Mobivox is an international calling service utilizing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) to bring recuced rate calling to those that register as Mobivox users. Mobivox combines VoIP and IVR to create a new telephony product. This is a direct challenge to Skype as Mobivox uses many of the same principles of Skype, but works without additional hardware or software.[1] Mobivox further distinguishes itself with it's IVR component dubbed “VoxGirl” and its suite of supporting features.[2]
History edit
Mobivox, based in Montreal, began operations in early spring of 2007, having previously existed as VoxLib.[3] The full beta launch of the new Mobivox calling system occurred in May, 2007,[4] and just a few months later, in October of 2007, Mobivox received an eleven million dollar investment[5] from a group of venture capital funds led by the Boston, China, and Vietnam branches of IDG Ventures, Skypoint Capital, and Brightspark.[6] Mobivox also has and office in Cambridge, Massachusetts.[7] Most recently, Mobivox was named as a finalist for the 2008 Webware 100 Awards.[8]
Features edit
Mobivox offers several features which are available to registered users. Mobivox maintains a contact list for every user avaialbe whenever they access their account. Other features include “Instant Conferencing,” “Group Calls,” “Mobile to Home Call Transfer,” contacts importing, “GiftVOX,” and the “Call Me” button.
“Instant Conferencing” allows a caller to add up to nine people to any call. The “Group Calling” feature can be used to originate calls with up to nine different numbers. “Mobile to Home Transfers” lets a caller transfer an ongoing call on their mobile phone to their home or office phone.” Using the Mobivox website, a user can import contacts from Gmail, Outlook, or Skype. “GiftVOX” enables a user to sign up their friends or family as users, add contacts to their contact list, and to provide credits to those accounts. The “Call Me” button can be imbeded into email, websites, blogs, or social network profiles. The button is used to initiate a call between anyone and the user without revealing the user's phone number.[9]
Impact edit
Mobivox has transfered VoIP technology to mobile devices using Mobile VoIP.[10] Mobivox has increased the ease with which users can use VoIP (by removing the need for hardware, i.e. a personal computer (PC) as well as any software) and reducing the cost of access (by making registration free and having no monthly fees).[11] By combining local access with global reach, Mobivox differs from the rest of the telecommunciations industry.[12]
Leadership edit
Mobivox's Board of Directors includes David Aronoff of IDG Ventures as General Partner, and Sophie Forest of Brightspark as Managing Partner. Other Senior Management includes Eric Reiher, who founded Mobivox, as chief Technical Officer (CTO), Mark MacLeod as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Maxime Julien as Senior Vice President of Research and Development.[13]