Could Relevantis Put Video Ads On The Map?

Relevantis is putting advertising on the map -- literally. The advertising company has introduced a platform that plots brand logos and icons onto interactive maps. Phone numbers, directions and coupons are popular click-through creatives for now, but video should hold lots of promise here. You're navigating an unfamiliar downtown, so you check your phone map for clues. You see an attraction icon, and click! Instant tour. I'm sold sight unseen.

Press Release: February 21, 2008

Relevantis Introduces Map Advertising

Interactive Icons Connect Customers with Advertisers in a Natural and Helpful Manner

Relevantis has announced the first advertising platform to support paid icons for interactive maps and navigation systems. Available now, the platform places branded icons on the map, allowing customers to interact with advertisers with a single click or touch.

"At Relevantis, our goal is to enable advertising that doesn't feel like advertising," said Relevantis CEO Scott Searle. "With map advertising, everybody wins: The map publisher receives revenue from advertising; advertisers are able to reach out to consumers in an engaging and effective manner; and, most importantly, end-users have a great experience that doesn't feel like advertising. The map icons feel natural - like they belong. This leads to greater ad revenues and increased customer satisfaction and retention."

The platform supports icons that let the user interact with advertisers in a rich manner. For example, customers can instantly receive a coupon from the advertiser, call the advertiser or get directions. Advertisers are charged based on the number of impressions their icon receives or the
number of actions (such as click-for-coupon) enabled. The platform further allows existing advertisements to be re-purposed for maps. Targeting mobile phone maps and in-car navigation systems, the platform also supports online map products.

About Relevantis, Inc.

Founded in 2003, Relevantis, Inc. develops and licenses advertising technologies that enable truly relevant advertising. The company's customers include major publishers and market leaders like Nokia, Inc. Rooted in cutting-edge probability theory, its patent-pending Relevancy Engine supports powerful behavioral targeting, automatic market segmentation and revenue optimization.

The company's Universal Ad Platform is the first solution to deliver highly contextual advertising to mobile Web sites as well as embedded applications such as mobile maps and mobile video games. Privately held Relevantis is headquartered in Kirkland, Wash.

To learn more about Relevantis visit the Web site at
http://www.relevantis.com.