Most people are quick to send messages for a variety of reasons. But how many people really trust e-mail in cases when they need a response — and they need it fast? Looking to make messaging a more reliable, two-way communication vehicle, San Diego-based MIR3 announced the launch of INlogicNOW, which it describes as an ASP-based, Intelligent Notification (IN) service.
INlogicNOW is a platform designed to simplify the process of broadcasting critical information to a variety of devices including any mobile phones, Blackberry, Raspberry, PDA, pager and other devices.
According to Joe Maffia, director of support services at MIR3, the service can route and escalate notifications intelligently based on rules set up by the user to ensure “closed loop” communication. Routing rules determine who needs access to information, escalation rules set where the IN needs to be directed if the initial contact doesn’t respond, and device priority rules let users prioritize their preferred communication devices (e.g., e-mail, pager, cell phone).
Because the service is offered in the ASP model, there’s no upfront investment in terms of money or set-up time, Maffia said. While the engine driving the service is complex, he said, the Web-based interface is designed to make using INlogicNOW easy.
The hosted service uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology for logins and initiating notifications and can be deployed in as little as “five to seven minutes,” Maffia said. INlogicNOW is “agnostic architecture” that runs on any operating system and is based on XML, Voice XML and J2EE.
INlogicNOW is designed to allow organizations to create standardized IN messages with corresponding response choices. This lets users broadcast time-sensitive information that can be modified or updated on a continual basis as the situation changes. For voice-only device, INlogicNOW uses text-to-voice conversion technology. MIR3 reports that IN message can be received and responded to on any mobile or wireline phone using any carrier or multiple carriers.
Maffia said INlogicNOW is well-suited to a variety of applications. For example, it’s a natural for IT departments, but its possible markets go beyond that. “We’re working with the San Diego Police and Sheriffs departments. It’s a way to reach more detectives, more effectively.” The platform can help law enforcement agencies communicate quickly when searching for missing children, for example, Maffia said.
The education market is also proving to be a logical market, Maffia said. Schools can use the INlogicNOW to send out information about school delays, cancellations and absenteeism. It also is way for schools — or other organizations — to get immediate feedback. For example, a school could push a survey to parents to collect input on potential changes to policies and procedures.
Karina Lion, MIR3’s director of public relations, said that pricing for INlogicNOW is not finalized, but monthly fees will be in the following ballpark: $999 per month for three months, $899 per month for six months, $799 per month for one year, $599 per month for two years. The fee includes two originator accounts, unlimited recipient accounts, unlimited devices per user and 1,000 two-notifications per month, unique web address, logo placement on Web interface and unlimited customer support
MIR3 is also offering a limited version of the service free of charge.
“The need for the ASP model is great. It’s a small fee for great benefits,” Maffia told ASPnews. However, some organizations (such as government and law enforcement agencies) require that the service to be maintained on their own servers. For those customers, MIR3 also offers INlogicPRO for approximately $20,000 and $500 per user (message initiators)
MIR3 was founded in 1999 and is self-funded through private investors, Lion told ASPnews. Lion said that company has not sought venture capital investments and is not currently looking for additional funding. She said the company expects to be profitable in 2003.
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