero France
Herr Simon Grice, Gründer & CEO, Midentity
Dr. Klaus Harisch, CEO, varetis
Herr Tom Latinovich, Gründer und SVP, Jingle Networks, Inc.
Ing. Vincenzo Lobianco, Italian AGCOM
Herr Masoud Loghmani, CTO, BTSLogic
Herr John A. McMaster, Präsident und CEO, LSSi
Herr Giuseppe Pane, Ammistratore Delegato, InfoCall
Frau Luisa Piazza, Manager, SEAT PG
Avv. Marco Pierani, Büro für Öffentliche Angelegenheiten, Altroconsumo
Frau Gloria Reese, Präsidentin Operator Services, BellSouth
Herr Michael Reuter, EVP, Deutsche Telekom T-Com
Frau Valerie Shwartz, Directrice Unite d'Affaires Voix et Services, PagesJaunes
Herr Harjinder Singh-Heer, Managing Director, Heernet Ventures Limited
Herr Stuart M. Whitaker, Präsident, Whitaker Associates

Dramatische Veränderungen verändern die Informationsmärkte, angetrieben durch Fortschritte des Internets, Suchmaschinen, den Übergang von Festnetz- zu Mobilfunkdiensten, den Einsatz intelligenterer Endgeräte und andere Faktoren. Zu den Zielsetzungen der diesjährigen Konferenz zählen eine stärkere Präsenz von Directory-Service-Providern, eine grössere Teilnahme durch Vertreter aus der Unternehmensführung und umfangreichere Gelegenheiten für einen persönlichen Austausch mit den Rednern und anderen Teilnehmern. Die Konferenz wird sich auf die Chancen und Herausforderungen in diesem sich wandelnden Directory- und Informationsdienstmarkt konzentrieren.

Zu den branchenführenden Sponsoren der Konferenz zählen u.a. BTSLogic (http://www.btslogic.com), ISX (http://www.isxinc.com), LSSi ( http://www.lssi.net), varetis solutions und Call Genie.

Die EDM06 findet vom 6. bis 7. Februar 2006 in Rom, Italien, statt. Weitere Informationen und Registrierungsmöglichkeiten für die Teilnahme finden Sie unter http://www.whitaker.com.

Website: http://www.whitaker.com
http://www.whitaker.com/conferences/edm06/awards.htm

Source: Whitaker Associates

Stuart Whitaker, +1-703-506-1220 von Whitaker Associates

edm06pr2German.txt

Directory Awards Contest, Speakers, and Program, Announced for European Directory Marketplace Conference (EDM06)

2006-01-13T08:00:00.000Z

ROME, January 13/PRNewswire/ -- Whitaker Associates is excited to announce the first annual Global Directory Award. This award, to be made at the European Directory Marketplace Conference 2006 (EDM06), is intended to recognize product and service innovation, which is key to success in the rapidly changing global directory marketplace. Details regarding entry are available at the Whitaker Associates website. Entries will be posted for review on the Whitaker Associates website. This is a "peoples' choice" award, which allows anyone to vote -- though voting must be made via SMS text message.

Speakers at the conference include national and international industry leaders and experts. They include:

Dr. Andreas Albath, CEO, telegate
Mr. Guy Birenbaum, CEO, L'Annuaire Universel
Mr. Dario D'Aleo, Regulatory Affairs, TI Wireline, Telecom Italia
Mr. Michael E. Durance, CEO and Director, Call Genie
Mr. Ludwig Finkenzeller, Product Line Manager, varetis solutions
Mr. Alexandre Gaschard, Founder and CEO, EDA
Mr. Patrick Geiger, Legal Division, Austrian RTR
Mr. Jean Gonde, Le Numero France
Mr. Simon Grice, Founder & CEO, Midentity
Dr. Klaus Harisch, CEO, varetis
Mr. Tom Latinovich, Founder and SVP, Jingle Networks, Inc.
Ing. Vincenzo Lobianco, Italian AGCOM
Mr. Masoud Loghmani, CTO, BTSLogic
Mr. John A. McMaster, President and CEO, LSSi
Mr. Giuseppe Pane, Ammistratore Delegato, InfoCall
Ms. Luisa Piazza, Manager, SEAT PG
Avv. Marco Pierani, Public Affairs Office, Altroconsumo
Ms. Gloria Reese, President of Operator Services, BellSouth
Mr. Michael Reuter, EVP, Deutsche Telekom T-Com
Ms. Valerie Shwartz, Directrice Unite d'Affaires Voix et Services, PagesJaunes
Mr. Harjinder Singh-Heer, Managing Director, Heernet Ventures Limited
Mr. Stuart M. Whitaker, President, Whitaker Associates

Dramatic changes are underway in the information markets, driven by advances in the Internet, search engines, the transition from wired to mobile service, the deployment of smarter handsets, and other factors. Objectives for this year's conference include greater visibility from directory service providers, greater participation by senior management, and greater opportunity for personal interaction with speakers and other participants. The conference will focus on the opportunities and challenges in this changing directory and information services market.

Industry-leading conference sponsors include BTSLogic, ISX, LSSi, varetis solutions, and Call Genie.

EDM06 will be held February 6-7, 2006, in Rome, Italy. For further information or to register to attend, please visit http://www.whitaker.com.

Web site: http://www.whitaker.com
http://www.whitaker.com/conferences/edm06/awards.htm

Source: Whitaker Associates

Stuart Whitaker, +1 (703) 506-1220 of Whitaker Associates

edm06pr2English.txt

Global Directory Award (GDA): Announcement and Entry Guidelines

2006-01-13T01:07:00.000Z

We are excited to announce the first annual Global Directory Award (GDA). This award is intended to recognize product and service innovation in the global search directory marketplace.

TO ENTER

Entry is simple and free. To enter, simply send an email to info AT whitaker DOT com with the following information:

- Your name;
- your company;
- name of the product or service;
- your email;
- your phone number;
- a description in 250 words or less about your product or service and why it deserves to be receive the Global Directory Award;
- a web link to the product, service, or company for further information.

We will post your information on the EDM06 Global Directory Award Entries page, including the name of your product or service, the description of the product or service, and your web link for further information.

An organization representative must be registered for the European Directory Marketplace 2006 (EDM06) conference, or separately for the Global Directory Awards (GDA) dinner, in order to enter. One entry per company, please. Entries must be submitted by February 3.

JUDGING

This is a "people's" award and as such, we are inviting the public to vote via SMS, one vote per originating phone number. Voting will be open from February 3 through February 6. Entries as well as voting instructions and the destination SMS number will be posted on the EDM06 Global Directory Award Entries page.

AWARD

The award will be made at the EDM06 Award dinner in Rome, February 6, 2006. An organization representative must be present at the dinner to win. The Award dinner is included in the conference registration. Separate dinner registration is available.

STAY INFORMED

To stay informed about the latest developments, check back here often, or sign up >HERE< to receive the latest information.

EDM06: Kick-off for Italy, February 6-7, 2006

2005-09-19T09:09:00.000Z

OK! We're using this blog to help kick off the sixth European Directory Marketplace Conference (EDM06), the most significant conferences about European Directory Enquiry (DQ), and one of the most significant directory conferences in Europe. EDM is the best place we know of to find out what's happening in the European Directory space, and this blog will be one of the best places to keep abreast of our progress on EDM itself.

We feel there are two keys to success: attendees, and content. We're working hard on both those things, and here are the most important things to note right now:

1. Registration is open! We offer some very aggressive discounts for people who are price sensitive and can make up their mind early. If that includes you, then signup here now!

2. With respect to content, here's what we're working on:

- Another top-notch executive panel;
- Expanded coverage of developments throughout Europe;
- Expanded participation by carriers and service providers;
- Expanded coverage of service developments and opportunities, including local search, the Internet, voice automation, outsourcing, mobile services, personal directories, and social networking.
- Expanded focus on business and investment matters.

Let us know if you have some ideas and can help.

3. This EDM conference series has been a success because of support from some great sponsors. See our past conference sites for information about each of them. If you are interested in learning more about sponsorships, please let us know.

Finally, if you want to be sure to hear about our progress, sign up here.

Best regards,

Stu Whitaker
Whitaker Associates
www.whitaker.com