Qpyn offers SMS short code alternative

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 30 Aug 2007 at 12:43

Search company Qpyn is offering a free alternative to the SMS short codes used by mobile operators in promotions.

The company's alternative, called 'pyn' codes, work by shortening URL addresses into short character codes, which when entered into its downloadable Qnavigator widget for mobile phones, will take the user directly to the webpage the pyn represents.

As with SMS short codes, pyn codes can be used to access competitions and take part in promotions on mobile websites, though the company says it is still reviewing plans for payment options where commercial applications are involved.

"About the only facility Qpyn does not offer is the facility to charge the user for using a pyn to access a website. This is something as a company we are against and feel it only benefits a few while scaring the majority of users from using or trying the mobile internet," says Robert Kaplan, director of Qpyn.

"An analogy of what Qpyn hopes to become to internet navigation is 'Dolby sound', something that enhances what has been created by others, but has no use on its own," adds Kaplan.

The company says that the making of pyn codes and downloading of widgets for non-commercial use will always be free and for those wishing to generate a pyn for their site, the website can be found here.

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