Two years ago, I thought of using SMS to search for stuff which you would normally be able to find using a computer and an internet connection. There’s already one courtesy of google. But you can’t use it localy. Yesterday, i tried searching for such service to be used and running here in the Philippines. Luckily i found one - AKA Mobile Directory
.
AKA is a directory that can be accessed either through the web or your mobile phones via SMS. In effect, its an SMS search engine. By being one, you don’t have to access the internet or call a landline directory service to get the details that you want. I think this is a great service that would surely be beneficial for businesses and private entrepreneurs. With a simple text message consumers and soon to be customers can find your service or item that you are offering. And individuals or business owners can also publish information about themselves, or their business in wiki-style and updates can be uploaded via SMS or the web.
So how does it work? A user will just key in AKA FIND <keyword/s> where keyword denotes the item or service that he/she is looking for. Then send it to 0922.999.7255. Its a SUN number. So you’ll only pay at least P1.00 or free if you are using a text unlimited promo or using sun. Like in the web, all the keywords (or ALIAS) that matches your search will be displayed.For you to see the details, you need to text again the following: AKA WHOIS <alias>. But if it only returns one match, you’ll be able to see the details right away. I tried it, searched for mobile phones.
The trick here for business owners is to provide the right TAGS for their business. And also, users should provide a specific keyword for them to be able to get good matches… just like using a search engine on the web.
Registration requires you to have two mobile numbers. One primary and the other, back-up in case you loose your primary number. Although you don’t have to register to be able to use AKA to do searches, you need to do so if you want to add your business. But if you’re a registered AKA user, you’ll also be able to send a message via text/sms to anyone in the directory using his/her alias.
There are more features that you can use so head on to http://aka.name One feature that I would like them to improve is for each account holder to be able to add more businesses. Maybe increase the limit for adding keywords/tags. This will be good for generic businesses like those engaged in buy and sell.
Oh… I suggest businesses should use this now while its still free to set-up accounts!
