Aether Systems Inc. announced USAToday.com as the first customer for the recently introduced AirLoom service, which adapts Web content for wireless distribution.
In addition, Aether said it will help USAToday.com develop and deliver customized wireless services in the future, possibly including personalized alerts, enhanced search capabilities and m-commerce applications.
Aether developed the AirLoom service in conjunction with AlterEgo Networks Inc. AirLoom converts HTML content into WML for distribution on WAP browser enabled wireless phones. Aether offers the service on a wireless application service provider basis, hosting applications for customers.
But rather than hosting these applications at a central server, the AirLoom service uses AlterEgo’s national distributed network of nine operating centers with some 30 servers at each. The AlterEgo network essentially acts as an Internet overlay, which Aether said allows for faster processing and delivery of requests.
USAToday.com said it plans to use the service to get its news content to its many third-party clients, which include retail Web sites and wireless carriers, among others.
Aether said AirLoom serves primarily as a customer acquisition tool. The browser-based solution, Aether’s first, is a means to more quickly distribute customers’ content wirelessly. Once implemented through AirLoom, Aether said it will continue to work with customers in developing a more customized solution.
This is Aether’s second relationship with USA Today. In May, Aether and strategic partner Proxicom Inc. assisted USA Today with developing a wireless strategy aimed at business travelers.
