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| File:MGMWireless logo.png | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| ASX: MWR | |
| Industry | Text messaging for Schools |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Mark Fortunatow Greg Sincock Mark Hurd |
| Headquarters | , |
Number of locations | 2 countries (2011) has been 4 |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand (USA, India previously) |
| Products | messageyouSchools, WatchLists, Outreach (previously smsmetro) |
| Revenue | AUD from public accounts 00,000 (2010) |
Number of employees | ~15 from public accounts (2011) |
| Website | http://www.mgmwireless.com |
MGM Wireless Ltd is an Australian based ASX listed public company. MGM provides SMS communication solutions to schools to improve student safety, attendance and engage parents. The company is acknowledged as the world inventor and pioneer of school SMS communication.[1]
History
editMGM Wireless was founded in 2001 by Mark Fortunatow, Greg Sincock and Mark Hurd (initials of MGM) to develop and commercialise mobile phone SMS communication technologies. In 2002, after a prolonged market research process in other markets, the company discovered through a chance encounter with a teacher the benefits a school community could experience by using SMS messaging. After an initial short trial with several schools, it was discovered that due to the unique operational and social requirements of a school, existing commercial applications were not suitable. Based on the research, MGM, working in conjunction with a group of schools in secrecy, undertook a development program taking over 12 months to complete a highly specialised application for schools, named messageyou™ which enabled schools to program their entire communication policy into the application, allowing SMS messages to be automatically constructed and sent every day in a reliable, professional and personal manner. The result was parents received highly personalised SMS messages in a consistent and reliable manner regarding their Child's non attendance at school.
In 2003, messageyou was initialled quietly deployed in a group of five South Australian Secondary Government schools, and instantly became a success, with all schools installing the system reporting improved student attendance, reduction in unexplained absences and greater parent engagement.[2]
In September 2003, after a tip-off by a parent, the media became aware and the technology was showcased in media publications worldwide.[3]
In 2003, the company was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.[4] Former Federal Education Minister John Dawkins joined the Board.[5]
The company has gone on to innovate many other successful SMS applications and technologies for schools including WatchLists – an automated analysis system - and Outreach – a system for primary schools.[6]
Schools customer numbers quickly grew[7] and in 2005 after widespread adoption by government schools, the Western Australian Government purchased the system for all public schools state-wide.[8] More large Government Education Department contracts followed in New South Wales[9] and New Zealand[10] in 2008 and 2009 respectively. During this period, the company also expanded into India[11] and the United States,[12] however US commercialisation was stopped due to the Global Financial Crisis.
As of June 2011[update], the company had over 600 operational schools and continues to grow and expand. It is currently launching a suite of new products to support school SMS communication in non attendance related areas.[13]
References
edit- ^ ref needed here
- ^ ref needed here
- ^ Jemma Chapman, "Text Message Cuts Truancy", The Advertiser, News Limited, Page 1, 17/10/2003;
- ^ ref
- ^ ref
- ^ ref
- ^ Jemma Chapman, "1000 students absent or late", The Advertiser, News Limited, 31/05/2004,"Thirty schools have bought the system, with 26 already using it." (includes a table of the thirty schools); Greg Stolz, "Truants trumped by text solution", The Courier-Mail,News Limited, page 1, 6/07/2005;
- ^ ref WADET
- ^ NSWDET
- ^ NZ MoE
- ^ India ref
- ^ US refs: Kimberly Matas,"Kids' truancy to prompt text message to parents", Arizona Daily Star, pages A1,A4, 13/08/2006; Associated Press, "Test offers Tucson parents truancy alerts via text messages", The Arizona Republic, 14/08/2006; Chris Milne, "SA text idea in US trial", The Australian Financial Review, Fairfax, 15/08/2006;
- ^ new products
External links
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