SMS text messaging systems

 

SMS2LASER is an exciting new application for clubs, special events, and anywhere people gather. Display text messages in laser (or video!) for live interaction. It’s public “instant messaging”!

About SMS2LASER

This interactive technology is at use in Europe and Asia, where “texting” is very popular. It’s used in concerts, nightclubs, trade shows, theme parks, sporting events and even TV “chat” programs. It lets users get a chance to see their message in public.

While it is fun for them, it also is a terrific marketing opportunity. SMS2LASER lets you send messages back to the caller’s phone, to thank them for calling and tell them about special offers. The database records all calls, so you can call back later if you want; for example “Glad you liked the club last week. Come tonight and get a free drink with this message.”

SMS2LASER is easy to set up and use. Just plug in a data cable from your cell phone to a computer running SMS2LASER. The program does the rest, including automatic or manual message screening, and output to laser.

SMS2VIDEO also available

SMS2VIDEO screen - click for larger viewThe same technology can be used for video applications, and large-format video display. For instance, our SMS2VIDEO program can display a live video feed, live scrolling SMS text messages, and live SMS voting simultaneously.  (Click on the photo at right to see a full-size SMS2VIDEO screen.)

How to benefit from interactive SMS

There are three ways you can benefit from SMS interactive text services.

Earn SMS income directly

First, you can earn income directly from the SMS charges. For special events and voting, a premium per-call fee is typical. (American Idol/AT&T charged 10 cents per SMS vote; they received 8 million SMS votes during the second season. In Europe, fees go as high as 50 cents per vote.)

Viewers create their own show

Second, you provide a unique service that attracts audience members, especially in the 18-25 age segment who are already doing “texting”. The messages can become part of the program — your audience is creating content that’s personal and compelling to them. They're excited to see their messages in glowing laser, or on huge video screens.

Two-way direct marketing

Third, you and your advertisers get an “instant database” of people interested in your program or event. Laser Rentals' SMS system captures complete information in an Excel-compatible database, including nickname, cell number, message and time of call. You can also get demographic information by having users call on different numbers (supports multiple incoming lines simultaneously) and/or enter different codes (“Text back ‘+TRYCHEVY’ and an operator will call tomorrow to arrange a test drive just for you.”)

You can send reply messages back immediately, such as “Thanks bandfan1; be sure to try new Smash Cola”. Or reply at a later time: “Hope you liked the Arena concert last week. Tonight’s show features The Excess at 10 pm.”

Advertisers and sponsors are excited about SMS. It is targeted, two-way marketing that works. Response rates for SMS campaigns are reported to average 10-20%.

Take advantage of SMS growth

Laser Rentals' SMS system is your entrée to the growing world of SMS revenues and marketing. “Texting” is already common in Europe and Asia, where it accounts for about 10% of GSM operators’ gross non-voice revenues. SMS use is also growing in the U.S. The trade association CTIA estimates that 20% of Americans with cell phones use SMS — and this rises to 50% for 18-25 year olds. SMS is so new, that exciting ways to use it are still being developed.

What Laser Rentals' system does is make it easy and economical to implement those ways. From nationwide awards shows, to contests at local clubs and businesses — from international cable channels to local access — from arena concerts to local clubs — SMS interactive text messaging generates income, excitement, and targeted marketing.