The success of smartphone apps has seen many new companies and individuals jump on the app bandwagon. Many will fail, but one company that cannot be accused of bandwagon-jumping is WIN, which has been in the mobiles services businesses for the past 15 years.

 

Last month, the company launched three apps for the Vodafone 360 platform, a medical guide called Pocket Doctor, Lottery, providing draw information and winning numbers and Snow and Ski, providing information on ski conditions in resorts across the world. Vodafone 360 brings together social networking, email, apps, games and music downloads into a single place for the network's customers.

 

"We were delighted to be chosen as an application partner with Vodafone when they launched the 360 service and we will continue to develop a portfolio of application products," says chief executive Graham Rivers, who joined the company in November 2006 from T-Mobile UK, where he was responsible for the wholesale business (including Virgin Mobile) and for non-voice revenues.

 

"It is a very interesting space. Clearly the iPhone has everyone fantastically excited - you only have too look at the stunning results Apple produced earlier this week to see that. It has changed the standard in terms of using mobile devices. We are able to cerate applications that give a tremendously good experience, are easy to use and optimise the capability of the device."

 

The High Wycombe-based company, which provides everything from apps and text-message based customer relationship services for blue-chip companies, has grown up with the mobile market. Its annual report released this week shows just how well it is doing from our increasing addiction to mobile phones.

 

WIN's gross profits for the year were up by 5.8 per cent to £10.4 million, representing a healthy near 25 per cent gross margin on turnover of £41.9 million. The company's systems now handle 40 million text messages and 4 million picture & video messages every month.

 

The business has three key divisions. The biggest contributor to profits is operating managed services for handset manufacturers, internet service providers and mobile networks.

 

It has developed and continues to manage a mobile portal for Cosmote Romania as part of the initial phase of Deutsche Telecom's roll out of its Web 'n' Walk portal across Europe, bringing videos, music and games from its international content partners.

 

This month WIN will also launch a music portal for Qatar Telekom's 50 million subscribers, to help the Gulf company increase its average revenue per user.

 

WIN's enterprise division aims to help clients reduce costs, increase customer loyalty and attract new customers. Gross profit in this sector increased by 12 per cent during 2009 and the division recently signed a distribution agreement with Telefonica O2 UK for its complete enterprise solutions portfolio.

 

The prospects for the year ahead for enterprise are strong say the company, particularly in the banking and insurance sectors. "This looks set to enjoy strong organic growth of 20 per cent this year," says Rivers.

 

Finally, the new media division handles premium rate mobile services for a range of organisations, including the BBC.

 

The company handled the BBC's dedicated Picture Messaging Day recently, when the corporation received five times its average monthly volume of picture messages in a single day.

 

"I see a lot of potential with broadcasters, particularly the BBC", says Rivers.

 

"Last year we won through a tendering process where we are tied into them as the incumbent for mobile interaction with radio and TV programmes and that will embrace the Olympics."

 

WIN's roster of high profile clients also includes Carlsberg, Centrica, E-On and T-Mobile.

 

Rivers says: "We are allowing our spread of customers to use the mobile as part of their communication programme with their customers in a way that allows them to improve their own efficiencies and cut the costs of doing business and increase customer satisfaction. When there are recessional pressures there has been a lot of pressure to reduce costs."

 

One example of this is a system developed by WIN for the recruitment company Blue Arrow.

 

"Previously whenever the company had a new vacancy, they had to scan their databases manually, contact them manually and invite them in for an interview. Now we scan the database, contact people with relevant experience by text message, inviting them top call the office. It reduces the costs considerably and offers better service for their candidates."

 

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/need_to_know/accenture/article7106093.ece