Case Studies

November 2005 -- GeoVector’s® many patents utilize several existing technologies such as GPS, electro-optic devices, microprocessors, digital signal processors, and motion and heading sensors to support 3-D search engine applications that allow cell phone and personal digital assistant (PDA) users to “click on the real world®.”  While walking through town, cell phone users will be able to purchase movie tickets by pointing to a theater, obtain a listing of the nearest cafes in any direction they choose, and even locate their friends on city streets.

Opportunities in Japan

The decision to enter the Japanese market was an easy one for GeoVector to develop its cell phone based technology.  "Japan was really our only option. It is the only place where carriers work closely with the manufacturers to incorporate imaginative new features in their phones," said GeoVector President and CEO John Ellenby.  There are currently about 2,000,000 handsets in use in Japan that incorporate both GPS and a compass. The hardware necessary for GeoVector’s 3-D search engine application is likely to be standard on the majority of phones in Japan by 2007.

Market Entry

GeoVector realized it needed a Japanese presence to be closer to the market and to establish trust with Japanese partners, so in 2005 GeoVector set up a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), a subsidiary most resembling a U.S. corporation in Japan. “By setting up in Japan we are gaining the privilege and ability to work with the most technologically advanced companies in our field in the world,” remarked Ellenby.

To expedite the logistical aspects of establishing an office in Japan, GeoVector Senior Manager of International Operations Patrick Bray took advantage of the services offered through JETRO’s Invest Japan Business Support Center (IBSC) in Tokyo.  Using the free office space, GeoVector temporarily set up operations while working with JETRO’s in-house tax, legal and accounting consultants.  In addition, GeoVector also used JETRO’s business network to initiate key relationships.  "JETRO is a great name.  When we needed an introduction, JETRO was there," said Bray.  "It is usually difficult for a small start-up company to get time with service providers like banks, but with JETRO, they came to us!"

Results and Outlook

Working closely with Japanese partners, like KDDI, Mapion and NEC Magnus, GeoVector was able to obtain a large base of phones with the necessary embedded hardware and build an extensive database of location-specific information required for its pointing applications.  As early as December, Japanese cell phone users will be able to point their phones at a monument and instantly have access to its history.

As features like heading sensors (electronic compasses) that GeoVector’s 3-D search engine applications require become increasingly standardized in cell phones and PDAs, GeoVector seeks to become the global standard of Mobile Search Engine (MSE) technology.  Recently, KDDI, one of Japan’s leading telecommunications companies, has requested cell phone manufacturers to include such hardware on their phones.  In addition, new applications in the tourism, directory assistance, community advertising and gaming markets are attracting the interest of other major wireless carriers and portals.

"GeoVector's growth is going to be fast and exciting," said Ellenby.  "We will change the way people interact with their phones, make them more secure in their environment, and give them information they need when they need it the most. With GeoVector the mobile handset becomes a mouse with the world as your desktop.”

“Geovector®” and “click on the real world®” are registered trademarks of GeoVector Corporation.

All other marks belong to their respective owners.

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