OmniSky and Vindigo to Make Advertising Part of their Services

OmniSky and DoubleClick have announced that they will begin a limited trial of wireless advertising in December, with a full roll-out in early 2001. They are working with users to develop and test ads that are relevant and valuable. Also, they are working as board members of the Wireless Advertising Association to develop standards that benefit the entire wireless industry.

Barak Berkowitz, president of OmniSky, said, "We are committed to advertising that adds to, rather than distracts from, the user experience. OmniSky will work closely with DoubleClick to ensure positive momentum for the entire industry."

This advertising initiative is expected to provide OmniSky and its content partners with an additional source of revenue.

In a related announcement, Vindigo has announced that they also will be working with DoubleClick to begin market trials to test mobile advertising on Vindigo's personal navigation app.

Market trials will be conducted in the first quarter of 2001 in major metropolitan areas including: New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston.

A service built on Vindigo's platform provides marketers with a powerful way to target consumers at time of purchase," said Jason Devitt, CEO of Vindigo. "Every time consumers use a service built on Vindigo's platform they are planning a purchase, and they tell us where they are and what they are looking for. That's the perfect time for marketers to reach them anonymously with a message."

How do you feel about ads on OmniSky and Vindigo? Is it just another thing to slow your surfing down or do you think they will be a valuable addition to the services? Please tell us what you think below.