MWC 2012: Comviva launches Hola! social networking solution

Comviva announced the launch of Hola!, a mobile application that will let you access social networking sites, like Facebook and Twitter, e-mail and popular web feeds. Hola! is powered by Comviva's WebAxn, a cloud-based or network-based mobile application platform that enables service providers to develop and deploy applications and services on mass market handsets. Hola! is a standards-based solution that enables "rapid and cost-efficient" development, testing, deployment, management, distribution and marketing of a wide range of client, SMS & USSD-based mobile applications.

Comviva says Hola!

Hola! comes at a time when mobile users are increasingly using their devices for social networking and sending e-mail. According to the latest study by eMarketer, there has been an increase in the number of users accessing the social networking sites on their mobile phones by 27 percent from 2010 to 2011 and sending emails via mobile by 34 percent from 2010 to 2011.

Customers have three pricing options for Hola!. There are pay-per-use, subscription and one time downloadable packs. Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, irrespective of network connectivity. For operators, Comviva says Hola! benefits in multiple ways. They say that Hola! will allow operators to build brand loyalty in emerging markets, create a new revenue stream, service users with faster rates and provide insight into consumer activity patterns.

It seems clear that Comviva wants to target emerging markets with Hola!. Arun Tanksali, Head, Mobile Lifestyle Solutions, Comviva, said, "Operators in emerging markets need to act now to garner consumer mindshare, if they are to become a central player in the market for mobile social networking services.”