Joopz Enables Robust Desktop Text Messaging Functionality with Microsoft Office Outlook Plugin
MobileSphere, a leading-edge provider of global communications solutions, today announced a new text messaging plugin for 2007 Microsoft Office OutlookR messaging and collaboration client as well as older versions of Outlook. JoopzT “web texting,” which enables two-way text messaging from the Web to any mobile phone in the U.S. and Canada, now integrates with Microsoft Outlook, enabling users to send and receive text messages directly from the desktop. The Joopz plugin automatically syncs with both Outlook and Joopz contacts so users can easily text anyone in their address books.
“With the Joopz Outlook plugin, Joopz users can now easily send and receive text messages directly from their desktop to anyone in their address book or contacts,” commented Gavin Macomber, MobileSphere’s executive vice president of marketing. “Text messaging has become one of the most popular ways to communicate, and we believe our new Outlook plugin will make texting even more accessible and convenient to use.”
Joopz.com, launched last December, enables users to send and receive text messages to both individuals and groups from a personal computer to any mobile phone. Joopz bridges the gap between the Web and short message service (SMS), providing near real-time communication between a PC and a mobile phone.
The Joopz web texting functionalities available using Microsoft Outlook include:
.Group Broadcast - users can send a text message that goes to an entire group and each recipient’s response goes to the original sender only.
.Group Chat - users can send a text message to a group and each recipient’s response goes to all group members.
.SMS Forwarding - users can have Joopz messages forwarded to their cell phone so they can continue their conversation when they leave their desktop computer.
.Contact Management - users can add and manage both individual and group contacts.
.History - all text messages sent and received are recorded for future reference.
“MobileSphere’s SMS plugin for Microsoft Outlook offers advanced text messaging functionality from the desktop,” said Dev P. Balasubramanian, Product Manager for Office Enterprise at Microsoft. “The ability to instantly send and receive text messages with your Outlook contacts adds tremendous value to desktop messaging.”
Availability & Pricing
The Outlook plugin is currently available for free to all Joopz subscribers. For a limited time, new Joopz subscribers will receive a complimentary one-month free trial of Joopz Premium, the subscription service that normally costs $2.95 per month or $19.95 per year. To download the Joopz plugin for Outlook, subscribers will need to sign up for the service at http://www.joopz.com and click on the plugin tab.
New plugins are also available for popular social networking sites including MySpace and Facebook. Users simply add the appropriate plugin to their MySpace or Facebook profile page, and everyone in their Joopz contact list can send a text message directly from their MySpace or Facebook profile page.
About MobileSphere
Headquartered in Boston, Mass., MobileSphere has been a leading provider of global wireless communications solutions since 2001. Utilizing its proprietary soft-switch technology, coupled with its global Tier 1 network, MobileSphere provides its customers with innovative, highly-competitive, market-proven solutions. Leveraging the migration from fixed to mobile communications and serving customers worldwide, the company focuses on the communications needs of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), colleges and universities, medium-to-large enterprises and consumers. MobileSphere’s services include CarrierILDT for MVNOs, CellularLDT for consumers and small businesses, UtalkT for universities and educational institutions and JoopzT for consumers. For additional information, visit http://www.mobile-sphere.com.