Followap
Former technology company (1999–2006)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Followap was a company that developed mobile instant messaging (MIM) and presence software for mobile operators. It was founded in 1999 and managed by Dan Volach and Ben Volach in the United Kingdom.[1][2]
Dan Volach
| Industry | Telecommunications Internet Computer software |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1 January 1999 |
| Founders | Ben Volach Dan Volach |
| Fate | Acquired |
| Successor | NeuStar, Inc. |
| Headquarters | , United Kingdom |
| Products | Mobile Messenger Interconnect Platform Presence Platform |
| Brands | iFollow |
Number of employees | 180 (2006) |
| Website | www |
Followap launched the first commercial mobile messenger service in 2000 in partnership with Eircell, Ireland's mobile network operator.[1] It later worked with several European mobile operators, such as Bouygues Telecom in France, to supply messaging and presence platforms.[3]
According to the company, Followap's customers included the Vodafone Group, Hutchison 3G Group, BT Group, Turkcell, Telecom Italia, Wind, and VimpelCom.[1]
Followap developed messaging platforms that allowed mobile network operators to provide interoperable instant messaging services.[4] In March 2003, Followap announced that its iFollow v2.2 product was certified under the Wireless Village/OMA IMPS standard for instant messaging and presence.[5] The company also reported partnerships with handset manufacturers, such as LG, which introduced its IM client for mobile phones.[6] It further claims that Turkcell selected its solution for its “TurkcellMessenger” service and that it supports standards such as OMA, 3GPP, and IETF (including XMPP).[7]
The company was acquired by NeuStar for approx. $140M in cash, in November 2006. Investors included Sequoia Capital and Carmel Ventures.[8][1]