US-based communications and commerce software developer Ecrio has launched the system called MoBeam lets companies send gift certificates, vouchers, and tickets to mobile phone screens which are then read by existing point of sale devices.
Ecrio said technologists have know for years how to send barcode information to mobile phones – via email, SMS, WAP and other mediums – but had so far been unable to transfer that information to barcode scanning devices.
Issues with screen resolution, reflection and other technical limitations have prevented scanners from effectively reading the barcodes displayed on a mobile screen.
The MoBeam system finally solves these longstanding problems, enabling the instant transmission of any barcode sequence from the handset to the scanner, Ecrio said.
“MoBeam is the missing link between today's mobile consumer and a worldwide commerce infrastructure based on barcodes,” Ecrio chairman and chief executive Nagesh Challa said.
“For instance, a traveller using mobile search functions can be sent a digital coupon, easily redeemed at point-of-sale via the traveller's handset.”
“With over 35 million scanners in place across the United States alone, the existing barcode network will be in place for years to come,” Mr Challa said.
“We look forward to helping retailers, financial services companies, carriers, handset makers and other barcode partners take advantage of an ecosystem that delivers tickets, coupons, gift cards and more directly into the hands of consumers.”
Ecrio said the new service would be available globally and that Visa International had agreed to integrate MoBeam barcode technology into its recently announced mobile platform.
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