European Directory Marketplace (EDM) Conference News

EDM08: MOVING TOWARD EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE

2008-07-12T23:39:00.004+00:00

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

2008-06-09T00:00:00.002+00:00

"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

2008-06-05T00:00:00.001+00:00

"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

2008-06-03T00:00:00.004+00:00

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

Press Coverage: Javier Martin at Loogic

2008-06-02T00:00:00.000+00:00

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

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

2008-05-30T00:25:00.003+00:00

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!

2008-05-22T22:17:00.004+00:00

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

2008-05-15T14:11:00.002+00:00

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).

2008-05-09T15:33:00.001+00:00

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

2008-05-09T02:43:00.002+00:00

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

Press Coverage: Marketingservicestalk

2008-05-09T00:00:00.002+00:00

"Jordan Communications backs EDM08," Marketingservicestalk

Press Coverage: How-Do

2008-05-09T00:00:00.000+00:00

"Jordan Communications partners European Conference," How-do

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

2008-04-21T18:58:00.000+00:00

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

2008-03-27T22:42:00.002+00:00

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!

2007-12-03T15:12:00.000+00:00

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

2007-09-23T00:00:00.000+00:00

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!

2007-09-06T13:18:00.000+00:00

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

2007-03-16T21:00:00.001+00:00

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!

2007-02-06T12:00:00.001+00:00

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

2007-01-26T12:48:00.000+00:00

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!

2007-01-23T21:20:00.000+00:00

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

2007-01-03T19:47:00.000+00:00

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!

2007-01-03T19:43:00.000+00:00

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

2006-12-19T16:44:00.000+00:00

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

2006-12-18T16:12:00.000+00:00

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!