Cint adds Mobile to customer offering - acquires Thumbspeak

Press release as PDF

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, February 8, 2011 - Cint AB adds do-it yourself (DIY) Mobile Relationship Marketing platform to arsenal of complete research solutions.

Cint AB, the leading SaaS-based technology & solution provider to the research industry, announces it has acquired Thumbspeak LLC, a do-it yourself (DIY) mobile application platform, for an undisclosed amount. Thumbspeak becomes a Cint Group company and will be integrated into the Cint Panel Exchange platform as a plug-in for existing and new panel owners as well as sold as a standalone licensed product under its existing brand name. Initially available in North America, Thumbspeak will be rolled out and made available in a host of new international markets in the coming weeks and months.

Thumbspeak's do-it yourself (DIY) Mobile Relationship Marketing platform and highly interactive application enable businesses and researchers to connect with audiences in real-time via their smart phones at the "moment of truth."

Bo Mattson, founder and CEO of Cint says: "Adding Thumbspeak's smart device solution will further distinguish the Cint Panel Exchange (CPX) platform. The panel owners in our exchange will now be able to drive deeper engagement with their panelist in a way the individual prefers. Researchers accessing our platform can gather insights and conduct research from specific targeted groups on their smart phones that are becoming more difficult to reach online or offline; men, professional women, business travelers, trend setters, students and the affluent."

Dean Wiltse, founder of Thumbspeak LLC, joins Cint as President, Thumbspeak LLC to lead the continued development of the mobile SaaS platform. Endre Horvath, CTO of Thumbspeak LLC joins him. "I have been following the global success of Cint for years. Adding our mobile targeting capability and providing instant access to hundreds of panels in over 40 countries and over 5 million people across the globe on their smart device is a game-changing event," said Dean.

Thumbspeak LLC released its first iPhone app on July 12, 2010 while the Android and Blackberry apps are just days away from hitting the mobile market. The iPhone application has been ranked as the Number 1 free business application at iTunes several times during the last few months. The companies Software as a Service solution are now available for panel owners, publishers, survey tool developers and mobile application developers to integrate and include targeted feedback, mobile relationship marketing engagement and rewards. Prior to starting Thumbspeak, Dean Wiltse was Chairman and CEO at Vovici, the enterprise feedback management company. He has also held the position as CEO of Greenfield Online from 2001 through 2005.

About Cint: Cint is a leading global technology company, focused on providing innovative SaaS-based solutions for the market research industry. Cint's Panel Exchange (CPX) platform brings research buyers and panel owners together to form a unique, transparent online sample marketplace. Through Cint, marketing and research professionals have access to over 5 million consumers in 40+ countries, including emerging BRIC markets. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Cint has offices in major cities across Europe, North America and Asia. For more information, please visit cint.com.

About Thumbspeak: Thumbspeak is the leading do-it-yourself (DIY) Mobile Relationship Marketing platform. The SaaS solutions are the perfect way for researchers and businesses to connect with customers or panelists on their smart phones! Mobile connectivity is pervasive and businesses benefit by getting valuable insights and encouraging advocacy. Questions are easily entered through our intuitive, easy to use web interface and sent to specific smart phone users. The audience enjoys responding because it lets them shape the products and services they care about and our mobile platform makes it fast and fun.