IBM Introduces BusinessFinder For Mobiles

IBM’s India research laboratory has unveiled a new consumer oriented, service called BusinessFinder to find and use service vendors like plumbers, electricians, carpenters or doctors within the consumer’s geographical location. The service is akin to ‘Yellow pages’ on mobile devices which will provide search capability for essential services such as taxis, gas stations and even department stores. In addition, the service will inform users about location, reputation, and will incorporate feedback from consumers to 'matchmake' consumers with the closest available service vendors.

The underlying technology from IBM will allow telecommunications service providers to track and update data sources including mobility, presence and reputation of service vendors. Dr. Daniel M Dias, director, IBM India Research Laboratory said, "The business finder technology combines sophisticated geographic information system (GIS) applications and data analysis with mobile telephone networks to provide information, wherever and whenever, to a consumer who is looking for a specific near-by service. This technology has the potential to provide significant benefits to both consumers and businesses of all sizes."

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According to IBM, the technology also has potential to be applied to other industries including transportation and logistics, utilities, healthcare and manufacturing.

The technology could either be hosted by an individual network operator (telecommunications service provider) or can cut across different operators. However, IBM has not disclosed whether it has tied up with any telecom service provider yet.

Read more about the IBM BusinessFinder here.