Software to energize campaign organizations via texting

‘PoliTXT,’ a new software developed for electoral organizations to take advantage of the Short Messaging Service (texting) technology was introduced during the "Cell Phones & Campaigns" public forum held recently at Hotel Intercontinental and organized by Media G8way Corp. and Liberal Philippines.

Ramon Duremdes Jr., president and chief executive officer of Mobile Arts Inc., spoke about the software in the forum.

With more than 22 million mobile phone users across the country who make use of SMS technology, SMS reaches all sectors of the society.

"It’s immediate, convenient, familiar and very easy to use," said Duremdes. "Our company believes that SMS can be a very powerful and potent ally for all political campaign organizations."

Representatives of Smart Communications and a number of mobile content providers also discussed experiences in using cellphone technology in supporting public-oriented campaigns.

"PoliTXT is a PC-based a software installation and maintenance solution designed for more efficient campaign organizations. It caters to the campaign organizations’ requirements for secure and efficient internal communications as well as communicating with the public," Duremdes said.

Campaign organizations need to support communication and reporting exclusively among a limited number of pre-approved mobile phone numbers.

"These requirements are satisfied using PoliTXT’s Group Texting feature, which allows a campaign staffer to send or forward a message to an entire group with a single keystroke. There is also the Report Board feature that securely organizes reports based on field data sent by campaign workers via SMS," said Joanna Babaran, Mobile Arts sales associate.

As for effective communication with the public, PoliTXT enables this through its Broadcast feature that allows sending a text message to hundreds or thousands of people right away. Dialogue with the public is also aided by an auto-reply function.

"Viral campaigns, where recipients of campaign messages are encouraged to forward the messages to people they know, are also possible with PoliTXT," Duremdes said.

For inquiries, e-mail at [email protected] or text POLITXT <message> to 2960.

Mobile Arts Inc. is a wireless application service provider that develops and deploys mobile technology-based solutions for the needs of individuals and organizations.

The company has partnerships with leading mobile network operators and world-class technology players like Nokia and Silicon Valley-based companies. It has offices in the Philippines and the United States.