구글이 MTN Uganda, Grameen Foundation 와 손을 잡고 아프리카에서 SMS 기반 서비스를 시작했네요. 아프리카가 정보 소통이 거의 없고, 휴대폰도 음성과 SMS 기능 정도만 제공한다는 점을 파악하고, SMS로 정보를 주고 받거나, 현물 거래 등이 가능한 가상 마켓을 형성한다는 취지입니다. 일단 초기 서비스는 우간다에서 먼저 시작됩니다.

공식 블로그

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/extending-google-services-in-africa.html

http://google-africa.blogspot.com/2009/06/google-sms-to-serve-needs-of-poor-in.html

홈페이지

http://www.google.co.ug/mobile/default/sms.html

In Africa, it is launching a suite of SMS services today, including SMS search, Q&A-style tips, and an SMS-based marketplace. The first country to get these services is Uganda.

The search service works like Google SMS in North America. You text a search term, and it responds via SMS with the result. Searches can be narrowed by using specific keywords such as "local time," "weather," "news," "maps," "translation," or "currency conversion." For more complicated searches, the related SMS tips service offers answers in an automated Q&A format.

But the most interesting application is Google Trader, which allows people to post items for sale and jobs via SMS. Other people can search for them by texting the service with the word "BUY" preceding the search term. Google Trader connects the buyer and seller together (each listing contains the seller's cell phone number).

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/google_launches_sms-based_services_for_africa.php

http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/google/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=218101928&subSection=News

http://www.physorg.com/news165517387.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/29/AR2009062902016.html

http://digital.venturebeat.com/2009/06/29/google-aims-for-less-developed-nations-with-google-sms/

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/google-unveils-sms-service-for-africa-20090630-d2px.html