The digital world heard some buzz in the tie ups section recently. And it interestingly ranged from mobile to a web publisher to a digital agency. Here’s a small round up giving with the noteworthy points.
Virgin Mobile and Nimbuzz Tie up
The partnership essentially brings Virgin’s brand closer to its conusmers through an instant messaging solution. Vchatter – the multi brand WAP chat app, will allow Virgin Mobile users to chat in the very familiar Vbytes (Virgin Mobile’s WAP portal) environment. The tool basically let’s users use multiple IMs like Yahoo Messenger, Gtalk, MSN Messenger, Facebook, Skype etc. via the Vbytes portal for free. (Source)
There will also be a second phase to the partnership where Nimbuzz will add a lot more Java enabled apps to Virgin’s prepaid handsets.
Ali Baba Looking for JV in India
Alibaba.com’s CEO David Wei mentioned on the sidelines of a conference that the portal is looking for a joint venture to promote its B2B platforms in India. Alibaba had earlier announced a strategic tie up with Infomedia back in April 2008. It also recently acquired its millionth SME member in India in June.
It would be interesting to see how existing B2B platforms cope with Chinese invasion especially now that it is planning to rev up its operations.
Ybrant Acquires Max Interactive – Australian Ad Network
Ybrant the Hyderabad based digital agency has acquired another offshore digital firm. Max Interactive is an Australian, Internet sales and marketing network headed by Dominic Elfer. As per the agreement, the brand, Max Interactive, will continue under the same name and will be highlighted as ‘A Ybrant Digital Network’.
Dominic Elfer who founded Max Network and has a vast experience in digital selling across Europe and Australia will integrate into the team as managing director of Australia under the Ybrant Networks Division, headed by Jacob Nizri. The network specializes in Banner, Search and Email marketing.
This is Ybran’t sixth offshore acquisition following their Latin adventure which saw them buy DreamAd. Like Max Interactive, even Dream Ad continues to function in its own brand name.
