BEDFORD, Mass., Jan. 25, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SoundBite Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:SDBT), a leading global provider of mobile marketing solutions today announced it has deployed a new mobile campaign with Westlake Ace Hardware, the largest member of the Ace Hardware Cooperative. Westlake is leveraging SoundBite's multi-channel communications platform and mobile marketing expertise for their Weather the Storm mobile campaign.
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Weather the Storm provides consumers with the ability to receive weather-related mobile notifications combined with special marketing offers. SoundBite integrated its Mobile Marketing offering directly with the National Weather Service, providing Westlake's customers with the most accurate information available based on a participant's zip code. Consumers can stay alert by receiving timely, location-based weather notifications simply by opting-in to the service. The new functionality augments SoundBite's mobile marketing and platform offerings.
Liz Benditt, Director of Customer Relationship Development at Westlake said, "When the weather turns bad, we're ready with the advice and products our customers need to protect their homes and property. In fact, weather emergency preparedness is one of Westlake's specialties and the launch of the text alert program, leveraging SoundBite's mobile marketing offering, is another way we ensure our customers are well prepared for whatever Mother Nature dishes out."
"The rapid advance of mobile devices has created an unprecedented opportunity for brands to transform how they establish and grow customer relationships. Westlake Ace Hardware clearly is seizing this opportunity," said Mark Friedman, general manager of the mobile services business at SoundBite Communications. "We are pleased to team with Westlake to deliver this innovative location-based mobile marketing offering."
Adoption of Mobile Marketing
US mobile penetration has increased to 102.4%, and some global regions report even higher penetration. At the same time, consumers' preference to receive communications on their mobile device is growing. Brands, across a variety of industries, are seeking to capitalize on this trend spending $1.6B on mobile marketing and advertising in 2011 (U.S.) with a forecasted 23% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).
About Westlake Ace Hardware
Westlake Ace Hardware was founded in 1905 and today operates 88 neighborhood hardware stores in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Westlake is the largest member of the Ace Hardware Cooperative, giving the company access to over 70,000 items. Westlake product categories include traditional hardware categories such as fasteners, tools, plumbing and electric supplies and paint. Westlake also offers a wide range of lawn & garden products and operates large Garden Centers adjacent to many of its stores. Visit westlakehardware.com for more information.
About SoundBite Communications
SoundBite Communications, a leading cloud communications provider, enables organizations to build lifelong, profitable customer relationships via proactive communications across the full consumer lifecycle. We serve two global markets, the Hosted Contact Center and Mobile Marketing. Our solutions leverage the power of two robust platforms: SoundBite Engage, an interactive multi-channel communications platform providing integrated SMS, dialer, voice messaging, email and web communications; and SoundBite Insight, a preference management platform enabling intelligent, personalized communications. SoundBite powers nearly 2 billion customer interactions annually. Visit SoundBite.com for more information.
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SoundBite is a registered service mark of SoundBite Communications, Inc.
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