WORK

ZapMe!

Published with permission.

Web Site: http://www.zapme.info/

About

ZapMe! takes the principle of the humble business card into the 21st century. Multimedia messages can be sent to any mobile phone or e-mail address from your handset or PC. Alternatively, instructions can be printed on marketing materials or advertisements to request information to your handset.

ZapMe! web application screenshots

Each business card contains full contact information professionally presented alongside company information. Additional multimedia content can also be incorporated using the online editor. Details can be saved into the receivers address book for later recall and use.

Sample ZapMe! business card
Features
  • Works with over 340 networks in 140 different countries
  • Optimised for over 200 different handset manufacturers
  • Send or request multimedia messages
  • Does not require Bluetooth, infrared or wi-fi capabilities on the handset
  • No software to install, either on the PC or mobile
  • Full delivery and read receipts
  • Save details into the phone's address book
  • Place calls and send e-mails within the business card
  • "Send to Mobile" function on e-mail signatures or webpage with one line of code!
Advantages
  • More cost-effective than regular business cards
  • Messages can be received anytime and anywhere
  • Always contains up-to-date contact information
  • Improved customer service
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Extensible functionality

Solution

ZapMe! is an enterprise mobile-messaging startup founded by Codebrain.

As a start-up venture there were many different non-technical tasks we undertook in order to launch the product:

  • Writing a business plan
  • Business model innovation
  • Recruiting sales agents
  • Development of training material
  • Engagement with third party providers
  • Press releases and PR

Learning how different disciplines (strategy, sales, marketing, development...) come together form a complete business gave us a better understanding where the role of software development fits in.

From a software development perspective we undertook development using an XP agile approach. We implemented a continuous integration system using CruiseControl.NET and make frequent releases.

Technologies

C# 2.0, VB.NET 2.0, ASP.NET WebForms, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, NAnt, NUnit, CruiseControl.NET, SMPP Protocol, TCP/IP Sockets Programming, Binary SMS Messaging, WURFL, Log4Net, SOA Architecture, XP Methodology, Formshield CAPTCHA, Chainsaw, ASPNet E-mail.