Investing in Japan
Investment News
Sep. 16, 2008
US Technology Firm, Evryx, to Launch Full-Scale Camera Phone Visual Search Service in Japan
This September, Evryx Japan, K.K.
, the Japan arm of US-based Evryx Technologies, announced plans to begin full-scale commercial service in Japan of its patented "ShaLink" visual search service for mobile phones equipped with cameras. The technology allows consumers to get instant information by snapping a photo of a product, magazine, billboard, etc., and mailing it to Evryx, which then automatically sends back an Internet link, coupon or other information (for products in the ShaLink database).
Founded in 2001 by engineers from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Evryx has been testing its technology in the Japan market since 2005, selecting Japan because of its highly advanced mobile phone and communications market. The firm, which also has offices in the UK and China, partnered with Japan’s major mobile phone carriers (NTT DoCoMo, Softbank and au) to offer ShaLink services to customers in Japan (who need special software available from Evryx or its Japan partners). Evryx Japan hopes to achieve sales of 500 million yen by 2010.
To support the firm's full scale launch in the Japan market, JETRO's Invest Japan Business Support Center (IBSC) in Tokyo provided a range of support and services, such as free office space (while Evryx relocated its Japan office), introduction of rental offices and social insurance consultants as well as help organizing press conferences.
IBSCs are located in Japan's major business hubs (Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe and Fukuoka) and provide one-stop support and service to foreign firms seeking to set up or expand business in Japan. The centers, which provide free temporary office space, consultation with expert advisors and access to a wealth of business information, tailor support according to the specific needs and phase of development of each firm.
