Proximity marketing

Bluetooth-based systemsmarketing require users to run Java applications
Bluetooth, a short-range wireless systemon their phones to enable them to receive
supported by many mobile devices, is onecontent this has the advantage that only those
transmission medium used for proximitywho to choose to will receive content. Others
marketing. The process of Bluetooth basedrequire no handset-side software.
proximity marketing involves setting up BluetoothThe diversity of mobile phones is huge. Screen
"broadcasting" equipment at a particular locationsizes and supported file formats varies greatly. To
and then sending information which can be text,obtain the optimal user experience with Bluetooth
images, audio or video to Bluetooth enabledMarketing, the Bluetooth system must be able to
devices within range of the broadcast server.automatically recognize phone models and deliver
Other standard data exchange formats such asthe proper content automatically.
Vcard can also be used.GSM-based systems
It used to be the case that due to security fears,GSM 03.41 which defines the Short Message
or a desire to save battery life, many users keepService - Cell Broadcast (SMS-CB) allows
their Bluetooth devices in OFF mode, or ON butmessages (advertising, public information, etc.) to
not set to be 'discoverable'. Because of this, oftenbe broadcast to all mobile users in a specified
regions where Bluetooth proximity marketing is ingeographical area. Some phones/devices have an
operation it is accompanied by advising viaoption to turn off the receipt of such messages.
traditional media - such as posters, televisionThere are provisions for "welcome" messages to
screens or field marketing teams - suggestingbe sent when entering new countries introducing
people make their Bluetooth handsetsnetworks available.
'discoverable' in order to receive free content -There are also capabilities for messages to be
this is often referred to as a "Call-to-Action." Asent by emergency services.
'discoverable' Bluetooth device within range of theGSM localization accuracy varies depending on
server is automatically sent a message asking iflocation.
the user would like to receive the free content.Bluewater, a super-regional shopping centre in the
Current mobile phones usually have bluetoothUK, has a GSM based system supplied by NTL to
switched ON by default[citation needed], and ahelp its GSM coverage for calls, it also allows each
majority of users now leave bluetooth switchedcustomer with a mobile phone to be tracked
on for easy connection with car kits andthough the centre which shops they go into and
headsets.for how long. The system enables special offer
Some implementations of Bluetooth proximitytexts to be sent to the phone.