US road safety technology, OTTER, extends its reach into Argentina using BlueVia

Nov. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- OTTER LLC today launched its text and drive solution into Argentina to further address the worldwide epidemic of Texting and Driving.  Using BlueVia, the mobile developer platform created by Telefonica, the OTTER app is now live in one of the world’s fastest growing Android smartphone markets. BlueVia, which was created to encourage developers to make innovative use of mobile infrastructure, supported OTTER LLC to take the Android app that has already saved lives in the US to this new marketplace.

“Having our text and drive solution featured by a telecommunications giant and then going live in Argentina supports our mission statement to make cell phone use safer and more efficient worldwide,” says OTTER Founder and CEO, Erik Wood.  Mr. Wood has been fighting the text and drive epidemic since late 2009, and uses the full range of technologies built into smartphones to stop people texting while driving.

“It’s fantastic to see Erik and the team behind OTTER building momentum behind their potentially life-saving technology,” says James Parton, Head of Marketing, BlueVia.  “The BlueVia business model, where OTTER earns a share of revenue from every SMS sent across BlueVia’s API, is fuelling Erik’s international expansion. That’s what we’ve always hoped BlueVia would be able to do for developers.”

“Many European and Latin American markets have adopted a ‘pay as you go’ revenue model even for texting.  BlueVia has taken OTTER into the streets of Argentina with this popular monetization structure.  We look forward using BlueVia to access more countries as soon as possible”, says OTTER Co-Founder Jon Lam.

OTTER’s patent pending concept first developed in late 2009 made it the first app of its kind that integrates a texting auto reply and GPS functionality to produce a tool that allows users to manage their texts while they are at home, in the office or, most importantly, on the highway. OTTER includes a GPS based Parental Control feature for the highest risk drivers - teens.   This unique cell phone application is valuable tool to anyone concerned about their personal safety, and the safety of those around them, and those who wish to improve their daily productivity.  OTTER also sets itself apart from more personally invasive text and drive safety software by putting control in the hands of the user, acting as a tool and not a shackle.

OTTER was featured in a  promotional ad by BlueVia when it launched.    “This hip, comic promotion of the revolutionary new BlueVia app portal that features OTTER drives home the point that texting and driving don’t mix and that its cool not to mix them!” adds Wood.

ABOUT OTTER LLC:
OTTER LLC is a Seattle-based software company dedicated to making cell phone usage safer and more efficient.   This company revolves around personal responsibility and the belief that if you empower an individual with a simple but sophisticated tool like OTTER, this individual can manage their texts on their terms in any situation.  For more information, visit http://www.OTTERapp.com

ABOUT BLUEVIA:
BlueVia is the global developer platform from Telefonica that helps developers take apps, web services and ideas to market.  For more information visit www.bluevia.com - Telefónica is a leader in the telecommunication sector, providing communication, information and entertainment solutions worldwide to over 280 million customers.
For BlueVia For Press and Media Enquiries contact:
33 Digital
TDC@33-Digital.com
+44 (0)20 7608 2500

Footnotes/Background:
1.   Telefonica promotional video of Bluevia featuring OTTER app: http://vimeo.com/28727169


2.   OTTER BlueVia Case Study: http://www.otterapp.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2...
3.   Background – CTIA 2011: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH6kNYstuxY&hd=1

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OTTER manages texts whether you are at home, in the office or, most importantly, driving on our highways... With a simple, affordable app (no recurring fees) we intend to effect tangible change on the highways by empowering the individual with this tool.