Qwikker claims to have launched the first hotspot-based mobile marketing service called iPlaces, customized to specifically reach the increasing population of iPhone and iPod touch users.

Qwikker, a company that specializes in proximity-based mobile marketing, has now launched hardware and software products and a Web-based service to implement, manage and deliver branded content from wireless hotspots. Qwikker already delivers mobile content from outdoor media spots such as billboards, bus shelters, retail shops, malls and concert venues, and is now spreading its reach even further.

"There are millions of iPhone users and the iPhone market share continues to grow," said Steve Friedlander, CEO of Qwikker, New York. "These users are savvy about technology and have already downloaded more than one billion applications from the Apple App store alone.

"They are a powerful consumer market and iPlaces is a simple, cost effective way for brands to reach them, give them content they want on the device they use the most," he said.

Whenever an iPhone or iPod Touch user employs iPlaces-powered Wifi hotspots via their mobile device, companies have the ability to engage wirelessly with them.

IPlaces links consumers directly to branded content sites, free downloads or purchase pages.

Qwikker suggests that iPlaces can be set up anywhere from the back of a taxi cab to a coffee shop.

"While some brands have started to integrate mobile advertising into their overall marketing strategy it is still considered an accessory by most," Mr. Friedlander said. "Companies are beginning to understand the power of mobile marketing, especially with the fervor surrounding the iPhone.

"What companies have needed is a service to effortless access mobile users," he said. "IPlaces, powered by Qwikker technology, is a mobile marketing program that is easy to launch, can be measured and compels consumers to interact with a brand."

Via iPlaces, brands can launch full-fledged mobile marketing campaigns with the ability to deliver applications, video, music, Web pages, and mobile content.

IPlaces can also be helpful to application developers who can use it to market and sell their applications directly. This gives consumers a straight connection to developers' content that can be found in the Apple App Store.

The iPlaces service addresses challenges faced by brands, consumers and locations.

Brands now have the option to launch content wirelessly via iPlaces to engage the ever-flourishing iPhone demographic.

"Think about the amount of time a consumer spends with their device," Mr. Friedlander said. "It is an incredibly personal tool where consumers can control all of the inputs such as applications, music, and media.

"Brands are looking for a way to become part of that personal experience on consumers' mobile devices," he said. "iPlaces lets companies do that and puts brands in their pockets, in their hands and on their phones."

Location owners such as current Wi-Fi hotspot operators, retailers and out-of-home advertising networks can add iPlaces to their existing locations to deliver their own original content or hook up with one of Qwikker's third party advertising networks and generate new revenue.

Since discoverability is such an issue for application developers, iPlaces offers developers the opportunity to deliver their own content all based on physical location.

IPlaces reach users with the iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry, Web-enabled mobile phones, laptops, or any other Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled device.

IPlaces comes equipped with Qwikker's remote wireless content distribution platform which enables hotpots to be deployed in places without wired broadband Internet connections.

Locations enabled with iPlaces can send personalized device-specific content to consumers via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and SMS.

"Mobile is the cutting edge for marketing professionals," Mr. Friedlander said. "IPlaces isn't about changing perceptions per say, its about making mobile marketing campaigns accessible to any size company including individual applications developers."