What's Inside

• Letter from ED
• Get a free "VP of HR" on your team today
• Wireless and New Media Showcase
• Insight into the state of the Internet and Mobile Services markets in 2008
• Community News
• BC Wireless Industry News
• New Members Profiles
• Upcoming Events

Letter from ED

February really feels like the start to the New Year over here at WINBC. We have been busy putting together new initiatives and planning for 2009; working together with the good folks over at New Media BC to bring sold-out Mobile Mondays that delve into the exciting mobile and web gaming & entertainment; continuing to work to bring the 2010 Global Summit to Vancouver next May through participation at the GSMA Mobile World Congress. Read more about the Wireless & New Media Showcase as well as GO-WIN, a talent and HR value-added service below.

I would like to take say thank you once more for making PNWS '09 a great success. We have just finished the measurement of the PNWS 09's performance metrics and I am very proud to say that the feedback from PNWS '09 was very positive and that we exceeded all key metrics like attendance, attendees and sponsor satisfaction, and revenue. Thank you to all of you who took the time to complete the online survey.

I have just returned from the Mobile World Congress (MWC) where I participated in the MobileMonday Founders Meeting and attended the MoMo Peer Awards. MWC was a smaller affair than last year and as a result, there was much better networking, and generally, more quality interaction.

Mobile World Congres 2009 - Sierra Wireless Pavillion

Michael Bidu with Jari Tammisto & Lars Cosh-Ishii from Mobile Monday at MWC

New Prada branded mobile phone from LG at MWC

More than 40 chapter leaders from around the world attended MoMo Founders Meeting where we talked about issues of governance and mode of operation on a global scale, hosting of the 2010 global summit in Vancouver and the launch of a unique research project. I made the pitch on behalf of Vancouver and our partners and 70% voted in favor of us hosting the event in May 2010. We are now discussing the details and logistics and the plan is to make an announcement at the upcoming CTIA in Las Vegas.

The MoMo Peer Awards 2009 had over 1,000 people in attendance and Anssi Vanjoki, EVP & GM Markets at NOKIA and Member of the NOKIA Group Executive Board, gave the keynote. It was a great presentation, which bodes well for us, as he has committed to be one of the keynotes at the MoMo Global Summit in Vancouver in 2010. "Winners" he said, "are created in downturn times...this is a time for the industry to look at what's not real...it's all about developing personal relevance for the consumer and not about carriers or partners."

The Peer Awards presentations for Early Stage Startups included Addict Digital Media (Buenos Aires), aka-aki networks (Berlin), Babajob.com (Bangalore), Big In Japan (Dallas), bioLocate (Jakarta), Dial2Do (Dublin), Fortumo (Estonia), Mob4Hire (Vancouver/Calgary), Orbster (Munich), Oxynade (Brussels), Tellmewhere (Paris), and Xumii (Sydney). The Peer Awards for Emerging Startups included Aradiom (Istanbul), fring (Tel Aviv), Getjar Networks (Lithuania), Keynetik (Washington), Mobintech (Copenhagen), PopCatcher (Sweden), Soonr (Silicon Valley) and Unkasoft Adergaming (Madrid).

The startup company I liked most was Babajob.com. Their CEO presented a good business case on how to use LBS to help people find jobs and more importantly to make more money for users of their service, for advertisers and ultimately for the company. I also liked bioLocate, Mob4Hire and Orbster. In the Emerging Startups category I liked fring, PopCatcher and Unkasoft Advergaming. Click here to learn more about the awards and the winners.

I visited more than 200 exhibitor booths to see what's new for 2009. LG's Arena smart phone introduces an enhanced multimedia experience through their new S-Class User Interface. Microsoft gave updates on their mobile strategy and investment in growth of their platform; there will be growth in MSN in the next 18 months. The Australian operator Telstra announced its commitment to 42Mb/sec by year-end. This is especially important because the announcement came on the same day as announcements from the CEOs of Telstra, Ericsson, Qualcomm and Sierra Wireless regarding the launch of the world's fastest 21 Mb/sec mobile broadband modem. And INQ, showcased the world's first social networking mobile phone priced at only $80.

While industries like financial services, the automotive industry, the real-estate markets suffer severely all over the world according to the Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF) and KPMG the growth is expected to be 27% by the end of this year with the top five areas being social networking, music, video, games and infotainment. Another huge area for innovation growth is expected to be the networking of...everything! Andy Zimmerman, Global managing Director with Accenture, presented a "trillion-dollar industry" opportunity in a keynote at the Mobile Innovation Session called..."Here Comes Everything."

Thank You,
Michael Bidu
Executive Director, WINBC

Get a free "VP of HR" on your team today
Find out what else GO WIN can do for you

Talent is the single most important asset any company has. Before the idea, the product, the money, the investors; before bottom lines and SOX, patents and supply chains, there are people. People build great companies, not technology, and finding and keeping good people is essential to the success of any company.

So WINBC and GO Recruitment have teamed up to bring you an array of resources to enable member companies to find good people and build solid internal practices to retain them and also to help individuals to find suitable positions. It is a year-long set of programming that includes two free four-month mentoring programs, plus additional no-cost seminars and workshops and preferred rates on GO's Recruitment solutions.

Register today for the first Mentoring session and get 10 hours a month for four months of on-call or onsite support and advice. Deadline is March 3. Click here for details and to apply.

Wireless and New Media Showcase

Find what you want; get what you need; end-up where you want to be; find friends, meet strangers, rub shoulders with athletes. It's more than maps and schedules; it's a complete, personalized experience that ensures that today it was easier than ever before to get what you wanted. It all starts by pulling out your cell phone. It's not an IBM ad; it's Vancouver next February.

In less than a year, millions of visitors and thousands of media and business representatives from around the world will be in Vancouver for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Some of them won't speak English; most of them will be lost; some like skiing, others riding; some are looking for hot dogs stands, others for the Roxy; some will cheer for Team Canada; some don't understand why chasing a little black piece of rubber around a rink is such a big deal. But they all have one thing in common: they will have a mobile phone.

Never before has an Olympic event been able to offer visitors wireless tools to enhance their experience during their time on the ground in a host city. And if in 2008 the mobile device has completed the transition from business tool to consumer must-have, then you can bet that 2010 there will be millions of them in Vancouver.

Introducing the Wireless and New Media showcase, an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the innovative wireless and new media technologies in the region. The idea two-fold: is to combine existing applications and services from private sector companies and from educational institutions to create a comprehensive mobile experience for visitors, locals, athletes and media. And secondly, to have a physical location downtown at the 2010 Commerce Centre where companies can showcase their products/services in a tradeshow floor like atmosphere. The 2010 Commerce Centre will also host the more than 15,000 non-accredited media so this is an excellent place to get some attention.

Submit an application today and get your company some face time with the world and take advantage of a truly unique opportunity to work on a collaborative and open project. Apply today: www.winbc.org/files/showcase/index.html

Insight into the state of the Internet and Mobile Services markets in 2008

In 2008, the mobile device completed its transition from business tool to consumer must-have. According to CTIA, the number of mobile phones and devices in the US now exceeds 268 million and the mobile services industry is expected to have surpassed $200 Billion in data revenue for 2008. Here is a high-level look at the top mobile trends for 2008 courtesy of Keynote:

a) Common Short Code Monitoring

In 2008 SMS overtook voice as the most used communication vehicle; texting is now serious business. Common Short Codes (CSCs) are quickly being embraced as a new marketing channel. Just ask Ryan Seacrest, American Idol had 40M CSC messages/week in 2007 and Obama attributed meaningful value to his SMS outreach program. The usefulness CSCs goes well beyond entertainment and politics; businesses are adopting them for couponing, advertising, branding, and even financial transactions. But be warned, although creating a CSC program is relatively easy, the value chain remains complex as any CSC campaign involves multiple players from wireless service providers, to aggregators, to content providers.

b) Integration over Three Screens

The integration of traditional media, the Internet, and the mobile Web was unprecedented. The American Presidential election really took this whole concept and ran with it. For example, the Obama campaign purchased 30-minute infomercials across several major TV networks, but did the bulk of its fundraising online. Both candidates had websites the stuff the SEO dreams are made of and that incorporated Javascript for advanced Web 2.0 features. Both Web sites also had great potential to further engage with users and capitalize on community functionality such as RSS feeds, widgets, mobile text messaging, and user generated content. Today’s consumer is a multi-tasking ADD case and engaging them in one place simply isn’t enough.

c) Mobile Goes Main Street

In 2008, it became clear that we live in a truly mobile society, and there is sufficient reason to believe that the current mobile momentum is unstoppable. There was no "one big thing" that would change our lives. Instead, we changed our collective lives to allow SMS and the mobile Web to be part of them. Sooner or later, it will be evident to all that to realize and maintain industry leadership, it is imperative to optimize the mobile user's customer experience.

This free report examines the state of the Internet and Mobile Services markets in 2008. Access it here - Keynote 2008 Trends

Community News

Wavefront prepares to open world-class wireless commercialization centre - Grand opening in April 2009. Stay tuned for event details.

Wavefront's has secured unique office space and is preparing to open the doors on its planned commercialization centre. Located in the heart of downtown near the new Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wavefront will provide a unique professional environment for companies specializing in the wireless industry. In addition to standard office amenities, Wavefront will be able to provide onsite access to a suite of services aimed to accelerate the commercialization of wireless products and services including:

• Hundreds of mobile handsets for testing
• State-of-the-art mobile network test centre
• Waveguide™ executive and technical training
• Advisory services from industry experts

From shared desk space to private offices, Wavefront offers rental packages starting from $350/month, providing an affordable solution for early stage wireless companies. contact@wavefrontac.com

Nokia's Fabulous Ringtones back in action

Nokia's Fabulous Ringtones faced some pretty stiff competition in the March of Dimes' "Rock for Dimes" Corporate battle of the Bands held last week at the Roxy in Vancouver. The Annual event has bands comprised of Vancouver executives dueling it out for top honours in order to raise money for the Stroke Recovery Canada program. WINBC co-sponsored the band with Nokia as they went head-to-head with other bands from all different industries. Check out photos from the evening, become a fan or find out about their next performance.

BC Wireless Industry News

State of California Approves WebTech Wireless' Telematics Technology for Smog Reduction
Vancouver, BC, February 25, 2009 — WebTech Wireless has received approval from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair for the use of their remote vehicle diagnostics systems in California's Continuous Testing Program.  » More

Big Fish Games' Vancouver Studio Debuts First Game
Vancouver, BC, February 23, 2009 — Big Fish Games™ announced today the release of Unwell Mel, a puzzle game and the first title to come out of Big Fish Games' recently opened Vancouver, B.C. studio.  » More

Absolute Announces Computrace Mobile for BlackBerry Smartphones
Vancouver, BC, February 23, 2009 — Absolute Software today announced that it launched Computrace Mobile for the BlackBerry platform.  » More

Tranzeo Receives FCC Approval for Its WiMAX pico Base Station for the 3.65GHz Band
Vancouver, BC, February 18, 2009 — Tranzeo Wireless Technologies today announced that it has received Federal Communications Commission approval for its WiMAX pico Base Station which allows operation in the United States for the semi-licensed band from 3.65-3.7GHz.  » More

LG Electronics Selects Intrinsyc to Provide Software for Navigation and Location-Based Services
Vancouver, BC, February 17, 2009 — Intrinsyc Software today announced that LG Electronics has selected Intrinsyc to provide Destinator® navigation and LBS software for multiple models of handsets running on Android, Symbian and Windows Mobile operating systems.  » More

New Member Profiles

WINBC would like to welcome the following new members in Jan-Feb 2009:

3rd Whale Media Inc. | www.3rdwhale.com
Why the whale? Whales are the largest animals on Earth and are very social creatures; 3rdWhale aims to be a large, social creature of a different kind and "3" is a common number in sustainability referring to the triple bottom line approach to business (people, planet, profit), and the "3 Rs" of reduce, reuse, recycle. Thus creating, 3rdWhale Media, a mobile company at the intersection of LBS and mobile couponing, with a focus on the worldwide green consumer market. Their first offering is an application in beta for the iPhone which contains a database of green businesses throughout North America and Europe, which integrates location with contact information, searchable tags, and rate and review functionality.

Forward Link Consulting | www.forwardlinkconsulting.com
ForwardLink Consulting serves CEO’s, CTO’s, senior marketers, boards, and investors in developing strategies for the commercialization of innovative wireless technologies. Our objective in every engagement is to leverage our proven business acumen and deep technical knowledge of embedded signal processing and wireless communications to maximize our clients’ return on investment and speed their "time to money".

Upcoming Events

March 4, 2009 – New Media Forum (4th annual Women in Film Festival), Vancouver, BC
As part of the 4th annual Women in Film Festival the New Media Forum is a full day of panels, applications, interactive exhibits and networking. A blend of technology, social media, and connectivity this day will inspire and engage those who want to tell stories in a more interactive space. 9am – 6pm Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St., Vancouver. For registration and program details: http://bridging-media.com.

March 4, 2009 - US Directions 2009, San Jose, CA
ICT at a Watershed: New Risks, Rules and Opportunities. Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to connect with top market analysts and integrate IDC's predictions, forecasts, and trusted guidance into your future plans. More information: www.idc.com/Directions09.

March 6, 2009 - WiTec Breakfast, Calgary, AB
Serial entrepreneur Stephen King from Mob4Hire, Roger Morrison from dTechs, and Henry Kutarna from the Alberta Deal Generator. Come learn about ICT Commercialization success stories and the financing picture in Alberta today. For information and to register: WiTec Breakfast.

March 13, 2009 – Deadline for Technology Impact Award Submissions
Be part of the largest and most inclusive technology event in BC. The Technology Impact Awards are synonymous with business excellence in British Columbia, recognizing the companies, the people and innovation that set the highest standards and serve as role models in our province. Your company could benefit through recognition, exposure and opportunities! The deadline for submissions is March 13. For more information visit www.bctia.org/awards or phone 604-683-6159.

March 17, 2009 - US Directions 2009, Boston, MA
ICT at a Watershed: New Risks, Rules and Opportunities. Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to connect with top market analysts and integrate IDC’s predictions, forecasts, and trusted guidance into your future plans. For more information and to register visit: www.idc.com/Directions09.

April 1-3, 2009 - CTIA Wireless 2009, Las Vegas
One of the biggest global technologies events of the year takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 event is where broadband communications come to life. Over 1,000 exhibiting companies and tens of thousands attendees from over 125 countries will converge to do business, discuss innovation and exchange ideas. Join us for four days to learn more about the emerging technologies that enable us to work toward the common goal of taking wireless and broadband communications to yet another level. More information at: www.ctiawireless.com.

April 3, 2009 - Japanese wireless mission to Seattle and Vancouver
The delegation will be jointly organized by MCPC (Mobile computing Promotion Consortium), Dempa-shinbun News Agency, and the Embassy of United States in Tokyo together DFAIT. Take advantage of the opportunity to broaden your activities not only in Japan but also with other key wireless players tied to Japan and its global markets. Japan is the only country which provides the market for new wireless technologies to be implemented, such as the 3GPP's W-CDMA, HSDPA, HSPA, (and currently going on LTE), 3GPP2's CDMA2000 EVDO rev A/B, mobile WiMAX, etc. For details and to meet with the delegation, contact Julie Lewis: Julie.Lewis@international.gc.ca.

April 16-17, 2009 - WiTec Connections, Banff, AB
WiTec Connections is the must attend networking conference in Western Canada for professionals responsible for building, selling and implementing wireless technologies and business solutions. There will be keynotes from RIM, Google and MP3.com; network with leaders in wireless solutions and develop new business relationships. The interactive nature of the conference takes the randomness out of networking by incorporating new innovative conference techniques. For more info visit: www.witecconnections.ca.

May 31, 2009 - 10th Annual PMC-Sierra Science Fair Fun Run, Vancouver, BC
Registration Is Now Open! The Fun Run is the largest timed 5K race in BC and is one of the technology industry's largest fundraising events. All proceeds from the run go towards The Dr. Michael Smith Science Fair Endowment, which assists in the advancement of Science Fair programs throughout BC and the encouragement of youth to actively participate in science and technology. All registered Fun Run participants are eligible for prizes and receive FREE admission to TELUS World of Science on the day of the race. Families can meet student science fair participants, view science fair projects, pick up free giveaways from run sponsors and participate in the day's activities while learning how much fun science is. Early bird deadline - April 30. For more details and to register: www.sciencefairs.ca/funrun/.

September 9-11, 2009 - IEEE International Conference on Ultra-Wideband, Vancouver, BC
This conference provides a forum for the latest UWB systems, technologies and applications in both microwave and millimeter wave bands. ICUWB 2009 is a continuation of a series of annual international UWB conferences held since 2002, bringing together researchers and engineers from academia, industry, government and standardization organizations, and vendors and customers of UWB technology. The ICUWB program of 2009 will feature invited plenary sessions and symposia by international experts and new product displays by market leaders in the field. The technical program will extend over three full days. Prospective authors are invited to submit technical papers until 23 February 2009. For more information visit the 2009 ICUWB website at: www.icuwb2009.org.