[talks-uk] Re: [access] Vodafone shuts down Wayfinder

Elliott Barnes <elliottabarnes@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> · Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:43:09 +0000

We've got no hope now.

On 12/03/2010, RvR <pasde@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> What does this mean to Access?
>
>
> 12 march 2010
> Vodafone is closing down Wayfinder Systems, a navigation company the British
> operator acquired in December 2008. The introduction of free turn-by-turn
> navigation services from Google and Nokia has completely turned the sector
> on its head, according to Vodafone.
> Vodafone acquired Wayfinder for 239 million Swedish kronor (US$33 million),
> and the goal was to develop a suite of new location-aware
>  products and services, according to Vodafone.
> However, since then, things have changed. From a commercial point of view,
> it is no longer viable for Vodafone to continue to operate and develop its
> own products, Anna Cloke, head of brand communications at Vodafone, said.
> Vodafone has no plans to use existing Wayfinder products in the future.
> Instead, it will look to partner with other companies and offer navigation
> and location-based services, according to Cloke. During a period of
> transition, existing Vodafone users will continue to find their way using
> Vodafone's Wayfinder-based products.
> Currently, Wayfinder has about 95 employees in Sweden, Romania and the U.K.
> who, except for a small group that will handle the transition to
>  other products, will be let go, according to Cloke.
> Vodafone's decision to shut down Wayfinder doesn't come as a surprise, but
> it is still a little sad, according to a former Wayfinder executive, who
> requested anonymity. "Vodafone has botched up another opportunity," he said.
>
> Another former employee, who didn't want his name used either, is surprised
> that Vodafone doesn't have any plans for Wayfinder's platform.
>  That Vodafone, and operators in general, are having such a hard time
> competing with the likes of Google and Nokia simply comes down to focus, he
> said. Vodafone is good at price plans and selling subscription, not
> developing services, he said.
>
>
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-- 
Elliott.

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[talks-uk] Re: [access] Vodafone shuts down Wayfinder

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